The Beginning of the End of an Era: Judith Jamison to Leave Alvin Ailey

While on tour in Atlanta, the great Judith Jamison, artistic director and visionary of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, announced to her company that she would be stepping down in early 2011.  Ms. Jamison's retirement will come after 20 years at the helm of what is arguably the most successful modern-dance company in the world.  In December 1989, founder and mentor Alvin Ailey tapped Ms. Jamison to succeed him shortly before his death. 

When Ms. Jamison inherited the artistic reins of the company it was a cultural powerhouse, but at risk of becoming a financial disaster.  The Ailey's operating budget was, in comparison, a meager $6.5 million with an expected deficit that would reach just over $1 million.  Under Ms. Jamison's guide, the company rebounded and soared by not only maintaining and extending its cultural reach, but also becoming a fiscal dream.  With a current budget of almost $25 million and a hefty endowment of $22 million (surplus), Alvin Ailey is one of the best-run, stable and beloved dance companies in the world.

Ms. Jamison's legacy would be shallow if it were merely linked to the bottom line. The true purpose of the Ailey is to acquaint its audiences across the world with the legacy and artistry of the late Mr. Ailey.  Mr. Ailey brought the African-American experience to opera and dance houses across this planet through his signature and masterful style of modern dance.  He created American masterpieces such as Revelations and the Lark Ascending with a company made up primarily of dancers of color.  Ms. Jamison, his often muse, continued this great tradition and expanded the company's reach and repertoire.  Truly, Ms. Jamison brought the Ailey into the 21st century well before it came.

Ms. Jamison was determined to make the Ailey a true repertory company, performing not only the works of Mr. Ailey, but also those of other great choreographers like William Forsythe, Twyla Tharp, Ulysses Dove and, of course, Judith Jamison.  She also pushed, and the company premiered works by emerging choreographers like Ronald K. Brown, Robert Battle, Rennie Harris and Ailey alumnus Dwight Rhoden.  Over the last 20 years, the Ailey has been stretched to the greatest lengths of dance and now boasts the world's most technically and artistically gifted modern dancers.  Moreover, the Ailey school continues to train more than 3,000 students each year in the Ailey tradition. 

Judith Jamison is the essence and matriarch of the new Ailey, but she is also a dance legend in her own right.  Born in 1943 in Philadelphia, Ms. Jamison began studying dance at the age of 6.  By 1964, she was dancing ballets with Agnes de Mille and the American Ballet Theatre.  Shortly thereafter in 1965, she would meet her mentor and Mr. Ailey would meet his muse.  That year, she joined the company until her departure in 1980 when she left to star in the Broadway smash hit, Sophisticated Ladies.  Ms. Jamison would go on to win and be honored with countless awards and accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honor, the National Medal of Arts Award and an Emmy.

It is a bittersweet announcement that Ms. Jamison will end her historic run at the Ailey.  Like her predecessor, she will leave an indelible mark on this great American institution.   She breathed new life and energy into the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and cemented its position as the world's pre-eminent modern-dance company. 

It will be sad to see her leave, but it is through her hard work that the Ailey now has its firm legs on which to stand.  She says the Ailey will be looking for her replacement from within the organization, which is a good thing as whoever succeeds Ms. Jamison has four immeasurable shoes to fill.  But, she won't be too far (and good for them) as she will continue on as artistic director emerita. 

The company will not be the same without her, and judging from her own legacy of growth and progress, that is exactly what she wants.