In residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director Irma Suárez Ruíz, Associate Artistic Director
Special Family Holiday Concert Concierto Familiar Thursday, December 16, 2010
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium Spain in America Honorary Chairpersons
The Honorable Richard M. Daley Mayor, City of Chicago
The Honorable Ambassador Javier Ruperéz Consul General of Spain
Sharon K. Hahs President, Northeastern Illinois University
Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg President Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University
Company Dancers Irma Suárez Ruíz, First Dancer, Sara Samuels, Principal Dancer, Alejandra Ferrer, Claudia Pizarro, Crystal Ruiz, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano, Monica Saucedo, Yu-Ling Hu, Leticia Aravena, Evelyn Sánchez, Apprentice, Carolyn Bernal, Company Understudy Jorge Pérez, First Dancer, José Torres, Principal Dancer, Israel Sánchez, Juan Castellón, Sean Arana, Omar Roman, Apprentice
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Senior Division Luis Beltran, Heather Billings, Anais Cotillas, Frida Medina, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Argelia Solis, Leonard Pérez, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos Grade School Division Teodoro Bartels, Brandon Alvarado-Chavez, Edrass Alvarado-Chavez, Mario Alvarado-Chavez, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Laila Galecki, Eliza S. McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon
Anna Czajun
Irma Suárez Ruíz
Jorge Pérez
Ballet Mistress Company Production Asst.
Associate Artistic Director Rehearsal Mistress
Rehearsal Master
Sandy Nowarita
Elias Morales
Pilates/Yoga Instructor
Technical Director & Stage Manager Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 1
N O T E F R O M T H E A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R Queridos Amigos / Dear Friends: ¡Bienvenidos y Gracias! Welcome and thank you all for being here with us to celebrate this evening’s Special Family Holiday concert, “Concierto Familiar”. It is my honor, along with the Executive Board of Directors, to officially present both Irma Suarez Ruiz as our new Associate Artistic Director and Jorge Pérez as the newly appointed Executive Director. Their artistry, passion, professionalism, and dedication have been my blessings all these years. Irma began as an apprentice back in 1979 after viewing one of our Tales of Spain concerts while Jorge began as my office student aide in 1984 auditioning for the company the following season. My heart felt gratitude to them both for their loving dedication to the company and our legacies. ¡Gracias! Thank you to all of the incredible dancers and teachers of our Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company. We simply would not be celebrating 35 years if it were not for your loyal dedication, artistry and hard work. I look forward to sharing and presenting your artistry to many more audiences throughout our city, state, nation and world. Ole! A special thank you to our wonderful staff, Giuseppa DiCesare, Manager of Operations, Julia Hinojosa, Residency Program Coordinator, and Brenda Rodriguez, Abigail Villalpando & Elena Bezman, Administrative Assistants, all of whom work tirelessly around the clock to make all of our Ensemble Español programs a true success. ¡Gracias! It is an honor to once again perform in this beautiful auditorium of our in resident Northeastern Illinois University. I wish to acknowledge all of the dancers, staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and sponsors who have been a part of the Ensemble Español over the past 35 years and have contributed to making this Company and Center the “International Jewel” that it is. ¡Muchisimas Gracias! And now, we travel to España, Spain in America. Please enjoy this concert. ¡Que lo disfruten! Con cariño,
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2 010 H I G H L I G H T S 2010 HIGHLIGHTS of the company’s work this past year include: • Serving over 40,000 youth and adults in the greater Chicago area • Welcoming 8 new members to the Ensemble Espanol Youth Company, with one year scholarships valued at $10,000 • Mid-Atlantic Tour to five cities in Pennsylvania, New York and Boston • Helped raise over $270,000 for Dance For Life / HIV Clinics & Programs in Chicago • Jorge Perez was appointed the new Executive Director • Irma Suarez Ruiz was appointed the new Associate Artistic Director • Over 75 million television viewers and over 400,000 spectators watched the Ensemble Español during the McDonalds 76th Anniversary Thanksgiving Parade on State street in Chicago on November 25th, 2010 • Performed at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Thanks4Giving concert at the Harris Theater on November 27th, 2010 • The 35th annual International American Spanish Dance & Music Festival will be presented beginning June 15th and conclude with gala concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on June 24, 25, and 26, 2011
MISSION The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, under the Artistic leadership of Founder Dame Libby Komaiko & Associate Artistic Director, Irma Suaréz Ruiz, is the premier Spanish Dance Company & Center in the United States to have In Residence status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Ensemble Español is a not for profit Arts and Education corporation. The company’s mission is the preservation, presentation and promotion of the classical, folkloric, flamenco and contemporary traditions of Spain which includes the exploration of the country’s history and identifies its influence on Latin American art and heritage as living sources of cultural pride and education. Dame Libby, Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance program at Northeastern Illinois University is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company and the founder and originator of the first and complete academic program for Spanish dance in America.
