The incomparable Judith Jamison is stepping down as Artistic Director from one of the most popular and respected African-American dance theatre,  Alvin Aiely Dance Theater.

Jamison began dancing at the age of 10, attended Fisk University at the young age of 15 while also being accepted at the Philadelphia Dance Academy. As soon as she moved to New York City she joined the Alvin Aiely company. She soon became a principal dancer with the company and before Aiely’s death, he asked her to run his beloved company that grown to be an international dance theatre.

“Jamison’s numerous awards include Kennedy Center Honors (1999) and the National Medal of Arts (2001). She won a prime time Emmy Award and an American Choreography Award for Outstanding Choreography for the PBS “Great Performances: Dance In America” special, “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.” She wrote an autobiography, “Dancing Spirit”, published in 1993″..- Wikeipedia.com

They are currently searching for a new Artistic Director to takeover the company. They have conducted a private search for the past 3 years. She is involved in every step of the process and would love to find someone that is dedicated to the future of the Ailey Theatre.

This hit home kinda hard. Growing up in an African American dance company myself,  The Gail Harts Dance and Performing Arts Company, we paid homage to the dancers of our heirtage by studying their craft and their works. Such noted peices as “Ive Been Buked” and “Wade in the Water” was just among the few that shaped me as a young dancer. Ive written countless papers on Alvin Ailey and his company and so I am sure that the new Artistic Director will be one that will elevate the dancers and Aileys name. Besides, their has only been two directors, Ailey and Jamison.

Ive had the oppurtunity to meet Mrs. Jamison. I just didnt take it. It was kinda scary/intimidating I must say. I was running errands in Manhatten for MTV. I was a young television production intern searching for studio lights at a specific location. Either way, Me and another intern was minding our business walking down the street and out the corner of my eye I spotted The Ailey Theatre. I never thought Id see that place a day in my life and there it was right in front of me. I stared through the windows and I saw dancers taking classes. I couldnt contain myself. So being the bold person I am…I went in! Just to stare at the walls and take it all in…I look to my right…and who is there. Judith Jamison!! The dancers urged me to speak…I just stared. Almost started crying…smh. Now Ive meet celebs…talked a hole in Beyonces head a few times, kicked it with a few celebs at Columbia Records but I couldnt even open my mouth to say hello to Mrs. Jamison. I wish I would have.

Check out this Ailey Video: