Judith Jamison’s Iconic Beauty and Dance Moments – Essence

Judith Jamison, the American dancer and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, died this weekend at the age of 81. The Associated PressChristopher Zunner, spokesman for Ailey, announced that Jamison died Saturday in New York after a short illness, surrounded by close friends.

Jamison began her ballet training at the age of six at the Judimar School of Dance. After years of dedication and practice, she joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965. There she became one of the most prominent soloists for fifteen consecutive years.

After her tenure there, she performed as a guest dancer with several ballet companies and on Broadway. Ultimately, Jamison returned to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as Artistic Director, a role she held for 21 years, later advancing to the role of Creative Director Emerita.

And not only was she iconic on stage and in her choreography, she was also a source of timeless beauty inspiration. Her first performance of the legendary piece ‘Revelations’ in 1970, when she rocked wing-shaped eyeliner, bold eye shadow and long eyelashes. She then went to the United Kingdom in 1973 to perform at their Alvin Ailey studio, with her natural hair and no makeup. The dancer wore a headscarf with minimal makeup the following year Hidden rituals premiere in New York City.

In 1978, she performed Ailey’s legendary dance “Cry,” which he choreographed in honor of his mother and dedicated to black women, with her natural hair. In 1979, she played Carola Polakov Resort and showed off her natural chocolate skin in the Ready to Wear Advance. In her Broadway debut, she starred in “Sophisticated Ladies,” wearing red lipstick, eyeliner under the eyes and long eyelashes. Fast forward to 2018, Jamison attended the 2018 Black Girls Rock with dramatic eyeliner and a bald head to accept her Living Legend Award.

And an eternal legend she is. We are endlessly grateful for Jamison’s work and inspiration across media. Her legacy will live on. Below, in celebration of Jamison’s beautiful life, is a compilation of some of her most inspiring beauty moments over the years.