The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has named Alicia Graf Mack as its new artistic director, marking a full-circle moment for the accomplished dancer and educator.
The announcement, made on Nov. 21, follows a global search for a leader to carry on the institution’s legacy.
Graf Mack, a former Ailey dancer and current director of Juilliard’s dance division, will officially assume the role in July 2025.
She becomes the fourth artistic director in the company’s history, succeeding Robert Battle and interim director Matthew Rushing.
“I have been inspired by the Ailey organization since I was a baby,” Graf Mack shared, reflecting on the opportunity. “I’m feeling incredibly blessed and grateful to bring everything I’ve learned back home to a company I feel so connected to.”
A Distinguished Journey in Dance
A native of Columbia, Maryland, Graf Mack’s towering presence and grace have long made her a standout in the dance world.
She began her professional career at 17 with the Dance Theater of Harlem, overcoming setbacks like injury and a rheumatic condition before finding her artistic home at Alvin Ailey.
From 2005 to 2008, and again from 2011 to 2014, Graf Mack performed with the company, embracing its blend of modern dance, Hip-Hop, and other contemporary styles.
Her journey also included earning degrees from Columbia University and a master’s in nonprofit management, which helped shape her dual passions for artistry and leadership.
Reflecting on her early days with Ailey, Graf Mack noted, “As a nearly six-foot tall Black woman, stepping into a company that embraced me for exactly who I am allowed me to hone my craft and grow into myself.”
A Vision for the Future
Board member Anthony A. Lewis, who led the selection committee, praised Graf Mack’s vision, humility, and emotional intelligence, likening her qualities to those of Alvin Ailey himself.
“She embodies the spirit of Ailey, combining artistry with a profound connection to humanity and purpose,” Lewis said.
While Graf Mack plans to spend her initial months observing and connecting with the company, she remains steadfast in her commitment to upholding Alvin Ailey’s legacy of art as a reflection of social justice.
“Mr. Ailey’s vision of holding a mirror to society and showing people their beauty will continue to guide my decisions,” Graf Mack explained.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the dance company, following the passing of Judith Jamison, Ailey’s second artistic director and a towering figure in the world of dance.
