::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

Judith Jamison, Dance Theatre of Harlem Board Emerita By Mona Austin (TSN): The soulful dance performances of Dr. Judith Jamison singularly helped lead the Alvin Ailey founded Harlem Dance Company to worldwide acclaim. Using strong and elegant motion her striking physical form told the stories of Black people through the art of modern, a once degraded category of dance that made the leaders in the field of classical dance take notice and pay respect to culturally significant dance styles. During the 70s and 80s her body in motion was the embodiment of the highs and lows of Black experiences in America in some instances and a visual song in operas and other spaces abroad that called for masterful movement. Dr. Judith Jamison died on Saturday after a brief illness at the age of 81. She was surrounded by close friends in New York where her soul first took flight professionally. Christopher Zunner, an Ailey spokesperson, confirmed her passing to The Associated Press sating, “We remem...

  First Lady Michelle Obama celebrates dance at the White House Black History Month program  Long before Misty Copeland became a principal dancer in the American Ballet, others paved the way. Women like J udith Jamison (Alvin Ailey Dance Company), Debbie Allen (dance legend, actress, producer), Virginia Johnson ( Dance Theater of Harlem)  and Fatima Robinson (Hip hop dance pioneer, activist)  were breaking down barriers of discrimination against minorities in dance with one kick ball change, twirl, or hip thrust at a time.  The collective power and gifts of these dance pioneers is immeasurable and they paid it forward on Feb. 8 at the White House by mentoring and teaching 51 young Black dance enthusiasts from D.C. about life and dance.   For an hour and a half the East Room was transformed into a dance studio and the rest is history. Never before have dancers of various ages and skill levels learned and performed choreogr...