In residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director Irma Suárez Ruíz, Associate Artistic Director Honoring their fourth decade of Spanish Dance & Music in America
American Spanish Dance Festival 2010 June 16–27, 2010
Flamenco Passion Friday & Saturday, June 25 & 26 at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, June 28 at 3:00 p.m.
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie 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
Guest Artists Carmela Greco, Renowned Flamenco dancer & choreographer, daughter of the legendary José Greco, Madrid Cristian Lozano, Former soloist of the National Ballet of Spain, Madrid Paloma Gomez, Former principal of the National Ballet of Spain, Madrid Founder & Artistic Director of De Lunares Danza, Madrid Musicians Manuel Palacin, Flamenco singer, Madrid, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer & guitarist, Jaen, Spain / Miami Antonio Gabarri Jiménez, Flamenco guitarist, Madrid, David Chiriboga, Flamenco guitarist, Chicago, Chiara Mangiameli, Flamenco singer, Chicago, Kassandra Kocoshis, Percussionist, Chicago; Brian Torosian, Classical guitarist, Lyon Leifer, Flutist, Zoran Stoyanovich, Violinist
Company Dancers Irma Suárez Ruíz, First Dancer, Jorge Pérez, First Dancer Sara Samuels, Principal Dancer, José Torres, Principal Dancer Alejandra Ferrer Dailey, Israel Sánchez, Claudia Pizarro, Crystal Ruiz, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano, Monica Saucedo, Juan Castellón, Yu-Ling Hu, Leticia Aravena, Sean Arana, Evelyn Sanchez, Apprentice, Carolyn Bernal, Understudy, Omar Roman, Apprentice, José Luis Velazquez, Scholarship Dancer
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Luis Beltran, Heather Billings, Anais Cotillas, Frida Medina, Leonard Perez, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura Senior Division Mario Alvarado-Chavez, Eliza McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon Junior Division Anna Czajun
Irma Suárez Ruíz
Jorge Pérez
Ballet Mistress Company Production Asst.
Associate Artistic Director Rehearsal Mistress
Rehearsal Master
Sandy Nowarita
Margaret Nelson
Pilates/Yoga Instructor
Technical Director/ Lighting Designer
Jeremiah Bishoff
Kevin Peterson
Stage Manager
Flamenco Scenic Artist & Scenic Design Ensemble Español 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. Thank you for joining us for this 34th Anniversary Flamenco Passion Gala Concert of the American Spanish Dance Festival. Tonight our company of 40 dancers, musicians and international guest artists is dedicated to enriching your evening, sharing your passions, and embracing all that is Spain in America. Welcome and gracias to all of our founding Advisory Board Council, and to our University President, Dr. Sharon Hahs of Northeastern Illinois University, where the Ensemble Español has been in residence since its inception 34 years ago. We are honored to return to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie in collaboration with our partner, the Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter, whose work continues to inspire my efforts to bring further awareness for this cause. Gracias, thank you to our wonderful guest artists for sharing your artistry with us: Carmela Greco, Cristian Lozano, Paloma Gomez, Paco Fonta, Antonio Gabarri Jiménez, David Chiriboga, Chiara Mangiameli, Kassandra Kocoshis, Brian Torosian, Lyon Leifer and Zoran Stoyanovich. Thank you for your beautiful concert performances, choreography, teaching and class accompanists on our Festival’s faculty. My personal thank you to Irma Suarez Ruiz and Jorge Pérez, First Dancers and all of the dancers whose extraordinary accomplishments this past season include, touring, artistic collaborations and educational outreach programs serving over 30,000 students in our communities as teachers and performers partly through Northeastern Illinois University’s Hispanic Serving Institute Title V grant –¡Gracias and Felicidades! Thank you to all of our wonderful passionate friends, donors, sponsors and partners, including dear friend, Ensemble Español supporter and NEIU alumni, Senator Iris Martinez. We simply would not be celebrating 34 years if it were not for the support of our loyal audiences, students, donors and sponsors. Throughout our history, the Ensemble Español has awarded over 2,600 scholarships, trained over 160 youth dancers and over 90 young apprentices to become professionals in the Ensemble Español. All of our dancers began on a scholarship. The Ensemble Español’s impact is truly life changing. Please join us in keeping our future bright for our current dancers. Contribute today and join our Heritage Circle. Your tax deductible donation and membership to the Heritage Circle will help support the dancers, teachers, concerts, festival, youth company, scholarship/apprenticeship and community outreach programs. Every dollar makes a difference. We will be honored to publish your name in our upcoming programs and to send you a special gift for your generosity this evening. There are envelopes on the hospitality table in the main floor lobby.
And now, travel with us to España ¡Ole!
Please enjoy this concert. ¡Que lo disfruten! Con cariño,
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F L A M E N C O PA S S I O N G A L A C O N C E R T P R O G R A M
Act 1 Esencia de España Suite Regional Tribute to Juanjo Linares September 6, 1933 - November 15, 2009 Maestro Juanjo created twenty-five works for the full company beginning in 1984 through 2000. As Spain’s foremost authority on folklore, Juanjo’s brilliant 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. My special thank you and gratitude to Irma Suarez Ruiz and Jorge Pérez, First Dancers, for their loving work on this special tribute. They have both performed and been a part of Juanjo’s works with the Ensemble Español since his first residency in Chicago in February of 1984. 1.) Extremeño from Extremadura Dancers; Leticia Aravena, Juan Castellon, Carolyn Bernal 2.) Jota de Tres from Madrid Dancers: Crystal Ruiz, José Torres, Evelyn Sanchez 3.) Embrujada from Galicia Dancers: Alejandra Ferrer Dailey & Sean Arana 4.) Costumbres Valenciana from Valencia Dancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz & Jorge Perez (Saturday) Julia Hinojosa & Israel Sanchez (Friday & Sunday) 5.) Isa Canaria from the Canary Islands Dancers: Ensemble Español Youth Company 6.) Danzas Vascas from the Basque Country Dancers: Company Choreography (1984-2000): Juanjo Linares Music: Traditional; Fernando Arias, Milladoiro, M. Padilla, Ginet, Guidi & Caserio Costume Design: Juanjo Linares ~ Dancers: Full Company
El Albaicin (Premiered at the 2007 American Spanish Dance Festival) Choreography (2007): Paloma Gomez, Guest Artist Music: Isaác Albéniz (1860-1909) Suite Iberia: #3 Dancers & Costume Design: Paloma Gomez & Cristian Lozano, Guest Artists
Encuentros (Encounters) World Premiere This contemporary Flamenco dance drama, created for 15 dancers of the Ensemble Español, infuses the music and rhythms of Japanese composer Yasunori Mitsuda with musical arrangements by Spanish musician, José Maria Rojo. Set in two sections, “Encuentros” displays the journey of men and women searching for a common path in love, life and passion. Choreogaphy & Costume Design: Paloma Gomez, Guest Artist Music: Yasunori Mitsuda & José Maria Rojo Costume Construction: Luz Creations & John Lopez Dancers: Company This evening’s production of “Encuentros” is made possible by a grant from The Saints, Ministerio de Cultura Española and Albany Bank. 4 Ensemble Español
F L A M E N C O PA S S I O N G A L A C O N C E R T P R O G R A M ( C O N T .)