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PROGR A M
Act 1 Escencia de España La Era Romántica Portraying the Romantic period, this work is created to the music of La Zarzuela (Spain’s light opera). Choreography (1989): Dame Libby Komaiko Music: Manuel de Falla (1860-1909), “Fanfare Sobre el Nombre” Pablo Sorazabal (1807-1988) “Los Burladores” (excerpt) Zarzuela 1948 Amaden Vives (1871-1932) “La Doña Francisquita” Costume design: Freddie Rocha Dancers: Company
En La Alhambra, Serenata Set to the music of the 19th century classical Spanish composer, Tomás Bretón, En La Alhambra, Serenata depicts the beautiful palace of Granada in Andalucia, surrounded by gardens, fountains, and streams. This legendary castle and gardens is the product of the Moorish and Christian cultures of 14th – 16th centuries. Choreography (1975) (Revival 2009): Nana Lorca Staging: Dame Libby Komaiko Music: Tomás Bretón Costume: From the collection of Lola Montes Dancer: Irma Suaréz Ruiz, First Dancer
Danza del Fuego The Danza del Fuego (Dance of Fire) is from La Zarzuela (Spain’s light opera) “Ben Amor”. This romantic 20th century dance combines two styles, Ballet Español and Flamenco. It portrays the mysterious moods and great eastern influence of the Moors in Spain during their 900 year rule. Choreography: (1979) Dame Libby Komaiko Costume Design: Ann Rossi Dancers: Company
La Boda de Luis Alonso Truly in the classical style, this dance from popular Spanish zarzuela (Spain’s light opera) depicts the elegance of the late nineteenth century. In 1979 Edo created this work for Dame Libby Komaiko as a solo. She set the castanets to the master’s choreography and danced it with great success and acclaim, including performances with the Evanston Symphony, Skokie Valley Symphony, and the Detroit Symphony. With great pride and joy, Dame Libby passes this beloved Spanish jewel to First Dancer Jorge Perez, Principal Dancer Sarah Samuels and the Ensemble Español. Choreography (1979): Edo Music: Geronimo Gimenez (1854-1923) from the zarzuela “La Boda de Luis Alonso o La Noche del Encierro” (1896) Costume Design: Paco Alonso Dancers: Jorge Perez, Sara Samuels and the Ensemble Español
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P R O G R A M ( c o n t .)
Suite Regional Tribute to Juanjo Linares- September 6, 1933 -November 15, 2009. Maestro Juanjo created twenty five works for the full company from 1984 through 2000. As Spain’s foremost authority on folklore, Juanjo’s detail to the style, customs and celebration of the people of each region in Spain made him the legendary master on this art form. Tonight the Ensemble Español honors his legacy by presenting excerpts from the regions of Galicia, Extremadura, Valencia, Basque, and the Canary Islands. Special thank you to Irma Suarez Ruiz & Jorge Pérez, for their work on this special revival. They have both performed and been a part of Juanjo’s works with the Ensemble Español since his first residency to Northeastern Illinois University in 1984. 1.) Extremeño from Extremadura Dancers; Leticia Aravena, Juan Castellon, Carolyn Bernal 2.) Jota de Tres from Madrid Dancers: Crystal Ruiz, Jose Torres, Evelyn Sanchez 3.) Embrujada from Galicia Dancers: Alejandra Ferrer & Sean Arana 4.) Costumbres Valenciana from Valencia Dancers: Julia Hinojosa & Israel Sanchez 5.) Isa Canaria from the Canary Islands Dancers: Ensemble Español Youth Company 6.) Danzas Vascas from the Basque Country Dancers: Company 7.) Viva Galicia Dancers: Ensemble Español Youth Company Choreography (1984-2000): Juanjo Linares / Viva Galicia Choreography: Section 1: Dame Libby Komaiko Section 2: Nana Lorca Music: Traditional; Fernando Arias, Milladoiro, M. Padilla, Ginet, Guidi & Caserio Costume Design: Juanjo Linares & Nana Lorca
Photo: Milwaukee Rep
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P R O G R A M ( c o n t .)
