Victoria Jaenson’s journey in dance is a captivating narrative of global artistry, tracing steps from Kampala, Uganda, to the vibrant dance scene of Memphis. Her dedication and talent have led her to the prestigious Collage Dance Collective, where she is currently in her second season, enriching the Memphis arts community with her exceptional skills and international perspective.
Early Training and Development
Jaenson’s formal dance education commenced at the young age of seven at the Brattleboro School of Dance in Vermont, laying a strong foundation in classical techniques. Recognizing her burgeoning talent, she further honed her skills at the esteemed Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia under the guidance of Stephanie and Bo Spassoff. This rigorous training provided her with the technical prowess and discipline essential for a professional ballet career. She also spent a formative year at The Hartt School at University of Hartford under Stephen Pier in 2017, further diversifying her dance perspective.
Professional Career and Notable Performances
Her professional journey began with Charlotte Ballet II, where she spent two seasons under the artistic direction of Hope Muir. During her time there, she showcased her versatility and range in excerpts from notable choreographic works, including Alonzo King’s Map, Medhi Walerski’s Petit Cérémonie, and classical pieces from Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker, Peter Pan, Christian Spuck’s Leonce and Lena, and Matthew Hart’s Sleeping Beauty. These experiences provided her with invaluable stage presence and exposure to diverse choreographic styles.
In January 2020, Jaenson’s talent was further recognized when she secured 2nd Place in the Senior Classical Division at the Ballet Beyond Borders dance festival in Missoula, Montana. This accolade underscored her technical proficiency and artistry on a competitive platform. Her performance engagements extended beyond ballet, including a summer in 2021 with Des Moines Metro Opera, where she danced in productions of Platée and Queen of Spades, demonstrating her adaptability across different performance genres. Prior to joining Collage Dance Collective in Memphis, Victoria danced with Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford, CT, for two seasons (2021-2023) under Stephanie Dattellas.
At Ballet Theatre Company, she expanded her repertoire, embodying leading roles such as the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker and the lead in the Sapphire scene in Aladdin. She also performed Princess Florine in Bluebird pas from Marius Petipa’s Sleeping Beauty, and roles in Swan Lake pas de trois. Her contemporary dance experience includes soloist roles in Melanie Ramos’s Odyssey, Paul Mejia’s Serenade in A, Calvin Bittner’s Conspicuous Figures, Marguerite de Anguera’s Melodies, and Derek Brockington’s Pieces of a Legacy.
Beyond company engagements, Victoria has also guested with several notable companies including City Ballet of Boston, AMA Dance Theatre in Mystic, CT, and New England Ballet Theatre in Hartford, CT, broadening her performance experience and network within the dance community. She also collaborated with Dimensional Dance in Hartford, CT, under Ruth Lewis, taking on lead roles in Whole-Souled Women: The Story of Prudence Crandall and Sarah Harris, a powerful narrative about education for young Black girls in Connecticut (Spring 2022), and as Ruth in The Story of Ruth (Summer 2023). These roles highlight her commitment to using dance to tell meaningful stories and engage with important social themes.
Collage Dance Collective: A Memphis Chapter
Currently in her second season with Collage Dance Collective in Memphis, Victoria Jaenson continues to contribute her artistry and passion to a company known for its commitment to diversity and excellence in ballet. Collage Dance Collective enriches the cultural landscape of Memphis, and Victoria is an integral part of this mission, bringing her global experience and refined technique to the Memphis stage. Her presence at Collage Dance Collective further solidifies her position as a dynamic and versatile dancer in the contemporary ballet world, and highlights the vibrant and growing dance scene in Memphis.
Victoria Jaenson’s journey is a testament to her dedication and talent, taking her from Uganda to Vermont, and now to Memphis with Collage Dance Collective. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring dancers and a valuable addition to the thriving arts community in Memphis.
