Bermuda has joined the international dance world in mourning the death of Denise Jefferson, director and impassioned steward of the famed The Ailey School for the past 26 years. She succumbed to ovarian cancer on July 17 in New York at the age of 66.

Ms Jefferson had close and long-standing ties with the Island, most recently as a master teacher with the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's PartnerRe master class series, and before that with the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, chairman Don Kramer said it was with "profound sadness" that the registered charity had learned of the passing of Ms Jefferson, whom he described as "truly a legend in the global dance community".

"We had the great good fortune to work with Denise when she taught in our PartnerRe Master Class series, and all of the students who attended her classes were touched, not only by her prodigious ability to instruct but also by her graceful, caring nature. Through her work at The Ailey School, and her governance on many boards which affect dance education, Denise Jefferson has left a legacy of excellence that will survive for generations to come. The National Dance Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to Denise's family and to The Ailey School."

Among others in Bermuda mourning Ms Jefferson's loss is her long-time friend, Bermudian dancer/choreographer Conchita Ming, who remembered Ms Jefferson as "always positive, always supportive, always encouraging".

"Dancers loved her classes, and always did their best in them. Denise would always look for ways to further dance training for local dancers. Shomeiko Ingham, Lizz Pimentel, Jennifer Soares, Crystal Caesar (all) received recommendations from her to study at Ailey's. She loved Bermuda, as we did her."

Recalling Ms Jefferson's association with the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda, which began in 1990 when she came here to conduct workshops, Mrs. Ming said, "As the director of the Alvin Ailey School this was an honour for us. She was a wonderful teacher and friend, and will be truly missed."

Mrs. Ming last saw her friend in the Spring, when they had lunch together, at which time Ms Jefferson and was very positive about the future, so the news of her passing came as a shock. "I will truly miss her. She was my friend and 'sister'," she said sadly.

Ms Jefferson taught at The Ailey School for ten years before she was appointed as its director by founder Alvin Ailey in 1984.

Affectionately known as 'Ms J', she was instrumental in identifying the potential, and mentoring myriad students, as they began their journey to becoming some of the greatest dance artists in the world.

"Words cannot express the magnitude of Denise's loss to both the Ailey organisation, and to the world of dance," her memoriam on website www.theaileyschool.edu/memoriam-denise-jefferson states. "It is a testament to her nurturing leadership that 87 percent of current Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancers honed their skills through training from The Ailey School… and have also gone on to successful careers in the ranks of other prominent national and international dance companies."

It was Ms Jefferson's "indefatigable dedication, and clear vision of the elements required to train world-class dancers" which produced The Ailey School's challenging, innovative and sophisticated programme so sought after by students from around the world.

The late director was known for her firm but compassionate hand, and demanded excellence from both students and faulty members alike, instilling discipline, an astounding work ethic, and respect for the dance form.

Among her many professional achievements was the ground-breaking development of the innovative Ailey/Fordham BFA programme in 1988, which offered students the artistic pre-eminence of the official school affiliated with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, combined with an exceptional liberal arts education from Forham University. Born in Chicago, Illinois on November 1, 1944, Ms Jefferson began her ballet studies with Edna McRae, and her professional career with the Pearl Lang Dance Company. She also held both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in French.

Ms Jefferson is survived by her daughter Francesca Harper, her sister Margo Jefferson, and her mother Irma Jefferson.

A celebratory memorial concert is being planned at The Ailey Studios for a later date.

At the family's request, donations in Ms Jefferson's memory may be made to the Denise Jefferson Scholarship Fund at The Ailey School online.

Those wishing to send cheques should make them payable to the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Inc., and mail to: Development Office, Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, 405 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. For further information telephone 212-405-9033.