Act II Flamenco Passion Zapateado (Dance of the Shoes) A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fields on horseback. Choreography Section 1 (1976): Dame Libby Komaiko Section 2 (1992) Paco Alonso Costume Design & Construction: Paco Alonso & Dolores Decano Dancers: Company
Aires de Huelva (Fandangos) Choreography: (1976) Nana Lorca Music: Sevilla, Worldscapes Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Paco Alonso, Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume Construction: Paco Alonso Dancers: Youth Company
Antes del Amancer (Before Dawn) (Alegrias de Cadiz) Music: Ginesa Ortega Choreography & Costume Design(2009): Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume Construction: Luz Creations Dancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez,Claudia Pizarro, Jose Torres, Crystal Ruiz, Juan Castellon
Feria de Sevilla Sevillanas-one of the national dances of Spain. Choreography & music -traditional (1976): Staging: Dame Libby Komaiko Costumes: Leo’s Dance Wear Dancers: Youth Company
No Me Olvides (Do Not Forget Me) Choreography & Costume Design (2008): Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume Construction: Luz Creations Dancers: Company
Fiesta Flamenca (Vente Pa Cai) (Tangos) Choreography (2004): Irma Suarez Ruiz Music: J. Rodán Morales Dancers: Full company
FIN 6 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
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DA M E L I B B Y K O M A I K O DAME LIBBY KOMAIKO Founder & Artistic Director, The Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music For over half a century Dame Libby’s innovative, unique and visionary career has encompassed art, education and culture. Her passionate pioneering creations are respected and hailed throughout the Americas and internationally. In 1983 she became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain’s highest honor, the “Lazo de Dama de Isabel la Católica” by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, for her superlative work in spreading the cultural and artistic values of Spain throughout the U.S. Dame Libby began her dance training and performance in classical ballet and character dance as a young child with Elisa Stigler at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. As a teen, she studied and performed Jazz, Modern and Musical Theater with Gus Giordano. At the age of 18, she was discovered by the legendary José Greco and given the opportunity to learn and perform with his world famous Spanish Dance Company. Her beloved journey into the Spanish dance world also led her to the company of Lola Montes. Dame Libby’s career also includes musical theater, opera, television, film and orchestra, including guest performances with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, the Detroit Symphony, the Evanston and Skokie Valley Symphonies, and repeated performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with the Ensemble Español. She has been the choreographer and coach for several Chamber Opera Chicago performances. She has studied in Spain and the United States with Elisa Stigler, Gus Giordano, Maria Alba, Nana Lorca, Lola Montes, José Greco, Edo, Manolo Vargas, Paul Haakon, María Magdalena, Pedro Azorin, Ciro, Pacita Tomas, and Roberto Lorca, with whom she partnered for several years. In 1975 she created and founded the Ensemble Español, the premier Spanish Dance Center and Company in the United States to have “In Residence” status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Today, what began with a company of seven, is now a full company of 40 dancers and musicians. She has choreographed the majority of the company’s extensive 125 plus choreographic roster and has produced their major international Flamenco ballets and dramas, folkloric suites and classic modern interpretations with guest artists from Spain and the Americas: Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, William Carter, Manolete, Paco Alonso and Juanjo Linares. A Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance at Northeastern Illinois University, where the Ensemble Español has been in residence for 35 years, she has created, developed, directs and teaches alongside instructor/demonstrator and associate artistic Irma Suarez Ruiz. the first complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music. 8 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
