Ensemble Espanol-Flamenco Passion Gala12NEW

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director Irma Suárez Ruíz, Associate Artistic Director

American Spanish Dance and Music Festival 2012 June 14 – 24 Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studios & Auditorium

Flamenco Passion Gala Concerts Friday & Saturday, June 22 & 23 at 7:30pm & Sunday, June 24 at 3:00pm North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

Guest Artists

Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez, Founding members and former first dancers of the National Ballet of Spain and the Pilar Lopez /Argentinita Foundation Carmela Greco, Renowned Flamenco dancer & choreographer, Madrid Paloma Gomez, Former principal of the National Ballet of Spain, Madrid David Coria, Former principal of the National Ballet of Spain, Madrid José Barrios, Principal dancer of the Maria Pagés Company of Spain, Madrid

Musicians

Manuel Palacin, Flamenco singer, Madrid, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer & guitarist, Jaen, Spain / Miami Mateo, Flamenco guitarist, Minneapolis, Juan Antonio Mata, Pianist, Madrid, Ismael de la Rosa, Flamenco Singer, Madrid, Flavio Rodrigues, Flamenco Guitarist, Madrid and Javier Saume Mazzei, Percussionist, Venezuela

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater 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 Sanchez Abigail Ventura, Apprentice

Jorge Pérez, First Dancer José Torres, Principal Dancer Israel Sánchez Juan Castellón Sean Arana Omar Roman, Apprentice Leonard Pérez, Apprentice

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Luis Beltran, Heather Billings, Anais Cotillas, Frida Medina, Nalanie Molina, Leonard Perez, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos Senior Division Teodoro Bartels, Laila Galecki, Eliza McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yasmeen Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht Grade School Division Margaret Nelson Technical Director Lighting Designer

Elias Morales Technical Director Lighting Designer NEIU

Mike Mikrut Sound Engineer NEIU

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SPECIAL NOTE Queridos Amigos/ Dear Friends: Thank you for joining us for this 36th Anniversary American Spanish Dance & Music Festival Concert.

Tonight our company of 40 dancers, musicians and international guest artists are dedicated to enriching your evening, sharing your passions, and embracing all that is Spain in America.

Welcome and Gracias to our University President, Dr. Sharon Hahs of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), where the Ensemble Español has been In Residence since it’s inception 36 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, 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: Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, David Coria, Jose Barrios, Manuel Palacin, Paco Fonta, Mateo, Juan Antonio, Ismael de la Rosa, Flavio Rodrigues and Javier Saume Mazzei. Thank you for your inspiringly beautiful concert performances, premiere choreogra� phies, teachings and class accompanists with in our faculty for this year’s Festival.

My heartfelt thank you, Irma and Jorge, my right and left arms, for your selfless devotion to the legacy of our beloved Ensemble Español. Gracias to our magnificent, Giuseppa DiCesare, Manager of Operations and Festival Coordinator, and to our tireless devoted staff, Julia Hino� josa, Brenda Rodriguez, Estela Cobian.

Felicidades to all of the dancers for their extraordinary accomplishments this season; U.S. touring, artistic collaborations and educational community outreach programs as teachers and performing artists.

We are proud of Sara Samuels & Jose Torres, Principal Dancers and Company Dancers, Julia Hinojosa Crystal Ruiz, and Olivia Serrano, for sharing your intensive Spanish dance stud� ies in Spain this past summer 2011with our company dancers and communities ¡Gracias y Felicidades! Thank you, to all of our wonderful passionate friends, donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers and special thank you to our youth company parents committee. We simply would not be celebrating 36 years if it were not for the support of our loyal audiences & students.

The Ensemble Español has awarded over 2,600 scholarships, trained over 160 youth dancers and over 90 young apprentices to become professionals in the Ensemble Español and arts world. All of our dancers began on a scholarship. The Ensemble Español’s impact is truly life changing. We would like to thank NEIU Professor Emeritus, Dr. Bernard Brommel, for his new endowment scholarship to the Ensemble Espa��������������������������������������������� ñ�������������������������������������������� ol –the Brommel-Pérez Scholarship. Mr. Brom� mel’s support is a testament to our ongoing mission of arts and education at our in residence, Northeastern Illinois University. ¡Muchisimas Gracias!

Help us to keep the future bright for our current dancers. Please contribute today and join one of our exciting donor programs including the newly established Dame Libby Komaiko Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor Dame Libby’s retirement from Northeastern Illinois University and Professor Emeritus Award this past season. We thank our generous do� nors, the Jarvis-Gerritson family, for their $5,000 match donation towards this new scholarship.

Your generous tax deductible donation and membership will help support the dancers, teachers, concerts, festivals, youth company, scholarship/apprenticeship, study abroad op� portunities, including our youth company’s Spain 2012 artistic/cultural/educational trip, and community outreach programs. Every dollar makes a difference and today your dollar in any amount will double that impact. We will be honored to publish your name in our upcoming programs and to send you a special gift for your generosity this evening. There are envelopes on the hospitality table in the main floor lobby. ¡Gracias!

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

Con cariño, Founder & Artistic Director

Associate Artistic Director

2 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

Executive Director

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PROGR A M Duende Flamenco Music & Dance Concert Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium June 14 @ 7:30pm

ACT I Opening Performance FLAMENCO A 3 (U.S. Premiere) Seguiriya (Excerpt from Flamenco A 3) Choreography & Dancer: David Coria All music by: Flavio Rodrigues with popular lyrics sung by Ismael de la Rosa

Prefacio (World Premiere) Prefacio (Preface) is a dramatic duet in the Flamenco Caña cante jondo (deep song) style. The Caña, in the rhythm of twelve, is considered one of the oldest and purest Flamenco forms.

Choreographers, Dancers, Costume Designers: Claudia Pizarro & José Torres, Principal Dancers Costume Production: Luz Creations

Ritmos del Flamenco Musicians: Manuel Palacin, Flamenco singer, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer and guitarist, Mateo, Flamenco guitarist, Javier Saume Mazzei, percussionist

Andalucia Flamenca Inspired by her father’s Flamenco concert finales, the legendary Spanish dancer José Greco, Carmela Greco depicts the Andalucian region in this festive and spirited suite of dances derived from the Flamenco cante chico (light songs): Garrotin, Tanguillos and Tangos in the rhythms of four.

Choreographer (2007): Carmela Greco, Guest Artist Musical Composition: Antonio Gabarra Jimenez Costume Design: Irma Suarez Ruiz & Jorge Perez Costume Production: Luz Creations Dancers: Full Company & Youth Company This choreography was made possible in part by the generous support of the Cherry Family Foundation.

ACT II Feria Andaluz Depicting the Spring “Ferias of Andalucia” this suite combines one of the “national dances” of Spain, Sevillanas, in the Cante por Baile (song for dance) style, from the province of Sevilla.

