EnsembleEspanol-Holiday2011

1Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

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

Irma Suárez Ruíz, Associate Artistic Director

Special Family Holiday Concert / Concierto FamiliarHonoring Dame Libby Komaiko and her 36 year academic career

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium

Guest Musicians

Phyllis Hurt, Soprano, Brian Torosian, Classical guitarist, Steve Zivin, Pianist, Sylvia Myintoo, Violinist

Company Dancers

Irma Suárez Ruíz, First Dancer Jorge Pérez, First Dancer Sara Samuels, Principal Dancer José Torres, Principal Dancer Claudia Pizarro, Principal Dancer Israel Sánchez Crystal Ruiz Juan Castellón Julia Hinojosa Sean Arana Olivia Serrano Omar Roman, Apprentice Monica Saucedo Leonard Pérez, Company Understudy Leticia Aravena Evelyn Sánchez Carolyn Bernal, Company Understudy Abigail Ventura, Company Understudy

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company

Heather Billings, Luis Beltran – Urena, Frida Medina, Nalanie Molina, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Leonard Pérez, Carisa Serrano,

Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos Senior Division

Teodoro Bartels, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Laila Galecki, Eliza S. McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yasmeen Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon, Grade School Division

Anna Czajun Sandy Nowarita Elias MoralesBallet Mistress Pilates/Ballet Instructor Stage Manager/Lighting Designer

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2 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

WELCOME FROM UNIVER IST Y PRES IDENT

Bienvenidos, Welcome:

This evening we celebrate an extraordinary individual, Dame Libby Komaiko, founder and artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre—the first Spanish dance company to hold “in-residence” status at a university in the United States. Dame Libby has devoted her life’s work to the creation of the first complete academic program for Spanish classical, folkloric and Flamenco dance and music in an American university.

His Majesty Don Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, in 1983 awarded Libby Komaiko the highest honor Spain bestows on foreign nationals—the Lazo de Dama de la Orden de Isabel la Católica—in recognition of her achievements

in promoting throughout the United States the artistic, cultural, and educational values of the Spanish tradition in the fields of music and dance.

The artistic, cultural, and educational mission of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Center and of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company has been realized through performances that have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, performers, and millions of audience members both at home at Northeastern Illinois University, and around the globe. Dame Libby and the Ensemble have been honored and recognized in countless ways for their artistry and excellence.

Dame Libby, we salute you! We salute you as artist, dancer, master teacher, producer, director, and choreographer, and we express our deepest gratitude for all the gifts you have given us. Most especially, we salute you for your legacy—a legacy of joy!

Ole!

Sharon K. HahsPresident

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ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER & CENTER

2011 HIGHLIGHTS of the company’s work this past year include:

Ensemble Español’s Bolero, featured in the Dance for Life Documentary which aired on WTTW on August 11th

Ensemble Español’s faculty of artists teaching for the Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance Summer Dance program with closing recital on August 12th

After School Matters Summer Apprenticeship Program, now in its 3rd successful season with final recital on August 2nd

Ensemble Español’s Children’s Summer Flamenco Dance Camp at our in-resident dance studios at Northeastern Illinois University

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration concerts at NEIU and throughout our Chicago communities September / October

Ensemble Español returned to the Harris Theater at Millennium Park with Global Rhythms 7 Festival on Saturday, November 26th

Master classes and premiere Spanish classical choreography for the company by former principal dancer of the National Ballet of Spain, Paloma Gomez, October 17th – 31st

National tours throughout Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Florida

Our continued year round educational school and community programs and residencies

The Annual American Spanish Dance & Music Festival June 13th – 24th

Youth Company artistic/educational/cultural program trip to Spain in July 2012

The Ensemble Español returns to China for a special artistic/cultural tour via Asian Arts Connection Shanghai December 2012

THE COMPANY’S REMARKABLY RICH HISTORY INCLUDES . . .

over 90 company dancers representing nearly twenty countries and cultures

over 160 youth dancers from ages twelve to eighteen

over 90 international guest artists and musicians from Spain and the Americas

over 125 full-length choreographies created for the company

over 2,600 scholarships awarded to talented aspiring dancers and musicians

tours of Illinois, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Hawaii, the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia & China following the Olympics in 2008

over 1.4 million in concert audiences

over 6 million television viewers worldwide watching the Ensemble Español perform at the opening ceremonies of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago


ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER & CENTER

MISSIONThe Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, under the Artistic leadership of Founder Dame Libby Komaiko & Associate Artistic Director, Irma Suaréz Ruiz, is the premier Spanish Dance Company & Center in the United States to have In Residence status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Ensemble Español is a not for profit Arts and Education corporation. The company’s mission is the preservation, presentation and promotion of the classical, folkloric, flamenco and contemporary traditions of Spain which includes the exploration of the country’s history and identifies its influence on Latin American art and heritage as living sources of cultural pride and education. Dame Libby, Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance program at Northeastern Illinois University is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company and the founder and originator of the first and complete academic program for Spanish dance in America.

HISTORYThe company, founded in 1976 by artistic director Dame Libby Komaiko, is comprised of forty dancers, singers, and musicians representing a mosaic of cultures from around the world.

The Ensemble Español celebrates Spain in America by presenting and promoting cultural pluralism at the community, state, national, and international levels, and at the annual American Spanish Dance and Music Festival administered by the Ensemble. The company shares a rich history and mission of commitment to inter-American and inter-Hispanic world cultures. Within these cultural contexts, the Ensemble represents classical, ethnic, folkloric, and contemporary traditions as living sources of cultural pride and education.

Today, the Ensemble Español is praised by educators, social agencies, the professional arts world, journalists, and American and Hispanic world governments.

The Ensemble appears in a broad range of television, opera, film, and symphonic formats, including with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and works in cultural and educational arts programs developed with state, national, and international government agencies. The Ensemble Español has performed throughout the United States, including Hawaii, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic & Puerto Rico and in four continents in the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia and China and at every major theater and university in Chicago and Illinois. The company maintains a touring program, nationally and internationally.

An extraordinary repertoire of over 125 works (Spanish ballets, traditional folkloric suites and Flamenco dramas) by Dame Libby Komaiko, Edo, Maria Alba, Victorio Korjhan, Roberto Lorca, Irma Suarez Ruiz and Spain’s legendary dancers and choreographers; Juan Mata & Ana Gonzalez, founding members and former first dancers of the National Ballet of Spain, Timo Lozano, Edo, Paco Alonso, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Christian Lozano, Juanjo Linares, foremost authority on folklore, and Flamenco master Manolete, to name a few, exemplifies the Ensemble’s dedication to its cultural and artistic mission.


PROGR A M

Act 1Escencia de España

Dame Libby Komaiko Celebration

Master of Ceremony: Dr. Shayne Cofer, Chair of the Music Dept. & Dance Program at Northeastern Illinois University

Welcome: Dr. Sharon Hahs, President of Northeastern Illinois University & Dr. Carlos Azcoita, President of Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees

Iris Y. Martinez, Illinois State Senator & Dr. Venetia Stifler, Director, Dance Program, NEIU

Reflections of a Master EducatorArchival design by: Jorge Pérez & Julia Hinojosa

Photos by: Don Bulucos, Jennifer Girard, Joe Davis, Ines España, Dean PaulMusic by: Phyllis Hurt, Soprano, Brian Torosian, Classical Guitarist,

Steve Zivin, Pianist, Sylvia Myintoo, ViolinistMusical Selections: Oriental by Enrique Granados (1867-1916),

Sevilla by Isaac Albeniz (1860 -1909), Nanas & Jota from Manuel de Falla’s (1860-1909)

Siete Canciones Populares Españolas

El Baile de Luis Alonso El Baile de Luis Alonso was based on a one act lyrical play written by

Javier de Burgos originally titled the World of Comedy. The play premiered in 1889 at the Teatro Español. Spanish composer Geronimo Gimenez saw the production and fell in love with it. He began creating music for it without changing the play or characters.

On February 27, 1896 the play became a zarzuela (Spain’s light opera) opening to great reviews in the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid. Comedic characters included Luis Alonso a dance teacher, his wife, Maria Jesus, guitarist, Tinoco and his wife Juana who at the end of

the play end in a grand fiesta. Choreographer & Costume Designer(2011): Irma Suarez Ruiz

Costume production: Luz CreationsMusic: Geronimo Gimenez (1854-1923) Lighting Design: Margaret Nelson

Dancers: Company

Danza del FuegoThe Danza del Fuego (Dance of Fire) is from La Zarzuela (Spain’s light opera) “Ben Amor”. This romantic 20th century dance combines two styles, Ballet Español and Flamenco. It

portrays the mysterious moods and great eastern influence of the Moors in Spain during their 900 year rule.

Choreography: (1979) Dame Libby Komaiko Music: Pablo Luna (1879-1942)Costume Design: Ann Rossi

Lighting Design: Dame Libby Komaiko Dancers: Company

Viva GaliciaFrom Spain’s northwestern province of Galicia - with her sea coast, windmills, drums and bagpipes: the dancer’s steps look Scotch/Irish and were brought to Spain with the Celtic invasion during the 14th century. As the sun sets, the boys carry home the day’s catch of

fish in nets and barrels. The girls of the town bring wheat and flowers from the fields for a special Christmas celebration.

Viva Galicia Choreography: Section 1: Dame Libby Komaiko Section 2: Nana LorcaMusic: Traditional Costume Design: Nana Lorca

Dancers: Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company


PROGR A M (c o n t.)

La Era RománticaPortraying the Romantic period, this work is created to the music of La Zarzuela

(Spain’s light opera).Choreography (1989): Dame Libby Komaiko

Music: Pablo Sorazabal (1807-1988) “Los Burladores” (excerpt) Zarzuela 1948Amaden Vives (1871-1932) “La Doña Francisquita”

Costume design: Freddie Rocha Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Michael Mix

Dancers: Company

15 minute intermission

Act II Flamenco Passion

Duende GitanaDancer & Choreographer (2010): Irma Suarez Ruiz, First Dancer

Percussionists: Jorge Pérez, Jose Torres, Juan Castellon, Israel Sanchez, Sean Arana

Zapateado A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fields on horseback - Dance of the Shoes.

Choreography (1976): Dame Libby KomaikoCostume Design & Production: Paco Alonso & Dolores Decano

Lighting Design: Dame Libby Komaiko & Michael Mix Dancers: Company

Aires de Huelva (Fandangos)Choreography: (1976) Lola Montes Music: Sevilla, Worldscapes

Costume Design: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Luz CreationsCostume Production: Paco Alonso Lighting Design: Elias Morales

Dancers: Youth Company

Antes del Amancer (Before Dawn) (Alegrias de Cadiz)Choreography & Costume Design (2009): Irma Suarez Ruiz

Music: Ginesa Ortega Costume Production: Luz CreationsLighting Design: Elias Morales Dancers: Company

Romance de Sevilla Choreography (1976): Traditional Music: Los Romeros de la Puebla

Costume design: Irma Suarez Ruiz Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Elias Morales Dancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz & Jorge Perez, First Dancers

No Me Olvides (Do Not Forget Me) (Romeras)Choreography & Costume Design (2008): Irma Suarez Ruiz Music: Carmen Linares

Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Design: Joshua Preston Dancers: Company

Feria Andaluz (Sevillanas)Depicting the “Ferias of Andalucia” Sevillanas is one of Spain’s “national dances” in the Cante por Baile (song for dance) style, in the compás (rhythm) of six, from the province

of Seville.Choreography (1976): Traditional Music: Los Romeros de la Puebla

Staging: Dame Libby Komaiko Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Paco Alonso

Costume Prodution: Paco Alonso & Luz Creations Dancers: Full Company

FIN


DA ME L IBBY KOM AIKO

Founder & Artistic Director, The Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music

Dame Libby’s innovative, unique and visionary career has encompassed art, education and culture. Her passionate pioneering creations are respected and hailed throughout the Americas and internationally. In 1983 she became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain’s highest honor, the “Lazo de Dama de Isabel la Católica” by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, for her superlative work in spreading the cultural and artistic values of Spain throughout the U.S.

Dame Libby began her dance training and performance in classical ballet and character dance as a young child with Elisa Stigler at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt

University. As a teen, she studied and performed Jazz, Modern and Musical Theater with Gus Giordano. At the age of 18, she was discovered by the legendary José Greco and given the opportunity to learn and perform with his world famous Spanish Dance Company.

Her beloved journey into the Spanish dance world also led her to the company of Lola Montes. Dame Libby’s career includes musical theater, opera, television, film and orchestra, including guest performances with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops with the Ensemble Espanol as well as performances with the Detroit Symphony, the Evanston and Skokie Valley Symphonies, and repeated performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has been the choreographer and coach for several Chamber Opera Chicago performances. She has studied in Spain and the United States with Elisa Stigler, Gus Giordano, Maria Alba, Nana Lorca, Lola Montes, José Greco, Edo, Manolo Vargas, Paul Haakon, María Magdalena, Pedro Azorin, Ciro, Pacita Tomas, and Roberto Lorca, with whom she partnered for several years.

In 1975 she created and founded the Ensemble Español, the premier Spanish Dance Center and Company in the United States to have “In Residence” status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Today, what began with a company of seven, is now a full company of 40 dancers and musicians. She has choreographed half of the company’s extensive 125 plus choreographic works and has produced their major international Flamenco ballets and dramas, folkloric suites and classic modern interpretations with guest artists from Spain and the


DA ME L IBBY KOM AIKO (c o n t.)

Americas: Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, William Carter, Manolete, Paco Alonso, Juanjo Linares, Carmela Greco, Timo Lozano and Paloma Gomez.

As Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance at Northeastern Illinois University, where the Ensemble Español has been in residence for 36 years, she created and developed the first complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music in the U.S.

The recipient of numerous awards including civic honors, national awards, and choreography fellowships, she received the coveted Ruth Page Award in 2003 at the Ravinia Festival and the prestigious International Latino Cultural Center Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She was also on the roster of the Illinois Arts Council as a Master Teacher through the Arts-in-Education and Artists-in-residence programs. Dame Libby completed the filming of a video documentary, Ensemble Español: The First 20 years, 1976-1996, in 1998. On December 8th Dame Libby was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from her Alma Mater, Evanston Township High School. On October 30 she received the 2008 Outstanding Partnership Award from Mayor Richard M. Daley for the collaboration of Spanish dance, music and education with the Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Rogers Park and the Ensemble Español artists.

She produced a CD of Spanish music and castanets, “Dama Libby and Friends”, which benefits the Ensemble’s Youth Scholarship and Endowment Funds and is currently establishing an Ensemble Español Alumni Club. We thank Dama Libby for her extraordinary passion and love of Spanish dance and 36 years of service to Northeastern Illinois University.

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THE COMPANY

IRMA SUAREZ RUÍZ, Associate Artistic Director, First Dancer, Rehearsal Mistress, Instructor, Teacher, Choreographer, Director of Education and Community

Outreach, Professor of dance at NEIU, was born in Chicago, then moved to Mexico City to live with her family. Her formal dance training in classical ballet and Spanish dance began with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1979. She graduated with honors from NEIU with a B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literature and a minor in Dance. Irma has been honored with the Artistic Ambassador Award from the Ruth Page Foundation and NEIU in recognition of her artistic achievements and contributions to dance internationally. Irma is on the dance faculty of NEIU and was a guest choreographer for the Civic Ballet’s production of Black Tights/Spanish Rhythms presented by the Ruth Page Dance Series. Irma is married to Antonio Ruiz and the proud mother of Crystal and Tiffany as well as parents of Brandon, Tyler, and Collin.

JORGE PÉREZ, First Dancer, Assistant to the Directors, Rehearsal Master, Teacher, Choreographer, Executive Director, was born in San Juan,

Puerto Rico. He began his formal study of Spanish dance with Dame Libby Komaiko in1985 after receiving a scholarship apprenticeship. Jorge is a graduate of NEIU with a B.A. in Speech Communication/Performing Arts and a minor in Dance. Jorge has been honored with the Artistic Ambassador Award from the Ruth Page Foundation and NEIU in recognition of his artistic achievements and contributions to dance internationally. In 2002 he received an Appreciation Award from Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago, for his exceptional contribution to the arts in Chicago. In 2004, Jorge Pérez and Irma Suarez Ruiz were honored with the Twentieth Anniversary Award from

the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society. His accomplishments are listed in Who’s Who among Hispanic Americans, Who’s Who among Business Leaders of America and Who’s Who in Dance.

