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 Honoring Dame Libby Komaiko and her 36 year academic career Thursday, December 15, 2011 Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium
Guest Musicians Phyllis Hurt, Soprano, Brian Torosian, Classical guitarist, Steve Zivin, Pianist, Sylvia Myintoo, Violinist
Company Dancers
Irma Suárez Ruíz, First Dancer Sara Samuels, Principal Dancer Claudia Pizarro, Principal Dancer Crystal Ruiz Julia Hinojosa Olivia Serrano Monica Saucedo Leticia Aravena Evelyn Sánchez Carolyn Bernal, Company Understudy Abigail Ventura, Company Understudy
Jorge Pérez, First Dancer José Torres, Principal Dancer Israel Sánchez Juan Castellón Sean Arana Omar Roman, Apprentice Leonard Pérez, Company Understudy
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Heather Billings, Luis Beltran – Urena, Frida Medina, Nalanie Molina, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Leonard Pérez, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos Senior Division Teodoro Bartels, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Laila Galecki, Eliza S. McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yasmeen Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon, Grade School Division Anna Czajun Ballet Mistress
Sandy Nowarita Pilates/Ballet Instructor
Elias Morales Stage Manager/Lighting Designer
Exclusive National Tour Representation: SIEGEL ARTIST MANAGEMENT LLC www.Siegelartist.com Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 1
WELCOME FROM UNIVERIST Y PRESIDENT Bienvenidos, Welcome: This evening we celebrate an extraordinary individual, Dame Libby Komaiko, founder and artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre—the first Spanish dance company to hold “in-residence” status at a university in the United States. Dame Libby has devoted her life’s work to the creation of the first complete academic program for Spanish classical, folkloric and Flamenco dance and music in an American university. His Majesty Don Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, in 1983 awarded Libby Komaiko the highest honor Spain bestows on foreign nationals— the Lazo de Dama de la Orden de Isabel la Católica—in recognition of her achievements in promoting throughout the United States the artistic, cultural, and educational values of the Spanish tradition in the fields of music and dance. The artistic, cultural, and educational mission of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Center and of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company has been realized through performances that have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, performers, and millions of audience members both at home at Northeastern Illinois University, and around the globe. Dame Libby and the Ensemble have been honored and recognized in countless ways for their artistry and excellence. Dame Libby, we salute you! We salute you as artist, dancer, master teacher, producer, director, and choreographer, and we express our deepest gratitude for all the gifts you have given us. Most especially, we salute you for your legacy—a legacy of joy! Ole!
Sharon K. Hahs President
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E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L S PA N I S H DA N C E T H E AT E R & C E N T E R 2011 HIGHLIGHTS of the company’s work this past year include: Ensemble Español’s Bolero, featured in the Dance for Life Documentary which aired on WTTW on August 11th Ensemble Español’s faculty of artists teaching for the Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance Summer Dance program with closing recital on August 12th After School Matters Summer Apprenticeship Program, now in its 3rd successful season with final recital on August 2nd Ensemble Español’s Children’s Summer Flamenco Dance Camp at our inresident dance studios at Northeastern Illinois University Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration concerts at NEIU and throughout our Chicago communities September / October Ensemble Español returned to the Harris Theater at Millennium Park with Global Rhythms 7 Festival on Saturday, November 26th Master classes and premiere Spanish classical choreography for the company by former principal dancer of the National Ballet of Spain, Paloma Gomez, October 17th – 31st National tours throughout Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Florida Our continued year round educational school and community programs and residencies The Annual American Spanish Dance & Music Festival June 13th – 24th Youth Company artistic/educational/cultural program trip to Spain in July 2012 The Ensemble Español returns to China for a special artistic/cultural tour via Asian Arts Connection Shanghai December 2012
THE COMPANY’S REMARKABLY RICH HISTORY INCLUDES . . . over 90 company dancers representing nearly twenty countries and cultures over 160 youth dancers from ages twelve to eighteen over 90 international guest artists and musicians from Spain and the Americas over 125 full-length choreographies created for the company over 2,600 scholarships awarded to talented aspiring dancers and musicians tours of Illinois, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Hawaii, the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia & China following the Olympics in 2008 over 1.4 million in concert audiences over 6 million television viewers worldwide watching the Ensemble Español perform at the opening ceremonies of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago
Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 3
E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L S PA N I S H DA N C E T H E AT E R & C E N T E R
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.