La Vida Breve (The Brief Life) This one-act lyric dramatic opera premiered in 1913, Nice, France. Music: Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), Danza #1, “La Vida Breve” Arranged by: Brian Torosian for Dame Libby Komaiko who has performed this famous work as a castanet soloist with various orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2004. Musicians: Brian Torosian, Classical Guitarist; Lyon Leifer, Flutist; Zoran Stoyanovich, Violinist; Dame Libby Komaiko, Castanets
Solo Para Ti (Only For You) World Premiere The joy and happiness of Flamenco’s important and popular song from the southwestern seacoast province of Cadíz, is one of the oldest gypsy dances and most difficult to interpret in character and style. Choreography, Dancer & Costume Designer: Irma Suárez Ruiz Music: Manuel Palacin, Paco Fonta, Antonio Jimenez, David Chiriboga, Kassandra Kocoshis
Ecos De España The inexhaustible vitality and distinctly individual qualities of Spanish folk music, its rhythms and colors have fascinated composers in Europe and worldwide throughout the 20th century. Inspired by paintings from Francisco de Goya’s “Black Period” and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s musical creations, this dramatic work combines images of Spain’s beloved artist, Francisco de Goya’s “Black Period” paintings. Ecos de España has also been an audience favorite, performed with symphony orchestras, including the Evanston Symphony, the Skokie Valley Symphony, the Southwest Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Choreography (1983): Dame Libby Komaiko Choreographic Collaboration: Edo Sie (Fandango Asturiano) Music: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908), Caprichio Español, Op. 34 (1887), Scene y Cante Gitano (4th Movement) and Fandango Asturiano (Jota) (5th Movement). Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Christine Fransen Dancers: Company
15-minute Intermission
Act II Pasión Flamenca / Flamenco Passion Zapateado A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fields on horseback Dance of the Shoes. Choreography Section One (1976): Dame Libby Komaiko Choreography Section Two (1992): Paco Alonso Costume Design & Construction: Paco Alonso & Dolores Decano Dancers: Company
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F L A M E N C O PA S S I O N G A L A C O N C E R T P R O G R A M ( C O N T .)
Zorongo Gitano U.S. Premiere The Zorongo Gitano music, written and recorded in 1931 by Federico Garcia Lorca, one of Spain’s greatest poets, dramatists and theatre directors, was originally accompanied by La Argentinita. In this creation, the choreographers display the poet’s words of love and desire to the contrapositions of darkness and death. Choreography, Dancers & Costume Designers: Paloma Gomez & Cristian Lozano, Guest Artists Costume Construction: Luz Creations
Anhelo Del Alma (Longing of the Soul) World Premiere With Moorish and Arabic origins, this song/dance in the Tientos & Tangos Flamenco styles derived from the Zambra and Caribbean influence in the 19th century through the province of Cadíz. It is in the Cantes Chico (light songs) & Cante Intermedio (intermediate songs) style in the compas (rhythm) of four. Choreography, Dancers & Costume Design (2010): Claudia Pizarro, Crystal Ruiz & Olivia Serrano Costume Construction: Luz Creations
Una Obra De Arte The Farruca is a rhythmical dance in the compas (rhythm) of four, traditionally danced by men. Choreography (1999/ Revised 2010): Jorge Peréz Choreographic Collaboration (1999): Joel Maisonet Costume Design: Jorge Perez Dancers: Jorge Pérez, José Torres, Israel Sanchez, Juan Castellon, Sean Arana
Cinco Tiempos Para Amar (Five Times To Love) World Premiere This Flamenco solo is set to the music and lyrics of the Martinete & Siguiriya, the saddest and most dramatic songs of Flamenco, with musical arrangement and composition by guest Flamenco guitarist, Antonio Gabarri Jiménez. Choreography & Dancer: Carmela Greco Costume Design: Inmaculada Ortega
Aires del Caribe The Flamenco Guajiras, in the compás (rhythm) of twelve, originated in Cuba from the Cuban folk traditions in the first half of the 20th century. The song, coplas and poetic compositions refer to Havana and its people, with themes of love and nostalgia. Choreography (1982) from the suite ‘Farolillos de la Feria’: Maria Alba Costume Design & Construction: Paco Alonso Dancers: Company
Estampa Choreographers (2000 & 2007): Dame Libby Komaiko, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Cristian Lozano Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Paco Alonso Dancers: Full Company & Guest Artists
Fin
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E N S E M B L E E S PAÑO L C E N T E R F O R S PA N I S H DA N C E & M U S I C The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is the premier Spanish dance company and center in the United States to have in-residence status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Ensemble is chartered to share the rich traditions of the dance, music, literature, and culture of Spain in the classical, folkloric and Flamenco styles, with all communities, and to be a center which encourages new artistic creativity within the framework of the Ibero-Hispanic experience. The company, founded in 1976 by Artistic Director Dame Libby Komaiko, is comprised of forty dancers, singers, and musicians representing a mosaic of cultures from around the world.
tors, social agencies, the professional arts world, journalists, and American and Hispanic world governments.
