Judith Jamison

Judith Jamison is an American dancer and choreographer born in 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She began training in dance at the age of 6 at the Judimar School of Dance in Philadelphia.  In 1964, Jamison moved to New York following an invitation from Agnes de Mile, then choreographer for the American Ballet Theatre.  She eventually was offered a place at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, premiering in the company's 1965 production "Congo Tango Palace".  After leaving the company in 1980 to pursue a career on Broadway, she returned to Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre as an artistic associate.   In 1989, following Alvin Ailey's death, she was promoted to Artistic Director.  Her current role is Artistic Director Emerita to the company.