HISTORY 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. The Ensemble Español celebrates Spain in America by presenting and promoting cultural pluralism at the community, state, national, and international levels, and at the annual American Spanish Dance and Music Festival administered by the Ensemble. The company shares a rich history and mission of commitment to inter-American and inter-Hispanic world cultures. Within these cultural contexts, the Ensemble represents classical, ethnic, folkloric, and contemporary traditions as living sources of cultural pride and education. Today, the Ensemble Español is praised by educators, 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 throughout the United States, including Hawaii, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic & Puerto Rico and in four continents in the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia and China and at every major theater and university in Chicago and Illinois. The company maintains a touring program, nationally and internationally. An extraordinary repertoire of over 125 works (Spanish ballets, traditional folkloric suites and Flamenco dramas) by Dame Libby Komaiko, Edo, Maria Alba, Victorio Korjhan, Roberto Lorca, Irma Suarez Ruiz and Spain’s legendary dancers and choreographers; Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez, founding members and former first dancers of the National Ballet of Spain, Timo Lozano, Edo, Paco Alonso, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano, Juanjo Linares, foremost authority on folklore, and Flamenco master Manolete, to name a few, exemplifies the Ensemble’s dedication to its cultural and artistic mission.
4 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
PROGR A M
Act 1
Escencia de España Dame Libby Komaiko Celebration Master of Ceremony: Dr. Shayne Cofer, Chair of the Music Dept. & Dance Program at Northeastern Illinois University Welcome: Dr. Sharon Hahs, President of Northeastern Illinois University & Dr. Carlos Azcoita, President of Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Iris Y. Martinez, Illinois State Senator & Dr. Venetia Stifler, Director, Dance Program, NEIU
Reflections of a Master Educator Archival design by: Jorge Pérez & Julia Hinojosa Photos by: Don Bulucos, Jennifer Girard, Joe Davis, Ines España, Dean Paul Music by: Phyllis Hurt, Soprano, Brian Torosian, Classical Guitarist, Steve Zivin, Pianist, Sylvia Myintoo, Violinist Musical Selections: Oriental by Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Sevilla by Isaac Albeniz (1860 -1909), Nanas & Jota from Manuel de Falla’s (1860-1909) Siete Canciones Populares Españolas
El Baile de Luis Alonso El Baile de Luis Alonso was based on a one act lyrical play written by Javier de Burgos originally titled the World of Comedy. The play premiered in 1889 at the Teatro Español. Spanish composer Geronimo Gimenez saw the production and fell in love with it. He began creating music for it without changing the play or characters. On February 27, 1896 the play became a zarzuela (Spain’s light opera) opening to great reviews in the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid. Comedic characters included Luis Alonso a dance teacher, his wife, Maria Jesus, guitarist, Tinoco and his wife Juana who at the end of the play end in a grand fiesta. Choreographer & Costume Designer(2011): Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume production: Luz Creations Music: Geronimo Gimenez (1854-1923) Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson Dancers: Company
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 Music: Pablo Luna (1879-1942) Costume Design: Ann Rossi Lighting Design: Dame Libby Komaiko Dancers: Company
Viva Galicia From Spain’s northwestern province of Galicia - with her sea coast, windmills, drums and bagpipes: the dancer’s steps look Scotch/Irish and were brought to Spain with the Celtic invasion during the 14th century. As the sun sets, the boys carry home the day’s catch of fish in nets and barrels. The girls of the town bring wheat and flowers from the fields for a special Christmas celebration. Viva Galicia Choreography: Section 1: Dame Libby Komaiko Section 2: Nana Lorca Music: Traditional Costume Design: Nana Lorca Dancers: Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 5
P R O G R A M ( c o n t .)
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: Pablo Sorazabal (1807-1988) “Los Burladores” (excerpt) Zarzuela 1948 Amaden Vives (1871-1932) “La Doña Francisquita” Costume design: Freddie Rocha Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Michael Mix Dancers: Company
15 minute intermission
Act II
Flamenco Passion Duende Gitana
Dancer & Choreographer (2010): Irma Suarez Ruiz, First Dancer Percussionists: Jorge Pérez, Jose Torres, Juan Castellon, Israel Sanchez, Sean Arana
Zapateado A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fields on horseback - Dance of the Shoes.
