Judith Jamison
Image of Judith Jamison at Elon University where she speaks to Nancy Midgette's leadership class in the International Pavilion.
Born (1943-05-10) May 10, 1943
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NationalityAmerican
EducationFisk University
University of the Arts
Occupation(s)Dancer 1964–1988
Artistic director 1989–2011
Years active1964–2011
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Career
Current groupAlvin Ailey Dance Theater
Former groups
DancesCry, Revelations

Judith Ann Jamison (pronounced JAM-ih-son)[2] (born May 10, 1943) is an American dancer and choreographer. She is the artistic director emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Early training

Judith Jamison was born in 1943 to Tessie Brown Jamison and John Jamison Sr.[3] and grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her parents and older brother.[4] Her father taught her to play the piano, and violin. She was exposed to the prominent art culture in Philadelphia from a very early age. At the age of six, she began her dance training at Judimar School of Dance. There she studied with Marion Cuyjet who became one of Jamison's early mentors. Under Cuyjet's tutelage, Jamison studied classical ballet, and modern dance. The Judimar studios were treated as a "holy place" and there was always a sense of performance and theatricality in Cuyjet's classes.[5] By the age of eight, Jamison began dancing on pointe and started taking classes in tap, acrobatics, and Dunham technique (which was referred to as "primitive").[6]

A few years later, Cuyjet began sending Jamison to other teachers to advance her dance education. She learned the Cechetti method from Antony Tudor, founder of the Philadelphia Ballet Guild, and studied with Delores Brown Abelson, a graduate of Judimar who pursued a performance career in New York City before returning to Philadelphia to teach. Throughout high school, Jamison was also member of numerous sports organizations, the Glee Club, and the Philadelphia String Ensemble. She studied Dalcroze Eurhythmics, a system that teaches rhythm through movement.[7]

At the age of 17, Jamison graduated from Judimar and began her collegiate studies at Fisk University.[8] After three semesters there, she transferred to the Philadelphia Dance Academy (now the University of the Arts) where she studied dance with James Jamieson, Nadia Chilkovsky, and Yuri Gottschalk. In addition to her technique classes, she took courses in Labanotation, kinesiology, and other dance studies. During this time, she also learned the Horton technique from Joan Kerr, which required great strength, balance, and concentration.[5]

In 1992, Jamison was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta sorority as an honorary member.[9]

Performance career

In 1964, after seeing Jamison in a master class, Agnes de Mille invited her to come to New York to perform in a new work that she was choreographing for American Ballet Theatre, The Four Marys.[5] Jamison immediately accepted the offer and spent the next few months working with the company. When the performances ended and she found herself in New York without a job, Jamison attended an audition held by Donald McKayle. She felt that she performed very poorly in the audition and claimed, "I felt as if I had two left feet."[5] However, a few days later, a friend of McKayle's, Alvin Ailey, called Jamison to offer her a place in his company – Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.[10]

Jamison made her premiere with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at Chicago's Harper Theater Dance Festival in 1965 in Congo Tango Palace, and in 1966, she toured Europe and Africa with the company. Jamison had always had a strong interest in African identity; therefore, traveling to Africa with the company and having the opportunity to observe the culture first-hand was an exciting and valuable experience for her.[4] Unfortunately, soon afterward, financial complications forced Ailey to put his company on a temporary hiatus. During this time, Jamison danced with Harkness Ballet and served as an assistant to the artistic director. However, she immediately returned to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater when the company re-formed in 1967. Jamison spent the next thirteen years dancing with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and learned over seventy ballets. "With Ailey`s troupe, Jamison did many U.S. State Department tours of Europe, going behind the Iron Curtain as well as into Asia and Turkey. She danced quite a bit in Germany, which she says became her "second home".[1] Throughout her performance career with the company she danced in many of Ailey's most renowned works, including Blues Suite and Revelations.[10]

On May 4, 1971, Jamison premiered the famous solo, Cry. Alvin Ailey choreographed this sixteen-minute dance as a birthday present for his mother, Lula Cooper, and later dedicated it to "all-black women everywhere, especially our mothers."[11] The solo is intensely physical and emotionally draining to perform. It celebrates the journey of a woman coming out of a troubled and painful world and finding the strength to overcome and conquer. Jamison never ran the full piece from start to finish until the premiere. Cry becameher signature piece.[12] The piece and Jamison's performance in it received standing ovations and overwhelming critical acclaim at the premiere, rewarding Jamison with great fame and recognition throughout the dance world. Today, Cry remains a crowd favorite and is still featured in the company's repertoire.[13]