Choreography (1976): Traditional Staging: Dame Libby Komaiko & Irma Suarez Ruiz Dancers: Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company

Antes Que Amanezca (U.S. Premiere) This dance, in the Solea por Bulerias Flamenco style (cante jondo) deep song, is part of José Barrio’s concert “Por Si Acaso Amanece” (In Case of Dawn) making its debut in 2010 as part of the “Veranos de la Villa” in Madrid.

Choreographer & Dancer (2010): José Barrios, Guest Artist 4 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

P R O G R A M ( c o n t .)

Devenir This Flamenco solo, Devenir (Come and Go), is set to music and lyrics in the Flamenco Guajiras style, reflecting the island of Cuba’s beautiful countryside and lifestyle of the people. Devenir premiered at the 2008 Jerez Festival with Ms. Greco’s concert titled De La Opera al Flamenco -From the Opera to Flamenco.

Dancer & Choreography (2008): Carmela Greco, Guest Artist Music Composition: Antonio Gabarri Jiménez Costume Design: Toni Fernandez

Anda Jaleo Choreographers (2010): Carmela Greco, Guest Artists and Dancers Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Paco Alonso & Guest Artists Dancers: Full Company

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PROGR A M Flamenco Passion Gala Concert Program North Shore Center for the Performing Arts June 22, 23 & 24, 2012

Act I Escencia de España / Essence of Spain Suite Clasico Español – Las Bodas y Baile de Luis Alonso Gerónimo Giménez (October 10, 1854, Seville – February 19, 1923, Madrid) Spanish conductor and composer, dedicated his career to writing zarzuelas (Spain’s light opera), such as La tempranica and La boda de Luis Alonso. He preferred to spell his first name with a “G”, even though it began officially with a “J”. In 1896, Giménez wrote El mundo comedia es, or El baile de Luis Alonso, based on a text by Javier de Burgos. Following the success of this piece, he set to music another sainete (comedy sketch) by Burgos with the same characters, which became one of his most famous works: Las bodas de Luis Alonso, or La noche del encierro (1897). This second work, which achieved much greater success than the first, was actually meant to be a prequel, not a sequel. The Ensemble Español will honor Mr. Gimenez’s trio of works this evening with our Suite Clasico Español in the order he meant for them to be presented.

La Boda de Luis Alonso-Boleras (World Premiere) Choreographer: Paloma Gomez, Guest Artist Costume Designer: Raquel Rodriguez Costume production: Luz Creations Music: 1st section: Seis Sonatas para Orquesta, da Padre (high priest) Antonio Soler (1729-1783)

by Spanish composer and musician: Antòn Garcìa Abril (May 19, 1933 Teruel, Spain) Dancers: Claudia Pizarro, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano Music 2nd section: Gerónimo Giménez Dancers: Claudia Pizarro, José Torres, Principal Dancers, Crystal Ruiz, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano, Monica Saucedo, Evelyn Sanchez, Leonard Perez Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson

La Boda de Luis Alonso This dance depicts the elegance of the late nineteenth century wedding suite of Luis Alonso. In 1979 Spanish legendary dancer and choreographer, Edo, created this work for Dame Libby Komaiko as a solo. She set the castanets to the master’s choreography and danced it with great success and acclaim, including performances with the Evanston Symphony, Skokie Valley Symphony, and the Detroit Symphony. With great pride and joy, Dame Libby passes this beloved Spanish jewel to First Dancers Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez and the Ensemble Español.

Choreography (1979): Edo Music: Gerónimo Giménez Costume Design: Paco Alonso Lighting Design: Dame Libby Komaiko Dancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, First Dancers, and C ompany

El Baile de Luis Alonso El Baile de Luis Alonso was based on a one act lyrical play written by 6 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

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P R O G R A M ( c o n t .)

Javier de Burgos. 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 (2010): Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume production: Luz Creations Music: Gerónimo Giménez Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson Dancers: Company

Córdoba Cordoba and Asturias, by Isaac Albéniz from the Suite Española, Op 47, are considered two of the most important musical pieces of the Spanish classic collections. In this dance the choreographer expresses all of the Spanish elements found in the classical traditions. This performance of Cordoba premiered in February of 2007 at the I Ciclo de Danza Española de Antequera in Malaga, Spain.

Dancer, Choreographer, Costume Designer (2007) Paloma Gomez, Guest Artist Music: Isaac Albeniz (1860 -1909) Suite Española opus 47 Orquestration by RTVE, conducted by Ataulfo Argenta

Leyenda This marks Leyenda’s 25th Anniversary featuring original cast dancers Irma Suarez Ruiz and Jorge Pérez Choreographer (1987) Dame Libby Komaiko Music: Issac Albéniz, (1860 -1909) Suite Española opus 47 “Asturias” 1886 Painting: Christine Fransen Lighting Design: Joshua Preston Dancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, First Dancers, Sara Samuels, Claudia Pizarro, José Torres, Principal Dancers,

Autoretrato (U.S. Premiere) Mr. Barrios premiered Autoretrato (to define oneself ) in Ugata, Japan in 2007 at the Carmen Hall Theater. This dance, in the Flamenco Farruca style, is in the rhythm of four and is traditionally danced by men. Mr. Barrios was honored when dancer, choreographer and director, Maria Pages, fell in love with his choreography and asked him if she could perform it as a solo for her concert on tour. Ms. Pages performed the dance to critical acclaim in Spain in her production of Utopia in October of 2011 at the Cetro Niemeyer de Avilés.

Choreographer, Dancer, Costume Designer (2007): José Barrios, Guest Artist Music: Isaac Muñoz Martinete/Song: Manual Palacin Lighting Design: Sofia Perez

Sombras y Cenizas (World Premiere) Sombras y Cenizas (Shadows and Ashes) is a choreography illustrating in grand expression our walks in life without our loved ones. In this work, Carmela Greco & Paloma Gomez pay tribute to their fathers, legendary Spanish dancers, José Greco and José Gomez.

Dancers & Choreographers: Carmela Greco & Paloma Gomez, Guest Artists Music: José Luis Montón y Ara Malikian Costume Design: Paloma Gomez Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson

Costumbres Valenciana (Valencia’s Festival Customs) Excerpts This day is celebrated in honor of San José (Saint Joséph) with flowers and 8 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

P R O G R A M ( c o n t .) fireworks on the eve of “Cremat”. Festivities are celebrated every March 19th.

Choreographer (2000): Juanjo Linares Music: M. Padilla, Ginet- Traditional Costume & Lighting Design: Juanjo Linares Costume Production: Dolores Decano & Luz Creations Dancers: Full Company & the Youth Company Scene 3. “Juegos” “The Games” The young town girls will come down after the sounds of the “Caracoles” (Snail shells) playing and flirting with the fishermen while selecting the fish that they will sell later in the town.

Scene 6. “Cremat” Celebration with flowers and fireworks.

15 min Intermission

Act II Pasión Flamenca / Flamenco Passion All music by: Manuel Palacin, Flamenco singer, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer and guitartist, Mateo, Flamenco guitarist, Juan Antonio Mata, Pianist, Javier Saume Mazzei, Percussionist

Alegrias y Jaleos The joy and happiness of Flamenco’s important and popular song from the southwestern sea coast province of Cadiz, Alegrias and her family of songs Cantiñas, Romeras and Mirabras, is one of the oldest gypsy dances and most difficult to interpret in character and style in the rhythm of twelve.

