Alicia Graf Mack facts for kids

Alicia Graf Mack (born 1978 or 1979) is an amazing American dancer, teacher, and artistic director. She has been a part of famous dance groups like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has even performed with music stars like Beyonce, John Legend, and Alicia Keys!

In 2018, Alicia Graf Mack made history. She became the first Black Dean and Director of the Dance Division at the Juilliard School, which is a very famous performing arts school. She was also the youngest person to ever hold that important job. People say she has done a great job "remaking Juilliard Dance." In 2024, it was announced that she will become the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2025.

Early Life and First Steps in Dance

Alicia Graf Mack was born in San Jose, California. She grew up in Columbia, Maryland. Her father is white, and her mother is Black and was a professor at Howard University. Alicia has said she is distantly related to a famous Russian artist named Léon Bakst, who designed costumes for ballets.

She started dancing when she was just 3 years old! By age 12, she was already competing in dance. She went to a public high school and also trained at a dance school called Ballet Royale Academy. She spent her summers at special dance programs with the American Ballet Theatre and the School of American Ballet.

A Career in Motion

Alicia Graf Mack performing in Return by Robert Garland.

When Alicia was a senior in high school, she took a class with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. This is a ballet company mostly made up of African-American dancers. The company's founder, Arthur Mitchell, was so impressed that he offered her an apprenticeship. This meant she could train with the company.

At 17, she moved to New York to join the company. She finished high school at the Professional Children's School. Soon, she was promoted to a soloist dancer, which is a big step!

When she was 19, Alicia faced a health challenge. She was diagnosed with a condition that required surgery. She left the Dance Theatre of Harlem to focus on her health and studies. She went to Columbia University School of General Studies and earned a degree in history. After graduating, Arthur Mitchell asked her to come back as a principal dancer. She returned and stayed until the company stopped performing in 2004. Alicia shared that she tried out for other big ballet companies, but they told her she was too tall or that they already had enough female dancers.

In 2005, Alicia joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This is a famous modern dance company. When she first performed with them, the New York Times newspaper wrote that she was "so good she became the news of the night all by herself." However, in 2008, she had to leave again because of an injury.

She moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to study for a master's degree at Washington University in St. Louis. While studying, she also taught ballet and modern dance at Webster University. After finishing her degree, she became a full-time teacher at Webster University.

In 2011, Alicia Graf Mack rejoined the Ailey company. In 2013, she danced in the company's first performance of Chroma by Wayne McGregor. She retired from dancing with the company in 2014. She then went back to teaching at Webster University and Washington University. Later, she also taught at the University of Houston.

Alicia and her sister, Daisha Graf, who is also a dancer, started a dance group called D(n)A Arts Collective. Alicia has also performed as a guest dancer with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. She has danced for famous musicians like Beyoncé, John Legend, Andre 3000, and Alicia Keys. She also writes for Pointe Magazine, a dance magazine. She even wrote the cover story in 2014, which featured other amazing African-American ballet dancers like Ashley Murphy, Ebony Williams, and Misty Copeland.

In 2018, it was announced that Alicia Graf Mack would become the Director of the Dance Division at the Juilliard School. She is the first woman of color and the youngest person to ever have this important job. Later that year, after Arthur Mitchell passed away, she performed a special solo dance that he had created for her at his memorial service.

Starting July 1, 2025, Alicia Graf Mack will become the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This is the biggest modern dance company in the United States!

Family Life

Alicia Graf Mack lives in New Jersey with her husband, Kirby Mack. She met Kirby when she was studying at Columbia University. They have two children, Jordan and Laila.