The Ensemble appears in a broad range of television, opera, film, and symphonic formats, including with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and works in cultural and educational arts programs developed with state, national, and international government agencies. The Ensemble Español has performed at every major theater and university in Chicago and Illinois, including the landmark legendary Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Harris Theater, Chicago Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre, DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts The Ensemble Español celebrates Spain and Symphony Center. The Ensemble has appeared throughout the United in America by presenting and promoting cultural pluralism at the community, States, the Midwest, Puerto Rico, Hawaii state, national, and international levels, and on four continents in the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia and at the annual American Spanish and most recently China following the Dance Festival administered by the summer Olympics. An extraordinary Ensemble. The company shares a rich repertoire of over 125 works (Spanish history and mission of commitment ballets, traditional folkloric suites and to inter-American and inter-Hispanic Flamenco dramas) by Dame Libby Koworld cultures. Within this these cultural contexts, the Ensemble represents maiko, Edo, Maria Alba, Victorio Korjhan, Roberto Lorca, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge classical, ethnic, folkloric, and contemPérez, and Spain’s legendary dancporary traditions as living sources of ers and choreographers; Juan Mata & cultural pride and education. Ana Gonzalez, founding members and former first dancers of the National BalDame Libby, professor of dance in the music department and dance program, let of Spain, Timo Lozano, Paco Alonso, is also the founder and originator of the Juanjo Linares, foaremost authority on folklore, and Flamenco masters first academic program and center for Manolete & Carmela Greco, exemplifies Spanish dance in America at Norththe Ensemble’s dedication to its cultural eastern Illinois University. Today, the Ensemble Español is praised by educa- and artistic mission.
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DA M E L I B B Y K O M A I K O Founder, Artistic Director, Choreographer The Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company and the American Spanish Dance Festival For over a half 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 worldfamous 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 8 Ensemble Español
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, Juanjo Linares and Carmela Greco. She is a sought-after teacher, choreographer, and master teacher throughout the community and nation. A Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance at Northeastern Illinois University, where the Ensemble Español has been in residence for 34 years, she has created, developed, directs and teaches the first complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music.
DA M E L I B B Y K O M A I K O ( C O N T .) The recipient of numerous awards including civic honors, national awards and choreography fellowships, she received the coveted Ruth Page Award in 2003 at the Ravinia Festival and the prestigious International Latino Cultural Center Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She is also on the roster of the Illinois Arts Council as a Master Teacher through the Arts-in-Education and Artists-in-residence programs. Dame Libby completed the filming of a video documentary, Ensemble Español: The First 20 years, 1976-1996 in 1998. On December 8, 2008, Dame Libby was honored with the
Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, Evanston Township High School. On October 30, she received the 2008 Outstanding Partnership Award from Mayor Richard M. Daley for her collaboration of Spanish dance, music and education with the Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Rogers Park with the Ensemble Español. She currently produced a CD of Spanish music and castanets, “Dama Libby and Friends”, which will benefit the Ensemble’s Youth Scholarship and Endowment Funds.
GUEST ARTISTS CARMELA GRECO, Guest Artist, Faculty, Dancer, Choreographer, Founder & Artistic Director of Compañia Carmela Greco, daughter of the legendary José Greco, is a worldrenowned Flamenco dancer and choreographer. Carmela began dancing at an early age in Madrid, Spain, studying all forms of Spanish dance. In 1972, she was selected on merit to dance in Ballet Antologia, precursor to the National Ballet of Spain. She went on to dance as prima ballerina in the company of Luisillo for three years, before founding her own company and touring throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Carmela has performed for the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, and the Duke of Edinburgh, and has danced in all the leading tablaos in Spain. Carmela has taught at the Amor de Dios dance school in Madrid since 1990. In 2005, Carmela formed Compañía Carmela Greco, a touring Flamenco and Spanish dance company. On August 31, 2009, Carmela received a professional merit award from CID-UNESCO, the Int’l Dance Coalition in Paris, France, for her outstanding contributions to the world of Spanish Dance. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Carmela Greco for her fifth
season with the Ensemble Español’s American Spanish Dance Festival. CRISTIAN LOZANO, Guest Artist, Faculty, Dancer, Choreographer, was a member of the Ballet Nacional de España (National Ballet of Spain) from 2000 to 2006 under the direction of Aida Gomez; performing in the choreographies of GRITO, by Antonio Canales; CONCIERTO DE ARANJUEZ, by Pilar Lopez and LEYENDA, by José Antonio, as soloist. As First Dancer, he was featured in ELEGIA by José Antonio; TARANTO by Antonio Canales; Jason in MEDEA by José Granero; Frondoso in FUENTEOVEJUNA by the legendary Antonio Gades; and in EL LOCO, choreographed by Javier Latorre and performed for the first time in the Teatro Real in September 2005 and in the Gran Teatre del Liceu in October of the same year. He is currently a guest dancer in Ramón Oller’s Metros Company and principal dancer in Aida Gomez Company. Mr. Lozano has been a frequent guest artist throughout Italy and Spain. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Cristian Lozano to this his fourth appearance with the Ensemble Español and the American Spanish Dance Festival. Ensemble Español 9
G U E S T A R T I S T S ( C O N T .) PALOMA GÓMEZ, Guest Artist, Faculty, Dancer, Choreographer, Founder & Artistic Director of De Lunares Danza. Paloma Gómez was born in Málaga, Spain. She started her training at the school of the Ballet Nacional de España (BNE), under the direction of María de Ávila, at the age of 12; and later on she moved on to study Classical ballet, Contemporary dance and Spanish Dance at Lola de Ávila’s school. In 1989, she entered the BNE under the direction of José Antonio. With the BNE, she toured several of the most important stages in the world in Argentina, Tokyo, Japan and the U.S. In 2000, Paloma created her own company, De Lunares Danza traveling throughout Spain as well as to the U.K., Holland and Venezuela. Paloma has recently returned from performing & teaching in Australia & Canada. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Paloma Gomez to this her fourth appearance with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. MANUEL PALACÍN, Guest Artist, Flamenco Singer, (Madrid, Spain), was born in San Miguel de Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Manuel Palacín began singing in the theater at the age of five. In 1972, he performed throughout Madrid in all of the major tablaos including the Torres Bermejas, Las Brujas, Corral de la Moreria, Coral de la Pacheca, Los Canasteros, and Venta del Gato. Throughout his long career, he has worked with many great artists and companies including Manuel Vargas, Merche Esmeralda, Eva la Yerbabuena, Sara Lezana, Blanca del Rey, Juan Mata, José, Carmela and Lola Greco, Manolete, Ciro, Joaquin Cortes, Antonio Canales, Javier Latorre, Javier Baron and in the companies of Ballet Conchita del Mar, Ballet Siluetas, Compañia de Fernando Belmonte, Ballet de Rafael Aguilar, José Antonio y los Ballets Españoles, Ballet 10 Ensemble Español
