Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director and Irma Suarez Ruiz, Associate Artistic Director. Now celebrating their 35th Anniversary season in residency at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago.
Flamenco Passion is their lavish two hour concert of original Spanish Classical ballets, folkloric suites, and fiery Flamenco dramas from a repertoie of over 125 choreographies. In addition , the Ensemble performs Spain's Dancing Rhythms a traveling program for community residencies and smaller venues, Tales of Spain multi-media lecture concert series for grade & high school children, and Concierto Navideno (Christmas Concert). Ensemble Espanol also appears with opera, chamber ensembles and orchestras and tours throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico & Hawaii, and has performed on four continents in the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia, and most recently China.
The Ensemble's extraordinary repertoire contains original work by Dame Libby Komaiko, Edo, Maria Alba, Victorio Korjhan, Roberto Lorca and Spain’s legendary dancers and choreographers Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez, founding members and former first dancers of the National Ballet of Spain. Works by Timo Lozano, Edo, Paco Alonso, folkloric authority Juanjo Linares,and Flamenco master Manolete all exemplify the Ensemble’s dedication to its cultural and artistic mission. Dame Libby Komaiko was the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain's highest honor- "Lazo de Dama" "Ribbon of the Dame" by the King of Spain for her artistic, cultural and educational work throughout the United States.
"...a huge success. 3000 people over three performances...so many standing ovations that if the curtain had not finally dropped the audience would still be applauding." Michael Uthoff, Dance St. Louis, Jan 29, 2012