Choreography (1976): Dame Libby Komaiko Costume Design & Production: Paco Alonso & Dolores Decano Lighting Design: Dame Libby Komaiko & Michael Mix Dancers: Company
Aires de Huelva (Fandangos)
Choreography: (1976) Lola Montes Music: Sevilla, Worldscapes Costume Design: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Luz Creations Costume Production: Paco Alonso Lighting Design: Elias Morales Dancers: Youth Company
Antes del Amancer (Before Dawn) (Alegrias de Cadiz) Choreography & Costume Design (2009): Irma Suarez Ruiz Music: Ginesa Ortega Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Elias Morales Dancers: Company
Romance de Sevilla
Choreography (1976): Traditional Music: Los Romeros de la Puebla Costume design: Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Elias Morales Dancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz & Jorge Perez, First Dancers
No Me Olvides (Do Not Forget Me) (Romeras)
Choreography & Costume Design (2008): Irma Suarez Ruiz Music: Carmen Linares Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Joshua Preston Dancers: Company
Feria Andaluz (Sevillanas) Depicting the “Ferias of Andalucia” Sevillanas is one of Spain’s “national dances” in the Cante por Baile (song for dance) style, in the compás (rhythm) of six, from the province of Seville. Choreography (1976): Traditional Music: Los Romeros de la Puebla Staging: Dame Libby Komaiko Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Paco Alonso Costume Prodution: Paco Alonso & Luz Creations Dancers: Full Company
FIN 6 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
DA M E L I B B Y K O M A I K O Founder & Artistic Director, The Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music 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 includes musical theater, opera, television, film and orchestra, including guest performances with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops with the Ensemble Espanol as well as performances with the Detroit Symphony, the Evanston and Skokie Valley Symphonies, and repeated performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 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 half of the company’s extensive 125 plus choreographic works and has produced their major international Flamenco ballets and dramas, folkloric suites and classic modern interpretations with guest artists from Spain and the Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 7
DA M E L I B B Y K O M A I K O ( c o n t .) Americas: Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, William Carter, Manolete, Paco Alonso, Juanjo Linares, Carmela Greco, Timo Lozano and Paloma Gomez. As Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance at Northeastern Illinois University, where the Ensemble Español has been in residence for 36 years, she created and developed the first complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music in the U.S. 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 was also on the roster of the Illinois Arts Council as a Master Teacher through the Arts-in-Education and Artists-inresidence programs. Dame Libby completed the filming of a video documentary, Ensemble Español: The First 20 years, 1976-1996, in 1998. On December 8th 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 the collaboration of Spanish dance, music and education with the Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Rogers Park and the Ensemble Español artists. She produced a CD of Spanish music and castanets, “Dama Libby and Friends”, which benefits the Ensemble’s Youth Scholarship and Endowment Funds and is currently establishing an Ensemble Español Alumni Club. We thank Dama Libby for her extraordinary passion and love of Spanish dance and 36 years of service to Northeastern Illinois University.
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8 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
T H E C O M PA N Y IRMA SUAREZ RUÍZ, Associate Artistic Director, First Dancer, Rehearsal Mistress, Instructor, Teacher, Choreographer, Director of Education and Community Outreach, Professor of dance at NEIU, was born in Chicago, then moved to Mexico City to live with her family. Her formal dance training in classical ballet and Spanish dance began with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1979. She graduated with honors from NEIU 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. Irma is on the dance faculty of NEIU and was a 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 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, Executive 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. 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 NEIU in recognition of his artistic achievements and contributions to dance internationally. In 2002 he received an Appreciation Award from Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago, for his exceptional contribution to the arts in Chicago. In 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, Associate 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 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 1996. Sara has taught Flamenco dance classes for Northwestern University’s Dance Department in Evanston, is on the faculty of the E.E. Flamenco dance workshops for the community, and NEIU’s Summer Transitional Program. 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. 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 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 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 9
T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .) on the invitation of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company as a guest performer, choreographer, and teacher to rave reviews. Jose spent this past summer furthering his Spanish dance studies in Spain.
Illinois Arts Council and at Linne Elementary School via NEIU’s Hispanic Serving Institute Title V grant.