Region de Murcia, and the Ballet Nacional de España performing in five continents. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Manuel Palacín on his fourth season with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. PACO FONTA, Flamenco Singer and Guitarist (Jaen, Spain). Born in a small town near Jaen in the Andalucian region of Spain, he began his professional career performing in tablaos and festivals accompanying singers and dancers such as La Nina de la Huerta and Antonio Molina. He later toured Europe with the Kurt Savoy Trio. In 1985, he won first prize in cante jondo at the Flamenco festival in Jaen, Spain. Paco Fonta came to Miami in 1986 with his wife Celia, a well-known Flamenco dancer, to open the famous Cacharrito’s Place Tablao in Miami. Mr. Fonta works with several Flamenco dance companies in the U.S. and abroad, most notably with Ballet Flamenco La Rosa based in Miami, Bailes Ferrer of Fort Lauderdale, the Ensemble Español, and Carman Garza Flamenco Ballet in Venezuela. Mr. Fonta recently toured China with the Ensemble Español following the Olympics. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Paco Fonta on this his 24th season with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. ANTONIO GABARRI JIMENEZ, Flamenco Guitarist (Madrid, Spain), born in Madrid, began playing Flamenco guitar in his youth. Following his inspiration of Manolo Sanlucar and forming his own unique style, Antonio quickly rose to playing in the top tablaos of Madrid such as Café de Chinitas, Corral de la Pacheca and Karibeu. He has accompanied such distinguished artists as La Chunga, Ramirez, La Chana, El Mimbre, and
G U E S T A R T I S T S ( C O N T .) Carmela Greco. For over eight years, Antonio worked as guitarist for the renowned Lola Flores. In the mid-1980s, Antonio formed his own musical group, Los Cholos, whose first recording reached number one on the top 40 of Spanish radio. Antonio joined the José Greco II Company as music director in 1992, with which he toured throughout the U.S. and Italy. In 2001, he composed the music for Climax, a production dedicated to the life of José Greco. Antonio toured with Lola Greco, Carmela Greco and José Greco Jr. with this production to the most important theaters of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Jiménez on his fifth season with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. DAVID CHIRIBOGA, Flamenco Guitarist, with origins from Ecuador, was raised in Chicago. David has studied with many master Flamenco guitarists in Granada, Madrid and Seville. He has also been trained in Classical Guitar, majoring in Music Performance with Dr. Brian Torosian at Northeastern Illinois University. He currently performs with Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and El Payo. Some of the musical groups and dance companies David previously performed with were The Guitars of Spain, Mezcal, Bandoleros and Soleo Flamenco Dance Company. He has played in various parts of the country and performed in many Chicago-land venues. He has also appeared on many major network television and radio programs. David was part of the staff at the Old Town School of Folk Music, both teaching and playing for Flamenco dance classes. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Chiriboga once again to the American Spanish Dance Festival.
CHIARA LUCIA MANGIAMELI, Flamenco Singer, Dancer, is a native Italian. A graduate of The Theater School at DePaul University, Chiara Mangiameli has been performing on national as well as international stages for the past 20 years. She is co-founder of the contemporary Flamenco trio Idilio which recently released its self-titled debut album. Chiara’s collaborations as a dancer and singer also include the group El Payo, the Saint Louis Cultural Flamenco Society Dance Company and the Ensemble Español with which Chiara performed in Poland, in 2006. She has studied flamenco singing and dance in Spain with Carmen Gamero, Emilio Cabello Real, and Esperanza Fernandez, as well as Alfonso Cid, Vida Peral and Michelle Nascimento “La Caoba,” her first teacher. In 2008, she was awarded one of 25 coveted positions in Jacobs Pillow School of Dance Cultural Traditions program, studying intensely under Soledad Barrio. Chiara currently teaches at the Flamenco Arts Center. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Chiara Mangiameli to her premiere performance at the American Spanish Dance Festival. KASSANDRA KOCOSHIS, Percussionist, Muncie, Indiana, is second generation Greek. She has been playing percussion since the age of eleven. In 2006 she received her Bachelors of Music in Percussion Performance from DePaul University under the instruction of Michael Green, Al Payson, Eric Millstein, Ted Atkatz, and Fred Selvaggio. During college, she also studied with members of the world-renowned percussion group, NEXUS. Kassandra has played with DePaul University’s major ensembles, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, marimba soloist with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Español 11
G U E S T A R T I S T S ( C O N T .) Concertante di Chicago, Sacred Winds Ensemble, the Aspen Opera Theater, and with hip hop artist, Kanye West. In 2004, Kassandra found flamenco. Since then, she has studied with flamenco percussionist Francisco Orozco Fernandez “El Yiyi” and has taken workshops with Timo Lozano and Oscar Valero. She has also performed with Chicago-based Flamenco musicians Diego Alonso, Chiara Mangiameli, Carlo Basile, Patricia Alonso, Alfonso Ponticelli, David Chiriboga, Jim Collinsworth, Michelle Nascimento and Las Guitarras de España. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Kassandra Kocoshis to her fifth season with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. BRIAN TOROSIAN, Guest Artist, Classical Guitarist, is an active soloist and chamber musician on guitar, lute, and mandolin who has performed in concerts throughout North America. In addition to completing doctoral studies at Northwestern University with Anne Waller, Dr. Torosian studied with Oscar Ghiglia during the summer months of 1994-1996 at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy where he received Diplomas of Merit and an honorary scholarship. Besides performing on the standard six-string guitar, Torosian also concertizes on replicas of a Baroque guitar, a Terz guitar, and a mid-19th century 10-string guitar, the latter two instru-
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ments made for him by luthier Richard Bruné after very rare Viennese guitars. Highlights of his 2004 concert activities include several appearances as concerto soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Torosian serves on the faculty at DePaul University and directs the guitar program of Northeastern Illinois University. He first began working with Dame Libby and the EE in 1996. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Torosian back with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. LYON LEIFER, Guest Artist, Flutist, is widely recognized for his performances both on western flutes and on the bansuri (north Indian keyless bamboo flute). He resigned his position in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to accept a Fulbright to study Hindustani classical music. Remaining in India for five years, Mr. Leifer won praise for his lively and authentic renditions of raga melodies. Mr. Leifer gives recitals on Western flutes and performs as principal flutist in the Ars Viva Orchestra. He teaches flute at Northeastern Illinois University and Moody Bible Institute. Mr. Leifer has performed Indian music in a range of venues including Symphony Center in Chicago, Millennium Park, numerous universities, as well as conventions of the National Flute Association and the British Flute Society. He has broadcast Indian music on radio stations WFMT,
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G U E S T A R T I S T S ( C O N T .) WBEZ and WHPK. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Leifer back with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. ZORAN STOYANOVICH, Guest Artist, Violinist, is a native of the former Yugoslavia. He has studied as a graduate student in Moscow, Russia and Indiana University - Bloomington. In Moscow he was a recipient of a scholarship from the ministry of culture
of the former Soviet Union. He was also a recipient of a Fulbright grant which enabled him to study with renowned professor Josef Gingold at Indiana University - Bloomington. He has been a participant of several international violin competitions and he has concertized in Europe and the U.S. Mr. Stoyanovich is a former acting concert master of the Louisville orchestra and is on a sabbatical leave from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Dame Libby, Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University welcome Mr. Stoyanovich to his first season with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival.
