Judith Jamison announces plan to retire as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director

Jet, March 17, 2008

Judith Jamison, who has helped shape the Alvin Alley American Dance Theater for nearly two decades, will step down as artistic director in June 2011, she recently announced.

Jamison, 64, will become artistic director emerita of the dance troupe and "maintain her close connection ... continuing one of the most enduring, productive and celebrated associations between an artist and a company in the history of American dance," according to a statement.

"I have held this company in trust for Alvin Ailey, always feeling that he had placed in my hands not a mere company but a living, breathing spirit," Jamison stated. "It is now time for me to pass on the great gift that I have held, making sure that the next hands to receive it are strong and capable."

Jamison became a member of the company in 1965, performed with great acclaim for 15 years and in 1989 was appointed artistic director at the request of Ailey.

During her tenure, the ensemble has created a bachelor's degree program with Fordham University, expanded its performance schedule and built a $56 million headquarters in Manhattan.

Jamison will celebrate her 20th year as artistic director in 2009 and help to ward a smooth transition to the company's new leadership.

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The announcement comes as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation announced.

The foundation anticipates being able to announce Jamison's successor in early 2010.

--AP and wire reports