Since babyhood, I've always evolved from one thing to another. My mother gave me ballet lessons at 6 as part of her enthusiasm for the arts and for life. We went to museums, to the theater. While her own talent was untapped, she worked for church causes. Judith Jamison artbabyhoodballet share on social
Strive for perfection. Nobody's going to be perfect on this earth. But strive for perfection. Judith Jamison earthperfectperfection Change image and share on social
People don't remember me for how high my legs went, even though they went up very high, and how many pirouettes I did. They don't remember me for that. They remember me and any other dancer because something touched them inside. It's an indelible memory on the heart and in the mind. Judith Jamison dancerhearthigh share on social
You wake up white, and you think about certain things every day. You wake up black, and you think about certain things. You wake up Chinese, and you think certain things - but those things aren't major. What's major is that you are good at your craft. Judith Jamison blackchinesecraft share on social
My wonderful editor, Jackie Onassis, asked me to write a book that I wanted to write. I said, 'Look, it's not going to be scandalized. I'm not going to talk about anybody like a dog. I'm going to say the positiveness of my life, and talk about those who have contributed to the way I've been going, and that's that.' Judith Jamison askbookcontribute share on social
Maybe it's a generational thing, but I never wanted to be the best black dancer in the world. I just wanted to be the best. Judith Jamison blackdancergenerational Change image and share on social
The world is full of ways for people to dance. Concert dance doesn't get its due. Judith Jamison concertdancedue Change image and share on social
I've been in a competitive situation almost all my life. I've been having a competition with myself and trying to be the best I could be. Judith Jamison competitioncompetitivehave Change image and share on social
I want to know who you are as a person, and then I want you to develop as a whole human being. Judith Jamison develophumanperson Change image and share on social
I don't think of myself as a leader. I am, but I don't think of myself that way. I'm not trying to belittle what I do, but I think of myself as a dancer first. I'll always be a dancer. Judith Jamison belittledancerleader Change image and share on social