Alicia Graf Mack
Meet AILEY’s newly appointed artistic director. Explore Alicia Graf Mack’s journey from her first dance class at age 3 to her iconic ascendency in the world of dance and beyond.
Alicia Graf Mack as a young girl (1983) by courtesy of AILEYAILEY
Early Years
Alicia Graf Mack grew up in Columbia, Maryland, and started dancing when she was just 3 years old. As she continued her training, she danced competitively and attended summer intensives at American Ballet Theatre and School of American Ballet.
Starting out at Dance Theatre of Harlem
When she was 17, Arthur Mitchell invited her to join Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she began as an apprentice and was soon promoted to soloist. A few years into her time with the company, injuries forced her to take a break from dancing.
While on hiatus, Ms. Graf Mack attended Columbia University where she graduated magna cum laude with honors in History. At the behest of Arthur Mitchell, she returned to Dance Theatre of Harlem, and danced as a principal artist with the company until it temporarily disbanded in 2004.
A star at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Not yet ready to retire from performing, she auditioned for several dance companies and joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2005, where she became an instant star. She performed with the company for three years until another injury paused her performing career.
Returning to her studies, Ms. Graf Mack went to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she earned an MA in nonprofit management and taught ballet and modern dance at Webster University.
A triumphant return to the Ailey company
In 2011, she rejoined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she continued performing and touring as a leading dancer until retiring in 2014. She was singled out by critics as an exemplary translator of Alvin Ailey’s works—The New York Times called her “marvelously regal.”
After retiring from performing, Ms. Graf Mack rejoined Webster University, while teaching at Washington University as an adjunct. Three years later, she joined the faculty at University of Houston and was a visiting professor at Webster University.
Alicia Graf Mack Teaching Ballet Class (2019) by Rachel PapoAILEY
Dean of Dance at The Juilliard School
In 2018, she took over as the dean and director of Juilliard’s dance division. It was a historic moment as she was the youngest and first Black person to step into the role. While at Juilliard, she transformed the curriculum and championed diversity in dance education.
"I want [the students] to be as versatile as they can so that they have longevity in their careers."
- Alicia Graf Mack
Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack (2025) by Andrew EcclesAILEY
AILEY Artistic Director
On June 30, 2025, Alicia Graf Mack became the fourth artistic director in AILEY’s history. She now oversees the entire organization leading Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, Ailey Extension, and Ailey Arts In Education.
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