C O M PA N Y B I O G R A P H I E S IRMA SUAREZ RUÍZ, Associate Artistic Director, First Dancer, Rehearsal Mistress, Teacher, Choreographer, Director of Education and Community Outreach, was born in Chicago, then moved to Mexico City to live with her family there for five years. Her formal dance training in classical ballet and Spanish dance began with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1979. She graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) in April 1983 with a B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literature and a minor in Dance. In 2006 Irma joined the dance faculty of NEIU teaching Spanish dance in the department of Music/Dance. Irma is married to Antonio Ruiz and the proud mother of Crystal, Tiffany, Brandon, Tyler, and Collin. JORGE PÉREZ, First Dancer, Assistant to the Directors, Rehearsal Master, Teacher, Choreographer, Administrative Director, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began his formal study of Spanish dance with Dame Libby Komaiko in1985 after receiving a scholarship apprenticeship, and promoted to company dancer in 1986. Jorge is a graduate of NEIU with a B.A. in Speech Communication/Performing Arts and a minor in Dance. On October 16, 2004, Jorge Pérez and Irma Suarez Ruiz were honored with the Twentieth Anniversary Award from the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society. His accomplishments are listed in Who’s Who among Hispanic Americans, Who’s Who among Business Leaders of America and Who’s Who in Dance.
SARA SAMUELS, Principal Dancer, Teacher, Assistant Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company, a native of Chicago, began ballet training at the age of 6 with Lilette Rohe of the Lilette Rohe School of Ballet in Evanston. Sara received an NEIU Talent dance scholarship from the dance program of the music department at NEIU. She began her Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko in January of 1991. Sara toured with the company to Puerto Rico in 1994 as production assistant. In September of that year she was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T. and became a Full Company Dancer in September 1996. Sara is on the faculty of the E.E.S.D.T. Flamenco dance workshops for the community, and NEIU’s Summer Transitional Program. She is also the Assistant Artistic Director of the E.E.S.D. Youth Company. ALEJANDRA FERRER, Company Dancer, was born in Puerto Natales, Chile. She began her formal dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko in the fall of 1989. Alejandra received an NEIU Talent scholarship from the department of music & the dance program at Northeastern Illinois University. She was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T. in January 1991 and in July 1992 was promoted to Full Company Dancer. Alejandra received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from NEIU in 1995 and went on to teach at the Frederick Funston School. She recently completed her Masters degree from National Louis University in Curriculum and Instruction and achieved National Boards Certification in Special Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 9
C O M PA N Y B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Education. Alejandra and her husband Bonar, are the proud parents of Sofia Lola and Diego. JOSÉ TORRES, Principal Dancer, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, began his formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a member of the “All-City Jr. Ensemble Español” at the age of sixteen in 1995. In 1997 he was promoted to the professional company and in 2002 was promoted to Principal Dancer. José has taught Spanish Dance for the E.E.S.D.T. community outreach and education programs. Through NEIU’s Enlace program Jose Torres taught Flamenco at Casals Elementary School in Humboldt Park for the Family Focus after school program. Jose traveled to Australia in 2007 & 2008 on the invitation of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company as a guest performer, choreographer, and teacher to rave reviews. ISRAEL SANCHEZ, native of Chicago, began his dance training with Ballet Isleño Puertorriqueño at the age of 12 while living in Puerto Rico in 1979. In 1989 he transferred to Northeastern Illinois University to complete his degree in Speech and Performing Arts with a minor in Dance, graduating in December 1993. While attending NEIU, he began his Spanish dance study with Dame Libby Komaiko and the E.E.S.D.T. He became a company dancer with in 1994. In 2004, Northeastern Illinois University presented the Excellence in Fine Arts award to Israel. Partnering with Sara Samuels, Israel taught at the Joyce Kilmer School for the Ensemble’s 2008 special April outreach program, funded by the Illinois Arts Council. 10 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
CLAUDIA PIZARRO was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. At the age of twelve she moved to Chicago with her family. She was introduced and began studying Flamenco in 2002 while attending the Summer Transition Program of Northeastern Illinois University. In the Fall of 2002 she began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In January of 2003 she was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T., and in January of 2004 was promoted to Full Company Dancer. Claudia graduated in the spring of 2008 from NEIU with a major in Finance. CRYSTAL RUIZ, of Mexican-Puerto Rican descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She is the daughter of Irma Suarez Ruiz, the company’s Associate Artistic Director. She began her formal dance training as a small child with Dame Libby Komaiko, and first performed at the age of four with the E.E.S.D.T. She has studied in Spain at the Amor de Dios Flamenco Dance Academy with Candela Soto. In 2002, Crystal was promoted to Apprentice after dancing with the All City “Jr” Ensemble Español since 1997. In 2003 she was promoted to Company Dancer. Crystal is a graduate from Northwestern University. JULIA HINOJOSA, of Mexican-Puerto Rican descent, is a native of Chicago. She began her Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko in the Fall of 2000. In May 2004, Julia graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree
C O M PA N Y B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) in English and a Dance minor. She is currently an intern with the Ensemble Espanol serving as Residency Program Arts Coordinator working on her masters degree in Arts Management from Columbia College. Julia is also currently working as an instructor with the NEIU Community Children’s Dance program and on the faculty of the Ensemble Español’s community dance workshops. OLIVIA SERRANO, of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, was born and raised in Chicago. Olivia began taking dance classes at the age of ten at the Chicago Park District studying ballet, modern, and jazz dance for six years. In 2003, she auditioned for the All City “Jr” Ensemble Español and began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In 2004, Olivia was promoted to Apprentice and in 2005 was promoted to full company dancer. Olivia is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently working on pre-requisite courses for Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
2005, she became a full company dancer. She is continuing to pursue majors in Secondary Education and Mathematics at NEIU. She is a Dance Minor in the Dance Program of the Department of Music, the recipient of the Dance Talent Scholarship Waiver and recipient of the Brommel-KomaikoPérez scholarship. JUAN CASTELLON, was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States in 1995. As a student at the College of Lake County he majored in Communications with a minor in Dance. In 2003 he was the winner of the modeling competition “Mr. Vision” in Waukegan. Juan began his formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby in February 2005 after receiving a full scholarship/apprenticeship to the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. Juan is also a scholarship student in the Dance program at Northeastern Illinois University. In 2006, Juan was promoted to full Company dancer.
YU-LING HU, was born and raised MONICA SAUCEDO, in Taiwan. She began of Mexican-Ukrainian learning Chinese descent, was born dance and ballet at and raised in Chicago. the age of eight. In She began dancing 2006 Yu-Ling came with the Nobleza to Chicago to pursue her graduate Azteca Mexican study in Dance Movement Therapy at Folkloric Dance Group at the age of five Columbia College. While in Chicago at her elementary school, Kanoon she immediately began taking Magnet. Monica began her formal Flamenco dance classes with Irma dance training with Dame Libby Suarez Ruiz via the Ensemble’s Komaiko at age eleven in the spring of community workshops. In January 1999. In the Winter of 2001, Monica of 2007 Yu-Ling auditioned for the was given a scholarship to the All City company where she was awarded an “Jr” Ensemble Español. In the spring of Apprenticeship/Scholarship to the 2004, Monica was promoted to company and in January of 2008 was understudy status with the E.E.S.D.T. In promoted to full company dancer. January 2005 she became an apprentice to the company. In July Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 11
C O M PA N Y B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) LETICIA SUSANA ARAVENA, was born in Cordoba, Argentina. She began her dance training in Argentina at the age of eight with the Escuela Integral de la Danza. At age eleven she moved to the United States with her family. She began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko in 2006. She is a student at NEIU, where she is a dance minor on scholarship. She is currently working as an assistant ballet instructor with the NEIU Community Children’s Dance program. Leticia is majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance and was the recipient of the Brommel-KomaikoPérez scholarship last season. SEAN ARANA, of Guatemalan decent was born in Chicago. He completed his major in Secondary Education and in Spanish with a Dance minor at NEIU. Sean began his formal Spanish dance training in 2005 with Dame Libby Komaiko and the Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music. In 2006 he auditioned for the Ensemble Español and was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship. In 2009 he was promoted to full company dancer. Sean is the current recipient of the BrommelKomaiko-Pérez scholarship.
