Announcing Our Next Artistic Director

Meet Alicia Graf Mack

We are thrilled to announce that the renowned Alicia Graf Mack has been appointed to serve as AILEY’s new Artistic Director, beginning July 1, 2025.

Widely celebrated for her artistry during her years of performing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and currently serving as Dean and Director of the Dance Division of The Juilliard School, Ms. Graf Mack now becomes the fourth Artistic Director in AILEY’s 66-year history, following Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, and Robert Battle.

The announcement of Ms. Graf Mack’s appointment follows the recent death of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, whose life and legacy will be celebrated throughout the upcoming season of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Ms. Graf Mack was brought into Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater by Judith Jamison and danced under the leadership of Ms. Jamison and Robert Battle from 2005 to 2008 and from 2011 to 2014. She has led Juilliard’s Dance Division since 2018. Educated at Columbia University (BA magna cum laude in history) and Washington University (MA in nonprofit management), she is the recipient of honors including the 2023 Dance Magazine Award. She is co-producer and host of the podcast Moving Moments, featuring conversations with some of the most celebrated and ground-breaking artists in the field of dance.

As Artistic Director, Ms. Graf Mack will oversee the artistic program of the entire AILEY organization, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs, and Ailey Extension.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual five-week holiday engagement at New York City Center, December 4, 2024 through January 5, 2025 has been prepared by Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing. The season will showcase the world premieres of Mr. Rushing’s Sacred Songs, Finding Free by Hope Boykin, Many Angels by Lar Lubovitch (his first world premiere for the Company), and Al-Andalus Blues by Jamar Roberts, as well as a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading and a generous selection of classic repertoire by Alvin Ailey and live music performances. The Opening Night Gala, honoring legendary dance educator Jody Gottfried Arnhold, will feature the return of Ronald K. Brown’s Grace on its 25th anniversary, with live music by Tony® and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. and composer, visual artist, and GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, and conclude with Mr. Ailey’s indelible Revelations, accompanied by a live choir. The performance will also include an excerpt from Mr. Ailey's Cry, to pay tribute to Judith Jamison, who originated the role and ignited the ballet with her unparalleled grace and power.

Learn more in The New York Times