“Carmen” premieres tonight at the Joffrey Ballet — right in time for the dance company’s 70th anniversary. Fittingly, the story is big, dramatic, and classic.
Starring as the titular Carmen, ballerina Victoria Jaiani brings that drama to life. Her character is a hustler: a seductive cigarette girl whose free-spirited ways lead to a tragic love triangle.
Jaiani is also a true Chicagoan, having danced with the Joffrey for 20 years.
Ahead of the premiere, she sat down with Hey Chicago to talk about “Carmen” and local ballet. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
The Joffrey turns 70 this year. Is Chicago still a ballet town?
“What makes the Joffrey unique is how it has opened the doors of ballet to the city through performances, education programs, and community engagement. Ballet here feels accessible, alive, and connected to the Chicago audiences. In turn, Chicago has embraced us with tremendous warmth and pride. The company giving it all to the city and the city giving back its energy and support is what has made Chicago a true ballet town.”
How has performing in Chicago for 20 years informed your ballet practice?
“The Joffrey’s repertoire is incredibly diverse. Each ballet requires a different lens, a different way of moving, and often a different way of thinking about character and story. Two decades here have taught me that ballet is not static; it’s alive, it [evolves], and so must I.”
“Carmen” at Joffrey Ballet (Courtesy of Joffrey Ballet)
What's your favorite part of dancing a fiery character like Carmen?
“Carmen is such an extraordinary role because she's unapologetically herself: bold, passionate, and unwilling to be confined by anyone's expectations … She requires not just technical precision, but also an emotional commitment. Every glance, every gesture, every silence carries weight. It's about finding that balance between fire and vulnerability because, while Carmen is fierce, she is also complex and human … For a few hours, I'm not only telling the story of “Carmen,” I'm also living it. That's both the challenge and the joy of inhabiting a character like her.”
The Joffrey Ballet is a sponsor of City Cast Chicago.