CRYSTAL RUIZ, of Mexican-Puerto Rican descent, was CLAUDIA PIZARRO, born and raised in Principal Dancer, was Chicago. She is the born in Chihuahua, daughter of Irma Mexico. At the age of Suarez Ruiz, the twelve she moved to company’s Associate Chicago with her Artistic Director. She began her formal family. She was dance training as a small child with introduced and Dame Libby Komaiko, and first began studying Flamenco in 2002 while performed at the age of four with the attending the Summer Transition E.E.S.D.T. She has studied in Spain at the Program of Northeastern Illinois Amor de Dios Flamenco Dance Academy University. In the Fall of 2002 she began with Candela Soto. Crystal has also her formal dance training with Dame studied at the American Spanish Dance Libby Komaiko. In January of 2003 she & Music Festival with many guest artists was awarded a scholarship throughout her career. In 2002, Crystal apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T., and in was promoted to Apprentice after January of 2004 was promoted to Full dancing with the All City “Jr” Ensemble Company Dancer. Claudia has also Español since 1997. In 2003 she was studied in the American Spanish Dance promoted to Company Dancer. Crystal is and Music Festival with Juan Mata, Ana a graduate of Northwestern University González, Timo Lozano, Edo, Vida Peral, and is currently pursuing her masters Manolete, Carmela Greco, Paloma degree in child development at Erikson Gomez, and Cristian Lozano. Claudia Institute. Crystal spent this past summer graduated in the spring of 2008 from furthering her Spanish dance studies in NEIU with a major in Finance. Last year, Spain. Claudia was promoted to Principal Dancer. JULIA HINOJOSA, Associate Artistic ISRAEL SANCHEZ, Director of the native of Chicago, Ensemble Español began his dance Spanish Dance Youth training with Ballet Company, Teacher, Arts Isleño Puertorriqueño Education Program at the age of 12 while Coordinator, of living in Puerto Rico Mexican-Puerto Rican descent, is a native in 1979. In 1989 he of Chicago. She began her Spanish transferred to Northeastern Illinois dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko University to complete his degree in in the Fall of 2000. In May 2004, Julia Speech and Performing Arts with a graduated with honors and received a minor in Dance, graduating in Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a December 1993. While attending NEIU, Dance minor from NEIU. She recently he began his Spanish dance study with graduated from Columbia College with Dame Libby Komaiko and the E.E.S.D.T. her masters degree in Arts Management He became a company dancer in 1994. from Columbia College. Julia is also In 2004, Northeastern Illinois University currently working as an instructor with presented the Excellence in Fine Arts the NEIU Community Children’s Dance award to Israel. Partnering with Sara program and on the faculty of the Samuels, Israel taught at the Joyce Ensemble Español’s community dance Kilmer School for the Ensemble’s workshops. She will be joining the faculty residency program, funded by the at NEIU’s El Centro campus teaching 10 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .) JUAN CASTELLON, was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States in 1995. As a student at OLIVIA SERRANO, the College of Lake of Puerto Rican and County he majored in Mexican descent, was Communications with born and raised in Chicago. Olivia began a minor in Dance. His dance experience includes modern, Latin, African, capoeira taking dance classes and ballet, studying with Valerie Alpert, at the age of ten at Vaune C. Blalock, and Matthew Hill. In the Chicago Park 2003 he was the winner of the modeling District studying ballet, modern, and competition “Mr. Vision” in Waukegan. jazz dance for six years. In 2003, she auditioned for the All City “Jr” Ensemble Juan began his formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby in 2005 after Español and began her formal dance receiving a full scholarship/ training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In apprenticeship to the Ensemble Español 2004, Olivia was promoted to Spanish Dance Theater. Juan is also a Apprentice and in 2005 was promoted scholarship student in the Dance to full company dancer. Olivia has also program at Northeastern Illinois studied with Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, University. In 2006, Juan was promoted Carmela Greco, Manolete, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano and ballet with to full Company dancer. Anna Czjaun. Olivia is a graduate of the LETICIA SUSANA University of Illinois at Chicago. Oliva ARAVENA, was born spent this past summer furthering her in Cordoba, Argentina. Spanish dance studies in Spain. She began her dance training in Argentina MONICA SAUCEDO, at the age of eight of Mexican-Ukrainian with the Escuela descent, was born and Integral de la Danza raised in Chicago. She with instructor Graciela E. Perez de Ceva, began dancing with studying Ballet, Tap, and Flamenco. At the Nobleza Azteca age eleven she moved to the United Mexican Folkloric States with her family. She began her Dance Group at the formal Spanish dance training with age of five at her elementary school, Dame Libby Komaiko in the Fall 2006. Kanoon Magnet. Monica began her formal dance training with Dame Libby She is a student at NEIU, majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance. She is Komaiko at age eleven in the spring of 1999. In the Winter of 2001, Monica was currently working as an assistant ballet instructor with the NEIU Community given a scholarship to the All City “Jr” Children’s Dance program and on the Ensemble Español. In the spring of faulty of the E.E. community children’s 2004, Monica was promoted to understudy status with the E.E.S.D.T. In dance workshops. Leticia recently January 2005 she became an apprentice performed in the tango production of Maria de Buenos Aires at the Chicago to the company. In July 2005, she Cultural Center and has performed with became a full company dancer. She the Chamber Opera Chicago. recently graduated from NEIU with majors in Secondary Education and SEAN ARANA, Mathematics at NEIU and minor in the of Guatemalan Dance Program of the Department of decent was born in Music. She is currently a math teacher at Chicago. Sean began Gordon Tech High School. his formal Spanish dance training in 2005 with Dame Libby Introduction to Spanish Dance. Julia spent this past summer furthering her Spanish dance studies in Spain.
Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 11
T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .) Komaiko and the Ensemble Español. In 2006 he auditioned for the Ensemble Español and was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship. In 2009 he was promoted to full company dancer. Sean has also studied with guest artists from Spain at the American Spanish Dance & Music Festival. He has performed with the Flamenco Company, Soleo. Sean graduated from NEIU (May 2010) with a BA in Spanish Education and a Dance minor. EVELYN SANCHEZ, of Guatemalan decent, 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 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 E.E. 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. Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español are proud to announce the promotion of Ms. Sanchez. She makes her premiere performance as company dancer in this evening’s Holiday Concert. Felicidades!
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 Pérez, Sara Samuels, and with guest artists Edo, Timo Lozano, Carmela Greco, and Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Paloma Gomez and Christian Lozano. In 2006 she was promoted to Understudy with the professional company and in 2008 was selected to tour China. Carolyn graduated from NEIU in May 2011 with her degree in Communication, Media & Theatre. 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 and in June of 2009 performed with the EESDT for the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival. that year he was awarded a Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) dance scholarship from the Music department & the Dance program studying ballet and Jazz. He has also studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez and Christian Lozano. He recently graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a major in French and minor in dance.
LEONARD PEREZ, Understudy CAROLYN BERNAL, ABIGAIL VENTURA, Understudy Understudy, of Mexican- Guatemalan ALEJANDRA FERRER DAILEY & descent, was born YU-LING HU are on leave this season and raised in Chicago. She is currently working on her MA in Communications and Media at NEIU. Carolyn began dancing Salsa in 1997 at Le Petite Ballet School. 12 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
GUEST MUSICIANS Phyllis Hurt, Guest Musician, Soprano, has sung everything from grand opera to cabaret. She has appeared in recital at London’s Wigmore Hall and in concert at New York City’s Carnegie Recital Hall. She has been guest artist with the Orchestra da Camera in New York City, and the Illinois Opera Theater and Russian Folk Orchestra at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. In Chicago, she performs frequently in recital under the auspices of Mostly Music and at Northeastern Illinois University where she is a member of the music faculty. In 1996 she did a live performance of Rachmaninoff and Poulenc songs on WFMT with pianist Allen Anderson. She first performed with the Ensemble Español in 1989. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Hurt to this Special Holiday Concert. Brian Torosian, Guest Musician, 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. Dr. Torosian serves on the faculty at DePaul University and directs the guitar program of Northeastern Illinois University. As a solo performer and founding member of the Chicago Guitar Quartet, Mr. Torosian has appeared in performances for the St. Louis, Columbus, and Dayton classical guitar societies, and the Guitar Foundation of America Festival. Highlights of his 2004 concert activities include several appearances as concerto soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored in welcoming Mr. Torosian to this Special Holiday Concert. Steve Zivin, Guest Musician, Pianist, has performed both as a solo recitalist and accompanist in the Chicago metropolitan area. His many collaborations with soprano, Sasha Gerritson, have included concerts at the Skokie Public Library, Northeastern Illinois University, and on concert series sponsored by Mostly Music, Inc. He holds graduate degrees in music and counseling from Northwestern University and Northeastern Illinois University, respectively, and has been a member of the Department of Music and Dance Program since 1987. His teachers have included Allen Anderson, Mary Stanton and Laurence Davis. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored in welcoming Mr. Zivin to this Special Holiday Concert. Sylvia Myintoo, Guest Musician, Violinist, performs in the Chicago area appearing with artists from Andrea Bocelli to Seal. She has played with the Chicago land pops orchestra, and has been recorded on both WTTW soundstage, and the Oprah Winfrey show. She also performs with the Ken Arlen Orchestra in addition to her teaching at Northeastern Illinois University. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored in welcoming Ms. Myintoo to this Special Holiday Concert.
2 011 E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L S PA N I S H DA N C E YO U T H C O M PA N Y Heather Billings, Luis Beltran-Urenz, Frida Medina, Nalanie Molina, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Argelia Solis, Raul Fuentes, Leonard Pérez, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos, Senior Division Teodoro Bartels, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Laila Galecki, Eliza S. McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yasmeen Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon, Grade School Division Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 13
E X E C U T I V E B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S George Diaz President Illinois Department of Revenue Judith Grubner Vice President Attorney at Law Arnstein & Lehr LLP Raymond Irizarry Secretary and Treasurer Financial Center Manager Fifth Third Bank
Dame Libby Komaiko Founder and Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Jorge Pérez Executive Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Yvonne Owens Attorney at Law
Dr. Angelina Pedroso President Emerita Professor of Foreign Languages & Literature Northeastern Illinois University Louis Altman Vice President Emeritus Legal Consul Lillian C. Heminover Bd. Member Emerita Fine-Arts Coordinator (retired) Frederick Funston School
A DV I S O R Y B OA R D HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Rita Moreno Actress, Dancer, Singer
Ana Gonzalez & Juan Mata Founding Members National Ballet of Spain
Pepe Vargas President International Latino Cultural Center
Lane Alexander Founder & Artistic Director Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Charlie Grode Suleyma Pérez Vice President Government Relations Institute for Learning, Northeastern Illinois Access and Training University Chicago Symphony Orchestra Harriet Ross Joel Hall Former Managing Director Founder & Artistic Director Joffrey Ballet Joel Hall Dancers & Center Anita Salazar Gail Kalver Executive Director Milly Santiago River North Dance Company Governors Office Hispanic Media and Dolores Long Community Relations Associate Director Manager Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance Dr.Venetia Stifler Founder & Artistic Director Senator Iris Y. Martinez Concert Dance Inc.
