Renowned dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison died Saturday after a brief illness, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announced. She was 81.

Judith Jamison, an award winning dancer and former artistic director of the historic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has died at 81.

In the rarefied air of American dance, where legacies either crystallize or crumble, Judith Jamison stands as a towering figure who accomplished the

Judith Jamison, a graceful, long-limbed dancer who rose to international stardom in the 1970s, succeeded Alvin Ailey as the leader of his namesake troupe and helped sustain the company as a barrier-breaking force in modern dance,

Judith Jamison, an internationally acclaimed dancer who later served as artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for two decades, has died.

Judith Jamison, an American dancer and choreographer, renowned for her influential career in the world of modern dance, has died.

In 1989, after Alvin Ailey’s death, Jamison became the company’s artistic director. Over the next 20 years, she transformed the dance theatre into one of the most successful modern dance companies in the country.

Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater trailblazer and Artistic Director Emerita has died at 81, a spokesperson said on Saturday.

Upon the news of her passing, the dance company released a statement, calling her an "incredible light" in the industry.

As we remember the former Alvin Ailey artistic director, we’re looking back on her iconic beauty and dance moments to celebrate her legacy.

Judith Jamison, a major figure of American dance who grew up in Philadelphia, died over the weekend. The groundbreaking performer and later director of the landmark Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York died Saturday after a brief illness.