selected to tour with the Ensemble Español to Poland. Evelyn is pursuing a BA in Dance Teaching from the Dance Center of Columbia College. OMAR ROMAN, Apprentice of Mexican descent was born and raised in Chicago. He began studying ballroom dancing at the age of 17 at his community YMCA. In the spring of 2008 he began his formal Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko. In 2009 he was awarded a Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) dance scholarship from the Music department & the Dance program studying ballet and Jazz with Rachel Burton and Dr. Venetia Stifler. In June 2009 and 2010 he performed with the EESDT for the American Spanish Dance Festival Gala Concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. He is currently attending Northeastern Illinois University completing his major in French and minor in dance.
CAROLYN BERNAL, Understudy, of Mexican- Guatemalan descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She is currently working on her BA in Communications and Media at NEIU. In 2001 she was introduced to Flamenco by Michelle Nascimento. In 2004 she EVELYN SANCHEZ, auditioned for and received her first Apprentice of scholarship with the Ensemble Español Guatemalan decent, Spanish Dance Youth Company where was born in Skokie she began her formal Spanish dance and raised in Chicago. training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In She began her dance 2006 she was promoted to Understudy training at the age of with the professional company and in eight in 1999 at U Dance Corporation. 2008 was selected to tour China. In 2003 she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a member of the E.E.S.D. Youth Company. In 2006 she was 12 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S E X E C U T I V E B OA R D Dr. Angelina Pedroso President
George Diaz Vice President
Professor of Foreign Languages & Literature Northeastern Illinois University
Illinois Department of Revenue
Judith Grubner Vice President
Raymond Irizarry Secretary
Attorney at Law Arnstein & Lehr LLP
Community Development Analyst, Officer Fifth Third Bank
OFFICERS Dame Libby Komaiko Founder & Artistic Director
Jorge Pérez Administrative Director
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Louis Altman Vice President Emeritus Legal Consul
A DV I S O R Y B OA R D
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Rita Moreno
Ana Gonzalez & Juan Mata
Pepe Vargas President International Latino Cultural Center
Founding Members National Ballet of Spain
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Lane Alexander
Jonathon Donado
Senator Iris Y. Martinez
Founder & Artistic Director Chicago Human Rhythm Project
President Applus Technologies
Annet Miranda
Bret Batterson Executive Director Auditorium Theatre
Frank Chaves Artistic Director River North Chicago Dance Company
Fifth Third Bank
Daniel Duell Artistic Director Ballet Chicago
Luisa Echevarria Community Relations Univision
Charlie Grode
Founder, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Lou Conte Dance Studio
Vice President Institute for Learning, Access and Training Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Vincent Cordero
Joel Hall
Vice President and General Manager Univision
Founder & Artistic Director Joel Hall Dancers & Center
Lou Conte
Carmela Greco Founder & Artistic Director Compañia Carmela Greco, Madrid
Gail Kalver Arts Management Consultant
Dolores Long Associate Director Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance
Suleyma Pérez Government Relations Northeastern Illinois University
Harriet Ross Former Managing Director Joffrey Ballet
Anita Salazar Dr.Venetia Stifler Founder & Artistic Director Concert Dance Inc.
Eduardo Vilaro Artistic Director Ballet Hispanico, N.Y.
