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1Ensemble Español

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director

Irma Suárez Ruíz, Associate Artistic DirectorHonoring their fourth decade of Spanish Dance & Music in America

American Spanish Dance Festival 2010June 16–27, 2010

Flamenco PassionFriday & 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 SkokieSpain in America Honorary Chairpersons

The Honorable The Honorable Ambassador Richard M. Daley Javier Ruperéz Mayor, City of Chicago Consul General of Spain

Sharon K. Hahs Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg President, Northeastern Illinois University President Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University

Guest Artists Carmela Greco, Renowned Flamenco dancer & choreographer,

daughter of the legendary José Greco, MadridCristian Lozano, Former soloist of the National Ballet of Spain, Madrid

Paloma Gomez, Former principal of the National Ballet of Spain, MadridFounder & Artistic Director of De Lunares Danza, Madrid

MusiciansManuel Palacin, Flamenco singer, Madrid,

Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer & guitarist, Jaen, Spain / MiamiAntonio 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 DancerAlejandra 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 CompanyLuis Beltran, Heather Billings, Anais Cotillas, Frida Medina, Leonard Perez,

Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Carisa Serrano, Abigail VenturaSenior Division

Mario Alvarado-Chavez, Eliza McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yisrael SpurgeonJunior Division

Anna Czajun Irma Suárez Ruíz Jorge Pérez Ballet Mistress Associate Artistic Director Rehearsal Master Company Production Asst. Rehearsal Mistress

Sandy Nowarita Margaret Nelson Pilates/Yoga Instructor Technical Director/ Lighting Designer Jeremiah Bishoff Kevin Peterson Stage Manager Flamenco Scenic Artist & Scenic Design

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NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC D IRECTOR

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 scholar-ships, 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/ap-prenticeship 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 fl oor lobby.

And now, travel with us to España ¡Ole! Please enjoy this concert.

¡Que lo disfruten!

Con cariño,

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FL A MENCO PASS ION GAL A CONCERT PROGR A M

Act 1Esencia de España

Suite RegionalTribute to Juanjo Linares

September 6, 1933 - November 15, 2009 Maestro Juanjo created twenty-fi ve 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 fi rst residency in Chicago in February of 1984.

1.) Extremeño from Extremadura Dancers; Leticia Aravena, Juan Castellon, Carolyn Bernal2.) Jota de Tres from Madrid Dancers: Crystal Ruiz, José Torres, Evelyn Sanchez3.) 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 Company6.) 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 PremiereThis 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 ArtistMusic: Yasunori Mitsuda & José Maria Rojo

Costume Construction: Luz Creations & John LopezDancers: Company

This evening’s production of “Encuentros” is made possible by a grant from The Saints, Ministerio de Cultura Española and Albany Bank.

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FL A MENCO PASS ION GAL A CONCERT PROGR 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 PremiereThe 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 diffi cult to interpret in character and style.

Choreography, Dancer & Costume Designer: Irma Suárez RuizMusic: 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 FransenDancers: Company

15-minute Intermission

Act IIPasión Flamenca / Flamenco Passion

Zapateado A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fi elds 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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FL A MENCO PASS ION GAL A CONCERT PROGR A M (C O N T.)

Zorongo Gitano U.S. PremiereThe 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 ArtistsCostume Construction: Luz Creations

Anhelo Del Alma (Longing of the Soul) World PremiereWith Moorish and Arabic origins, this song/dance in the Tientos & Tangos

Flamenco styles derived from the Zambra and Caribbean infl uence 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 ArteThe 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 PremiereThis 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 CaribeThe Flamenco Guajiras, in the compás (rhythm) of twelve, originated in Cuba

from the Cuban folk traditions in the fi rst 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 AlonsoDancers: Company

EstampaChoreographers (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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ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL CENTER FOR SPANISH DANCE & MUSIC

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 Univer-sity, 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 com-pany, founded in 1976 by Artistic Direc-tor 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 promot-ing cultural pluralism at the community, state, national, and international levels, and at the annual American Spanish Dance Festival administered by the Ensemble. The company shares a rich history and mission of commitment to inter-American and inter-Hispanic world cultures. Within this these cul-tural contexts, the Ensemble represents classical, ethnic, folkloric, and contem-porary traditions as living sources of cultural pride and education.

Dame Libby, professor of dance in the music department and dance program, is also the founder and originator of the fi rst academic program and center for Spanish dance in America at North-eastern Illinois University. Today, the Ensemble Español is praised by educa-

tors, social agencies, the professional arts world, journalists, and American and Hispanic world governments.

The Ensemble appears in a broad range of television, opera, fi lm, and symphon-ic 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 land-mark legendary Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Harris Theater, Chicago Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre, DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and Symphony Center. The Ensemble has appeared throughout the United States, the Midwest, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and on four continents in the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia and most recently China following the summer Olympics. An extraordinary repertoire of over 125 works (Spanish ballets, traditional folkloric suites and Flamenco dramas) by Dame Libby Ko-maiko, Edo, Maria Alba, Victorio Korjhan, Roberto Lorca, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, and Spain’s legendary danc-ers and choreographers; Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez, founding members and former fi rst dancers of the National Bal-let of Spain, Timo Lozano, Paco Alonso, Juanjo Linares, foaremost authority on folklore, and Flamenco masters Manolete & Carmela Greco, exemplifi es the Ensemble’s dedication to its cultural and artistic mission.

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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 fi rst complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music.

Founder, Artistic Director, ChoreographerThe 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 fi rst American artist in history to be decorated with Spain’s highest honor, the “Lazo de Dama de Isabel la Católica” by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, for her superlative work in spreading the cultural and artistic values of Spain throughout the U.S.

Dame Libby began her dance training and performance in classical ballet and character dance as a young child with Elisa Stigler at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. As a teen, she studied and performed Jazz, Modern and Musical Theater with Gus Giordano. At the age of 18, she was discovered by the legendary José Greco and given the opportunity to learn and perform with his world- famous Spanish Dance Company.

Her beloved journey into the Spanish dance world also led her to the company of Lola Montes. Dame Libby’s career also includes musical theater, opera, television, fi lm and orchestra, including guest performances with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, the Detroit Symphony, the Evanston and Skokie Valley Symphonies, and

DA ME L IBBY KOM AIKO

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DA ME L IBBY KOM AIKO (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 fi lming 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 benefi t 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 world-renowned 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 fi fth

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 fi rst 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.

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GUEST ARTISTS (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 fi ve. 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

Region de Murcia, and the Ballet Nacional de España performing in fi ve 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 fi rst 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

11Ensemble Español


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 fi rst 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 fi fth 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 fl amenco 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 fi rst 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,



Concertante di Chicago, Sacred Winds Ensemble, the Aspen Opera Theater, and with hip hop artist, Kanye West. In 2004, Kassandra found fl amenco. Since then, she has studied with fl amenco 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 fi fth 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 complet-ing 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 concert-izes on replicas of a Baroque guitar, a Terz guitar, and a mid-19th century 10-string guitar, the latter two instru-

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 fi rst 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 fl utes and on the bansuri (north Indian keyless bamboo fl ute). He

resigned his position in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to accept a Fulbright to study Hindustani classical music. Remaining in India for fi ve years, Mr. Leifer won praise for his lively and authentic renditions of raga melodies. Mr. Leifer gives recitals on Western fl utes and performs as principal fl utist in the Ars Viva Orchestra. He teaches fl ute 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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13Ensemble Español


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 fi rst season with the company and the American Spanish Dance Festival.

THE COMPANY

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 fi ve 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

15Ensemble Español

THE COMPANY (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



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 Certifi cation in Special Education. Alejandra and her husband Bonar are the proud parents of Sofi a 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

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 fi rst 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

17Ensemble Español


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 fi ve 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.



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-Komaiko-Pérez scholarship in 2009. Leticia recently returned from Spain, studying at the Amor de Dios Flamenco Studios in Madrid.

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.

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19Ensemble Español


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 fi rst 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 Stifl er. 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

2010 ENSEMBLE ESPAÑO L SPANISH DANCE YOUTH COMPANY

Luis BeltranHeather Billings

Anais CotillasFrida Medina

Leonard PerezVanessa RodriguezAmanda Saucedo

Carisa SerranoAbigail Ventura

Senior Division

Mario Alvarado-ChavezEliza McDaniel

Nadia QuinonesYisrael Spurgeon

Junior Division

Y O U R O N L I N E G U I D E T O T H E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Photo: Milwaukee Rep


ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL PRODUCTION STAFF

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 fi nancial 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!

21Ensemble Español

BOARD OF D IRECTORS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dr. Angelina PedrosoPresident EmeritaProfessor of Foreign

Languages & Literature Northeastern Illinois

University

Judith GrubnerVice PresidentAttorney at LawPartner - Arnstein & Lehr LLP

George DiazVice PresidentIllinois Department of

Revenue

Mary CernyTreasurerVice PresidentAlbany Bank & Trust

Company

Raymond IrizarrySecretaryFinancial Center ManagerFifth Third Bank

Dame Libby KomaikoFounder and Artistic

DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish

Dance Theater

Jorge PérezAdministrative DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish

Dance Theater

Lillian HeminoverSecretary, EmeritusFine Arts Coordinator

(Retired)Frederick Funston

Elementary School

Louis AltmanVice President EmeritusLegal Consul

Honorary Co-ChairsAdvisory Board

Rita Moreno

Ana Gonzalez & Juan MataFounding MembersNational Ballet of Spain

Pepe VargasPresidentInternational Latino Cultural

Center

Advisory Board MembersLane AlexanderFounder & Artistic DirectorChicago Human Rhythm

Project

Brett BattersonExecutive DirectorAuditorium Theatre

Frank ChavesArtistic DirectorRiver North Chicago Dance

Company

Lou ConteFounder, Hubbard Street

Dance Chicago and the Lou Conte Dance Studio

Jonathon DonadoPresident Applus Technologies

Daniel DuellArtistic DirectorBallet Chicago

Luisa EchevarriaCommunity RelationsUnivision

Carmela GrecoFounder & Artistic DirectorCompañia Carmela Greco,

Madrid

Charlie GrodeVice PresidentInstitute for Learning,

Access and TrainingChicago Symphony Orchestra

Joel Hall Founder & Artistic Director Joel Hall Dancers & Center

Gail KalverArts Management

Consultant

Dolores LongAssociate Director Ruth Page Foundation

School of Dance

Senator Iris Y. Martinez

Annet MirandaFifth Third Bank

NajwaArtistic DirectorNajwa Dance Corp.

Suleyma PérezGovernment RelationsNortheastern Illinois

University

Harriet RossFormer Managing DirectorJoffrey Ballet

Anita SalazarArts Production & Program

Consultant

Dr.Venetia Stifl erFounder & Artistic DirectorConcert Dance Inc.

Eduardo VilaroFounderLuna Negra Dance Theater

Wei YangPresidentNortheastern Chinese

Association

Sharon A. BillingsEduardo Cotillas and

Susan LopezEva MujicaAngel and Gloria Medina Felicia PerezGuadalupe Martinez and

Carlos RodriguezSharon Dobish and José

SaucedoFernando and Esther

SerranoIvelisse FigueroaCarmen AlvaradoKevin and Laura McDanielKevin McDanielChristina VelazquezMarie Chandel SpurgeonScholarship & Ensemble

Español Spanish Dance Youth Company

Parent’s Committee


SPECIAL THANK YOU

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER

Dr. Sharon HahsPresident, Northeastern Illinois University

Dr. Salme Harju SteinbergPresident Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University

