In less than two months the dance world has experienced the passing of two remarkable artists. While both women carried their own stories of triumph, they mastered two totally different generations of dance (Judith Jamison crossing over from on to another). While I have always been overly serious and intensely inquisitive about the craft of dance and its history, to me, there's nothing like a solid dance legend. Although the world of dance will miss Michaela, whom I'd seen not too long before her transition was announced, we now echo that same sentiment for Ms. Jamison.
For as long as I can remember, I have been an enthusiast and avid consumer of dance art, dance history and my favorite, dance legends. I don't know! It's sort of like that feeling I got after seeing this one dance photo. Instantly, I knew what I needed to do and who I needed to be in order to dance professionally. I also understood how incredibly regal and exclusive professional dancers are. It literally all began, as far as I can recall, in the 6th grade. From that moment on I'd become increasingly passionate not only about the stage, pretty dance clothes and the step, I became intrigued with dance legacy.
Learning the news of Judith Jamison made me think a bunch of things. Why did this happen? How could this have happened? Why?- again! When someone has had the career Ms. Jamison had, from one perfectly positioned audition (which she though she'd bombed) and one divine encounter, it is almost impossible not to consume the details of becoming "That Dancer", "That Icon", "That Ailey Girl". The morning the news eased into social media world I posted a reel expressing to dancers the significance of embracing your specific dance career path. Next, I enthusiastically commented on a post from NDEO (National Dance Education Organization). They quoted Judith Jamison and obviously I was hype to comment and send a "Yesssss Judith!!!!!" to their DMs because hyping up dance legends is one of my favorite pastimes.
One of the cornerstones of my dance network (and dance career coaching business) is storytelling. I had recently recorded an impromptu live video talking to dancers and it inevitably shifted into encouragement. Well, guess who was the focal point of that? Judith Jamison, of course! Her dancing life, her testimony, her experiences in this field were so world-changing! I will never get tired of sharing stories like hers. Truly, my admiration for those who labored before me in the craft of dance is something I hold close and will gladly discuss at the drop of a dime. This year alone we have had to say goodbye to so much greatness and that sucks because they were parts of the best! They give me more courage, sass and strength to continue sharing my dance, my heart, their personal stories, and, my own.
To the Ailey legacy, the memory of Alvin Ailey, AAADT, and now the memory of Judith Jamison, thank you for being brilliantly fearless. You have marked generations and I don't perceive it slowing down anytime soon. We will always remember, pay homage to and choreograph with inspiration by Judith Jamison. As for me, personally, I will never stop telling the stories because the world of dance desperately needs them!
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