Wei Yang President Northeastern Chinese Association
Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 13
E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L S TA F F A R T I S T I C S TA F F Founder and Artistic Director.............................................................................. Dame Libby Komaiko Associate Artistic Director/ Rehearsal Mistress....................................................... Irma Suarez Ruiz Rehearsal Master............................................................................................................................ Jorge Pérez Ballet Mistress / Production Assistant ..................................................................................Anna Czajun Pilates/Ballet Instructor ......................................................................................................Sandy Norawita Assistant Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company........................................................................... Sara Samuels Community Outreach Faculty...............................................................Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Sara Samuels, Jose Torres, Israel Sanchez, Julia Hinojosa, Leticia Aravena Technical Director Stage Manager ....................................................................................... Elias Morales
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N S TA F F Executive Director.......................................................................................................................... Jorge Pérez Manager of Operations.................................................................................................Giuseppa DiCesare Arts Education Program Coordinator................................................................................ Julia Hinojosa Administrative Assistants.................................................... Abigail Villalpando, Brenda Rodriguez, Elena Bezman
N O R T H E A S T E R N I L L I N O I S U N I V E R S I T Y S TA F F A D M I N I S T R AT I O N S TA F F President.............................................................................................................................. Dr. Sharon K. Hahs Provost................................................................................................................................Dr. Lawrence Frank Vice president/Finance and Administration..............................................................Mark Wilcockson Associate Vice President/ Financial and Administrative Affairs...................................................................................David Jonaitis Vice President/Institutional Advancement ................................................................ Carla Knorowski Administrative Assistant.......................................................................................................... Judy Cascone Administrative Assistant.........................................................................................................Evelyn Hanley Dean, Graduate College Director of international programs........................................................................... Dr. Janet Federicks Dean, College of Arts and Sciences........................................................................ Dr. Wamucii E Njogu Chair, Music Department and Dance Program..........................................................Dr. Shayne Cofer Assistant Vice President - Marketing and Public Relations........................................ Erica Krehbiel Assistant Director - Public Relations/ Community Listeners Program, Coordinator...................................................................Dana Navarro Public Information Specialist...............................................................................................Anna Cannova Director of Marketing.................................................................................................................... Julie Wight
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director, University Events....................................................................................................Kyle Burke-Dix Senior Events Administrator...........................................................................................Izabella Woronko Box Office................................................................................................................................ Alberto Cordero Director - Auxiliary and Support Services/Purchasing............................................. Robert B. Filipp TV and Video Services................................................................................................................ Jim Henning Auditorium................................................................................Bob Smith , Michael Mikrut, Tim Davis Audio Recording..............................................................................................................................Rick Martin Photography.....................................................................................................................................Joe L. Davis Graphics Design Manager..........................................................................................................Brian Harms Printing........................................................................................................................................Quartet Copies Website Designer..................................................................................................................Lee Rivadeneira 14 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
