As I watch the 1982 television interview with American singer, song writer and actress Phyllis Hyman alongside actor, singer choreographer, dance instructor and dancer, Hinton Battle, I am simply inspired that treasures like these still exist. Having had met and shared a little time and conversation with Mr. Battle, it was certainly a delight to see him so young and cool! (to me he's still cool)
The main idea of this article however is to help dancers realize that a "No" is never the end of your dance training, dancing journey or career. Before I get into that I want to present or introduce to you someone who is truly a living icon. While doing some research for this article I quickly came to know that all I have heard about this dance legend was not even the tip of the iceberg! My first moment of realization came from my reading of a 1999 Washington Post article. I paused, re read and re paused my reading simply because I could not believe how touched I was. Although just 24 years ago, the testimony glimpses expressed in that interview added fuel to my dance flame.
Who is this icon? The world renowned and undeniable, Judith Jamison. As Ms. Jamison was the first artist to speak in that 1982 television interview, her poise of speech and relaxed posture told me just how dedicated, hardworking and faithful she was to the work, her craft and, believe it or not, her influence. She led the group to their "blocks" while answering the description of Broadway sensation "Sophisticated Ladies". She knew exactly what to say and was clear about it. I imagine this same attribute took centerstage as she left American Ballet Theatre after the run of ballet the "Four Marys".
"Jamison says she wasn't overly discouraged. "I've never felt shut out of anything," she says. "My mentality is, wait, there's going to be another wind blowing through the trees. I accepted this because I knew something else was coming." (Kaufman, 1999)
Here is where I really want you to lean in. After working with choreographer, dancer, Agnus de Mille, Ms. Jamison had not dance[d] a step for months. She, feeling that "itch" to get back, participates in an audition for a television show that was choreographed by Donald McKayle. Dancer and choreographer. Well, guess what? Ms. Jamison was not chosen from that audition. She actually could not believe it. (Wow! I can relate to her so much). While walking out of the studio in what I imagine to be a mixture of deep thought, confusion and perhaps a slither of hopelessness, Mr. Alvin Ailey passes her in the hallway. *pause for dramatic effect* Yes! you read that right.
After that one "No", Mr. Ailey called her just two days later offering her a job in his company. *more pauses for even more dramatic effect*
Judith Jamison became a muse and the successor of a legend. The true definition of an icon living.
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