T H E C O M PA N Y ANNA CZAJUN, Ballet Mistress, Production Assistant. received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Trained as a pianist, yet choosing dance as a profession, Ms. Czajun has performed with numerous companies in her native Chicago, notably the Chicago Moving Company, the Joel Hall Dancers, the Arve Connection, and the Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble. In addition to her career as a performer, Ms. Czajun received an Illinois Arts Council Individual Artist Award for choreography. She has created numerous dance works for many Chicago companies and independent artists. While with the Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble, she was their Educational Resource Director, conducting dance workshops and creating lecture-demonstration programs nationwide for primary, secondary, and university students. Ms. Czajun has been on the dance faculties of the Chicago Dance Center, the New School for the Performing Arts, the Lou Conte Dance Studio, Barat College, and the Gus Giordano Dance Center. Presently, she is celebrating her 26th year of teaching ballet at The Latin School of Chicago.
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. Irma has been honored with the Artistic Ambassador Award from the Ruth Page Foundation and NEIU in recognition of her artistic achievements and contributions to dance internationally. On October 16, 2004, Irma Suarez Ruiz and Jorge Pérez were honored with the Twentieth Anniversary Award from the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society. In 2006, Irma joined the dance faculty of NEIU teaching Spanish dance in the department of Music/Dance. In May 2008, Irma was guest choreographer for the Civic Ballet’s production of “Black Tights/Spanish Rhythms” presented by the Ruth Page Dance Series. Irma is married to Antonio Ruiz and the proud Ensemble Español 13
T H E C O M PA N Y ( C O N T .) mother of Crystal and Tiffany as well as parents of 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. Jorge has been honored with the Artistic Ambassador Award from the Ruth Page Foundation and Northeastern Illinois University in recognition of his artistic achievements and contributions to dance internationally. On June 20, 2002 he received an Appreciation Award from Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago, for his exceptional contribution to the arts in Chicago. 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 six 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 has taught Flamenco dance classes for Northwestern University’s Dance Department in Evanston, 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 Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company. 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 16 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. He was also a guest teacher for the Midwest Cecchetti Council of America at the Lake Forest Dance Academy during the Fall of 2006. Through NEIU’s Enlace program, José Torres taught Flamenco at Casals Elementary School in Humboldt Park for the Family Focus after school program. José traveled to Australia in 2007 and 2008 on the invitation of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company as a guest performer, choreographer, and teacher to rave reviews. ALEJANDRA FERRER DAILEY, Company Dancer, was born in Puerto Natales, Chile. She began her formal dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko in the fall 1989. Alejandra received an NEIU (Northeastern Illinois University) Talent scholarship from the Department of Music and the Dance Program. She was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T. in January 1991 and in July Ensemble Español 15
T H E C O M PA N Y ( C O N T .) 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 Education. Alejandra and her husband Bonar are the proud parents of Sofia Lola and Diego. She is very excited to be back and dancing with Ensemble Español again. 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 in 1994. Partnering with Sara Samuels, Israel taught at the Joyce Kilmer School for the Ensemble’s residency program, funded by the Illinois Arts Council and at Linne Elementary School via NEIU’s Hispanic Serving Institute Title V grant. CLAUDIA PIZARRO was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. At the age of 12, she moved to Chicago with her family. She was introduced to 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 has also studied in the American 16 Ensemble Español
Spanish Dance Festival with Juan Mata, Ana González, Timo Lozano, Edo, Vida Peral, Manolete, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, and Cristian Lozano. 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. Crystal has also studied in the American Spanish Dance Festival with Juan Mata, Ana González, Celia Fonta, Timo Lozano, Edo, Vida Peral, Lily Sie Vega, Juanjo Linares, Manolete, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, and Cristian Lozano. She has also taken master classes with Omayra Amaya, Belen Maya and Edwin Aparicio. 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 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Dance minor. She is currently an intern with the E.E. serving as Arts Education Program 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. Julia
T H E C O M PA N Y ( C O N T .) recently returned from Spain studying at the Amor de Dios Flamenco dance studios. 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 has also studied with Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Carmela Greco, Manolete, Paloma Gomez, Cristian Lozano and ballet with Anna Czjaun. She recently returned from studying in Spain at the Amor de Dios Flamenco dance studios. Olivia is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. MONICA SAUCEDO, of Mexican-Ukrainian descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She began dancing with the Nobleza Azteca Mexican Folkloric Dance Group at the age of five at her elementary school, Kanoon Magnet. Monica began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko at age 11 in the spring of 1999. In the winter of 2001, Monica was given a scholarship to the All City “Jr” Ensemble Español. In the spring of 2004, Monica was promoted to understudy status with the E.E.S.D.T. In January 2005, she became an apprentice to the company. In July 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-Komaiko-Pérez 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. His dance experience includes modern, Latin, African, capoeira and ballet, studying with Valerie Alpert, Vaune C. Blalock, and Matthew Hill. 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 in Taiwan. She began learning Chinese dance and ballet at the age of eight. In 2002, while living in Taiwan, she began her studies in Flamenco from Chin-Sien-Nee Hsu (Flor de Loto), who earned her degree of Professor of Spanish Dance from the Royal Superior School of Dramatic Arts and Dance of Madrid, Spain. In 2006, Yu-Ling came to Chicago to pursue her graduate study in Dance Movement Therapy at Columbia College. While in Chicago, she immediately began taking Flamenco dance classes with Irma Suarez Ruiz via the Ensemble’s community workshops. In January of 2007 Yu-Ling auditioned for the company where she was awarded an Apprenticeship/Scholarship to the company and in January of 2008 was promoted to full Company Dancer.