C O N T R I B U T I O N S / PA R T N E R S GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS & INDIVIDUALS PARTNERS Northeastern Illinois University International Latino Cultural Center Lupus Foundation of America, IL Chapter Galeria Gala Urban Gateways PLATINUM Univision Hispanic Serving Institute GOLD Consul General of Spain Fifth Third Bank Cherry Family Foundation Illinois Arts Council La Raza Hispanic Newspaper Chicago Latino Network Chicago City Arts Program After School Matters Columbia College Chicago Center for Community Arts Partnerships (CCAP) SILVER Arts Work Fund NIB Foundation BRONZE Albank The Saints Aronson Philanthropic Trust Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Jose Greco Foundation NEIU Foundation IN-KIND SERVICES & GIFTS Alverio Graphics Northeastern Illinois University Univision
International Latino Cultural Center Arte y Vida Chicago Latin Street Dancing Biltmore Alterations PATRON $1,000-$4,999 Dame Libby Komaiko Jorge Pérez CONTRIBUTORS $250-$999 Lou and Ellie Altman Shara Fata Anne Freter Carmela Greco Libby Komaiko Jorge Perez Marisel Salascruz Olga Turek HERITAGE CIRCLE $100 - $249 Co-Chairs Mrs. Maggie Daley Chicago Cultural Center Foundation Lois Weisberg Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, City of Chicago Cheryl Burack Cotillas Family Bertha de la Mata Hector Hernadez Raymond Irizarry Michelle Mouhelis Melissa Mouhelis Rosalyn O’Cherony Jorge Perez Suleyma Perez Mario R. Ponce Gregory Ragsdale Blanca Santiago Olga Turek Melody Vasquez Robert Van Riemsdyk Zelda Kolber Senior Program Fund Kaye and Leonor Acuña Richey
Charlotte Doyle Bernard Fulton John Logan Martin Madden Jorge Perez Andrea Saiet Jonathon Samuels Arnold and Lois Samuels AMIGO(A)/ FRIENDS OF THE ENSEMBLE $25-$99 Lou and Eleanor Altman Jayne de la Huerga George Diaz Alejandra Ferrer Dailey Judith Grubner Robert and Victoria Kaprelian Julia Hinojosa Raymond Irizarry Hannah Kaplan Maryellen Langhout Dolores Long Sherwin & Gertrude Marks Cindy Mitchell Dr. Angelina Pedroso Jorge Perez Elizabeth Silverstein Dr. Rita Simo and Tomas Bissonnette William Stein Ana Maria Vazquez Jeanette Vogel Oscar Zambrano ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL ENDOWMENT FOUNDING MEMBERS Co-Chairs Dr. Salme H. Steinberg President Emerita Northeastern Illinois University Dr. Bernard Brommel Professor of Communications Emerita Northeastern Illinois University
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DONORS Albany Bank and Trust Company Louis & Eleanor Altman Ms. Miriam Alvarez The Aronson Philanthropic Fund Mr. Carlo Basile & Las Guitarras de España Felix & Iris Bermudez Bernal Elias Family Mr. Harmon G. Berns Ms. Sophia W. Boccio Ms. Ruth K. Brackett Dr. Bernard J. Brommel Ms. Patricia Bueno California Recruiters. Com Inc. The Cherry Family Foundation Dr. Shayne Cofer Cotillas Family Scott Mateo Davies Mr. George Diaz Francisco & Celia Fonta Dr. Jeffrey I. Gaule & Elena Carbajal-Gaule Ms. Yalila Assria-Herrera Ms. Bertha de la Mata Ms. Helen de la Mata Ron de Jesus Debra & Darren Decker Mr. Jose and Ms. Tamara Dos Santos Mrs. Shara Fata & the International Foreign Language Immersion Program Ms. Alejandra FerrerDailey Flamenco Arts Center Dr. and Mrs. Battista J. Galassi Mr. Allen Garland
Mr. Mack C. Gaston Mrs. Judith A. Green Ms. Judith L. Grubner of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP Ms. Victoria A. Hathaway Dr. and Mrs. Robert Heinemann Ms. Lillian C. Heminover Mr. Eliezer Hildesaim Asad Husain, Ph.D. Mr. Leonard P. Iaquinta The Jose Greco Foundation for Hispanic Dance, Inc. Dame Libby Komaiko Mr. Lee Koonce Ed and Bonnie Koven Latin Street Dancing, Inc. Mr. James H. Leon Ms. Karen Lesmez Ms. Flora Llacuna Estela R. Lopez, Ph.D. Timo & Elena Lozano Elena & Benjamin Marsh Senator Iris Martinez Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez Medina Family Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago Ms. Susan E. Namest Anil Pandya Dr. Angelina Pedroso Mr. Jorge Pérez Mr. Nelson Pérez Ms. Suleyma Pérez Ms. Barbara Provus Ms. Jill M. Przewoznik Mr. Gregory F. Rehner Ms. Lenore & Mr. Herman Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Miguel A. Rivera Mr. Santos Rivera Freddie Rocha Carlos Angel Rodriguez Ms. Irma M. Ruiz Mr. Antonio Ruiz Dr. and Mrs. Arnold C. Samuels Sara Samuels & Diego Alonso Ms. Dilva E. Sanchez Mr. Israel Sanchez Ms. Blanca Santiago Schmidt-Ureña Family Ms. Michelle SchwammbergerNascimento Mr. Eddie Serna Serrano Family Dr. and Mrs. Allen N. Shub Sigma Lambda Gamma National Ms. Margo L. Smith Mr. William J. Stanke Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg Dr. Michael D. Steinberg Ms. Amy Stepanek John & Georgiana P. Stepanek Dr. Venetia Stifler Mr. Jose O. Torres Dr. Pepe Vargas and Mrs. Madeline RomanVargas & the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago Tanya & Robert Verdin Mr. Mark Wilcockson Mr. Alan R. Wilson
We are very grateful to all of our Founding Contributors of our Endowment, Heritage Circle, Patron, Amigo/Friend donors, contributors and the corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals who have helped to support the many programs of the Ensemble Español over the past thirty five years. ¡Gracias! Any omissions to this program are unintentional. Our sincere gratitude to everyone. Donations received December 1, 2009 to December 1, 2010 16 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre