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“I believe in Spirit and then I believe a manifestation of Spirit is dance.”

First Lady Michelle Obama is inaugurating the White House Dance Series in celebration of arts + culture education by honoring American treasure, dancer and choreographer JUDITH JAMISON.

Ms. Jamison is entering her 20th and final season with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, so it’s only fitting that the National Medal of Arts winner be honored in a manner befitting one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.

Ms. Jamison began her career with the American Ballet Theater in 1964 and joined Alvin Ailey in 1965 where she danced for 15 years. Most famous for her 1971 performance in Cry, Ms. Jamison became an international dance superstar performing around the world and on Broadway in the musical Sophisticated Ladies. Personally chosen by Mr. Ailey to succeed him, Ms. Jamison has choreographed some of the most iconic dance performances during her tenure with the company and has inspired thousands of young dancers around the world.

When Ms. Jamison was told of the White House tribute she said, “I’m so happy to be living in an era with a first lady who understands that, just as the White House is the people’s house, the arts too, are for everyone.”