Dr. Lawrence FrankProvost, Northeastern Illinois University

Javier RuperezCouncil General of Spain

Dr. Bernard BrommelProfessor Emeritus,Northeastern Illinois University

Dr. Shayne CoferChair, Department of Music

and the Dance ProgramNortheastern Illinois University

Terry ScrogrumExecutive DirectorIllinois Arts Council

Sheila HenaghanMichael CullenMercury Theater

Rick MartinAudio EngineerNortheastern Illinois University

Michael MikrutTechnical SupportNortheastern Illinois University

Rachael BurtonMusic Department and Dance ProgramNortheastern Illinois University

Steve ZivinConcert CoordinatorMusic Department, Northeastern Illinois University

ARTISTIC STAFF

Dame Libby KomaikoFounder and Artistic Director

Irma Suarez RuizAssociate Artistic DirectorRehearsal Mistress

Anna CzajunBallet Mistress Production Assistant

Jorge PérezRehearsal Master

Sara SamuelsAssociate Artistic DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish Dance

Youth Company

Sandy NowaritaPilates/Yoga Instructor

Irma Suarez RuizJorge PérezSara SamuelsJosé TorresIsrael SanchezJulia HinojosaLeticia AravenaCommunity Outreach Faculty

Northeastern Illinois UniversityADMINISTRATION

Dr. Sharon K. HahsPresident

Dr. Lawrence FrankProvost

Mark WilcocksonVice PresidentFinance and Administration

David JonaitisAssociate Vice President Financial and Administrative Affairs

ADMINISTRATION

Jorge Pérez Administrative Director

Giuseppa DiCesareManager of Operations Festival Coordinator

Julia HinojosaResidency Program

Coordinator

Tom CamachoDevelopment Coordinator

Carolyn AguilaArchival Coordinator

Israel SanchezInt’l Communications

Specialist

Abigail VillalpandoBrenda RodriguezAdministrative Assistants

23Ensemble Español

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER (C O N T.)

Northeastern Illinois UniversityADMINISTRATION (cont.)

Carla KnorowskiVice PresidentInstitutional Advancement

Judy CasconeAdministrative Assistant

Evelyn HanleyAdministrative Assistant

Dr. Janet FredericksDean, Graduate CollegeDirector of International Programs

Dr. Shayne CoferChair, Music Department and Dance

Program

Erica MalekDirector of Media Relations

Dana NavarroMedia Relations

Terry JacobusPostal Service

PRODUCTION

Margaret NelsonTechnical Director, Lighting Designer

Jeremiah Jeffrey BishoffStage Manager

Rick MartinAudio Recording Manager

Michael ShurA Shur Thing • Videographer

Paco AlonsoChristine Fransen Dame Libby KomaikoJuanjo LinaresIrma Suarez RuizJorge PérezLuz CreationsDocano CreationsDorothy GlassbergPaloma GomezCristian LozanoCostume Design

Luz CreationsPaco AlonsoChristine FransenAnita Salazar

Olga TurekDocano CreationsJohn LopezRachel CousarCostume Production

Chicago Dance & Supply Dance & Mime ShoppeMotion UnlimitedLeo’s TheatricalCapeziosBiltmore AlterationsMaty’s fans, shawls, and castanets, Madrid Pertinez accessories and shawls, Madrid Casa Yustas hats, Madrid Victor Galiano castanets, MadridGallardo shoes, MadridCoral shoes, MadridCasa Valladeperas shoes, BarcelonaDon Flamenco shoes, MadridCostume and accessories

Casa España, MiamiProps

Kevin PetersonHawkeye Scenic Studios Inc.Sets

Lee RivadenieraWebsite Master

Northeastern Illinois UniversityPRODUCTION

Rick SennéJim HenningTV and video services

Michael MikrutTim DavisMultimedia services

Rick MartinAudio recording

Joe L. DavisDean PaulPhotography

Brian HarmsGraphics

Genesis PrintingCorporate GraphicsQuartet PrintingPrinting


CONTR IBUTIONS / PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS & INDIVIDUALS