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T H E C O M PA N Y ( 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 with instructor Graciela E. Perez de Ceva, studying Ballet, Tap, and Flamenco. At age 11, she moved to the United States with her family. She began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko in the fall of 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 in 2009. Leticia recently returned from Spain, studying at the Amor de Dios Flamenco Studios in Madrid.
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SEAN ARANA, of Guatemalan descent, was born in Chicago. Sean began his formal Spanish dance training in 2005 with Dame Libby Komaiko and the Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music. Since then, he has studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Peres, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano and ballet with our ballet mistress, Anna Czajun. He has performed with the Flamenco Company, Soleo. In 2006, he auditioned for the Ensemble Español and was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship. In 2009, he was promoted to full Company Dancer. Sean recently graduated from NEIU (May 2010) with a BA in Spanish Education and a Dance minor. EVELYN SANCHEZ, Apprentice, of Guatemalan descent, was born in Skokie and raised in Chicago. She began her dance training at the age of eight in 1999 at U Dance Corporation. In 2003, she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a member of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company. Since then, she has studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Sara Samuels, and with guest artists Carmela Greco, Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Paloma Gomez and Christian Lozano of the National Ballet of Spain and ballet with Ana Czjaun. In 2003, she performed with the All-City Dance Ensemble under Deidre M. Dawson. In 2006, she was selected to tour with the Ensemble Español to Poland. In 2007, she was invited to perform in Joffrey Ballet’s Strobel Step-Up performance. Evelyn is pursuing a BA in Dance Teaching from the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.
T H E C O M PA N Y ( C O N T .) 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. Carolyn began dancing Salsa in 1997 at Le Petite Ballet School. In 2001, she was introduced to Flamenco by Michelle Nascimento. In 2004, she auditioned for and received her first scholarship with the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company where she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. Since then, she has studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez and Sara Samuels. Through the American Spanish Dance Festival, Carolyn has studied with guest artists Edo, Timo Lozano, Carmela Greco, Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Paloma Gomez, and Christian Lozano of the National Ballet of Spain. In 2006, she was promoted to Understudy with the professional company and in 2008 was selected to tour China.
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 and the Dance Program studying ballet and Jazz with Rachel Burton and Dr. Venetia Stifler. He has also studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez and Cristian Lozano. He is currently attending Northeastern Illinois University completing his major in French and minor in dance. In 2007, he became a member of Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society. JOSÉ LUIS VELASQUEZ, Scholarship Dancer
2 010 E N S E M B L E E S PA ÑO L S PA N I S H DA N C E YO U T H C O M PA N Y Leonard Perez Vanessa Rodriguez Amanda Saucedo Carisa Serrano Abigail Ventura
Luis Beltran Heather Billings Anais Cotillas Frida Medina Senior Division Mario Alvarado-Chavez Eliza McDaniel
Nadia Quinones Yisrael Spurgeon Junior Division Photo: Milwaukee Rep
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E N S E M B L E E S PAÑO L P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F MARGARET NELSON, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, has received two Ruth Page Dance Achievement Awards for Lighting Design and Stage Management in the dance community and a Joseph Jefferson Citation for Lighting Design at the Organic Theatre. Margaret’s design projects and Production Management have taken her to every state of the USA and six continents. She has taught Lighting Master Classes from Northwestern University to Duluth, Minn. to Montevideo, Uruguay. Her company, Lumen Siccum (the light of reason) Productions, is involved in ongoing consulting work for architectural and performance projects. Their goal is to bring talented young designers and choreographers together and make good, affordable production available to all. JEREMIAH JEFFREY BISHOFF, Stage Manager, has spent most of his life working in the performing arts. A newcomer to Chicago, his professional credits include working as stage manager, assistant director and props designer throughout Chamber Opera Chicago’s current season. Jeremiah’s other credits include Dance Africa, Ballet Chicago and Northeastern
University’s Opera Department. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Bischoff to the Company and the American Spanish Dance Festival. GIUSEPPA DICESARE, Manager of Operations, a native Chicagoan of Italian descent, received her B.A. in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University in 2005 and her M.A. in Educational Leadership in May 2010. As the Manager of Operations, Giuseppa assists with the community and educational outreach programs, and is also responsible for assisting in securing the financial growth of the organization and event administration. LEAH KOMAIKO, Marketing and Public Relations Strategies, has written and created special marketing projects for McDonald’s, Liz Claiborne, Inc., and Hughes Aircraft. She has been a project consultant to Disney, The Rockefeller Foundation’s Earth Force and the New York Board of Education. She is also the author of several books including Am I Old Yet? which ABC is developing for television, starring Jaime Lee Curtis. Leah lives in Los Angeles.
We wish to acknowledge all the dancers, staff and volunteers who have been a part of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater over the past 34 years and have contributed to making this Company and Center the “International Jewel” that it is. ¡Gracias! 20 Ensemble Español
B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S EXECUTIVE BOARD Dr. Angelina Pedroso President Emerita Professor of Foreign Languages & Literature Northeastern Illinois University Judith Grubner Vice President Attorney at Law Partner - Arnstein & Lehr LLP George Diaz Vice President Illinois Department of Revenue Honorary Co-Chairs Advisory Board Rita Moreno Ana Gonzalez & Juan Mata Founding Members National Ballet of Spain Pepe Vargas President International Latino Cultural Center Advisory Board Members Lane Alexander Founder & Artistic Director Chicago Human Rhythm Project Brett Batterson Executive Director Auditorium Theatre Frank Chaves Artistic Director River North Chicago Dance Company Lou Conte Founder, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Lou Conte Dance Studio Jonathon Donado President Applus Technologies Daniel Duell Artistic Director Ballet Chicago Luisa Echevarria Community Relations Univision
Mary Cerny Treasurer Vice President Albany Bank & Trust Company
Jorge Pérez Administrative Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Raymond Irizarry Secretary Financial Center Manager Fifth Third Bank
Lillian Heminover Secretary, Emeritus Fine Arts Coordinator (Retired) Frederick Funston Elementary School
Dame Libby Komaiko Founder and Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Louis Altman Vice President Emeritus Legal Consul
Carmela Greco Founder & Artistic Director Compañia Carmela Greco, Madrid Charlie Grode Vice President Institute for Learning, Access and Training Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joel Hall Founder & Artistic Director Joel Hall Dancers & Center Gail Kalver Arts Management Consultant Dolores Long Associate Director Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance Senator Iris Y. Martinez Annet Miranda Fifth Third Bank Najwa Artistic Director Najwa Dance Corp. Suleyma Pérez Government Relations Northeastern Illinois University
Anita Salazar Arts Production & Program Consultant Dr.Venetia Stifler Founder & Artistic Director Concert Dance Inc. Eduardo Vilaro Founder Luna Negra Dance Theater Wei Yang President Northeastern Chinese Association Sharon A. Billings Eduardo Cotillas and Susan Lopez Eva Mujica Angel and Gloria Medina Felicia Perez Guadalupe Martinez and Carlos Rodriguez Sharon Dobish and José Saucedo Fernando and Esther Serrano Ivelisse Figueroa Carmen Alvarado Kevin and Laura McDaniel Kevin McDaniel Christina Velazquez Marie Chandel Spurgeon Scholarship & Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Parent’s Committee
Harriet Ross Former Managing Director Joffrey Ballet
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S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U Dr. Sharon Hahs President, Northeastern Illinois University Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg President Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University
Terry Scrogrum Executive Director Illinois Arts Council Sheila Henaghan Michael Cullen Mercury Theater
Dr. Lawrence Frank Provost, Northeastern Illinois University Javier Ruperez Council General of Spain
Rick Martin Audio Engineer Northeastern Illinois University Michael Mikrut Technical Support Northeastern Illinois University
Dr. Bernard Brommel Professor Emeritus, Northeastern Illinois University
Rachael Burton Music Department and Dance Program Northeastern Illinois University
Dr. Shayne Cofer Chair, Department of Music and the Dance Program Northeastern Illinois University
Steve Zivin Concert Coordinator Music Department, Northeastern Illinois University
E N S E M B L E E S PAÑO L S PA N I S H DA N C E T H E AT E R ARTISTIC STAFF
Sara Samuels Associate Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company
Dame Libby Komaiko Founder and Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz Associate Artistic Director Rehearsal Mistress
Sandy Nowarita Pilates/Yoga Instructor Irma Suarez Ruiz Jorge Pérez Sara Samuels José Torres Israel Sanchez Julia Hinojosa Leticia Aravena Community Outreach Faculty
Anna Czajun Ballet Mistress Production Assistant Jorge Pérez Rehearsal Master ADMINISTRATION Jorge Pérez Administrative Director Giuseppa DiCesare Manager of Operations Festival Coordinator
Julia Hinojosa Residency Program Coordinator
Israel Sanchez Int’l Communications Specialist
Tom Camacho Development Coordinator
Abigail Villalpando Brenda Rodriguez Administrative Assistants
Carolyn Aguila Archival Coordinator
Northeastern Illinois University ADMINISTRATION Dr. Sharon K. Hahs President Dr. Lawrence Frank Provost 22 Ensemble Español
Mark Wilcockson Vice President Finance and Administration David Jonaitis Associate Vice President Financial and Administrative Affairs
E N S E M B L E E S PAÑO L S PA N I S H DA N C E T H E AT E R ( C O N T .) Northeastern Illinois University ADMINISTRATION (cont.)
Dr. Shayne Cofer Chair, Music Department and Dance Program
Carla Knorowski Vice President Institutional Advancement
Erica Malek Director of Media Relations
Judy Cascone Administrative Assistant
Dana Navarro Media Relations
Evelyn Hanley Administrative Assistant
Terry Jacobus Postal Service
Dr. Janet Fredericks Dean, Graduate College Director of International Programs PRODUCTION Margaret Nelson Technical Director, Lighting Designer Jeremiah Jeffrey Bishoff Stage Manager Rick Martin Audio Recording Manager Michael Shur A Shur Thing • Videographer Paco Alonso Christine Fransen Dame Libby Komaiko Juanjo Linares Irma Suarez Ruiz Jorge Pérez Luz Creations Docano Creations Dorothy Glassberg Paloma Gomez Cristian Lozano Costume Design Luz Creations Paco Alonso Christine Fransen Anita Salazar Northeastern Illinois University PRODUCTION Rick Senné Jim Henning TV and video services Michael Mikrut Tim Davis Multimedia services Rick Martin Audio recording
Olga Turek Docano Creations John Lopez Rachel Cousar Costume Production Chicago Dance & Supply Dance & Mime Shoppe Motion Unlimited Leo’s Theatrical Capezios Biltmore Alterations Maty’s fans, shawls, and castanets, Madrid Pertinez accessories and shawls, Madrid Casa Yustas hats, Madrid Victor Galiano castanets, Madrid Gallardo shoes, Madrid Coral shoes, Madrid Casa Valladeperas shoes, Barcelona Don Flamenco shoes, Madrid Costume and accessories Casa España, Miami Props Kevin Peterson Hawkeye Scenic Studios Inc. Sets Lee Rivadeniera Website Master
Joe L. Davis Dean Paul Photography Brian Harms Graphics Genesis Printing Corporate Graphics Quartet Printing Printing Ensemble Español 23
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 Sabbia See Chicago Dance Dot Com Urban Gateways Platinum Univision Illinois Arts Council Governor’s International Exchange program Hispanic Serving Institute Gold Consul General of Spain Program for Cultural Cooperation between Spain’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and United States Universities Cherry Family Foundation Illinois Arts Council Residency Program La Raza Hispanic Newspaper Chicago Latino Network Chicago City Arts Program Silver Arts Work Fund NIB Foundation Arte y Vida Chicago José Greco Foundation Bronze The Saints Fifth Third Bank Instituto Cervantes Aronson Philanthropic Trust After School Matters Albany Bank Collaborators DoubleTree Hotel North Shore North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Svet Media Group Restaurant Sponsors Emilios Tapas Eli’s Cheesecake Chinese Friendship Restaurant Café Marabella 24 Ensemble Español
In-kind Services & Gifts Northeastern Illinois University Univision International Latino Cultural Center Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Tribune La Raza See Chicago Dance Dot Com Chicago Latino Network Arte y Vida Chicago Biltmore Alterations Individual Sponsors $1,000 - $4,999 Libby Komaiko Michael and Dr. Salme Steinberg Contributors $250 - $999 Lou and Eleanor Altman Anne Freter Jorge Perez Delano Pulido Marisel Salascruz St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society Olga Turek Carmela Greco Heritage Circle $100 - $249 Kaye and Leonor Acuña Richey Cotillas Family George Diaz Judith Grubner Hector Hernandez Lillian Heminover Raymond Irizarry Maryellen Langhout Melissa Mouhelis Michelle Mouhelis Rosalyn O’Cherony Dr. Angelina Pedroso Jorge Perez Suleyma Perez Mario Ponce Arnold and Lois Samuels Blanca Santiago Milagros Santiago Amigos/Friends of the Ensemble $25 - $99 Mary Cerny Charlotte Doyle Jayne de la Huerga Julia Hinojosa Hannah Kaplan Sherwin and Gertrude Marks Mr. & Mrs. Morton and Joan Mollner Gregory Ragsdale Andrea Saiet
Dr. Rita Simo and Tomas Bissonnette William Stein Robert Van Riemsdyk Ana Maria Vazquez Jeanette Vogel Ensemble Español Endowment Founding Members 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. José and Ms. Tamara Dos Santos Mrs. Shara Fata & the International Foreign Language Immersion Program Ms. Alejandra Ferrer-Dailey 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 José Greco Foundation for Hispanic Dance, Inc. Dame Libby Komaiko Mr. Lee Koonce Ed and Bonnie Koven Latin Street Dancing, Inc. Mr. James H. Leon
C O N T R I B U T I O N S / PA R T N E R S ( C O N T .) 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. José O. Torres Dr. Pepe Vargas and Mrs. Madeline Roman-Vargas & 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, 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 four years.
