A Legacy Continues at UC Berkeley

The acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is set to return to the UC Berkeley campus for its annual mini-residency from April 7-12. Presented by Cal Performances, the engagement will feature the company’s iconic masterpiece, Revelations, which is scheduled to close nearly every program during the visit.

New Leadership for a Historic Company

This year’s residency marks a significant milestone as the company is led by its new artistic director, Alicia Graf Mack. Mack is only the fourth person to hold this position in the troupe's nearly 70-year history. She follows in the footsteps of founder Alvin Ailey, the venerable Judith Jamison, and Robert Battle, who concluded his 12-year tenure in 2023.

Mack’s vision for the company aligns with her predecessors, focusing on expanding the repertoire while honoring Ailey’s legacy and the depth of African-American culture. The upcoming programs feature six Bay Area premieres, a reimagined solo, and an entirely new ensemble work.

The Influence of Judith Jamison

Reflecting on her journey, Mack credits the late Judith Jamison as her "North Star." Mack, who served as a principal dancer under Jamison’s leadership, noted that the former director’s mentorship was vital to her development as both an artist and a leader. "She never asked me to be anything other than genuine," Mack shared.

A Diverse Artistic Background

Alicia Graf Mack brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to her role. A graduate of Columbia University, she holds an MA in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis and served as the Dean and Director of the Dance Division at The Juilliard School from 2018 to 2025.

Her leadership approach is informed by her own experiences as a dancer, including overcoming various physical injuries. "Every setback I had in my body I gained experience that led me to where I am today," she explained. "Now, in a leadership position, I have to see the whole picture."

Curating for the Future

In collaboration with associate artistic director Mathew Rushing, Mack has curated a season that highlights both technical excellence and storytelling. This includes Medhi Walerski’s Blink of an Eye, set to J.S. Bach’s violin sonatas, and a new work titled Jazz Island, which celebrates Caribbean culture and Black mythology.

Mack expressed her excitement about returning to Zellerbach Hall, a stage she frequented during her own dancing career. Beyond the evening performances, the company will host daytime shows for school-age children, reinforcing the organization's commitment to community engagement.