The Joffrey Ballet’s Victoria Jaiani has many credits to her name, but performing in singer-songwriter Regina Spektor’s new music video was a first.
Jaiani dances alone through the long-shuttered Uptown Theatre as Spektor plays the piano and sings in the video for "Black and White," which was posted online Thursday.
"I certainly did enjoy dancing in the theater. It is absolutely glorious and I do hope one day it’s restored to its full glory," Jaiani said.
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Once a grand movie palace, the 91-year-old Uptown Theatre hasn’t hosted a public event since The J. Geils Band played there in December 1981.
Jam Productions partners Jerry Mickelson and Arny Granat formed a spinoff company to buy the theater out of bankruptcy for a reported $3.2 million in 2008, but renovation plans stalled. Mickelson said Friday he is working on raising funds for restoration, though he wouldn’t disclose his monetary goal.
"We’re moving forward and hope to announce something this year. Hopefully we’ll have the financing buttoned up," he said.
Mickelson said he allowed Spektor to film at the theater because "she’s a very gifted, talented artist. … special artist and a special theater."
Fabrice Calmels and Victoria Jaiani of the Joffrey Ballet in "RAkU."
Fabrice Calmels and Victoria Jaiani of the Joffrey Ballet in "RAkU."
Jaiani said she landed the gig via her godmother, who is friends with Spektor. There was no set choreography; her movements were inspired by the music as it was played. Jaiani said she’s received positive feedback since the video’s release.
"Everybody’s really, in my community, very excited that the ballet is being featured in a music video, and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments," Jaiani said.
The song is off Spektor’s "Remember Us to Life" album, released in the fall. She is set to perform March 24 at the Chicago Theatre as part of a tour in support of the album.
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