The choreographers dedicate this work to the legendary Master teacher, choreographer, dancer, and director of the Centro Andaluz de Danza, José Granero (1936 – May 4, 2006) “Master teacher, although you are not with us, your legacy will continue” Choreography (2006 in honor of the Ensemble Español’s 30th anniversary season): Juan Mata & Ana González Costume Design: Irma Suárez Ruíz & Jorge Pérez Costume Production: Luz Creations Musical Composition: Juan Antonio Mata Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson Dancers: Company Alegrias y Jaleos production was made possible in part by a grant from the Governor’s International Arts Exchange Program of the Illinois Arts Council.

Antes Que Amanezca (U.S. Premiere) This dance, in the Solea por Bulerias Flamenco style, is part of José Barrio’s concert “Por Si Acaso Amanece” (In Case of Dawn) making its debut in 2010 as part of the “Veranos de la Villa” in Madrid. This dance in the cante jondo (deep song) style is in the rhythm of twelve.

Choreographer, Dancer, Costume Designer (2010): José Barrios, Guest Artist Lighting Design: Sofia Perez

Prefacio (World Premiere) Prefacio (Preface) is a dramatic duet in the Flamenco Caña cante jondo (deep Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 9

P R O G R A M ( c o n t .) song) style. The Caña, in the rhythm of twelve, is considered one of the oldest and purest Flamenco forms.

Choreography, Dancers, Costume Designers: Claudia Pizarro & José Torres, Principal Dancers Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Elias Morales

Todo por Ti The joy and happiness of Flamenco’s important and popular song, Alegrias, from the southwestern sea coast province of Cadiz, is one of the oldest gypsy dances and most difficult to interpret in character and style.

Choreography, Dancer & Costume Designer (2010): Irma Suarez Ruiz, First Dancer Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson

La Rosa Negra (World Premiere) “I dedicate this choreography to the man who is my fountain of inspiration and happiness, life partner and owner of my love. Luis, va por ti”. Paloma Gomez Choreographer, Dancer, Costume Designer: Paloma Gómez, Guest Artist Music: Flamenco Tientos -Juan Antonio Mata & Manuel Palacín Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson

Aires De Cádiz This dance, in the Flamenco Caracoles style, is from the province of Cádiz, in the Cante Chico (light song).

Part of the family of “Alegrias”, Caracoles is in the rhythm of twelve.

Choreographer and Lighting Design: (1984): Dame Libby Komaiko Costume Design and Production: Paco Alonso Dancers: Company

Cabo de Gata This profound dance from the cante jondo (deep sound) derives from the soulful expressions of the miners of Andalucia. It is in the Flamenco style, Tarantos, in the rhythm of four.

Choreography & Dancer (2007): Carmela Greco, Guest Artist Musical Composition: Antonio Jimenez Gabarri Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson

Anda Jaleo Choreographer (2010): Carmela Greco, Guest Artist Collaborating Choreographers: Paloma Gomez, José Barrios, Guest Artists and Dancers Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Paco Alonso & Guest Artists Costume Production: Paco Alonso, Dolores Decano, Luz Creations Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson Dancers: Full Company & Guest Artists

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Dancer: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Photo: Joe Davis

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 The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is the premier Spanish dance company and center in the United States to have in-residence status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Ensemble’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. 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 interAmerican and inter-Hispanic world cultures. Within this these cultural contexts, the Ensemble represents classical, ethnic, folkloric, and contemporary traditions as living sources of cultural pride and education.

Dame Libby, professor emeritus of dance in the music department and dance program is also the founder and originator of the first academic program and center for Spanish dance in America at Northeastern Illinois University. 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 at every major theater and university in Chicago and Illinois, including the landmark legendary Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Harris Theater, Chicago Theater, Athenaeum Theater, 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 China. 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, Jorge Pérez, Claudia Pizarro, José Torres, 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, Paco Alonso, Paloma Gomez, Juanjo Linares, foremost authority on folklore, and Flamenco masters Manolete & Carmela Greco, exemplifies the Ensemble’s dedication to its cultural and artistic mission.

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DA M E L I B B Y K O M A I K O

Founder, Artistic Director, Choreographer The Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival

For over half a century Dame Libby’s innovative, unique and visionary career has encom� passed 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 charac� ter 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 auditioned for 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 Mon� tes. Dame Libby’s career also includes musical theater, opera, television, film and orchestra, including guest performances with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. With the Ensemble Espanol she has performed 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, Northeast� ern 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 com� pany’s extensive 125 plus choreographic roster and has produced their major international Flamenco ballets and dramas, folkloric suites and classic modern interpretations with guest artists from Spain and the Americas: Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, William Carter, Manolete, Paco Alonso and Juanjo Linares. She is a sought after teacher, choreographer, and master teacher throughout the community and nation.

A Professor Emeritus 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 has created and developed the first complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music in a state university.

The recipient of numerous awards including civic honors, national awards, and choreogra� phy 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-inEducation and Artists-in-residence programs. Dame Libby completed the filming of a video documentary, Ensemble Español: The First 20 years, 1976-1996, in 1998. In 2008 Dame Libby was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from her Alma Mater, Evanston Town� ship High School. In 2008 she also received the 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 produced a CD of Spanish music and castanets, “Dama Libby and Friends”, which benefits the Ensemble’s Youth Scholarship and Endowment Funds.

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GUEST ARTISTS ANA GONZÁLEZ, Guest Artist, Faculty, Choreographer, Founding Member & Former First Dancer of the National Ballet of Spain, was born in Sens, France. Ms. González began her studies in classical ballet at Therpchicorettes, under the direction of Lucien Legrand (First Dancer, star and teacher of L’Opera de Paris) and Tripolina d’Iatosi of the Comedie Francaise, member of the Federation Francaise de Dance. She studied classical ballet under the direction of Solange Schwartz (First Dancer, star and teacher of L’Opera de Paris) at the “Conservatoire Superieur de Musique de Paris”, where she was admitted several years later to “Les Ballets Russes de Montecarlo”. During this time the great Antonio invited her to join his company on the first tour of a Spanish Ballet to the Soviet Union. She continued to study with the following teachers and take part in the following companies performing around the world: Karen Taft, José Granero, Paco Fernandez, Ciro, Victoria Eugenia and companies, Ballet de Pilar López, Ballet de Maria Rosa and Ballet Antologia, among others. Ms. González, along with husband, Juan Mata, is a founding member of the Ballet Nacional Festivales de España under the direction of Alberto Lorca which later became the National Ballet of Spain.

Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Gonzalez on her eighth season with the E.E. and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

JUAN MATA, Guest Artist, Faculty, Choreographer, Founding Member, Former First Dancer, Rehearsal Master, National Ballet of Spain. Juan Mata began taking classes with the great master teacher, choreographer and dancer, José Granero at the Amor de Dios studios in Madrid. At the age of fourteen he made his debut as a professional dancer in José Greco’s company during the Royal Festival in London, and toured throughout Europe and the U.S. He was awarded a scholarship to study at New York’s Harkness Ballet, after which he was invited to be part of the creation of said Ballet in Europe, based in Gestaad, Switzerland. In 1978 Antonio Gades 14 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

selected Juan Mata to be a part of the National Ballet of Spain. Mr. Mata has appeared for special performances at the International Gala of Stars in Helsinki and Bizet’s Carmen with the Opera of Vienna, under the direction of Zefirelli, with Placido Domingo. Mr. Mata has set ballets for Lola Greco, Ballet Fantasia, Ballet del Camborio and for the Ensemble Español. He also starred in the production by Antonio Gades of Fuenteovejuna touring throughout Europe and Japan. Dame Libby, the E.E.and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Mata on his eighth season with the E.E. and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

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.

Dame Libby, the E.E.and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Carmela Greco for her seventh season with the E.E. and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

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

G U E S T A R T I S T S ( c o n t .) 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. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Paloma Gomez to this her sixth appearance with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

DAVID CORIA, Guest Artist, Faculty, Dancer, Choreographer, has trained with renowned flamenco and Spanish dance teachers Paco Fabra, Lola Mesa, Aurora Bosh, José Granero, Juana Amaya, Aida Gomez, José Antonio, Carlos Robles, Ana Maria Bueno, Eva La Yerbabuena, Belén Fernández to name a few. In 2000, he joined Aida Gómez’s company, which gave him the opportunity to participate in the film Iberia, directed by Carlos Saura. One year later, Mr. Coria joined the National Ballet of Spain under the direction of Elvira Andrés and later José Antonio, participating in the works of “Medea” by José Granero, “Danza y Tronio”

by Mariemma, “Fuenteovejuna” by Antonio Gades, “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Pilar López, and dancing solo roles in “IIusiones FM” by Maria Pages, “Leyenda” and “Café de Chinitas” by José Antonio. In early 2010, Mr. Coria danced in the show “Todo Cambia” created for the “Flamenco Festival” (USA), sharing the stage with Rocío Molina, Pastora Galván, Manuel Liñán and Belén López.

JOSÉ BARRIOS, Guest Artist, Faculty, Dancer, Choreographer, began his Flamenco dance studies in Cordoba, Sevilla and Madrid with Manolo Marín, Domingo Ortega, and La China. Mr. Barrios performs regularly in Madrid at various tablaos throughout the city. He also performs with the companies of Blanca del Rey, Spanish Suite, Rafael Amargo, Domingo Ortega and José Porcel for whom he has choreographed. He has taught in Japan at the dance schools of Osaka and Kyoto and performed with Belen Maya at the Jal Kyoto Festival in Japan. In 2002 he joined the María Pagés Dance Company collaborating in choreography works for the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City. Mr.

Barrios has also performed in Washington, Boston, and at Miami’s Festival de Cante Flamenco and at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Barrios to this his first appearance with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

MANUEL PALACÍN, Guest Artist, Flamenco Singer, (Madrid, Spain), was born in San Miguel de Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Manuel Palacín began singing in the theater at the age of five. In 1972 he performed throughout Madrid in all of the major tablaos including the Torres Bermejas, Corral de la Moreria, Coral de la Pacheca, and Venta del Gato. Throughout his long career he has worked with many great artists including Manuel Vargas, Merche Esmeralda, Eva la Yerbabuena, Sara Lezana, Blanca del Rey, Juan Mata, José, Carmela and Lola Greco and Joaquin Cortes to name a few. He has performed in the companies of Ballet Conchita del Mar, Ballet Siluetas, Compañia de Fernando Belmonte, José Antonio y los Ballets Españoles, and the Ballet Nacional de España performing in five continents. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Manuel Palacín on his seventh season with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

PACO FONTA, Flamenco Singer and Guitarist (Jaen, Spain). began his professional career performing in tablaos and festivals accompanying singers and dancers such as La Nina de la Huerta and Antonio Molina in Spain. He later toured Europe with the Kurt Savoy Trio. In 1985 he won first prize in cante jondo at the Flamenco festival in Jaen, Spain. Paco Fonta came to Miami in 1986 with his wife Celia, a well known Flamenco dancer, to open the famous Cacharrito’s Place Tablao. Mr. Fonta works with 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 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 15

G U E S T A R T I S T S ( c o n t .)

Espanol. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Paco Fonta on this his twenty seventh season with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

MATEO, Flamenco Guitarist, began studying guitar at age nine. Mateo has traveled extensively performing as a folk singer in diverse venues in London, Casablanca, Stockholm and New Delhi. Mateo founded the pop group “The Rogues”, touring the Midwest. In 1982, he moved to Madrid where he began intensively studying flamenco guitar. His performances have been broadcast on Radio Nacional de España. Mateo was the featured guitarist and ‘ud player for Voices of Sepharad, a musical group dedicated to performing the music and dance of Spanish Jewish culture. In May of 1995, they received the prestigious Robert and Adelle S. Blank Jewish Arts Award in New York. Mateo has been with the Ensemble Español since 1989 including national and international performances in Puerto Rico, 1994 World Cup and most recently China in 2008. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mateo on this his twenty seventh season with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

JUAN ANTONIO MATA, Pianist, was born in Madrid. He began his study of music at the age of 9 at the “Joaquin Rodrigo” School of Music. He successfully completed his elementary education under the careful study of the professional Conservatory of music,“Padre Soler” at the Escorial with highest honors. That same year, he enrolled in the professional Conservatory of Music of Ferris (Madrid) to study piano, accompaniment, chamber music, harmony, counterpoint and composition with the “maestros” Eva Alcazar, Nathalie Molverques, Clive Burn, José Luis Valderrama, Oscar Gerghensonn. He furthered his musical career at the Magistrey and musical Pedagogy at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Juan Antonio to this his fifth season with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

16 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ, Guest Artist, Costume Designer, is a legendary Spanish dancer, choreographer and instructor. To speak of Ms. Rodriguez is to speak of dance, a passion that has consecrated her life. Ms. Rodriguez began her Spanish dance studies with esteemed Spanish artists Leis and Elna O’nberg, former first dancers of the Copenhague National Opera, Hector Zaraspe, José Granero, teacher of the great Angel Pericet, Pedro Azorin and Juanjo Linares. Ms. Rodriguez was the Former Soloist of the Spanish legendary dance companies of José Greco as well as with José Tamayo, performing at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid directed by Alberto Lorca, and in the companies of Roberto Ximenez and Manolo Vargas, Rafael de Cordoba, Maria Rosa and Antonita Moreno, to name a few. Her talents did not stop there. As costume designer her works have been seen throughout Spain including for the talents of Leis O’nberg produced by the Peris brothers. Tonight her designs take full stage as costume designer for the Ensemble Español’s premier classical Spanish work, La Boda de Luis Alonso- Boleras choreographed by one of Ms. Rodriguez’s greatest artistic creations, her daughter, Paloma Gomez.

Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Rodriguez’s work to the company’s roster of beautiful designs.

JAVIER SAUME MAZZEI, Percussionist, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, began playing percussion at the age of eight. He holds a B.A. in Music from Roosevelt University where he studied classical percussion with Ed Harrison, drum set with Phil Grateau and Paul Wertico and latin percussion with Ruben Alvarez. Mr. Mazzei has performed with Rhonda Richmond, Reginald Veal, Herlin Riley, and Cassandra Wilson, and the Symphony Orchestra “Sistema de Orquestas Juveniles de Venezuela”. He has performed internationally in concerts, master classes, and residencies in Beijing, China, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and Carnegie Hall in N.Y. with Sones de Mexico Ensemble. He currently records with Sones the only group in NARAS history to be

G U E S T A R T I S T S ( c o n t .) nominated for the Latin Grammy and Grammy in the same year. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Mazzei to this his third season with the company and the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

FLAVIO RODRIGUES, Flamenco Guitarist, is a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He began playing the guitar with his father at the age of five. In 1998, he moved to Spain, where he studied with three master guitar players: Manolo Sanlúcar, Gerardo Núñez and Rafael Riqueni. He currently lives in Madrid and works with internationally renowned flamenco artists, Antonio Canales, Manuel Reyes, La China, Domingo Ortega, Belén Fernández, Rafaela Carrasco, Belén Maya, Concha Jareño, Adela Campallo, Pastora Galván, Rocío Molina, Olga Pericet, Rubén Olmo, Rafael Amargo, Manuel Liñán, Marco Flores, Maria Juncal, Belén Lopez, Pitingo, Talegón de Córdoba, Pepe Habichuela, to name a few and with Brazilian artists, Filó Machado, Nana Vasconcelos, Carlinhos Antunes, and Renato Martins, to name a few.

Mr. Rodrigues has performed in over 45 countries. In 2010, he released his first solo album entitled, Anyways. Dame Libby, the

E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. Rodrigues to his premiere performance with the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

ISMAEL de la ROSA, Flamenco Singer, is a native of Sevilla, Spain.

Mr. De la Rosa started his passion for Flamenco singing as a child touring with his family in flamenco festivals around the world. Under the artistic wing of his uncle, Curro Fernandez, Mr. De la Rosa had the opportunity to develop his passion for singing. Although he was passionate about flamenco singing he also had a deep passion for soccer where he played professionally for many years. After retiring from Soccer he returned to flamenco singing, performing professionally at the tablao El Cordobes in Barcelona, La Carboneria in Sevilla and Granada in the city’s famous Flamenco Caves. He has worked with world-renowned artists such as Marina Heredia, El Torombo, and Maria Pages in theaters worldwide. Dame Libby, the E.E. and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Mr. De la Rosa to his premiere performance with the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival.

T H E C O M PA N Y ANNA CZAJUN, Ballet Mistress/Production Assistant. received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU).

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.

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. She recently celebrated 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. Her formal dance training in classical ballet and Spanish dance began with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1979. She graduated with honors from NEIU in April 1983 with a B.A. Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 17

T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .) 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, Tiffany, Brandon, Tyler, and Collin.

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.

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.

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 José Torres taught Flamenco at Casals Elementary School in Humboldt Park for the Family Focus after school program. José traveled to Australia in 2007 & 2008 on the invitation of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company as a guest performer, choreographer, and teacher to rave reviews.

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 18 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

CLAUDIA PIZARRO, Principal Dancer, was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. At the age of twelve she moved to Chicago with her family. She was introduced and began studying Flamenco in 2002 while attending the Summer Transition Program of Northeastern Illinois University. In the Fall of 2002 she began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In January of 2003 she was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T., and in January of 2004 was promoted to Full Company Dancer. Claudia has also studied in the American Spanish Dance Festival with Juan Mata, Ana González, Timo Lozano, Edo,

T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .)

Vida Peral, Manolete, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, and Cristian Lozano. Claudia graduated in the spring of 2008 from NEIU with a major in Finance. On this special anniversary season Claudia was promoted to Principal Dancer. Congratulations.

ISRAEL SANCHEZ, native of Chicago, began his dance training with Ballet Isleño Puertorriqueño at the age of 12 while living in Puerto Rico in 1979. In 1989 he transferred to Northeastern Illinois University to complete his degree in Speech and Performing Arts with a minor in Dance, graduating in December 1993. While attending NEIU, he began his Spanish dance study with Dame Libby Komaiko and the E.E.S.D.T. He became a company dancer with in 1994. In 2004, Northeastern Illinois University presented the Excellence in Fine Arts award to Israel. Partnering with Sara Samuels, Israel taught at the Joyce Kilmer School for the Ensemble’s residency program, funded by the 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 born and raised in Chicago. She is the daughter of Irma Suarez Ruiz, the company’s Associate Artistic Director. She began her formal dance training as a small child with Dame Libby Komaiko, and first performed at the age of four with the E.E.S.D.T. She has studied in Spain at the Amor de Dios Flamenco Dance Academy with Candela Soto. Crystal has also studied in the American Spanish Dance Festival with Juan Mata, Ana González, Celia Fonta, Timo Lozano, Edo, Vida Peral, Lily Sie Vega, Juanjo Linares, Manolete, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, and Christian 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 of Northwestern University and is currently pursuing her masters degree in child development at Erikson Institute.

JULIA HINOJOSA, Associate Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company, 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 from NEIU. She recently graduated from Columbia College with 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. She will be joining the faculty at NEIU’s El Centro campus teaching Introduction to Spanish Dance. Julia will travel to Spain this summer to study 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, Christian Lozano and ballet with Anna Czjaun. will travel to Spain this summer to study at the Amor de Dios Flamenco dance studios. Olivia is a graduate of 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 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 19

T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .) age of five at her elementary school, Kanoon Magnet. Monica began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko at age eleven 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 recently graduated from NEIU with majors in Secondary Education and Mathematics at NEIU and minor in the Dance Program of the Department of Music. She teaches at Gordon Tech High School 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 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.

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 eleven she moved to the United States with her family. She began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko in the Fall 2006. She is a student at NEIU, where she is a dance minor on scholarship. She is currently working as an assistant ballet instructor 20 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

with the NEIU Community Children’s Dance program and on the faulty of the E.E. community children’s dance workshops.

Leticia is majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance and is the recipient of the Brommel-Komaiko-Pérez scholarship.

SEAN ARANA, of Guatemalan decent was born in Chicago. He is currently working to complete his major in Secondary Education and in Spanish with a Dance minor at NEIU. Sean began his formal Spanish dance training in 2005 with Dame Libby Komaiko and the Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music.

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 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 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 graduated with a BA in Dance Teaching from the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.

T H E C O M PA N Y ( c o n t .)

