Ballet Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The Joffrey Ballet recently opened its 70th season with the U.S. and Joffrey premiere of the outstanding ballet “Carmen.”

Victoria Jaiani and Dylan Gutierrez are seen in “Carmen.” Photo provided by The Joffrey Ballet© Cheryl Mann 2025

“Carmen,” starring choreography by Liam Scarlett, continues to Sept. 28 at The Lyric Opera House in Chicago. Scarlett is also the choreographer of the acclaimed ballet “Frankenstein.”

The story of “Carmen” revolves around a seductive gypsy named Carmen, who causes mayhem in the life of soldier Don Jose, leading to a complicated love triangle, destructive relationships and tragedy.

With the Joffrey Ballet at the helm of this story, this theatrical production soars with skillful and dynamic dance moves. The musical score by Georges Bizet shines as well.

“Carmen” originally had its debut in 2015 by the Norwegian National Ballet.

Starring as Carmen in the Joffrey’s opening night production was Victoria Jaiani, who offered a passionate, sultry and engaging performance. Dancers Alberto Velazquez as Don Jose and Dylan Gutierrez, as the bullfighter Escamillo, proved powerful in their roles as they executed energetic leaps, turns and other dynamic dance moves.

Kudos to the entire troupe for its terrific performance throughout the full-length ballet. The Joffrey Ballet never fails to draw audiences in with their adept performances.

FYI: “Carmen,” by The Joffrey Ballet, continues to Sept. 28 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit joffrey.org.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

Top photo: Victoria Jaiani stars in The Joffrey Ballet’s “Carmen.” Photo by Cheryl Mann.

By Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez.

Through the years’ The Joffrey Ballet has always offered dance fans works to enjoy, themes to think about and simply beautiful execution to marvel at.

Such is the case with the troupe’s newest program, “Golden Hour.”

“Golden Hour,” which continues to March 2, is being presented at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The program “Golden Hour” offers an engaging mixed repertoire blending works that stand out for their blend of beautiful choreography, dramatic movement and plenty of humor at times.

The dancers in the company prove skilled artists in whatever work they tackle.

In “Golden Hour,” the Joffrey shines in four works. Among the highlighted presentations is “Under The Trees Voices” with choreography by Nicolas Blanc. The piece, which features skilled and modern choreography, was created in memory of Blanc’s grandfather.

Showing the whimsical side of the Joffrey is the “Princess and the Pea,” starring choreography by Dani Rowe. It’s quite a humorous take on the fairy tale that showcases the company’s dancers’ sharp acting talents.