Throughout her years with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Jamison continued to perform all over the world. Along with her work with Ailey's company, she also appeared as a guest artist with the Cullberg Ballet, Swedish Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and numerous other companies. She danced alongside many renowned dancers, including the ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov, in a duet entitled Pas de Duke, choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1976.[14] Finally, in 1980, she left Ailey's company to perform in the Broadway musical, Sophisticated Ladies. It was Jamison's first stage experience outside the realm of concert dance, and she admits it was initially very challenging for her. It was a completely different performance atmosphere and required a variety of new skills.[15]

The Jamison Project

In addition to performing, Jamison wanted the opportunity to explore working with her own group of dancers. She began teaching master classes at Jacob's Pillow in 1981 and soon began choreographing her own works. She later formed The Jamison Project with a group of dancers with a strong desire to work and learn. The Project premiered on November 15, 1988, at the Joyce Theater in New York City, performing works such as Divining, Time Out, and Tease. Jamison later invited guest choreographers, including Garth Fagan, to set work for the company.[16]

Return to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater as Artistic Associate and Artistic Director

In 1988, Jamison returned to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater as an artistic associate. Upon Ailey's death, on December 1, 1989, she assumed the role of artistic director and dedicated the next 21 years of her life to the company's success.[17] Alvin Ailey Dance Theater continued to thrive as Jamison continued to rehearse and restage classics from the company's repertory, as well as commission distinguished choreographers to create new works for the dancers. Jamison also continued to choreograph, and created dances such as Forgotten Time, Hymn, Love Stories, and Among Us for the company. In July 2011, Jamison transitioned into the role of artistic director emerita and appointed Robert Battle to the position of artistic director designate.[18]

Personal life

Judith Jamison was married briefly to Miguel Godreau, a dancer with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, from 1972 to 1974, when the marriage was annulled.[19]

Choreography by Jamison

Jamison represents women as strong and self-reliant in her choreography.[20]

  • Divining (1984)[21]
  • Forgotten Time (1989)[22]
  • Rift (1991)[23]
  • Hymn (a tribute to Alvin Ailey) (1993)[24]
  • Riverside (1995)[25]
  • Sweet Release (1996)[26]
  • Echo: Far From Home (1998)[27]
  • Double Exposure (2000)[28]
  • Here...Now (2001)[29]
  • Love Stories (in collaboration with Robert Battle and Rennie Harris) (2004)[30]
  • Reminiscin' (2005)[31]
  • Among Us (Private Spaces: Public Places) (2009)[32]

Writing

  • Dancing Spirit, Jamison's autobiography, was published by Doubleday in 1993.[33]

