Art Under Construction: Kasey Orava

"To be a WATERWORKS Fellow is to uplift community, spark conversation, and question convention artistically. It is an honor and responsibility to raise my creative voice in resistance to an increasingly dystopian sociopolitical climate and illuminate the persistence of love and art amid the darkness." - Kasey Orava

Kasey Orava is a London-born, US-raised, freelance dancer and choreographer. She graduated summa cum laude with a dual degree in dance and visual arts (film/photography) from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in 2025.

Kasey received her classical ballet training in the Washington School of Ballet’s professional division and supplemental training with Jacob's Pillow, Ballet BC, and BalletX, among others. Kasey has performed works by esteemed choreographers, including Jennifer Archibald, Hope Boykin, Vernard J. Gilmore, Fernando Hernando Magadan, Brice Mousset, and Crystal Pite.

Kasey's choreography questions convention artistically. Her choreography and dance films have been featured at the Ildiko Butler Gallery, Ailey Studio Theater, the Washington School of Ballet, and, most recently, Francesca Harper’s “Salon Series: The Screening Room.” During her time at Ailey/Fordham, Kasey presented her thesis art exhibition entitled “Inside Voices,” a multi-media expression of a queer internal life.

Kasey is currently creating a solo work entitled “Eve,” a rebellion against traditional gender roles during a time in history where female autonomy is once again threatened. Kasey is honored to bring “Love Exists at the End of the World” to life through the Harlem Stage WATERWORKS Fellowship, in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.