Alicia Graf Mack

Alicia Graf Mack Returns to AILEY as the Organization’s Fourth Artistic Director 

A former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (2005-2008 and 2011-2014), she comes to AILEY from The Juilliard School, where she was the Dean and Director of the Dance Division for eight years (2018-2025). Born in San Jose, CA, Ms. Graf Mack grew up in Columbia, MD. She began her career with Dance Theatre of Harlem under the direction of Arthur Mitchell and ascended to become a highly recognized principal ballerina.  A celebrated artist, she performed with Complexions Contemporary Ballet and made guest appearances with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Her versatility led to collaborations with artists including Beyoncé, John Legend, Andre 3000, Alicia Keys, and Jon Batiste. Ms. Graf Mack has graced the stages of major galas and festivals, performed tributes to luminaries including Carmen de Lavallade at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, and danced at the memorial services for Arthur Mitchell at NYC’s Riverside Church and Jessye Norman at the Metropolitan Opera House. A Columbia University graduate (magna cum laude, honors in history), she also holds an MA in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis. Her accolades include an honorary doctorate from The Juilliard School in 2025, Smithsonian Magazine’s American Innovator of the Arts and Sciences, Columbia University’s Medal of Excellence, and keynote addresses at Columbia’s School of General Studies in 2008 and 2025. She received the prestigious 2023 Dance Magazine Award and the 2025 Columbia Black Alumni Heritage Award. Before arriving at Juilliard, Ms. Graf Mack was an assistant professor at Webster University and an adjunct professor at the University of Houston and Washington University. She is the host and co-producer of the Moving Moments podcast featuring conversations with groundbreaking artists in the field of dance. 

Read about Alicia Graf Mack's journey to become AILEY's newest artistic director in The New York Times.