Dancer and long-time director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Judith Jamison died November 9 in New York City’s Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center at the age of 81.  An official cause of death was not revealed; only that she died after a brief illness.

Under Jamison’s direction, the dance troupe eliminated its financial difficulties and increased in popularity to become the most successful modern dance company in America.

At five foot 10, Jamison was a striking figure on stage and appeared not only taller than she was; but larger than life.

She was just 22 when she joined Alvin Ailey’s dance company and seven short years later, she created the 16 minute solo dance “Cry” that launched her into stardom.  Jamison saw her talent as a special gift from God.

During her career she performed with the Vienna State Opera, the San Francisco Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet, and a Pas de Deux with the legendary Mikail Baryshnikov.

Other accomplishments include an advisor to the

National Endowment for the Arts, is a Kennedy Center Honor, is a National Medal of Arts recipient, and has the Handel Medallion (a New York City cultural award).

In 1980, Jamison left Alvin Ailey for Broadway where she starred in “Sophisticated Ladies” (music by Duke Ellington) and later became a choreographer and launched her own troupe.  But when Alvin Ailey died at the age of 58, Jamison returned to run the company.

Judith Ann Jamison was born May 10, 1943 in Philadelphia to a drama teacher and sheet metal engineer.  Her parents met while singing in the church choir.  The Jamison’s exposed their children – Judith and her older brother – to as much music as possible.  And at age six, young Judith began dance lessons…in ballet…and danced ‘til she was 17.

While attending the Philadelphia Dance Academy Jamison got her first big break when visiting teacher Agnes de Mille asked Judith to perform in her dramatic work “The Four Mary’s”.

And then Alvin Ailey called after seeing an audition to invite Jamison to join his troupe…and the rest as they say is history, including a tour in Africa.

Married once to a fellow Alvin Ailey dancer, the marriage was annulled.  The couple had no children.