Interview: Introductions for dancer Judith Jamison are made by Dean John Eadie and Professor Dixie Durr, who describes Jamison's difficult ascent to the top of the world of dance and her successful career thereafter. Jamison commences the lecture by discussing her work with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and its success involving children and the underprivileged in dance. Jamison verbalizes the respect both she and the dancers of the organization held for the founder, Alvin Ailey. Jamison describes one of the dances that Ailey choreographed for her, crediting Ailey as a major force that kept her dancing throughout the years. The company grew from its beginning when it had only six dancers and more than doubled in size during Jamison’s career. She shows great respect for the dedication and passion of Alvin Ailey. Jamison shares anecdotes about her beginnings in dance at the age of six and bestows credit to the many people who aided her along the way. There were many ups and downs in her career, but she believes everything she went through was for a purpose. Jamison explains that dance is one of the most accessible art forms present in our society and conveys various reasons as to why we dance, namely, as a means of communication and healing. She describes the dedication, talent, and passion it takes to be a professional dancer especially since it is difficult to express intense emotions without using words. Jamison concludes her lecture by answering questions concerning her fellow dancers, family, hopes for the future, and the dance company. She reveals the influences and challenges she has faced being an artistic director, while seeing to her duty of maintaining the traditions of Alvin Ailey. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is one of the most successful dance companies of the time. Based on the success of her own career, she stresses her belief that everything will work out in the end.