December 14th 2025.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was filled with excitement as it kicked off its opening season on December 3rd. A notable figure leading the charge was the newly appointed artistic director, Alicia Graf Mack. Her appointment in 2025 marked her as only the fourth person to hold this prestigious position since the company's establishment in 1958 by choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Having been a dancer and educator within the organization for many years, Graf Mack's appointment was a natural progression. She had previously performed with the company and later served as dean and director of the Juilliard School's Dance Division before returning to Ailey in a leadership role. In a recent interview with Inc, Graf Mack shared that her role as artistic director is both personal and mission-driven. She sees her work at the company as more than just a job, but rather a part of her identity and beliefs. "I am all-in," she stated passionately.
As a leader who has studied under the last two directors, Judith Jamison and Robert Battle, Graf Mack honors the founding philosophy of the company while also adapting to the ever-changing landscape of contemporary audiences and platforms. Alvin Ailey himself once said, "Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people," and Graf Mack remains committed to this idea.
Her vision for the future is ambitious, as she plans to engage contemporary audiences by integrating mainstream musicians into the company's performances. "We have to create collaborations across industries, like music collaborations, to reach more people too," she explained. This means expanding beyond traditional concert settings and finding new ways to connect with audiences through digital outreach, partnerships, and storytelling that stay true to the Ailey brand and its cultural roots.
Founded in New York City, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has long been renowned for its celebration of Black cultural expression within the realm of modern dance. As an ambassador of American art, the company has toured internationally, showcasing the diversity and richness of the American dance scene. With Graf Mack at the helm, the company's legacy is in good hands, as she brings a deep understanding and appreciation for both its past and its evolving future.
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