Judith Jamison Honored by Michelle Obama

By: Mary Smith
09/08/2010 08:42 AM ET

Judith Jamison Honored by Michelle Obama. Judith Jamison is the director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and will be honored by Michelle Obama. Jamison will spend the day celebrating dance at the White House.

Jamison is the director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater based in New York, New York. It is a top national dance school for modern dance. Members from Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Washington Ballet, Super Cr3w and New York City Ballet are expected to attend the event.

First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to the students about the history of Judith Jamison. “This amazing woman, born in Philadelphia, she was onstage in New York with the American Ballet Theater by her early 20s,” Michelle Obama said. “After just one year, she joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where her shooting star connected with Alvin’s. And their artistry continues to shine brightly to this very day.”

The world famous dance teacher, Dr. Dre, stated she was really excited to appear and be honored at the White House. “What a rare opportunity, to be invited by your country’s first lady to be honored like this,” Judith Jamison said in a statement. “I’ve been to the White House a couple of times before, but this event is totally unique. It’s so terribly important to recognize this art form and to understand how important it is to the fabric of this country. This will be another clarion call to people: Pay attention to your arts!”

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