E N S E M B L E E S PAÑO L D O N AT I O N P R O G R A M S
HERITAGE CIRCLE Celebrate the Present Honorary Chairs Mrs. Maggie Daley – Chair, Chicago Cultural Center Foundation Lois Weisberg – Commisioner of Cultural Affairs, City of Chicago For a minimum donation of $100, you will help us secure the present of the Ensemble Español. Become a FOUNDING MEMBER of the HERITAGE CIRCLE. Your contributions and involvement will provide us with needed funds to accomplish our goals and our dreams. The Heritage Circle will allow us to continue and extend our outreach and educational programs to underserved communities, will help provide financial stability for our dancers and will support our performances.
ZELDA KOLBER SENIOR PROGRAM - “Zelda’s Fund” Our newest program honoring the memory of Zelda Kolber, our loving, dedicated supporter, grandmother of Principal Dancer Sara Samuels and dance aficionado, who passed away on May 29, 2009 at nearly 102 years old. This program will bring Spain into retirement and nursing homes throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Seniors will have the opportunity to watch performances, learn dance steps, celebrate with family and friends during the “Night of Spain” and travel to Northeastern Illinois University to view the Tales of Spain Spanish Dance & Music one-hour multimedia concerts. “Zelda’s Fund” will expose underserved seniors to the arts, build a connection with senior communities and the Ensemble Español, provide significant health benefits via dance instruction and engage youth and senior citizens in a culturally artistic enriching environment with friends and families. Ensemble Español 25
E N S E M B L E E S PAÑO L D O N AT I O N P R O G R A M S ( C O N T .)
DONOR Our extensive educational and community outreach programs continue at the forefront of our mission. Please help us to support the current and upcoming generations of dancers. Your generous gift as Amigo/a, Contributor and/or Individual Sponsor, will help us to continue with excellence into the future; to preserve our concerts, classes, school residencies, workshops and festivals that have educated and inspired children, teens and adults of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities for over 34 years. Full houses cover only half the costs of producing these extraordinary concerts. Please help to keep our cultural treasure alive. The Ensemble Español’s continued growth and success is a tribute to our audience members and contributors. ¡Gracias! We gratefully accept your generous checks payable to Ensemble Español Ensemble Español Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 Visa and Mastercard are accepted All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
ENDOWMENT Honor the Past, Secure the Future For over three decades, Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder and Artistic Director, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Center, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company, guest artists and partner, Northeastern Illinois University, have inspired, entertained and educated millions of people from around the world, who come together to celebrate the culture and art of Spain. Tonight, as you share in the passion that is Spain in America, you can help to secure the future of our cultural treasure. Your gift to the Ensemble Español Endowment Fund will support and preserve the concerts, classes, residencies, workshops, scholarships and Festivals that have made us the premier Center for Spanish dance and Music in the United States for over 34 years. Please send your check, payable to the NEIU Foundation (note Ensemble Español Endowment on the memo line) to: The Development Office Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 To contribute or for more information about our donor programs or endowments, please contact Giuseppa DiCesare, Manager of Operations, at 773-442-5916 or via email at G-DiCesare@neiu.edu
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E N S E M B LE E S PAÑO L’ S / S PA I N I N A M E R I C A / U P CO M I N G E V E N T S Weekly Children’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the community Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J Building Next class session Tuesdays, July 6 - August 10 (six classes = one session) Ages 4-6 from 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. & Ages 7-12 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Dance for Life Benefit Concert Performance Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Downtown Chicago Saturday, August 21 Opening performance of Dame Libby’s masterwork, Bolero by the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Hispanic Heritage Month Programs October 5 - 7 at Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium Chicago Human Rhythms Project 20th Anniversary Performance Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Downtown Chicago Saturday, November 27 Featuring a Flamenco suite of dances by the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater & the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Concierto Familiar / Family Holiday Concert Series December 14-16 at Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium Weekly Community Flamenco Dance Classes Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studio J-111 All classes on Tuesday evenings • 773.442.5930 • Beginners, 7:15 p.m.–8:15 p.m. • Intermediate, 8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Auditions Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Auditions for an apprenticeship to the professional company: men 17 years + Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. • 773.442.5916 to reserve your space Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Auditions for scholarships to the Youth Company and program: boys and girls grades 5-12 Saturday, July 10 at 2:00pm • 773.442.5916 to reserve your space Ongoing community outreach programs Tales of Spain Spanish dance & music multimedia lecture concert series Educational outreach: performances in October 6 & 7, December 15 & 16 773.442.5926 Spain’s Dancing Rhythms Educational outreach: school performances Irma Suarez Ruiz, director of education and community outreach 773.442.5926 Residency Programs Educational outreach: performances and residencies for youth & senior citizens Julia Hinojosa, residency program coordinator 773.442.5926 Exclusive U.S. Tour Representation: SIEGEL ARTIST MANAGEMENT LLC www.siegelartist.com Liz Silverstein, 847-475-4224 • Jennifer Morris, 570-824-2266 Booking the Ensemble locally or internationally call 773.442.5904 Classes, auditions, and performance information 773.442.5930 Ensemble-Espanol@neiu.edu *** www.EnsembleEspanol.org Ensemble Español 27