SARA SAMUELS, Principal Dancer, Teacher, Associate Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company, a native of Chicago, began ballet

training at the age of 6 with Lilette Rohe of the Lilette Rohe School of Ballet in Evanston. Sara received an NEIU Talent dance scholarship from the dance program of the music department at NEIU. She began her Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1991. Sara toured with the company to Puerto Rico in 1994 as production assistant. In September of that year she was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T. and became a Full Company Dancer in 1996. Sara has taught Flamenco dance classes for Northwestern University’s Dance Department in Evanston, is on the faculty of the E.E. Flamenco dance workshops for the community, and NEIU’s Summer Transitional Program.

JOSÉ TORRES, Principal Dancer, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, began his formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a member of the “All-City Jr. Ensemble

Español” at the age of sixteen in 1995. In 1997 he was promoted to the professional company and in 2002 was promoted to Principal Dancer. José has taught Spanish Dance for the E.E.S.D.T. community outreach and education programs. He was also a guest teacher for the Midwest Cecchetti Council of America at the Lake Forest Dance Academy during the Fall of 2006. Through NEIU’s Enlace program Jose Torres taught Flamenco at Casals Elementary School in Humboldt Park for the Family Focus after school program. Jose traveled to Australia in 2007 & 2008


THE COMPANY (c o n t.)

on the invitation of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company as a guest performer, choreographer, and teacher to rave reviews. Jose spent this past summer furthering his Spanish dance studies in Spain.

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 and Music 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. Last year, Claudia was promoted to Principal Dancer.

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. 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 at the American Spanish Dance & Music Festival with many guest artists throughout her career. 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. Crystal spent this past summer furthering her Spanish dance studies in Spain.

JULIA HINOJOSA, Associate Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company, Teacher, Arts Education Program Coordinator, 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 spent this past summer furthering her Spanish dance studies in Spain.

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. Olivia is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Oliva spent this past summer furthering her Spanish dance studies in Spain.

MONICA SAUCEDO, of Mexican-Ukrainian descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She began dancing with the Nobleza Azteca Mexican Folkloric Dance Group at the

age of five at her elementary school, Kanoon Magnet. Monica began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko at age 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 is currently a math teacher 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, majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance. She is currently working as an assistant ballet instructor with the NEIU Community Children’s Dance program and on the faulty of the E.E. community children’s dance workshops. Leticia recently performed in the tango production of Maria de Buenos Aires at the Chicago Cultural Center and has performed with the Chamber Opera Chicago.

SEAN ARANA, of Guatemalan decent was born in Chicago. Sean began his formal Spanish dance training in 2005 with Dame Libby



Komaiko and the Ensemble Español. In 2006 he auditioned for the Ensemble Español and was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship. In 2009 he was promoted to full company dancer. Sean has also studied with guest artists from Spain at the American Spanish Dance & Music Festival. He has performed with the Flamenco Company, Soleo. Sean graduated from NEIU (May 2010) with a BA in Spanish Education and a Dance minor.

EVELYN SANCHEZ, of Guatemalan decent, was born in Skokie and raised in Chicago. She began her dance training at the age of eight in 1999 at U Dance

Corporation. In 2003 she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a member of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company. Since then she has studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Sara Samuels, and with guest artists Carmela Greco, Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Paloma Gomez and Christian Lozano and ballet with Ana Czjaun. In 2003 she performed with the “All-City Dance Ensemble” under Deidre M. Dawson. In 2006 she was selected to tour with the E.E. to Poland. In 2007 she was invited to perform in Joffrey Ballet’s Strobel Step-Up Performance. Evelyn is pursuing a BA in Dance Teaching from the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español are proud to announce the promotion of Ms. Sanchez. She makes her premiere performance as company dancer in this evening’s Holiday Concert. Felicidades!

CAROLYN BERNAL, Understudy, of Mexican- Guatemalan descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She is currently working on her MA in Communications and

Media at NEIU. Carolyn began dancing Salsa in 1997 at Le Petite Ballet School.

In 2001 she was introduced to Flamenco by Michelle Nascimento. In 2004 she auditioned for and received her first scholarship with the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company where she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. Since then she has studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Sara Samuels, and with guest artists Edo, Timo Lozano, Carmela Greco, and Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Paloma Gomez and Christian Lozano. In 2006 she was promoted to Understudy with the professional company and in 2008 was selected to tour China. Carolyn graduated from NEIU in May 2011 with her degree in Communication, Media & Theatre.

OMAR ROMAN, Apprentice, of Mexican descent was born and raised in Chicago. He began studying ballroom dancing at the age of 17 at his community

YMCA. In the spring of 2008 he began his formal Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko and in June of 2009 performed with the EESDT for the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival. that year he was awarded a Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) dance scholarship from the Music department & the Dance program studying ballet and Jazz. He has also studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez and Christian Lozano. He recently graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a major in French and minor in dance.

LEONARD PEREZ, UnderstudyABIGAIL VENTURA, Understudy

ALEJANDRA FERRER DAILEY & YU-LING HU are on leave this season


GUEST MUSIC IANS

2011 ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE YOUTH COMPANY

Phyllis Hurt, Guest Musician, Soprano, has sung everything from grand opera to cabaret. She has appeared in recital at London’s Wigmore Hall and in concert at New York City’s Carnegie Recital Hall. She has been guest artist with the Orchestra da Camera in New York City, and the Illinois Opera Theater and Russian Folk Orchestra at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. In Chicago, she performs frequently in recital under the auspices of Mostly Music and at Northeastern Illinois University where she is a

member of the music faculty. In 1996 she did a live performance of Rachmaninoff and Poulenc songs on WFMT with pianist Allen Anderson. She first performed with the Ensemble Español in 1989. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored to welcome Ms. Hurt to this Special Holiday Concert.