ADVISORY BOARD
Bret 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 Carmela Greco Founder & Artistic Director Compañia Carmela Greco, Madrid
Annet Miranda Fifth Third Bank
Daniel Duell Artistic Director Ballet Chicago
Lourdes McKillop President Galeria Gala
Luisa Echevarria Community Relations Univision
Jose Luis Ovalle Artistic Director Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago
Nan Giordano Artistic Director Giordano Dance 14 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
Eduardo Vilaro Artistic Director Ballet Hispanico Wei Yang President Northeastern Chinese Association Najwa Artistic Director Najwa Dance Corp
YO U T H C O M PA N Y PA R E N T S C O M M I T T E E Beatrice Aviles Sharon A. Billings Ivelisse Figueroa Cindy Galecki Kevin and Laura McDaniel Angel and Gloria Medina Pedro and Felicia Perez Cathleen Schandelmeier-Bartels
Jose Saucedo and Sharon Dobish Alan Schmidt and Wilma Schmidt Urena Fernando and Esther Serrano Marie Chandel Spurgeon Erika Teijeiro-Ficht Christina Velazquez Judy and Victor Villalobos
S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U Dr. Sharon Hahs President, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)
Melba Rodriguez Vice President for Institutional Advancement NEIU
Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg President Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University
Suleyma Pérez Executive Director of Government Relations NEIU
Dr. Bernard Brommel Professor Emeritus, NEIU
Greg Fydryck Accountant Jackson Hewitt
Dr. Carlos Azcoita President, Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Iris Martinez Illinois State Senator Suzanne Connor Sr. Program Officer for Arts & Culture The Chicago Community Trust Michael Kaiser President Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington D.C. Dr. Lawrence Frank Provost, NEIU Dr. Wamucii Njogu Dean, College of Arts & Sciences NEIU Dr. Shayne Cofer Chair, Department of Music and the Dance Program, NEIU Mark Wilcockson Vice President for Finance & Administration NEIU Dave Jonaitis Associate Vice President for Financial & Administrative Affairs, NEIU
Sasha Gerritson Professor, Deptartment of Music & Dance NEIU Dr. Venetia Stifler Dance Program Director NEIU Terry Scrogrum Executive Director Illinois Arts Council Brian Harms Graphic Design Manager NEIU Sheila Henaghan Michael Cullen Mercury Theater Michael Mikrut Technical Support NEIU Elias Morales Assistant Auditorium Technical Director NEIU Rick Martin Audio Engineer NEIU
Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 15
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 Suárez Ruiz Ballet Mistress / Production Assistant .............................................................................................. Anna Czajun Rehearsal Master........................................................................................................................................ Jorge Pérez Associate Artistic Directors Español Spanish Dance Youth Company........................................................Sara Samuels, Julia Hinojosa Pilates/Ballet Instructor .................................................................................................................. Sandy Norawita Community Outreach Faculty....................................................................... Irma Suarez Ruiz, Sara Samuels, Jose Torres, Israel Sanchez, Julia Hinojosa, Leticia Aravena
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 Accountants .............................................................................................................Delano Pulido, Greg Fydryck Development Consultant........................................................................................................... Thomas Comacho Administrative Assistants........................................................................Brenda Rodriguez , Sadeka Behlim
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 Administrative Assistant...................................................................................................................... Judy Cascone Administrative Assistant..................................................................................................................... Evelyn Hanley Dean, Graduate College Director of international programs....................................................................................... Dr. Janet Federicks Chair, Music Department and Dance Program...................................................................... Dr. Shayne Cofer Director of Media Relations................................................................................................................Erica Krehbiel Media Relations.......................................................................................................................................Dana Navarro Director of Marketing.................................................................................................................................Julie White
