Michelle Obama announces WH tribute to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Judith Jamison

White House sets dance series, Jamison tribute

WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama has announced that several of the world’s best-known dance companies will perform in the White House East Room next week for the Obama administration’s first event celebrating dance.

Mrs. Obama said next Tuesday’s event will also pay tribute to Judith Jamison (JAY’-mih-sun) and her two-decade career as a dancer, choreographer and artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

The event will feature ballet, modern and contemporary dance, hip hop and Broadway.

Performers will come from the Alvin Ailey theater, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Broadway’s “Billy Elliot the Musical,” The Washington Ballet, Super Cr3w and the New York City Ballet.