Brian Torosian, Guest Musician, Classical Guitarist, is an active soloist and chamber musician on guitar, lute, and mandolin who has performed in concerts throughout North America. In addition to completing doctoral studies at Northwestern University with Anne Waller, Dr. Torosian studied with Oscar Ghiglia during the summer months of 1994-1996 at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy where he received Diplomas of Merit and an honorary scholarship. Dr. Torosian serves on the faculty at DePaul University

and directs the guitar program of Northeastern Illinois University. As a solo performer and founding member of the Chicago Guitar Quartet, Mr. Torosian has appeared in performances for the St. Louis, Columbus, and Dayton classical guitar societies, and the Guitar Foundation of America Festival. Highlights of his 2004 concert activities include several appearances as concerto soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored in welcoming Mr. Torosian to this Special Holiday Concert.

Steve Zivin, Guest Musician, Pianist, has performed both as a solo recitalist and accompanist in the Chicago metropolitan area. His many collaborations with soprano, Sasha Gerritson, have included concerts at the Skokie Public Library, Northeastern Illinois University, and on concert series sponsored by Mostly Music, Inc. He holds graduate degrees in music and counseling from Northwestern University and Northeastern Illinois University, respectively, and has been a member of the Department of Music

and Dance Program since 1987. His teachers have included Allen Anderson, Mary Stanton and Laurence Davis. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored in welcoming Mr. Zivin to this Special Holiday Concert.

Sylvia Myintoo, Guest Musician, Violinist, performs in the Chicago area appearing with artists from Andrea Bocelli to Seal. She has played with the Chicago land pops orchestra, and has been recorded on both WTTW soundstage, and the Oprah Winfrey show. She also performs with the Ken Arlen Orchestra in addition to her teaching at Northeastern Illinois University. Dame Libby, the Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University are honored in welcoming Ms. Myintoo to this Special Holiday Concert.

Heather Billings, Luis Beltran-Urenz, Frida Medina, Nalanie Molina, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Argelia Solis, Raul Fuentes, Leonard Pérez, Carisa Serrano,

Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos, Senior Division

Teodoro Bartels, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Laila Galecki, Eliza S. McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yasmeen Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon, Grade School Division


EXECUTIVE BOARD OF D IRECTORS

George DiazPresidentIllinois Department of Revenue

Judith GrubnerVice PresidentAttorney at LawArnstein & Lehr LLP

Raymond IrizarrySecretary and TreasurerFinancial Center ManagerFifth Third Bank

Dame Libby KomaikoFounder and Artistic DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Jorge PérezExecutive DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Yvonne OwensAttorney at Law

Dr. Angelina PedrosoPresident EmeritaProfessor of Foreign Languages & Literature Northeastern Illinois University

Louis AltmanVice President EmeritusLegal Consul

Lillian C. HeminoverBd. Member Emerita Fine-Arts Coordinator (retired)Frederick Funston School

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

ADVISORY BOARD

Rita MorenoActress, Dancer, Singer

Ana Gonzalez & Juan MataFounding MembersNational Ballet of Spain

Pepe VargasPresidentInternational Latino Cultural

Center

Lane AlexanderFounder & Artistic DirectorChicago Human Rhythm

Project

Bret BattersonExecutive DirectorAuditorium Theatre

Frank ChavesArtistic DirectorRiver North Chicago Dance

Company

Lou ConteFounder, Hubbard Street

Dance Chicago and the Lou Conte Dance Studio

Carmela GrecoFounder & Artistic DirectorCompañia Carmela Greco,

Madrid

Daniel DuellArtistic DirectorBallet Chicago

Luisa EchevarriaCommunity RelationsUnivision

Nan Giordano Artistic DirectorGiordano Dance

Charlie GrodeVice PresidentInstitute for Learning, Access and TrainingChicago Symphony Orchestra

Joel Hall Founder & Artistic Director Joel Hall Dancers & Center

Gail KalverExecutive DirectorRiver North Dance Company

Dolores LongAssociate Director Ruth Page Foundation School

of Dance

Senator Iris Y. Martinez

Annet MirandaFifth Third Bank

Lourdes McKillopPresidentGaleria Gala

Jose Luis OvalleArtistic DirectorMexican Folkloric Dance

Company of Chicago

Suleyma PérezGovernment RelationsNortheastern Illinois

University

Harriet RossFormer Managing DirectorJoffrey Ballet

Anita Salazar

Milly SantiagoGovernors OfficeHispanic Media and

Community Relations Manager

Dr.Venetia StiflerFounder & Artistic DirectorConcert Dance Inc.

Eduardo VilaroArtistic DirectorBallet Hispanico

Wei YangPresidentNortheastern Chinese

Association

NajwaArtistic DirectorNajwa Dance Corp

ADVISORY BOARD


YOUTH COMPANY PARENTS COM MIT TEE

Beatrice AvilesSharon A. BillingsIvelisse FigueroaCindy GaleckiKevin and Laura McDanielAngel and Gloria MedinaPedro and Felicia PerezCathleen Schandelmeier-Bartels

Jose Saucedo and Sharon DobishAlan Schmidt and Wilma Schmidt UrenaFernando and Esther SerranoMarie Chandel SpurgeonErika Teijeiro-FichtChristina VelazquezJudy and Victor Villalobos

SPEC IAL THANK YOU

Dr. Sharon HahsPresident,

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

Dr. Salme Harju SteinbergPresident Emerita,

Northeastern Illinois University

Dr. Bernard BrommelProfessor Emeritus, NEIU

Dr. Carlos AzcoitaPresident, Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees

Iris MartinezIllinois State Senator

Suzanne ConnorSr. Program Officer for Arts & CultureThe Chicago Community Trust

Michael KaiserPresidentKennedy Center for the Performing ArtsWashington D.C.