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F DAME LIBBY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE................ Dr. Shayne Cofer, Chair, Music department & dance program Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez, Josephine DiCesare, Sasha Gerritson Technical Director/Lighting Designer/Stage Manager................................................................Elias Morales Audio Recording Manager........................................................................................................................ Rick Martin Costume Design................................................................................................. Paco Alonso, Christine Fransen, Dame Libby Komaiko, Juanjo Linares, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Luz Creations, Docano Creations, Dorothy Glassberg, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano Costume Production..................................................................................................Luz Creations, Paco Alonso, Christine Fransen, Anita Salazar, Olga Turek, Docano Creations Costume and accessories .......................................... 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; Casa Valladeperas shoes, Barcelona; Don Flamenco Shoes, Madrid Miami Props................................................................................................................................................ Casa España, Sets............................................................................................................................................................. Santiago Vaca TV and video services....................................................................................................Rick Senné, Jim Henning Multimedia services.................................................................................................... Michael Mikrut, Tim Davis Audio Recording .........................................................................................................................................Rick Martin Photography......................................................................................................................... Joe L. Davis, Dean Paul Graphics .......................................................................................................................................................Brian Harms Printing......................................................................................................Corporate Graphics, Quartet Printing Web Master.......................................................................................................................................... Lee Rivadeniera Marketing Consultant.................................................................................................................... Patricia Nicholson 16 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 Chicago High School for the Performing Arts PLATINUM Univision Fifth Third Bank Chicago Community Trust GOLD Chicago Latino Network Chicago City Arts Program Consul General of Spain Illinois Arts Council La Raza Hispanic Newspaper SILVER After School Matters Arte y Vida Chicago Elizabeth Cheney Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Arts Work Fund Instituto Cervantes BRONZE Aronson Philanthropic Trust Cherry Family Foundation Jose Greco Foundation Barbara and Barre Seid Foundation NIB Foundation Tourist Office of Spain Service Club of Chicago HMS Media IN-KIND SERVICES & GIFTS Northeastern Illinois University Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Arte y Vida Chicago Biltmore Alterations Bertha de la Mata Ana Maria Portillo Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Tribune La Raza See Chicago Dance Dot Com ABC Television INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS $1,000 - $4,999 Joyce Chelberg Eugene Jarvis and Sasha Gerritson Dame Libby Komaiko Jorge Perez CONTRIBUTORS $250 - $999 Lou and Ellie Altman Shara Fata Bonnie Koven Yvonne Owens Jorge Perez Gregory Ragsdale Olga Turek Dr. Jeffrey I. Gaule and Elena Carbajal Gaule
Gabrielle Gaule Irma Suarez Ruiz
Rebecca Balis Gerardo Baltazar Michael and Jennifer HERITAGE CIRCLE $100 - $249 Bartenhagen Cheryl Burack Juan and Mireya Beaton Bonar Dailey and Alejandra Ferrer Judy Bosen Dailey Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Bravo Anne Freter Dwan Buetow Judith Grubner Phil Canti Jim Halas Victor Castillo Raymond Irizarry Joanna Chavarria Dame Libby Komaiko Chappell School Maryellen Langhout Diane and Stan Cole Lyon and Paula Leifer Migdalia and Donnell Coleman Bertha de la Mata Patricia and Timothy Coley Melissa Mouhelis Helen Pat Collings Michelle Mouhelis Angel Cordova Rosalyn O’Cherony Don and Lourdes Cornelius Yvonne Owens Jose Crespo Dr. Angelina Pedroso Josefina Cruz Jorge Perez Julie Ann Dakers Gregory Ragsdale Eric David Blanca Santiago Debra and Darren Decker Robert Steinbach Araceli Delagarza Lyn Taliaferro Judge David Delgado Olga Turek Candice DeMauro Melody Vasquez Giuseppa DiCesare Patricia Bueno Abdala Marcin and Diana Dylag Oscar Zambrano Ed Napleton Elmhurst Imports Priscilla Escobar AMIGOS/FRIENDS OF THE Shara Fata ENSEMBLE $25 - $99 Erika Teijeiro Ficht Lou and Eleanor Altman Jose Figueroa Brett and Veronica Batterson Ivelisse Figueroa Tomas Bissonnette and Dr. Rita Anne Freter Simo Cindy Galecki Biltmore Cleaners Kamila Galecki Alvin Raul Cardona Nick Geroulis George Diaz Tamara Green Maria Gomez Jessica and Peter Gryorfy Judith Grubner Veronica Guerrero Julia Hinojosa Kathryn Grant Hardy Jayne de la Huerga Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg Raymond Irizarry Joseph Hartman Robert Kaprelian Peter Paul and Marsha Hawley Emily Lamoreaux Barbara and Francisco Hernandez Dolores Long Susana Hernandez Dr. Angelina Pedroso Ruben Herrera Adrienne Pfarr Christina Hinojosa Gregory Ragsdale Julia Hinojosa Pam Shortall Christina Hinojosa Elizabeth Silverstein Jummy Ikinbusuyi Lyn Taliaferro International Body Shop Jule Turnoy Abraham and Rosita Izquierdo Gerald Ullman David and Wendy Johnson Jeannette Vogel Paula Jeske Oscar Zambrano Linda Johnson Matthew and Natalia Rivera Just the Beginning Foundation Crystal Keys ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH Maria Keys DANCE YOUTH COMPANY Dame Libby Komaiko DONORS William Koppe Nelson Aguilar Bonnie Koven Craig Althege Kim Kozlowski Carmen Alvarado Rebecca LaMadrid Quevedo Benn Angon Amanda Larrivee Vanessa Angone Ebony Lee Lori Ann Baas Lyon and Paula Leifer John and Jill Bailey Keith and Arisbel Lewandowski Vince & Karen Balachia Julie List Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 17
