Judith Jamison Lecture on Leadership

Smith, Emery
28 March 2011
Comm 5170
Dr. Canary

Judith Jamison, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Judith Jamison spoke in Kingsbury Hall on Monday, March 28, 2011. Ms. Jamison has had a wonderful career as a dancer, having started lessons at age six, and mostly recently as the Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Personally chosen by Mr. Ailey himself, before his death, she has now served in this capacity since December 1989. Under her leadership, and in the spirit of Mr. Ailey's vision, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has grown tremendously in size and recognition.

Ms. Jamison spoke of her road to this leadership position and said that in order to be successful, you must be wholehearted and passionate, that you must vehemently care about your cause and about people. She spoke of her upbringing and the love she felt from her family, citing that the nurture of her parents and relatives created an atmosphere for achievement. Nurturing this in our children and in our schools is vital to help children to succeed, “to be on the straight and narrow,” she said. “It's truly liberating to have something {a foundation} to stand on.”

“The power to achieve comes from inside of you. There is light inside of you, in all of us.” No matter how ferocious the antagonism, we must press forward, getting fear out of the way to excel forward. Be passionate and dedicated. “Be prepared and well-studied. My daddy always said, 'Prepare. Pray. Proceed.' If I don't know what's going on, God sure does.”

Bringing in her dance background, Ms. Jamison said that at times, as a leader, you must take a BIG grand jeté—a leap of faith. She encouraged us to surround ourselves with people who have the same vision, but who can do other things better than you can, so you can delegate and work as a team.

“Believe in yourself,” she said. “Be a reflection of your lineage. Walk by faith, not by sight.” She is bolstered by her faith and the love and support of family. And then she just walks to the light.