2009 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala Party

Susan Fales Hill and Judith Byrd-Blaylock

Pauletta Washington

Clifton Brown and Judith jamison

Soledad O'Brien

Geoffrey Holder and Carmen De Lavallade

Andre Leon Talley (SMH at his outfit lol)

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Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala Party at the Hilton Hotel on December 2, 2009 in New York City.

Judith Jamison, Artistic Director

Judith Jamison was appointed Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in December 1989 at the request of her mentor, Alvin Ailey, who personally chose her to succeed him before his untimely death. A native of Philadelphia, she studied with Marion Cuyjet, was discovered by Agnes de Mille and made her New York debut with American Ballet Theatre in 1964. She became a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965 and danced with the company for 15 years to great acclaim. Recognizing her extraordinary talent, Mr. Ailey created some of his most enduring roles for her, most notably the tour de force solo, Cry. Continue reading here