PartnersNortheastern Illinois

UniversityInternational Latino Cultural

CenterLupus Foundation of America,

IL ChapterGaleria GalaSabbiaSee Chicago Dance Dot ComUrban Gateways

PlatinumUnivisionIllinois Arts Council

Governor’s International Exchange program

Hispanic Serving Institute

GoldConsul General of SpainProgram for Cultural

Cooperation between Spain’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and United States Universities

Cherry Family FoundationIllinois Arts Council Residency

ProgramLa Raza Hispanic NewspaperChicago Latino NetworkChicago City Arts Program

SilverArts Work FundNIB FoundationArte y Vida ChicagoJosé Greco Foundation

BronzeThe SaintsFifth Third BankInstituto CervantesAronson Philanthropic TrustAfter School MattersAlbany Bank

CollaboratorsDoubleTree Hotel

North ShoreNorth Shore Center for the

Performing ArtsSvet Media Group

Restaurant SponsorsEmilios Tapas Eli’s CheesecakeChinese Friendship

RestaurantCafé Marabella

In-kind Services & GiftsNortheastern Illinois

UniversityUnivisionInternational Latino Cultural

CenterChicago Sun-TimesChicago TribuneLa RazaSee Chicago Dance Dot ComChicago Latino NetworkArte y Vida ChicagoBiltmore Alterations

Individual Sponsors $1,000 - $4,999Libby KomaikoMichael and Dr. Salme

Steinberg

Contributors $250 - $999Lou and Eleanor AltmanAnne FreterJorge PerezDelano PulidoMarisel SalascruzSt. Louis Cultural Flamenco

SocietyOlga TurekCarmela Greco

Heritage Circle $100 - $249Kaye and Leonor Acuña

RicheyCotillas FamilyGeorge DiazJudith GrubnerHector HernandezLillian HeminoverRaymond IrizarryMaryellen LanghoutMelissa MouhelisMichelle MouhelisRosalyn O’CheronyDr. Angelina PedrosoJorge PerezSuleyma PerezMario PonceArnold and Lois SamuelsBlanca SantiagoMilagros Santiago

Amigos/Friends of the Ensemble$25 - $99Mary CernyCharlotte DoyleJayne de la HuergaJulia HinojosaHannah KaplanSherwin and Gertrude MarksMr. & Mrs. Morton and Joan

MollnerGregory RagsdaleAndrea Saiet

Dr. Rita Simo and Tomas Bissonnette

William SteinRobert Van RiemsdykAna Maria VazquezJeanette Vogel

Ensemble EspañolEndowment Founding MembersAlbany Bank and Trust

CompanyLouis & Eleanor AltmanMs. Miriam AlvarezThe Aronson Philanthropic

FundMr. Carlo Basile & Las Guitarras de España Felix & Iris BermudezBernal Elias FamilyMr. Harmon G. BernsMs. Sophia W. BoccioMs. Ruth K. BrackettDr. Bernard J. BrommelMs. Patricia BuenoCalifornia Recruiters.Com Inc.The Cherry Family FoundationDr. Shayne CoferCotillas FamilyScott Mateo DaviesMr. George DiazFrancisco & Celia FontaDr. Jeffrey I. Gaule & Elena Carbajal-GauleMs. Yalila Assria-HerreraMs. Bertha de la MataMs. Helen de la MataRon de JesusDebra & Darren DeckerMr. José and Ms. Tamara Dos

SantosMrs. Shara Fata & the International Foreign

Language Immersion Program

Ms. Alejandra Ferrer-DaileyFlamenco Arts CenterDr. and Mrs. Battista J. GalassiMr. Allen GarlandMr. Mack C. GastonMrs. Judith A. GreenMs. Judith L. Grubner ofMichael Best & Friedrich LLPMs. Victoria A. HathawayDr. and Mrs. Robert

HeinemannMs. Lillian C. HeminoverMr. Eliezer HildesaimAsad Husain, Ph.D.Mr. Leonard P. IaquintaThe José Greco Foundation

for Hispanic Dance, Inc.Dame Libby KomaikoMr. Lee KoonceEd and Bonnie KovenLatin Street Dancing, Inc.Mr. James H. Leon

25Ensemble Español

CONTR IBUTIONS / PARTNERS (C O N T.)