Awards

References

  1. 1 2 Daniels, Mary (July 19, 1987). "Jamison: On Her Toes in the Kitchen". Chicago Tribune.
  2. ↑ Keogh, Annette (2010). "Judith Jamison". Stanford Presidential Lectures in the Arts and Humanities.
  3. ↑ "Judith Jamison". History Makers Online. August 30, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  4. 1 2 DeFrantz, Thomas (November 11, 2011). "Great Performances: Judith Jamison, Free To Dance".
  5. 1 2 3 4 Jamison, Judith (1993). Dancing Spirit. New York: Doubleday. ISBN 978-0385425575.
  6. ↑ Sommers, Pamela (1990-05-06). "JUDITH JAMISON, BRANCHING OUT". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  7. ↑ Dunning, Jennifer (1996-02-24). "Classic Dance and Race: A Story Still Unfolding". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  8. ↑ "Great Performances: Free To Dance - Biographies - Judith Jamison". PBS. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  9. ↑ Craige, Brent (2022-05-11). "Dancer and Choreographer Judith Jamison Is A Member Of Delta Sigma Theta". Watch The Yard. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  10. 1 2 Institution, Smithsonian. "Judith Jamison: Dancer and Choreographer". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  11. ↑ "Repertory: Cry". Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. 9 February 2010. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Judith Jamison." Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica, 14 Dec. 2021.
  13. ↑ Pressroom, Ailey. "Cry". Ailey Pressroom. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  14. ↑ Long, Richard A. (1989). The Black Tradition in American Dance. New York: Rizzoli International. ISBN 978-0847810925.
  15. ↑ WRITER, Chanel Hill TRIBUNE STAFF (9 February 2021). "Black History Month: Profile on legendary dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison". The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  16. ↑ Levy, Suzanne (1990-05-14). "THE JAMISON'S JUMPING JOLTS OF ENERGY". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  17. ↑ "Judith Jamison". Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. 9 February 2010. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Dance: Judith Jamison and Alvin Ailey". Vogue. 2009-12-02. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  19. ↑ Dunning, Jennifer (September 2, 1996). "Miguel Godreau, a Lead Dancer With Alvin Ailey, Dies at 49". New York Times. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  20. ↑ Kelemen, Carolyn (5 February 2020). "Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off a week long run at the Kennedy Center". DC Metro Theater Arts. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  21. ↑ Anderson, Jack (1985-12-25). "DANCE: AILEY TROUPE IN JAMISON'S 'DIVINING'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  22. ↑ Anderson, Jack (1990-01-25). "Review/Dance; Mystic Aura in Jamison's 'Forgotten Time'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  23. ↑ "Ailey Company Gets New Judith Jamison Work". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  24. ↑ "A HYMN FOR ALVIN AILEY". DOC NYC. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  25. ↑ Sommers, Pamela (1996-02-15). "ALVIN AILEY: AN ACT OF LOVE". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  26. ↑ Segal, Lewis (1997-02-22). "Marsalis' Jazz Score Drives Jamison's 'Sweet Release'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  27. ↑ Kisselgoff, Anna (1999-12-09). "DANCE REVIEW; Mystery, Spunk and Sass In Echoes From the Past". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  28. ↑ Wertheimer, Ron (2000-07-25). "Footlights". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  29. ↑ "Judith Jamison: The Human Body as Song | Performing Arts". www.noirguides.com. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  30. ↑ "Judith Jamison talks about Love Stories". KCUR - Kansas City news and NPR. 2004-11-18. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  31. ↑ "AAADT's Jamar Roberts and Jacqueline Green in A Case of You excerpt from Judith Jamison's Reminiscin'. Photo by Paul Kolnik (2)". CriticalDance. 2020-02-07. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  32. ↑ Rocco, Claudia La (2009-12-06). "Pictures at an Exhibition Set Off an Energetic Display of Private Dramas". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  33. ↑ Jamison, Judith (1993). Dancing spirit : an autobiography. Howard Kaplan. New York. ISBN 0-385-42557-0. OCLC 28338903.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  34. ↑ "CANDACE AWARD RECIPIENTS 1982-1990, Page 2". National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Archived from the original on March 14, 2003.
  35. ↑ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
  36. ↑ Escoyne, Courtney (2023-05-04). "TBT: How Judith Jamison Started Dancing for Alvin Ailey". Dance Magazine. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  37. ↑ "A Celebration of Judith Jamison in her Final Year as Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater" (PDF).
  38. ↑ "'Kennedy Center Honors': A Salute Without the Snap". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  39. ↑ "Judith Jamison". Television Academy. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  40. ↑ "President Bush Announces 2001 Arts and Humanities Medalists". The National Endowment for the Humanities. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  41. ↑ "Bodacious Women of God: JUDITH JAMISON". archive.constantcontact.com. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  42. ↑ "Explore Our History". Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  43. ↑ "Award Archive". The Bessies. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  44. ↑ "Honorary Degrees". Brown University. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  45. ↑ "'THE BET HONORS' Kicks Off Inauguration Weekend with an Exhilarating Evening Dedicated to Mary J. Blige, Tyler Perry, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, the Honorable Congressman James E. Clyburn, B. Smith and Judith Jamison". www.betpressroom.com. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  46. ↑ "The 2009 TIME 100 - TIME". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  47. ↑ "Remarks by the President at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards Dinner". whitehouse.gov. 2010-09-18. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  48. ↑ "MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND MERYL STREEP PRESENT 2010 MAYOR'S AWARDS FOR ARTS & CULTURE AT ALICE TULLY HALL" (PDF).
  49. ↑ "2018 BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards Hosted by Queen Latifah Returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Prudential Hall in Newark, New Jersey, Taping on Sunday, August 26". www.businesswire.com. 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2023-05-08.

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