Alicia Graf Mack launches the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2025–26 season with a moving gala honoring legacy, leadership, and the power of modern dance.

Alicia Graf Mack Ushers In a New Era as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Opens Its 2025–26 Season

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has begun a vibrant new chapter, launching its 2025–26 season with an Opening Night Gala on December 3 that blended celebration, reflection, and artistic brilliance. The evening marked the first full season under the leadership of Alicia Graf Mack, who now carries the torch as Artistic Director for one of the most influential dance companies in the world.

This moment is especially meaningful for Graf Mack, a performer and educator whose life has been shaped by Ailey’s legacy. Her ascent into this role symbolizes both continuity and renewal for the company.

A Leadership Role Rooted in Legacy and Mentorship

Speaking about her appointment, Graf Mack reflected on the inspiration she drew from the legendary Judith Jamison, who served as Artistic Director Emerita until her passing in November 2024. “I grew up looking at pictures of Judith Jamison. She represented everything I hoped to embody one day,” she shared in an interview. Jamison was not just an artistic icon—she was a guiding force in Graf Mack’s life, offering mentorship and direction that helped shape her path.

Jamison’s connection to the company traces back to Alvin Ailey himself, whom she worked closely with during her celebrated career. Graf Mack, acknowledging the depth of that lineage, noted how fortunate she feels to continue in the footsteps of someone who set such a powerful standard. “She taught with integrity, grace, and an unshakeable sense of excellence,” Graf Mack said.

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A Gala Filled With Emotion, Artistry, and Purpose

The opening gala served as the official unveiling of the new season and the beginning of a fresh chapter. Addressing guests before the performances began, Graf Mack spoke passionately about the vision guiding her leadership.

“This isn’t just about starting a new season,” she told attendees. “It is about continuing a dream that Alvin Ailey set in motion nearly seven decades ago.” She emphasized the company’s mission to elevate authentic stories, highlight diverse voices, and use movement as a form of communication that resonates with people on a soulful level.

The evening’s program featured a selection of works that showcased the dancers’ versatility and the company’s artistic breadth. Audiences were treated to Blink of An Eye, A Case of You, Grace, and the iconic Revelations, which closed the night with its signature emotional power.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Daria L. Wallach, Chair of the AILEY Board of Trustees, whose leadership played a pivotal role in the company’s continued success and resilience. Her dedication to Ailey’s mission was celebrated with heartfelt gratitude.

Adding star presence to the gala were Colman Domingo, who served as Honorary Chair, and Ciara, who attended as an Honored Guest. Ciara introduced the grand finale of Revelations, performed with a live choir that elevated the timeless piece into a spiritual celebration.

Remembering Alvin Ailey’s Transformative Impact

While the gala looked ahead to a bold future, it also acknowledged the remarkable history that shaped the company. Alvin Ailey, who established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, revolutionized modern dance by bringing African American stories and movement styles center stage. His work expanded the possibilities of dance and opened doors for countless performers.

Ailey’s influence continues to echo far beyond the stage. The same evening as the gala, he was honored at the inaugural Dance Hall of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles. Inductees included luminaries such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Misty Copeland, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Bob Fosse, Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, Kenny Ortega, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp—a testament to the company Ailey keeps in the world of dance history.

Ailey passed away in 1989 due to complications from AIDS/HIV, but his legacy only strengthened in the decades since. President Barack Obama posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his cultural impact. His masterpiece Revelations remains one of the most performed and beloved works in modern dance.

His mentor, Lester Horton, also played a crucial role in shaping the movement vocabulary that Ailey later brought to international audiences. A decade after founding the company, Ailey established a dance school that continues to train rising artists from around the world.

A Future Built on Vision, Diversity, and Artistic Courage

With Alicia Graf Mack guiding the artistic direction, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater stands at an exciting moment of transition. She brings a deep understanding of the company’s heritage, while also offering a forward-looking perspective grounded in education, representation, and artistic innovation.

The 2025–26 Opening Night Gala was more than a celebration—it was a statement of purpose. A proclamation that the company will continue to evolve, to inspire, and to honor the beauty and complexity of human expression through dance.

As AILEY moves into this new era, the company’s commitment to storytelling, community, and cultural impact remains as strong as ever. Under Graf Mack’s leadership, the next chapter promises to be one defined not only by artistic excellence but by meaningful connection and creative exploration.