The trail to an expert dance profession was something however linear for Caroline T. Dartey. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Dartey was initially an achieved rhythmic gymnast, competing each nationally (she was the Swiss champion in her class from 2009–11) and internationally earlier than leaving the game behind for dance. An opportunity encounter with an observant instructor at Conservatoire Populaire de Musique, Danse et Théâtre of Geneva shifted Dartey’s consideration to live performance dance and New York Metropolis: She joined The Ailey College as a scholarship pupil in 2016, danced with Ailey II from 2018–20, and joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2021.
Whether or not onstage, at rehearsal, and even within the improvisational movies she posts on Instagram, Dartey dances with aplomb, treating every motion with care and precision. Her elegant extensions and magnetism look proper at residence in Ailey’s repertory, and might be showcased in Paris this month when the corporate goes on tour.
A Transcendent Expertise
“I used to get actually nervous after I competed in rhythmic gymnastics. However after I dance, I’m at all times excited. It’s like one other universe on the stage. The lights are so brilliant you’ll be able to’t see the viewers, so it’s actually such as you’re in your individual world, totally immersed within the function you’re taking part in.”
Tour de Power
“I like touring with Ailey, and recollections from our worldwide travels actually keep in my thoughts. So many individuals internationally don’t have common entry to bop, so it’s wonderful to offer that to them. I’d particularly love to return to Switzerland someday—perhaps I can encourage youthful dancers there.”
Increasing Her Resumé
“I do loads of dance trade gigs exterior of the corporate, from industrial work and modeling to performing with Pheelz on ‘Late Night time with Seth Meyers,’ as a result of if I keep inside a bubble, I gained’t progress. It helps me keep lively in my thoughts and helps me carry inspiration again into the studio after I’m getting ready for brand spanking new roles—I carry all the pieces in my backpack of experiences to make use of at any time when I can.”
