A Season of Legacy, Innovation, and Celebration
By Mo Clark
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is set to unveil a breathtaking 2025 season, celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Judith Jamison, the late Artistic Director Emerita who shaped Ailey’s identity for decades. A towering figure in dance, Jamison’s influence transcended choreography—she was a mentor, a visionary, and a force of nature whose passion for storytelling through movement inspired generations.
In her honor, this season presents a powerful lineup, including four world premieres, the 25th-anniversary revival of Ronald K. Brown’s Grace, and a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading. Each piece reflects the company’s dedication to preserving tradition while pushing artistic boundaries, ensuring Jamison’s spirit continues to shine through.
Recently In The City had the pleasure of speaking with Caroline T Dartey
Caroline T. Dartey: From Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion to Ailey Star
Grace, power, and artistry—these are the qualities that define Caroline T. Dartey, a rising force within the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Hailing from Geneva, Switzerland, Dartey’s journey to the Ailey stage is one of dedication, discipline, and an unshakable passion for movement.
Before gracing the world of contemporary dance, Dartey was a rhythmic gymnastics champion, earning national and international acclaim as Switzerland’s top performer in her category from 2009 to 2011. However, her heart belonged to dance, leading her to study at the Conservatoire Populaire de Musique, Danse et Théâtre of Geneva before taking a bold leap to New York City as a scholarship student at The Ailey School.
Since joining Ailey II in 2018 and later the main company in 2021, Dartey has captivated audiences with what Dance Spirit Magazine calls her “effortless extensions” and “sky-high leaps.” She has performed in Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s Me, Myself and You and a wide range of works by Darrell Grand Moultrie, Uri Sands, Robert Battle, Yannick Lebrun, and more.
Beyond the stage, Dartey’s presence has extended into cultural storytelling. She was featured in The Freedom to Be, an NYC & Co. video series celebrating New York’s Black artistic community, solidifying her as not just a dancer, but a voice in the evolving narrative of dance and identity. With each breathtaking performance, Caroline T. Dartey continues to redefine excellence, proving that the Ailey legacy is in extraordinary hands.
Through these works and their talented dancers, Ailey’s 2025 season not only honors the past but also pushes the company forward, proving that Judith Jamison’s vision will continue to inspire for generations to come. As the curtain rises on this landmark season, audiences can expect an unforgettable celebration of dance, resilience, and the power of movement to tell stories that transcend time.
Caroline T. Dartey: From Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion to Ailey Star
Grace, power, and artistry—these are the qualities that define Caroline T. Dartey, a rising force within the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Hailing from Geneva, Switzerland, Dartey’s journey to the Ailey stage is one of dedication, discipline, and an unshakable passion for movement.
Before gracing the world of contemporary dance, Dartey was a rhythmic gymnastics champion, earning national and international acclaim as Switzerland’s top performer in her category from 2009 to 2011. However, her heart belonged to dance, leading her to study at the Conservatoire Populaire de Musique, Danse et Théâtre of Geneva before taking a bold leap to New York City as a scholarship student at The Ailey School.
Since joining Ailey II in 2018 and later the main company in 2021, Dartey has captivated audiences with what Dance Spirit Magazine calls her “effortless extensions” and “sky-high leaps.” She has performed in Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s Me, Myself and You and a wide range of works by Darrell Grand Moultrie, Uri Sands, Robert Battle, Yannick Lebrun, and more.
Beyond the stage, Dartey’s presence has extended into cultural storytelling. She was featured in The Freedom to Be, an NYC & Co. video series celebrating New York’s Black artistic community, solidifying her as not just a dancer, but a voice in the evolving narrative of dance and identity.
With each breathtaking performance, Caroline T. Dartey continues to redefine excellence, proving that the Ailey legacy is in extraordinary hands.
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