Displaying items by tag: 50th Anniversary

The world‑renowned Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, brings the passionate, expressive rhythms of Spain to life at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., in honor of their 50th Anniversary Celebration—one performance only, Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

"As the company celebrates its golden anniversary season, we are excited to present our company of dancers and guest artists for this special concert honoring the work of our founder, our company and everyone who has made it possible for us to provide the best in Spanish dance here and around the world," says Irma Suarez Ruiz, Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director.

"For five decades, Ensemble Español has shared the passion, rhythm, and soul of Spanish dance with Chicago and the world, one breathtaking step at a time. Now, we invite everyone to join us as we celebrate that history and ignite the passion that will propel us into the next 50 years" added Executive Director, Jorge Perez.

Audiences will experience a special 50th Anniversary performance revival of Dame Libby's iconic critically acclaimed "Boléro," danced by the only remaining original dancers of this ballet from its premiere in 1993, Ruiz and Perez. Lively musical accompaniment will be provided for a selection of Flamenco dramas by musicians Jose Moreno (Flamenco singer, guitarist), Andrea Salcedo (Flamenco guitarist), and Enrique Chavez (percussionist). Also joining the Ensemble Español will be classical guitarist, Brian Torosian.

The program is scheduled to feature the following works
· "Amangue" (2023): The program will open with the flamenco company work set in 2023 in the Buleria style by guest artist, Isaac Tovar, former principal of the National Ballet of Spain to original musical composition by renowned guitarist Curro de Maria.
· "Escenas Villanescas" (World Premiere): This Spanish classical premiere will feature the full company in Irma Suarez Ruiz's "Villanescas" set to the music ofEnrique Granados. Special thank you to Philip and Marcia Dowd production sponsors.
· "Pasion Oculta" (2019): This contemporary work by Irma Suarez Ruiz, set to the music of the all-female electronic string quartet from London, received rave reviews in 2025 by the Chicago Tribune hailing it "Tour de force...Pasion Oculta is a modern masterpiece."
· "Antecesores/Ancestors" (2025): This company flamenco drama performed to the songs and rhythms of Seville in Andalucía, southern part of Spain, is choreographed by newly appointed Associate Artistic Director, Jose Torres. The work pays homage to those who came before us in the world of Spanish dance and music.
· "Boléro" (1993): The Ensemble Español will present the revival of Dame Libby Komaiko's full company iconic "Bolero" to the music of Maurice Ravel thanks to the generous support of friend and donor Sonia Florian 1936-2025. This work has graced some of the greatest landmark theaters and dance festivals in the world to well over one million audience members and been featured in two documentaries. The New York Times called Dame Libby's "Boléro" "amazing" and said the piece "wowed the audience" at a sold-out performance at Joyce Theater in Manhattan.

Tickets

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater: 50th Anniversary Celebration is presented at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13. Tickets are $45 - $65 before ticketing and online purchasing fees. To purchase tickets and for more information visit NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847.673.6300. 

Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Call the North Shore Center box office for group sales (847.673.6300). For more information about the show, call Ensemble Espanol at 773.442.5916 or visit EnsembleEspanol.org.

About Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is the premier Spanish dance company and center in the United States. The ensemble is in-residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Ensemble Español preserves, presents, and promotes the four styles of Spanish dance: Flamenco, folkloric, escuela bolera and classical. Founded in 1975 by Dame Libby Komaiko, and incorporated in 1976, the organization is now under the leadership of Irma Suarez Ruiz, Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director and Jorge Pérez, Executive Director. The company is comprised of dancers, singers, guest artists, and musicians representing a mosaic of cultures from around the world. The organization is praised by educators, arts professionals, business and government leaders, as well as arts and cultural media for its artistic excellence, cultural integrity, and of course, its commitment to arts and higher education opportunities for all.

The Ensemble appears in a broad range of television, opera, Emmy-winning documentaries, film, and symphonic formats, including with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It has appeared in theaters and universities in Chicago and Illinois, including the landmark Auditorium, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Harris Theater and Symphony Center. The Ensemble has also toured throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico and Hawaii), Canada, and internationally, performing in countries across four continents, such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia, China, and Spain.