Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said its Artistic Director Emerita, Judith Jamison, died after brief illness.
Jamison’s passing was announced in the New York-based company’s Instagram post dated 10th November, 2024. The internationally renowned dancer and choreographer was 81 years old.
Jamison joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965 as a dancer. Alvin Ailey himself created many dance pieces for her, including the most iconic solo, Cry, in 1971. He choreographed Cry as a birthday present for his mother. He also dedicated it to "all-black women."
Jamison left the Alvin Ailey company in 1980 to perform in Broadway and to guest-dance internationally, then launched her own company, The Jamison Project.
Alvin Ailey asked Jamison to return to his company in 1989. She became the company’s artistic director upon his death and remained in the position until 2011. During this period, she created many choreographies, receiving international acclaims and taking the company to a higher level.
