Victoria Jaiani
Victoria Jaiani in the Joffrey Ballet’s Othello (by Cheryl Mann)
It’s not just luxurious extensions and delicate port de bras that make the Joffrey Ballet’s Victoria Jaiani such a mesmerizing performer. She has that intangible “It” factor that marks a true prima ballerina—and makes her impossible not to watch, whether she’s embodying a heartbroken Dying Swan or an exuberant Juliet.
A native of Tbilisi, Georgia, Jaiani started training at Georgia’s V. Chabukiani Tbilisi Ballet Art State School at age 10. As a teenager, she moved to the U.S. to study at NYC’s Joffrey Ballet School. After winning the bronze medal at the 2003 New York International Ballet Competition, she joined Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet. Since then, Jaiani has danced many coveted roles, including the title role in Cinderella and Terpsichore in Apollo. Catch her this month in the Joffrey premiere of La Bayadère at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago. —Helen Hope Rolfe
Dear young Victoria,
Please don’t think you’re a weird girl because you spend all of your time in the studio.
It’s such a great place to learn about yourself, and an amazing place to grow up. As you continue to strive for more, you will see your work result in some amazing opportunities. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You know what they say: “Patience is a virtue.”
Speaking of having patience, remember to chill out every once in a while (except when it comes to your feet—keep working hard on those, and they’ll get there!). It’s normal to want more, but take a step back and appreciate what you have.
Victoria Jaiani as a young student (courtesy Victoria Jaiani)
You need to know that not everyone is going to be supportive. Remember to trust yourself, and learn how to see the difference between someone giving constructive criticism and someone just trying to take you down.
You have really good instincts, so let go of any apprehension about fitting into “the box.” You don’t need to fit in. Being different is what makes you special.
I know how well you focus. Keep it up—it’s such a great tool to have, not only at school but also in a professional dance career. You’ll need it inside the studio and out.
Remember how not so long ago you moved to the U.S., and everything was so different? I’m proud of the way you’ve soaked up a new culture, language and life. It will get easier. You’ll see.
Keep those you love close. Give thanks to the strong women in your family. And remember: Your loved ones love you no matter how well you did your pirouettes today.
With best wishes and love,
Victoria
