Dancer and dance critic Alicia J. Graf has been named assistant Director of COCAdance, one of COCA’s two student dance companies, and a member of the dance faculty. Graf joins COCA from her most recent position as principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her new roles at COCA are effective immediately.
Prior to dancing with Alvin Ailey, Graf was a principal dancer with the Dance Theater of Harlem as well as Complexions. She has performed throughout t he U.S. and internationally since 1996. Graf is also a writer and dance critic for Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine and others.
“We are delighted to have someone of Alicia’s caliber joining our faculty,” COCA executive director Stephanie Riven said. “She helps continue COCA’s commitment to providing the best instructors and mentors for young students pursing careers in the arts.”
Graf is equally thrilled to be joining the COCA staff and assist in providing a solid artistic foundation for the next generation of performers. COCA, a comprehensive arts learning center, has been shaping the talents of young people and adults in the St. Louis area for more than 20 years.
“I am so honored and excited to be a part of the COCA family,” Graf said. “It’s an incredible organization that truly exemplifies the meaning of arts education.”
She joined COCA fresh on the heels of her retirement from Ailey. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Washington University.
