Dancer Xavier Mack on Alvin Ailey and Warner Theatre Performance
Xavier Mack on Alvin Ailey, Hometown Pride, and Upcoming Warner Theatre Performance
Xavier Mack, one of the talented dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is bringing his artistry back home to the DMV. Performing at the Warner Theatre on February 5, Mack discussed his journey with our host Cheryl Jackson, highlighting his path from gymnastics to professional dance and what audiences can expect from his upcoming performance.
Mack began his dance career at Divine Dance Institute after transitioning from gymnastics. “I had just quit gymnastics and I was looking for something to do with all of this extra time that I had,” he said. Encouraged by his mother, he tried dance and quickly fell in love with it. “I showed up to that first modern dance class on a Saturday early afternoon and it was like I got bit by a bug,” he shared.
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a degree in modern languages and linguistics, Mack initially considered a career in linguistics. However, a dance class at Public Playhouse and a summer intensive scholarship with Dallas Black Dance Theater set him on a professional dance path. Following five years in Dallas, Mack auditioned for Alvin Ailey, where he is now in his fourth season.
Reflecting on returning to DC, Mack said, “It feels full, so much love, so many people, so much support.” He described the upcoming program, which includes iconic Alvin Ailey pieces like Revelations, works by Ronald K. Brown, and new choreographies by Mitty Wolarski and Jamar Robert Roberts. “Everyone can be touched by what we’re presenting on our stages,” Mack added.
Mack encourages local audiences to experience the performance firsthand. “Please come out to support us and we will be sure to give you all that we have and more wonderful,” he said. Tickets are available at the Warner Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster. From a young gymnast in DC to a celebrated performer with Alvin Ailey, Xavier Mack embodies dedication, artistry, and hometown pride.
If you’d like to see the performance, get tickets here.
Xavier Mack on Alvin Ailey, Hometown Pride, and Upcoming Warner Theatre Performance was originally published on praisedc.com