OMAR ROMAN, Apprentice, of Mexican descent was born and raised in Chicago. He began studying ballroom dancing at the age of 17 at his community YMCA. In the spring of 2008 he began his formal Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko. In 2009 he was awarded a Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) dance scholarship from the Music department & the Dance program studying ballet and Jazz with Rachel Burton and Dr. Venetia Stifler. In June 2009 he performed with the EESDT for the American Spanish Dance Festival Gala Concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. He has also studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez and Cristian Lozano. He graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in December of 2011 completing his major in French and minor in dance. In 2007 he became a member of Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society.

LEONARD PÉREZ, Apprentice, born in the Dominican Republic, began his study of Spanish Dance in 2009 when he participated in an Ensemble residency program at his school, Kelvyn Park with Ms. Irma Suarez Ruiz and Juan Castellon. Since then he has studied with Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez, Sara Samuels, Julia Hinojosa, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano and ballet with Anna Czjaun. At NEIU Leonard has studied with Venetia Stifler, Rachael Burton, Jaime Farrell, and Victor Alexander. Leonard is currently a scholarship recipient of the BrommelKomaiko-Pérez Scholarship and recipient of the Music Department and Dance Program scholarship at Northeastern Illinois University. Leonard represented NEIU at the College Dance Festival this season as performer and is a 2012 summer scholarship recipient at the Ruth Page School of Dance.

ABIGAIL VENTURA, Apprentice, of Puertorican and Dominican descent, began studying Spanish Dance in the After School Matters Spanish Dance Theater Program under the artistic leadership of company dancer, Ms. Julia Hinojosa at Northeastern Illinois University in 2009. Soon after the program she auditioned for the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Youth Company and since then has studied with Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Sara Samuels, Julia Hinojosa, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano and ballet with Anna Czjaun. She has also studied ballet, lyrical, step and tango. At NEIU she has also studied with Venetia Stifler, Rachael Burton, Jaime Ferrell and Victor Alexander.

Abigail is a recipient of the BrommelKomaiko-Pérez Scholarship and recipient of the Music Department and Dance Program scholarship at Northeastern Illinois University.

Abigail represented NEIU at the College Dance Festival this season as performer.

SANDY NOWARITA, Pilates/Yoga company instructor, has trained as a dancer and contortionist since age three. She earned a B.A. in Dance from Barat College and a M.F.A. in Dance from Florida State University. She has choreographed, taught and performed various styles of dance and spent ten years as a dance, pilates and yoga instructor at Loyola Academy College Preparatory High School in Wilmette, IL. Sandy ran both dance companies at the school and also taught dance and choreography at Barat College for two years. She has performed in various shows around the Chicagoland area and was a member of the Ameba Dance Company for two years. Her dance career led her to begin her studies of yoga and pilates. She received her yoga certification from the Kriya Temple of Yoga and her pilates certification from Power Pilates. Currently, Sandy is on faculty at Northeastern Illinois University and at Evanston Athletic Club.

Sandy is honored to be working with the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company.

Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 21

2 011-12 E N S E M B LE E S PA Ñ O L S PA N I S H DA N C E YO UTH COM PA N Y Dame Libby Komaiko and Lillian C. Heminover, Co-Founders Luis Beltran, Heather Billings, Anais Cotillas, Frida Medina, Nalanie Molina, Leonard Pérez*, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura*, Tasiano Villalobos , Senior Division Teodoro Bartels, Laila Galecki, Eliza McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Grade School Division *Current scholarship dancers in the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and attending Northeastern Illinois University E N S E M B LE E S PA Ñ O L PR O D U C TIO N S TA FF MARGARET NELSON, Technical Director/Lighting Designer, has received two Ruth Page Dance Achievement Awards for Lighting Design and Stage Management in the dance commu� nity and a Joséph Jefferson Citation for Lighting Design at the Organic Theatre.

Margaret’s design projects and Produc� tion Management have taken her to every state of the USA and six conti� nents. She has taught Lighting Master Classes from Northwestern University to Duluth, MN to Montevideo, Uruguay.

Her company, Lumen Siccum (the light of reason) Productions, is involved in ongoing consulting work for architec� tural and performance projects. Their goal is to bring talented young design� ers and choreographers together and make good, affordable production available to all.

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 Edu� cational Leadership in May 2010. As the Manager of Operations, Giuseppa assists with the community and educational outreach programs, including the En� semble’s partnership with the Chicago High School for the Arts. She is also responsible for assisting in securing the financial growth of the organization and event administration.

We wish to acknowledge all the danc� ers, staff and volunteers who have been a part of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater over the past 36 years and have contributed to making this Company and Center the “International Jewel” that it is. ¡Gracias!

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

Raymond Irizarry Treasurer/Secretary Financial Center Manager Fifth Third Bank

Judith Grubner Vice President Attorney at Law Partner- Arnstein & Lehr LLP Michael Best and Friedrich

Dame Libby Komaiko Founder and Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Jorge Pérez Executive Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

22 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

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

A DV I S O R Y B OA R D M E M B E R S

Rita Moreno

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Ana Gonzalez & Juan Mata Founding Members National Ballet of Spain

Pepe Vargas President International Latino Cultural Center

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Lane Alexander Joel Hall Dr.Venetia Stifler Founder & Artistic Founder & Artistic Founder & Artistic Director Director Director Chicago Human Rhythm Joel Hall Dancers & Concert Dance Inc Project Center Eduardo Vilaro Artistic Director Bret Batterson Gail Kalver Ballet Hispanico N.Y. Executive Director Executive Director Auditorium Theatre River North Dance Wei Yang Company President Frank Chaves Northeastern Chinese Artistic Director Dolores Long Association River North Chicago Associate Director Dance Company Ruth Page Foundation Najwa School of Dance Artistic Director Lou Conte Najwa Dance Corp Founder, Hubbard Street Senator Iris Y. Martinez Dance Chicago and Beatrice Aviles the Lou Conte Dance Annet Miranda Sharon A. Billings Studio Fifth Third Bank Eduardo Cotillas and Susan Lopez Carmela Greco Lourdes McKillop Ivelisse Figueroa Founder & Artistic President Cindy Galecki Director Galeria Gala Guadelupe Martinez Compañia Carmela Kevin and Laura Greco, Madrid José Luis Ovalle McDaniel Artistic Director Angel and Gloria Daniel Duell Mexican Folkloric Dance Medina Artistic Director Company of Chicago Pedro and Felicia Perez Ballet Chicago Cathleen Suleyma Pérez SchandelmeierLuisa Echevarria Government Relations Bartels Community Relations Northeastern Illinois José Saucedo and Univision University Sharon Dobish Alan and Wilma Nan Giordano Harriet Ross Schmidt Artistic Director Former Managing Fernando and Esther Giordano Dance Director Serrano Joffrey Ballet Marie Chandel Charlie Grode Spurgeon Vice President Anita Salazar Erika Teijeiro-Ficht Institute for Learning, Christina Velazquez Access and Training Milly Santiago Judy and Victor Chicago Symphony Governors Office Villalobos Orchestra Hispanic Media and Ensemble Español Community Relations Spanish Manager Dance Youth Company Parent’s Committee Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre 23

