Alicia Graf Mack: holding history in her hand

Alicia Graf Mack is only the fourth ever director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It’s a company with a huge significance for dance history – and especially for Black America. Alicia danced with them from 2005-14, and was mentored by Ailey’s own star dancer, Judith Jamison. Previously a principal ballerina at Dance Theatre of Harlem, more recently she was Dean & Director of Dance at Juilliard School. Now at Ailey, Alicia must maintain the company’s legacy and nurture new works that connect with today’s audiences. The company is fired by lyrical dance, and also by a commitment to social justice and as a platform for Black artists. We speak to Alicia as the company prepares to visit Sadler’s Wells in London.

Ailey at Sadler’s Wells, 15-19 September 2026: https://www.sadlerswells.com/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater-legacy-new-works/

Ailey: ailey.org

Alicia Graf Mack’s website: https://www.aliciagrafmack.com/about

Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.