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Legacies in Motion: AILEY at Spelman
Alicia Graf Mack leads a day of dialogue and movement at Spelman College
Spelman College’s Department of Dance Performance and Choreography presented AILEY at Spelman: Legacies in Motion, welcoming Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack for an engagement celebrating legacy, leadership and the future of dance. Students and faculty from across the department gathered on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation and the Arts (CI&A Building) for the program.
The event featured an artist panel and an evening dance master class, bringing together leaders from Alvin Ailey and the Department of Dance to explore shared goals, career pathways and mentorship for emerging Black women artists.
"We look forward to creating strategic pipeline opportunities that elevate emerging Black women creators from Spelman by positioning them at the decision-making table, whether within executive arts administrative leadership or creative teams building a season of choreographic works,” said Cicely “Cici” Kelley, interim co-chair of dance performance and choreography at Spelman.
“This charge aligns directly with the mission of our department and institution to cultivate the next generation of leaders and makers within dance practice. We are excited to build upon the legacies of both institutions in continuing the conversation, to bring this vision to life.”
The artist panel sparked a conversation on artistic leadership, institutional collaboration and cultivating sustainable pipelines in the dance world. Panelists included Graf Mack, Angela Harris, lecturer and executive artistic director of Dance Canvas, Inc., and Kiara Smith, C’2026, a dance performance and choreography major. The discussion was moderated by Barbara Chirinos, the CI&A's artistic director.
“As Black women within organizations and institutions with spaces and resources, we have the position and ability to provide pathways for emerging Black women choreographers, not just spaces, but also access to funding to support their work. It’s important to continue to uplift new voices in the field,” Harris said.
Following the panel, Spelman dance majors participated in a master dance class led by Graf Mack. The session offered students an inside look at the artistic vision, technique and leadership approach of the newly appointed artistic director, featuring guided movement, creative insight and real-time coaching.
Smith reflected on the day’s experience: “Dance isn't always accessible, but the conversation is. Everyone may not be able to create choreography or dance with you; however, they can always contribute to the conversation."
The day of engagement also served as a preview of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s upcoming performances at the Fox Theatre, scheduled for Feb. 11–15, marking the company’s inaugural season under Graf Mack’s leadership. A renowned dancer and educator, Graf Mack’s visit highlighted her commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists as she leads Alvin Ailey into its next chapter.