S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U Dr. Sharon Hahs President, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg President Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University Dr. Carlos Azcoita President, Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Dr. Bernard Brommel Professor Emeritus, Northeastern Illinois University

Michael Kaiser President Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington D.C. Suzanne Connor Sr. Program Officer for Arts & Culture Dr. Wamucii Njogu Dean, College of Arts & Sciences NEIU Dr. Shayne Cofer Chair, Department of Music and the Dance Program NEIU

Iris Martinez Illinois State Senator

Melba Rodriguez Vice President for Institutional Advancement NEIU

Mark Wilcockson Vice President for Finance & Administration, NEIU

Suleyma Pérez Executive Director of Government Relations NEIU

Dave Jonaitis Associate vice president Financial and Administrative Affairs NEIU

Greg Fydryck Accountant, Jackson Hewitt

Brian Harms Graphic Designer NEIU Rick Martin Audio Engineer NEIU Michael Mikrut Technical Support NEIU Sasha Gerritson Music Department Dance Program Faculty, NEIU Dr. Venetia Stifler Dance Program Director NEIU Rachael Burton Music Department Dance Program Faculty, NEIU Steve Zivin Concert Coordinator Music Department, NEIU Sheila Henaghan Michael Cullen Mercury Theater

A R T I S T I C S TA F F Dame Libby Komaiko Founder and Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz Associate Artistic Director Rehearsal Mistress Anna Czajun Ballet Mistress Production Assistant

Jorge Pérez Rehearsal Master Sara Samuels Julia Hinojosa Associate Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Sandy Nowarita Pilates/Yoga Instructor

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Irma Suarez Ruiz Sara Samuels José Torres Israel Sanchez Julia Hinojosa Leticia Aravena Monica Saucedo Evelyn Sanchez Community Outreach Faculty

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Jorge Pérez Executive Director

Brian Lauterbach Director of Development

Giuseppa DiCesare Manager of Operations Festival Coordinator

Julia Hinojosa Residency Program Coordinator

Brenda Rodriguez Estela Cobian Administrative Assistants Lee Rivadeniera Web Master

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 A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Dr. Sharon K. Hahs President

Financial and Administrative Affairs

Judy Cascone Administrative assistant

Victoria Roman Laguna Acting Provost

Dr. Shayne Cofer Chair, music department and dance program

Evelyn Hanley Administrative assistant Dr. Lawrence Berlin Director of International programs

Dr. Wamucii Njogu Dean, College of Arts & Sciences NEIU Mark Wilcockson Vice president Finance and Administration David Jonaitis Associate vice president

Melba Rodriguez Vice President for Institutional Advancement Erika Krehbiel Assistant Vice President Marketing & Public Relations

Dana Navarro Director of Public relations Liesel Downey Director of Development

PRODUCTION Margaret Nelson Technical Director/ Lighting Designer Elias Morales Stage Manager Frank Rose Technical Director North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Paco Alonso Christine Fransen Dame Libby Komaiko Juanjo Linares Irma Suarez Ruiz Jorge Pérez Luz Creations Docano Creations Dorothy Glassberg

Paloma Gomez Raquel Rodriguez Claudia Pizarro Costume Design Luz Creations Paco Alonso Christine Fransen Anita Salazar Olga Turek Docano Creations Costume Production Chicago Dance & Supply Dance & Mime Shoppe Motion Unlimited Leo’s Theatrical Capezios Biltmore Alterations Maty’s fans, shawls, and castanets, Madrid

Pertinez accessories and shawls, Madrid Casa Yustas hats, Madrid Victor Galiano castanets, Madrid Gallardo shoes, Madrid Coral shoes, Madrid Casa Valladeperas shoes, Barcelona Don Flamenco Shoes, Madrid Costume and accessories Casa España, Miami Props Kevin Peterson Hawkeye Scenic Studios Inc. Sets

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSIT Y PRODUCTION Jim Henning TV and video services Michael Mikrut Multimedia services

Rick Martin Audio recording Joe L. Davis Dean Paul Photography

Brian Harms Graphics Cardinal Graphics Quartet Printing Printing

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C O N T R I B U T I O N S / PA R T N E R S GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS & INDIVIDUALS Partners Northeastern Illinois University International Latino Cultural Center Lupus Foundation of America, IL Chapter Columbia College Center for Community Arts Partnerships Chicago High School for the Performing Arts Platinum Taproot Foundation Univision Gold Chicago Community Trust Arts Work Fund Smart Growth Chicago City Arts Program Consul General of Spain Illinois Arts Council La Raza Hispanic Newspaper Silver Fifth Third Bank Southwest Airlines After School Matters Arte y Vida Chicago Elizabeth Cheney Foundation Jarvis- Gerritson Family Bronze Aronson Philanthropic Trust Cherry Family Foundation José Greco Foundation Barbara and Barre Seid Foundation NIB Foundation Service Club of Chicago

Collaborators Argentinita Pilar Lopez Foundation Holiday Inn North Shore North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Instituto Cervantes Studio Mangiameli Flamenco Arts Center HMS Media Old Town School of Folk Music Chicago Dance & Supply Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts City Vida Tourist Office of Spain Radio Cosmos Athletico Physical Therapy In-kind services & gifts Northeastern Illinois University Biltmore Alterations Bertha de la Mata Ana Maria Portillo International Latino Cultural Center See Chicago Dance Dot Com Univision Athletico Physical Therapy Individual Sponsors $1,000 - $5,000 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

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Heritage Circle $100 - $249 Cheryl Burack Bonar Dailey and Alejandra Ferrer Dailey Anne Freter Judith Grubner Jim Halas Raymond Irizarry Maryellen Langhout Lyon and Paula Leifer Bertha de la Mata Melissa Mouhelis Michelle Mouhelis Rosalyn O’Cherony Yvonne Owens Dr. Angelina Pedroso Jorge Perez Gregory Ragsdale Blanca Santiago Robert Steinbach Lyn Taliaferro Olga Turek Melody Vasquez Amigos/Friends of the Ensemble $25 - $99 Lou and Eleanor Altman Brett and Veronica Batterson Tomas Bissonnette and Dr. Rita Simo Kristina Campanale Biltmore Cleaners Alvin Raul Cardona George Diaz Maria Gomez Judith Grubner Julia Hinojosa Jayne de la Huerga Raymond Irizarry Robert Kaprelian Emily Lamoreaux Dolores Long Dr. Angelina Pedroso Jorge Perez Adrienne Pfarr Gregory Ragsdale Pam Shortall Elizabeth Silverstein Lyn Taliaferro Jule Turnoy Gerald Ullman Jeannette Vogel Oscar Zambrano

C O N T R I B U T I O N S / PA R T N E R S ( c o n t .)

