After a two-year search, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, in New York, announced yesterday that it had named Robert Battle to take over as artistic director when Judith Jamison retires next year, says The New York Times.

Mr. Battle is a choreographer who has worked with the company for many years and was a dancer with Parsons Dance, in New York. 

Ms. Jamison, an iconic American dance figure who became director of the company in late 1989 after it’s founder, Alvin Ailey, died, is scheduled to retire in June 2011. Under her leadership, the organization’s budget quadrupled. Starting this July, Mr. Battle and Ms. Jamison will work together in what they hope will be a smooth transition.

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