Dr. Lawrence FrankProvost, NEIU

Dr. Wamucii NjoguDean, College of Arts & SciencesNEIU

Dr. Shayne CoferChair, Department of Music and the Dance

Program, NEIU

Mark WilcocksonVice President for Finance & AdministrationNEIU

Dave JonaitisAssociate Vice President for Financial &

Administrative Affairs, NEIU

Melba RodriguezVice President for Institutional AdvancementNEIU

Suleyma PérezExecutive Director of Government RelationsNEIU

Greg FydryckAccountantJackson Hewitt

Sasha GerritsonProfessor, Deptartment of Music & DanceNEIU

Dr. Venetia StiflerDance Program DirectorNEIU

Terry ScrogrumExecutive DirectorIllinois Arts Council

Brian HarmsGraphic Design ManagerNEIU

Sheila HenaghanMichael CullenMercury Theater

Michael MikrutTechnical SupportNEIU

Elias MoralesAssistant Auditorium Technical DirectorNEIU

Rick MartinAudio EngineerNEIU


ARTISTIC STAFF

ADMINISTR ATION STAFF

Executive Director ..................................................................................................................................... Jorge Pérez Manager of Operations ............................................................................................................Giuseppa DiCesareArts Education Program Coordinator............................................................................................ Julia HinojosaAccountants ............................................................................................................Delano Pulido, Greg FydryckDevelopment Consultant .......................................................................................................... Thomas ComachoAdministrative Assistants .......................................................................Brenda Rodriguez , Sadeka Behlim

Founder and Artistic Director .......................................................................................... Dame Libby KomaikoAssociate Artistic Director/ Rehearsal Mistress ................................................................... Irma Suárez RuizBallet Mistress / Production Assistant ............................................................................................. Anna CzajunRehearsal Master ....................................................................................................................................... Jorge PérezAssociate Artistic Directors Español Spanish Dance Youth Company .......................................................Sara Samuels, Julia HinojosaPilates/Ballet Instructor ................................................................................................................. Sandy NorawitaCommunity Outreach Faculty ...................................................................... Irma Suarez Ruiz, Sara Samuels,

Jose Torres, Israel Sanchez, Julia Hinojosa, Leticia Aravena

ADMINISTR ATION STAFF

President ......................................................................................................................................... Dr. Sharon K. HahsProvost ...........................................................................................................................................Dr. Lawrence FrankVice president/Finance and Administration ......................................................................... Mark WilcocksonAssociate Vice President/ Financial and Administrative Affairs .............................................................................................. David JonaitisAdministrative Assistant ..................................................................................................................... Judy CasconeAdministrative Assistant .................................................................................................................... Evelyn HanleyDean, Graduate College Director of international programs ...................................................................................... Dr. Janet FedericksChair, Music Department and Dance Program ..................................................................... Dr. Shayne CoferDirector of Media Relations ...............................................................................................................Erica KrehbielMedia Relations ......................................................................................................................................Dana NavarroDirector of Marketing ................................................................................................................................Julie White

PRODUCTION STAFF

DAME LIBBY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE ............... Dr. Shayne Cofer, Chair, Music department & dance program

Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez, Josephine DiCesare, Sasha Gerritson

Technical Director/Lighting Designer/Stage Manager ...............................................................Elias MoralesAudio Recording Manager ....................................................................................................................... Rick MartinCostume Design ................................................................................................ Paco Alonso, Christine Fransen,

Dame Libby Komaiko, Juanjo Linares, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez, Luz Creations, Docano Creations,

Dorothy Glassberg, Paloma Gomez, Christian LozanoCostume Production .................................................................................................Luz Creations, Paco Alonso,

Christine Fransen, Anita Salazar, Olga Turek, Docano CreationsCostume and accessories ......................................... Chicago Dance & Supply; Dance & Mime Shoppe;

Motion Unlimited; Leo’s Theatrical; Capezios; Biltmore Alterations; Maty’s fans, shawls, and castanets, Madrid;

Pertinez accessories and shawls, Madrid; Casa Yustas hats, Madrid; Victor Galiano castanets, Madrid; Gallardo shoes, Madrid;

Casa Valladeperas shoes, Barcelona; Don Flamenco Shoes, MadridMiami Props ............................................................................................................................................... Casa España,Sets ............................................................................................................................................................ Santiago VacaTV and video services ...................................................................................................Rick Senné, Jim HenningMultimedia services.................................................................................................... Michael Mikrut, Tim DavisAudio Recording ........................................................................................................................................Rick MartinPhotography ........................................................................................................................ Joe L. Davis, Dean PaulGraphics ......................................................................................................................................................Brian HarmsPrinting .....................................................................................................Corporate Graphics, Quartet PrintingWeb Master ......................................................................................................................................... Lee RivadenieraMarketing Consultant ................................................................................................................... Patricia Nicholson

NORTHEASTERN I LL INOIS UNIVERS IT Y STAFF

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL STAFF


CONTR IBUTIONS / PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS & INDIVIDUALSPARTNERS Northeastern Illinois UniversityInternational Latino Cultural

CenterChicago High School for the

Performing Arts

PLATINUM UnivisionFifth Third BankChicago Community Trust

GOLD Chicago Latino NetworkChicago City Arts ProgramConsul General of SpainIllinois Arts Council La Raza Hispanic Newspaper

SILVER After School MattersArte y Vida ChicagoElizabeth Cheney FoundationFidelity Charitable Gift FundArts Work FundInstituto Cervantes

BRONZE Aronson Philanthropic TrustCherry Family FoundationJose Greco FoundationBarbara and Barre Seid