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company Spain 2012 Donors Jummy Akins Elizabeth Akins Esther Akins Lou Altman Claudia Alvarez Ben and Andrew Angon Beatrice Aviles Carol Balabanow Gerardo Baltazar Fran Barba Cathleen Bartels Alicia Bean Joséph and Susan Benning Hazel Billings Sharon Billings Nadia Bravo Rachel Burton Rosa Cancel Urbano & Norma Cancel Carlos Casia Sonia Cebolloro Chicago Soccer John Clark Stanley & Diane Cole Migdalia Coleman Helen Collins Evelyn Colon Tyler & Candice DeMauro George Diaz Debra Diaz Decker Joséphine DiCesare Sharon Dobish Diana & Marcin Dylag Susan Lopez and Eduardo Cotillas Jay Einhorn Shara Fata Ivelisse Figueroa Anne Freter Cindy Galecki Dr. Gervolis Martin Gomez Anastacia Gomez Tanya Gonzalez Judy Gonzalez Luther & Julia Grafe Judith Grubner Veronica & David Guerrero Kasandra Gusak

Dr. Sharon Hahs Marty Hajbuk Marsha Hawley Patricia Hernandez Lorena Hernendaz Wolas Ruben Herrera Christina Hinojosa Julia Hinojosa Mariluz Jimenez Carmen Jimenez Shellie Kerzner Maria Keys Crysta Keys Libby Komaiko William Koppe Barbara Kukla Lyon Leifer Julie List Crystal Loren Tommaso Luca Pagan Lucy Chiara Mangiameli Mary Marino Tony Martinez Lupe Martinez Asuncion & Maria Matias Nancy Matias Nelly Matias Laura McDaniel Anthony McDougall Arianna Mercado Ada Miranda Cindy Mitchell JR Molina Beatrice Molina Nyan Molina Nicole Molina Sharon Morrow Ebelia Mucino Nasrin Nazar Chor Ng Robert Oleszkiewicz Angel Ortiz Yvonne Owens Agatha Paciora Ruben Padilla Noel Pagan Veronica Palacios Pamela Panagakos Columbus Dr. Angelina Pedroso Jorge Perez John Pokorny Carlos Posso Jamie Posso

Angel Quinones Greg Ragsdale Vinny Robelly Nadia Roberts Michelle Rodriguez Vanessa Rodriguez Karina Rodriguez Teresa Rosado Irma Ruiz Mr. & Mrs. José Salamanca Jami Sanchez Blanca Santiago Christine Saucedo Norma Schiller Olga Scott Edgar Serna Esther Serrano Swati Shah Steve & Pam Sherman Ira Shetty Watson Israel Sierra Dr. Rita Simo and Tomas Bissonnette James & Chandel Spurgeon Naomi Teijeiro Erika Teijeiro Ficht Margaret Tomaszek José Torres Melissa Torres Amy Truelove Univision Alejandro Urzagaste Wilma Urena Edison & Zeneida Urena C.J. Vaiciulis Emma Vale Vernita Vallez Respicio Vasquez Christina Velazquez Rebecca Velez-Collazo Vivian Villalobos Judy & Victor Villalobos Antonio Villalobos Linda Virag Maria Walker Brenda Wall Judith Wozniak Gladys Zambrano Auntie Amy Superlow Foods Emilio’s Tapas Pita Inn Harry Carey’s

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C O N T R I B U T I O N S / PA R T N E R S ( c o n t .)

Zelda Senior Program Fund Kaye and Leonor Acuña Richey Charlotte Doyle Bernard Fulton John Logan and Martin Madden Jorge Perez Jonathon Samuels Ensemble Español Endowment Founding Members Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg , Co-Founder Dr. Bernard J. Brommel Co-Founder 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 Ms. Patricia Bueno California Recruiters.

Com Inc. The Cherry Family Foundation Dr. Shayne Cofer Cotillas Family Scott Mateo Davies Mr. George Diaz Francisco & Celia Fonta Dr. Jeffrey I. Gaule & Elena Carbajal-Gaule Ms. Yalila Assria-Herrera Ms. Bertha de la Mata Ms. Helen de la Mata Ron de Jesus Debra & Darren Decker Mr. José and Ms. Tamara Dos Santos Mrs. Shara Fata & the International Foreign Language Immersion Program

Ms. Alejandra FerrerDailey Flamenco Arts Center Dr. and Mrs. Battista J. Galassi Mr. Allen Garland Mr. Mack C. Gaston Mrs. Judith A. Green Ms. Judith L. Grubner of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP Ms. Victoria A. Hathaway Dr. and Mrs. Robert Heinemann Ms. Lillian C. Heminover Mr. Eliezer Hildesaim Asad Husain, Ph.D. Mr. Leonard P. Iaquinta The José Greco Foundation for Hispanic Dance, Inc. Dame Libby Komaiko Mr. Lee Koonce Ed and Bonnie Koven Latin Street Dancing, Inc. Mr. James H. Leon 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

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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. Michael D. Steinberg Ms. Amy Stepanek John & Georgiana P. Stepanek Dr. Venetia Stifler Mr. José O. Torres Dr. Pepe Vargas and Mrs. Madeline RomanVargas & the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago Tanya & Robert Verdin Mr. Mark Wilcockson Mr. Alan R. Wilson We are very grateful to all of our Founding Contributors of our Endowment, Heritage Circle, 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.

E N S E M B L E E S PA N 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 36 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.

We help dancers keep dancing.

Complimentary Injury Screenings available at all centers.

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E N S E M B L E E S PA N O L D O N AT I O N P R O G R A M S ( c o n t .)

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 36 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 SPAIN 2012 Support our youth company (ages 10 to 21) to reach their goal of studying in Madrid, Spain in August 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 30 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

ENSEM B LE ESPAÑOL’ S / SPAIN IN A M ERICA / UPCOMING EVENTS Weekly Children’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the community Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J Building Next class session Tuesdays, July 10 - August 14 (six classes = one session) Ages 4-6 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm Ages 7-12 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm To register, please contact Giuseppa DiCesare at 773-442-5926 After School Matters – Spanish Dance Theater Experience Do you know a teen that would like to learn Spanish dance and earn money for the summer? The Ensemble Espanol has partnered with After School Matters and is offering Apprenticeship opportunities for teens. The program meets for four days a week for six weeks; teens earn a stipend for their participation.

Requirements: Must be between the ages of 14-19 Attend a Chicago Public School Resident of the City of Chicago For More information please contact Julia Hinojosa 773-442-5916 or jhinojo1@hotmail.com Weekly Adult’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the community Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J Building Tuesdays (six classes = one session) Beginners 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Intermediate 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm Please visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org or call 773-442-5916 for a Fall 2012 class schedule.

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2012 American Spanish Dance & Music Festival 2 012 A M ERICAN SPANISH DANCE & MUSIC FESTIVAL Partners & Sponsors

SPONSORS

2012 American Spanish Dance & Music Festival SPONSORS Partners & Sponsors

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2012 American Spanish Dance & Music Festival

Partners & Sponsors

SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

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COLLABORATORS

MEDIA SPONSORS COLLABORATORS

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