There is a St. Louis connection to the amazing new chapter soon to be underway at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The company announced on Thursday that Alicia Graf Mack has been named to succeed Robert Battle as the company’s artistic director. St. Louis was fortunate enough to have her spend a few years with us when she took a hiatus from her world-class dance career to earn her MA in nonprofit management at Washington University.
Graf Mack, a former principal dancer with the company, is only the fourth person to assume the role in the 66-year history of AADT. Judith Jamison inherited the position from the company’s founder and namesake due to Ailey’s untimely passing in 1989. Jamison, who died on November 9, passed the torch to Battle. He now makes way for Graf Mack.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime to step into this role and continue the legacy of Alvin Ailey—a legacy rooted in celebrating the beauty and resilience of the human spirit,” Graf Mack said in a statement about her new role, which she will assume on July 1, 2025. “I am committed to preserving the company’s rich heritage while boldly exploring new voices and perspectives that push the boundaries of dance and reflect the world we live in today, and the world we hope to see.”
“I can tell when a student has a certain spark about them,” Graf Mack said. “I just want to help them reach their goals – whatever that is.”
Alicia Graf Mack, Artistic Director to succeed Robert Battle at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
What was most striking about her time in St. Louis was her accessibility. While obtaining her degree, she worked as a teaching artist for COCA – the institution that honed the talent of fellow company member and St. Louis native Antonio Douthit-Boyd.
“There is no point in being an artist if you can’t inspire lives,” Graf Mack told The American in 2015. “That’s what being an artist is all about – sharing your experience in the world with the world.”
For Graf Mack and Douthit-Boyd, who now leads the dance department at COCA, it has also been about training up the next generation of dancers, and creating an environment for them to thrive.
“Alicia has always been a trailblazer in the dance world,” COCA said in a social media post about the news of Graf Mack taking the helm at Ailey. “Your COCA family is so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. We can’t wait to see how your vision and leadership will continue to inspire dancers everywhere!”
After the Columbia, Maryland native completed her studies at Washington University, Graf Mack became a full-time faculty member of Webster University. She returned to Ailey in 2011. Upon her retirement in 2014, she again returned to Webster, and Washington University, as an adjunct professor.
“I can tell when a student has a certain spark about them,” Graf Mack said. “I just want to help them reach their goals – whatever that is.”
She relocated to Houston with her husband Kirby, a native of the St. Louis region, and their infant son Jay in 2015. The couple had their daughter Laila two years later.
In 2018, Graf Mack became Director of Dance at Juilliard School. She made history as the youngest and the first woman of color and youngest person to hold the position.
“This past March, we were honored to welcome her back to COCA for the Juilliard Dance Experience, where she shared her artistry and wisdom with the next generation of dancers,” COCA said. “Congratulations on this well-deserved new chapter!”
She will leave Julliard to take the ranks at Ailey.
“Living heritage is central to the artistic achievement of Alvin Ailey,” said Daria L. Wallach, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. “And it is just as integral to AILEY as an organization.”
Wallach pointed out that passing the artistic leadership of AILEY to Alicia Graf Mack – who was introduced to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under Judith Jamison’s direction and performed under the leadership of Robert Battle – honors and celebrates the legacy of the company, going back to Mr. Ailey himself.
“We know that this powerful continuity across the generations, combined with Ms. Graf Mack’s outstanding talents as a dance artist, educator, administrator, and communicator, will ensure that both the traditions and the innovation of AILEY remain strong for years to come,” Wallach said.