Foundation NIB FoundationTourist Office of SpainService Club of ChicagoHMS Media

IN-KIND SERVICES & GIFTS Northeastern Illinois UniversityKennedy Center for the

Performing ArtsArte y Vida ChicagoBiltmore AlterationsBertha de la Mata Ana Maria Portillo Chicago Sun-TimesChicago TribuneLa RazaSee Chicago Dance Dot ComABC Television

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS $1,000 - $4,999Joyce ChelbergEugene Jarvis and Sasha

Gerritson Dame Libby KomaikoJorge Perez

CONTRIBUTORS $250 - $999Lou and Ellie AltmanShara FataBonnie KovenYvonne OwensJorge PerezGregory RagsdaleOlga TurekDr. Jeffrey I. Gaule and Elena

Carbajal Gaule

Gabrielle GauleIrma Suarez Ruiz

HERITAGE CIRCLE $100 - $249Cheryl BurackBonar Dailey and Alejandra Ferrer

DaileyAnne FreterJudith GrubnerJim HalasRaymond IrizarryDame Libby Komaiko Maryellen LanghoutLyon and Paula LeiferBertha de la MataMelissa MouhelisMichelle MouhelisRosalyn O’CheronyYvonne OwensDr. Angelina PedrosoJorge PerezGregory RagsdaleBlanca SantiagoRobert SteinbachLyn TaliaferroOlga TurekMelody VasquezPatricia Bueno AbdalaOscar Zambrano

AMIGOS/FRIENDS OF THEENSEMBLE $25 - $99Lou and Eleanor AltmanBrett and Veronica BattersonTomas Bissonnette and Dr. Rita

SimoBiltmore CleanersAlvin Raul CardonaGeorge DiazMaria GomezJudith GrubnerJulia HinojosaJayne de la HuergaRaymond IrizarryRobert KaprelianEmily LamoreauxDolores LongDr. Angelina PedrosoAdrienne PfarrGregory RagsdalePam ShortallElizabeth SilversteinLyn TaliaferroJule TurnoyGerald UllmanJeannette VogelOscar ZambranoMatthew and Natalia Rivera

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISHDANCE YOUTH COMPANYDONORSNelson AguilarCraig AlthegeCarmen AlvaradoBenn Angon Vanessa AngoneLori Ann Baas John and Jill BaileyVince & Karen Balachia

Rebecca BalisGerardo BaltazarMichael and Jennifer

Bartenhagen Juan and Mireya BeatonJudy BosenMr. & Mrs. Carlos Bravo Dwan BuetowPhil CantiVictor CastilloJoanna ChavarriaChappell SchoolDiane and Stan ColeMigdalia and Donnell ColemanPatricia and Timothy ColeyHelen Pat CollingsAngel CordovaDon and Lourdes CorneliusJose CrespoJosefina Cruz Julie Ann Dakers Eric David Debra and Darren Decker Araceli Delagarza Judge David Delgado Candice DeMauro Giuseppa DiCesare Marcin and Diana Dylag Ed Napleton Elmhurst ImportsPriscilla Escobar Shara Fata Erika Teijeiro Ficht Jose Figueroa Ivelisse Figueroa Anne Freter Cindy Galecki Kamila GaleckiNick Geroulis Tamara GreenJessica and Peter Gryorfy Veronica Guerrero Kathryn Grant Hardy Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg Joseph Hartman Peter Paul and Marsha Hawley Barbara and Francisco Hernandez Susana Hernandez Ruben Herrera Christina Hinojosa Julia Hinojosa Christina Hinojosa Jummy Ikinbusuyi International Body ShopAbraham and Rosita Izquierdo David and Wendy Johnson Paula Jeske Linda Johnson Just the Beginning FoundationCrystal Keys Maria Keys Dame Libby KomaikoWilliam Koppe Bonnie Koven Kim Kozlowski Rebecca LaMadrid Quevedo Amanda Larrivee Ebony Lee Lyon and Paula Leifer Keith and Arisbel Lewandowski Julie List


DONORS (c o n t.)

Rumelia Lodhia Susan Lopez Megan Lyman Suneer & Laura Maheshwary Mary Marino Celia Martinez Joseph Moloczyj Mr. & Mrs. Asuncion Matias Oscar Matias & Family Laura McDaniel Elizabeth Meyer Stephanie Mistretta Cindy Mitchell Rosa Moraton Dallen Moreno James and Sandra Murphy Melissa Nater Rosalyn OcheronyAracelis Olivo William Olivo Yvonne Owens Annie Padilla Joanne Palcesser Dr. Angelina Pedroso Felicia Perez Pedro Perez Jorge Perez John Pokorny Carlos Posso Edison and Zenedia Puente Roy Puente Teena Quest Angel Quinones Dr. T.E. Riemer Jessica Rogers Greg Ragsdale Robo Dent IncTeresa Rosado Gladys & Pedro Rosas Gilbert Ruiz Mr. & Mrs. Jose Salamanco Arnold and Lois Samuels Blanca Santiago Zach Schiffman Alan Schmidt Wilma Schmidt Olga Scott Esther Serrano Nirav & Swati Shag Liz Silverstein Dr. Rita Simo and Tomas

Bissonnette Joshua & Gabriela Smyser -

Carrilo Mayra Solis Froilan Soto South Shore Auto AuctionJames and Chandel Spurgeon Naomi Teijeiro Maria Torres Luis Urena Hernan Urena Elsa Urena Cynthia Vaiciulis Evelyn Valentine

Salvador Vasquez Christina Velazquez Vanessa Velez Judy and Victor Villalobos Toni Villalobos Moryma Vinocuna Maria Walker Nathaniel and Sandra Wasson Christopher & Ira Watson-Shetty Caroline Yankee Frank Zimmerman

ZELDA SENIOR PROGRAM FUNDKaye and Leonor Acuña RicheyBernard FultonJohn Logan and Martin MaddenDame Libby KomaikoJorge PerezJonathon Samuels

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOLENDOWMENT FOUNDINGMEMBERSAlbany 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. Jose and Ms. Tamara Dos

SantosMrs. Shara Fata & the International Foreign Language

Immersion ProgramMs. 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. Hathaway

Dr. and Mrs. Robert HeinemannMs. Lillian C. HeminoverMr. Eliezer HildesaimAsad Husain, Ph.D.Mr. Leonard P. IaquintaThe Jose Greco Foundation for

Hispanic Dance, Inc.Dame Libby KomaikoMr. Lee KoonceEd and Bonnie KovenLatin Street Dancing, Inc.Mr. James H. LeonMs. 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. RehnerMs. 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-

NascimentoMr. Eddie SernaSerrano FamilyDr. and Mrs. Allen N. ShubSigma Lambda Gamma NationalMs. Margo L. SmithMr. William J. StankeDr. Salme Harju Steinberg Dr. Michael D. SteinbergMs. Amy StepanekJohn & Georgiana P. StepanekDr. Venetia StiflerMr. Jose O. TorresDr. Pepe Vargas and Mrs.

Madeline Roman-Vargas &the International Latino Cultural

Center of ChicagoTanya & Robert VerdinMr. Mark WilcocksonMr. 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.


ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL DONATION PROGR A MS

DONOR

Our extensive educational and community outreach programs continue at the forefront of our mission. Please help us to support the current and upcoming generations of dancers.

Your generous gift as Amigo/a, Heritage Circle, Contributor and/or Individual Sponsor, will help us to continue with excellence into the future; to preserve our concerts, classes,

school residencies, workshops and festivals that have educated and inspired children, teens and adults of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities for over 35 years.

Full houses cover only half the costs of producing these extraordinary concerts.

Please help to keep our cultural treasure alive.

The Ensemble Español’s continued growth and success is a tribute to our audience members and contributors. ¡Gracias!

We gratefully accept your generous checks payable to Ensemble Español

Ensemble Español

Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue

Chicago, IL 60625 Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted

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

ZELDA KOLBER SENIOR PROGRAM - “Zelda’s Fund”

Our program honoring the memory of Zelda Kolber, our loving dedicated supporter, grandmother of Principal Dancer, Sara Samuels and dance aficionado, who passed away on

May 29, 2009 at nearly 102 years old.

This program will bring Spain into retirement and nursing homes throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Seniors will have the opportunity to watch performances, learn dance steps, celebrate with family and friends during the “Night of Spain” and travel to

Northeastern Illinois University to view the

Tales of Spain Spanish Dance & Music one hour multimedia concerts.

“Zelda’s Fund” will expose underserved seniors to the arts, build a connection with senior communities and the Ensemble Español, provide significant health benefits via

dance instruction and engage youth and senior citizens in a culturally artistic enriching environment with friends and families.

ENDOWMENT

Honor the Past, Secure the Future

For over three decades, Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder and Artistic Director, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Center, the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance

Youth Company, guest artists and partner, Northeastern Illinois University, have inspired, entertained and educated millions of people from around the world, who come together

to celebrate the culture and art of Spain. Tonight, as you share in the passion that is Spain in America, you can help to secure the future of our cultural treasure.

Your gift to the Ensemble Español Endowment Fund will support and preserve the concerts, classes, residencies, workshops, scholarships and Festivals that have made us the premier

Center for Spanish dance and Music in the United States for over thirty five years.

Please send your check, payable to the NEIU Foundation (note Ensemble Español Endowment on the memo line) to:

The Development Office Northeastern Illinois University

5500 N. St Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625


SPAIN 2012

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL’S / SPAIN IN A MER ICA / UPCOMING EVENTS

Support our youth company (ages 9 to 19) to reach their goal of studying in Madrid, Spain in July 2012 with renowned flamenco instructor, Carmela Greco. Your gift will help us toward reaching our goal! Thank you for all your support.

We gratefully accept your generous checks payable to Ensemble Español

Ensemble EspañolNortheastern Illinois University

5500 N. St. Louis AvenueChicago, IL 60625

Visa, Mastercard and Discover are acceptedAll 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 [email protected]

Weekly Children’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the communityNortheastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J BuildingNext class session Tuesdays, beginning January 201215 week sessionLast session will be a recital Ages 4-6 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm Ages 7-12 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Ages 7-12 Intermediate 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

To register, please contact Giuseppa DiCesare at 773-442-5926

Weekly Adult’s Flamenco Dance Classes for the communityNortheastern Illinois University Dance Studio, J BuildingNext class session Tuesdays, beginning January 2012 (six classes = one session) Beginners 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm Intermediate 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

To register, please contact Giuseppa DiCesare at 773-442-5926Please visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org or call 773-442-5916 for a class schedule.

Tales of Spain/Historias de EspanaMulti-media daytime lectura concert seriesNortheastern Illinois University Auditorium2 shows daily/10:15 am and 11:45amMay 16, 17, & 18$5/students, $6/adultsFor More information please contact Julia Hinojosa773-442-5926 or [email protected]

2012 American Spanish Dance and Music FestivalJune 13 through June 24, 2012The annual festival features 4 Gala concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Skokie with U.S. and world premieres, 50 master classes and workshops in the Neoclassical, Clasico Español, Folkloric and Flamenco styles of dance, music, Vocal, guitar, and percussion available for undergraduate and graduate course credit or non-credit at Northeastern Illinois University and concerts featuring Classical and Flamenco Music.

Documents

EnsembleEspanol-Holiday2011