D O N O R S ( c o n t .) Rumelia Lodhia Susan Lopez Megan Lyman Suneer & Laura Maheshwary Mary Marino Celia Martinez Joseph Moloczyj Mr. & Mrs. Asuncion Matias Oscar Matias & Family Laura McDaniel Elizabeth Meyer Stephanie Mistretta Cindy Mitchell Rosa Moraton Dallen Moreno James and Sandra Murphy Melissa Nater Rosalyn Ocherony Aracelis Olivo William Olivo Yvonne Owens Annie Padilla Joanne Palcesser Dr. Angelina Pedroso Felicia Perez Pedro Perez Jorge Perez John Pokorny Carlos Posso Edison and Zenedia Puente Roy Puente Teena Quest Angel Quinones Dr. T.E. Riemer Jessica Rogers Greg Ragsdale Robo Dent Inc Teresa Rosado Gladys & Pedro Rosas Gilbert Ruiz Mr. & Mrs. Jose Salamanco Arnold and Lois Samuels Blanca Santiago Zach Schiffman Alan Schmidt Wilma Schmidt Olga Scott Esther Serrano Nirav & Swati Shag Liz Silverstein Dr. Rita Simo and Tomas Bissonnette Joshua & Gabriela Smyser Carrilo Mayra Solis Froilan Soto South Shore Auto Auction James and Chandel Spurgeon Naomi Teijeiro Maria Torres Luis Urena Hernan Urena Elsa Urena Cynthia Vaiciulis Evelyn Valentine
Salvador Vasquez Christina Velazquez Vanessa Velez Judy and Victor Villalobos Toni Villalobos Moryma Vinocuna Maria Walker Nathaniel and Sandra Wasson Christopher & Ira Watson-Shetty Caroline Yankee Frank Zimmerman ZELDA SENIOR PROGRAM FUND Kaye and Leonor Acuña Richey Bernard Fulton John Logan and Martin Madden Dame Libby Komaiko Jorge Perez Jonathon Samuels 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. Jose 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 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 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, Zelda Fund, 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 six years. 18 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre
E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L D O N AT I O N P R O G R A M S
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, Heritage Circle, 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 35 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, Mastercard and Discover are accepted All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
ZELDA KOLBER SENIOR PROGRAM - “Zelda’s Fund” Our 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.
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 thirty five 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 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 19
S PA I N 2 012 Support our youth company (ages 9 to 19) to reach their goal of studying in Madrid, Spain in July 2012 with renowned flamenco instructor, Carmela Greco. Your gift will help us toward reaching our goal! Thank you for all your support. We gratefully accept your generous checks payable to Ensemble Español Ensemble Español Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. 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
E N S E M B L E E S PA Ñ O L’ S / S PA I N I N A M E R I C A / U P C O 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, beginning January 2012 15 week session Last session will be a recital Ages 4-6 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm Ages 7-12 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Ages 7-12 Intermediate 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm To register, please contact Giuseppa DiCesare at 773-442-5926 Weekly Adult’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the community Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J Building Next class session Tuesdays, beginning January 2012 (six classes = one session) Beginners 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm Intermediate 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm To register, please contact Giuseppa DiCesare at 773-442-5926 Please visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org or call 773-442-5916 for a class schedule. Tales of Spain/Historias de Espana Multi-media daytime lectura concert series Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium 2 shows daily/10:15 am and 11:45am May 16, 17, & 18 $5/students, $6/adults For More information please contact Julia Hinojosa 773-442-5926 or jhinojo1@hotmail.com 2012 American Spanish Dance and Music Festival June 13 through June 24, 2012 The annual festival features 4 Gala concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Skokie with U.S. and world premieres, 50 master classes and workshops in the Neoclassical, Clasico Español, Folkloric and Flamenco styles of dance, music, Vocal, guitar, and percussion available for undergraduate and graduate course credit or non-credit at Northeastern Illinois University and concerts featuring Classical and Flamenco Music. 20 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre