#TBT: Alicia Graf Mack and Fidel Garcia in Nutcracker
Alicia Graf Mack’s exceptional dancing earned her a place at three renowned companies: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her grace and clarity of movement is showcased beautifully in this clip of The Nutcracker pas de deux with Fidel García, who also danced with DTH. Graf Mack delivers limitless lines with each leg extension, from her first développé at 0:11 to her last penché at 4:35. She not only demonstrates technical talent, she exudes confidence and ease. García expertly supports Graf Mack’s dancing, creating a seamless and effortless partnership. Each turn and lift ends with a poised finish, demonstrating their control and connection to the music, audience, and each other. At 1:52, for instance, every step in the sequence receives beautiful articulation and attention to detail.
Trained at the National Ballet School in Camaguey City, Cuba, García had an extensive career dancing with DTH, The Washington Ballet, Ballet NY, and Ballet de Camaguey. He then founded Capital Pilates in Washington, DC, where he is an instructor and studio manager. Aside from her performing career, Graf Mack holds a BA in history from Columbia University and an MA in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis, and has also written for Pointe magazine. She has just begun her first season as artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, following seven years as dean and director of the Juilliard School’s dance division. Their remarkable careers are a testament to their intelligence and artistry. Happy #ThrowbackThursday!
