Judith Jamison 

  Judith  Jamison grew up in Philadelphia with her mother, father and older brother.

She took classes in classical ballet, modern dance,  tap dancing and acrobatics.

She began dancing at the age of 6 at the Judimar school of dance. 

Training 

Judith Jamison started dancing with Marion Cuyjet at Judimar dance school.  Cuyjets studios were seen to be a 'holy place'. 

 She then went to Antony Tudor and Delors Brown Abelsom to extend her dance education. Age 17, Judith graduated from Judimar and went to university. 

1st mentor 

At University, Judith Jamison studied with  James Jamieson, Nadia Chilkovsky, Yuri Gottschalk and Joan Kurr. This is where she developed her strength, balance and concentration. 

Upbringing 

Growing up, Jaminson was seen as a model student with a serious tone. She was always individually picked out to demonstrate her talent. However, physical studies wasn't for her so after 3 terms she moved to Philadelphia Dance Academy. 

Judith Jamison was a fortunate child as she was a middle-class child allowing her to find inspiration from all over Philadelphia. 

Risk University 

Upbringing

One inspiration of Judith Jamison was her mother, a tall hardworking women. She was key when it came to Jamison's posture.  

Jamison was also brought up in a religious household where attending church on a Sunday was paramount. 

Influences

Ballet - Studying with Marion Cuyjet. 

African heritage - Mother. 'I had a strong yearning for African identity. 

Empowerment - against racial segregation.  Linking with African heritage as the black community was becoming empowered. 

Childhood - Attending church regularly. Represented warmth, faith, tradition and all things good.