The Juilliard School last week announced the appointment of Bessie Award–winning artist Melissa Toogood as the new Dean and Director of its esteemed Dance Division, effective July 1, 2025. Toogood succeeds Alicia Graf Mack in this prestigious international role.
Melissa Toogood, an artist recognised globally and described as “superlative” by The New York Times, brings a distinguished career and a significant connection to the Australian dance landscape to her new leadership position. Her appointment to this pivotal role at one of the world's foremost performing arts conservatories is a testament to her artistry and influence.
Juilliard President Damian Woetzel expressed his excitement about the appointment: “We are so fortunate to welcome Melissa Toogood to Juilliard. She is an extraordinary artist of our time, whose inspiring artistry is matched by her deep commitment to education and furthering the field of dance. Melissa brings a powerful blend of clarity, adventure, and care to her work, qualities that beautifully support the development of young dancers.”
Melissa Toogood's foundational dance training began in Australia, growing up in Campbelltown, NSW, and attending Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Sydney. Her journey continued internationally, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida.
A pivotal part of her career was her time as a member of Merce Cunningham’s final company. Encouraged by Cunningham himself, she began teaching during this period and is now an official stager for the Merce Cunningham Trust, playing a key role in preserving his legacy worldwide. Following the closure of the Cunningham company, Toogood has built a prolific freelance career, collaborating with an impressive roster of choreographers including Pam Tanowitz (with whom she had a long-standing artistic partnership), Kyle Abraham, Michelle Dorrance, Stephen Petronio, and Jamar Roberts. Her collaborative spirit also extended to mentoring Juilliard students on projects such as Unavailable Memory: In Conversation With Cunningham & Cage.
While her career has largely unfolded on the international stage, Melissa has maintained a strong connection to Australia. In recent times, she has actively engaged with the Australian dance community, including teaching company classes for leading organisations like Bangarra Dance Theatre and Sydney Dance Company, and staging Cunningham works for Australian dancers, such as students at the Victorian College of the Arts and those in Sydney Dance Company's pre-professional programs. These activities highlight her dedication to contributing her expertise to the development of dance in her home country.
Commenting on her upcoming role, Melissa Toogood shared her vision: “I feel humbled and inspired by the opportunity to join the remarkable Juilliard community in uplifting the next generation of artists. Together with the incredible faculty and staff, I am committed to continuing the development of a program that honours our lineage while embracing curiosity and innovation.”
The announcement of her appointment was the result of a comprehensive search. Robert Battle, a Juilliard alumnus and member of the search committee, remarked, “I have witnessed Melissa grow since she was a student at New World and watched her develop and her star rise. She is a unique voice in the dance world, and I know that she will bring her quiet strength and artistic integrity to the students at Juilliard.”
Toogood's leadership comes as Juilliard Dance also welcomes other significant faculty appointments, reinforcing the division's commitment to excellence and forward-thinking education under new leadership.
Juilliard Dance has a distinguished history, founded in 1951, and is renowned for its comprehensive training that blends various dance forms. It has produced many influential artists who have shaped the global dance landscape.
Melissa Toogood's appointment as Dean and Director of Juilliard Dance is a momentous occasion, celebrating another Australian artist reaching the pinnacle of international dance education leadership and underscoring her lasting impact and connection to the dance world both abroad and in Australia.