Ms. Karen LesmezMs. Flora LlacunaEstela R. Lopez, Ph.D.Timo & Elena LozanoElena & Benjamin MarshSenator Iris MartinezJuan Mata & Ana GonzalezMedina FamilyMexican Folkloric Dance

Company of ChicagoMs. Susan E. NamestAnil PandyaDr. Angelina PedrosoMr. Jorge PérezMr. Nelson Pérez Ms. Suleyma Pérez Ms. Barbara ProvusMs. Jill M. PrzewoznikMr. Gregory F. Rehner

Ms. Lenore & Mr. Herman RiceMr. and Mrs. Miguel A. RiveraMr. Santos RiveraFreddie RochaCarlos Angel RodriguezMs. Irma M. RuizMr. Antonio RuizDr. and Mrs. Arnold C. SamuelsSara Samuels & Diego AlonsoMs. Dilva E. SanchezMr. Israel SanchezMs. Blanca SantiagoSchmidt-Ureña FamilyMs. Michelle

Schwammberger-Nascimento

Mr. Eddie SernaSerrano FamilyDr. and Mrs. Allen N. Shub

Sigma Lambda Gamma National

Ms. Margo L. SmithMr. William J. StankeDr. Salme Harju Steinberg Dr. Michael D. SteinbergMs. Amy StepanekJohn & Georgiana P. StepanekDr. Venetia Stifl erMr. José O. TorresDr. Pepe Vargas and Mrs.

Madeline Roman-Vargas & the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago

Tanya & Robert VerdinMr. Mark WilcocksonMr. 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.

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL DONATION PROGR A MS

HERITAGE CIRCLECelebrate the Present

Honorary ChairsMrs. Maggie Daley – Chair, Chicago Cultural Center FoundationLois 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 fi nancial 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 afi cionado, 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 signifi cant health benefi ts via dance instruction and engage youth and senior citizens in a culturally

artistic enriching environment with friends and families.


ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL DONATION PROGR A MS (C O N T.)

DONOROur 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 EspañolNortheastern Illinois University

5500 N. St. Louis AvenueChicago, IL 60625

Visa and Mastercard are accepted

All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

ENDOWMENTHonor 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 Offi ceNortheastern Illinois University

5500 N. St. Louis AvenueChicago, 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 [email protected]

27Ensemble Español

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL’S / SPAIN IN AMERICA / UPCOMING EVENTS

Weekly Children’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the communityNortheastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J BuildingNext 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 Benefi t Concert PerformanceHarris 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 PerformanceHarris Theater for Music and Dance, Downtown Chicago Saturday, November 27Featuring a Flamenco suite of dances by the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater & the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company

Concierto Familiar / Family Holiday Concert SeriesDecember 14-16 at Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium

Weekly Community Flamenco Dance Classes Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studio J-111All 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.

AuditionsEnsemble Español Spanish Dance TheaterAuditions 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 CompanyAuditions for scholarships to the Youth Company and program: boys and girls grades 5-12Saturday, 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 seriesEducational outreach: performances in October 6 & 7, December 15 & 16773.442.5926

Spain’s Dancing RhythmsEducational outreach: school performances Irma Suarez Ruiz, director of education and community outreach773.442.5926

Residency ProgramsEducational outreach: performances and residencies for youth & senior citizensJulia Hinojosa, residency program coordinator773.442.5926

Exclusive U.S. Tour Representation:SIEGEL ARTIST MANAGEMENT LLC

www.siegelartist.comLiz Silverstein, 847-475-4224 • Jennifer Morris, 570-824-2266

Booking the Ensemble locally or internationally call 773.442.5904Classes, auditions, and performance information 773.442.5930

[email protected] *** www.EnsembleEspanol.org

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Documents

flamenco guitarist

flamenco singer guitarist

flamenco passionfriday

national ballet of spain

artistic directorhonoring

decade of spanish dance

classical guitarist

chicago brian torosian