Dear Ms. Jamison,

You mean everything to me. Although I never truly met you, I feel like I am a part of you. I sense your legacy with every studio I enter, every stage I grace, and every bow I take. Your dancing spirit feeds my soul; it palpates my heart.

I grew up as one of just a few Black dancers in my local community of Lexington, KY. I barely had peers who looked like me, much less teachers or mentors. I had to look outside my community for inspiration, making imaginary friends from the dance legends I could find online. Debbie Allen was my fellow theater lover and fiery supporter, Michaela DePrince, my barre buddy, who pushed me to know each combination. You were the group's mom, telling stories of struggle and success, urging me to continue no matter what came my way. Your wisdom and guidance pushed me to greater heights, never letting me give up on the chance to step foot into your studios. Walking into The Ailey School for the first time, I could feel your legacy surrounding me. The energy grew more sacred with each floor of the building, eventually filling me with awe, gazing at your mural on the fifth floor. I wondered what I could have done to earn a place in the most legendary dance institution, the most legendary Black institution, for the next four years.

After two years, I remain filled with appreciation and can only conclude that the best I can do to honor you is to put in the work and strive for greatness. Most impressively, your impact is not solely the beauty and art you made onstage but your role as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater director. You paved the way for dancers of color far and wide, creating a standard for those who looked up to you that demands technical excellence, passion, presence, and pride. You instilled this excellence in everyone whose path you crossed. Hardly a day goes by that one of my instructors does not begin a teaching moment with “Ms. Jamison would always tell us that…” or “If Ms. Jamison were to walk in here right now she would expect you to…” 

Your legacy is spoken of daily, and your standards are expected constantly; you guide the next generation of dancers every day. Your legacy goes even further through your profound voice in Black history and storytelling, something that few people can claim to be in each generation. You preserved some of the most sacred retellings of the Black American experience: Mr. Ailey’s blood memories. You made possible his dedication to Black women everywhere in his revolutionary work Cry. You showcased the power of a space led by Black females. And while the world may not be ready to embrace us fully, there is much fighting to follow as you have led. You encouraged Black folk everywhere to tell their story, showing us how magical and transformative our vulnerability can be.

Ms. Jamison, I thank you for everything. I thank you for your dedication to dance, Black lives, and marginalized communities. I thank you for your leadership and inspiration and your mentorship to my mentors and to their mentors as well: your reach truly spans generations. Your legacy is like none other. To honor you, I promise to follow my own dancing spirit, cheer on Black women everywhere, and listen to the voice from within each and every day.

All my love,

Sophia

Originally from Lexington, KY, Sophia Cooper is in her third year at Fordham University and The Ailey School, double majoring in Dance and American Studies with a concentration in Diversity and Difference. Passionate about diversity in dance, Sophia has worked with various organizations, such as Brown Girls Do Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.