Name: Ensemble Espanol
Start: 2026-06-13T19:30:00-05:00
Location: 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL, United States, Illinois 60077

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
In Residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago
Irma Suarez Ruiz, Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director
Jorge Perez, Executive Director
Jose Torres, Associate Artistic Director

50th Anniversary Celebration
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, June 13, 2026

As the company celebrates its golden anniversary season, we are excited to present the beautiful full Company of dancers and guest artists on this special concert honoring beloved Dame Libby Komaiko, founder of the Ensemble Español and Irma Suarez Ruiz, our Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director.

One night only concert program highlights include modern masterpieces, beloved classics & world premier company work:

BOLERO: The Ensemble Espanol will present the revival of Dame Libby Komaiko’s 1993 full company iconic Bolero to the music of Maurice Ravel presented thanks to the generous support of friend and donor Sonia Florian 1936-2025. The Ensemble Español dedicates this performance of Bolero to Ms. Florian.

VILLANESCA (World Premiere): This Spanish classical premiere will feature the full company in Irma Suarez Ruiz’s Villanesca set to the music of Enrique Granados. Special thank you to Philip and Marcia Dowd production sponsors.

PASION OCULTA: This contemporary work by Irma Suarez Ruiz, set in 2019 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” Lauren Warnecke, Dance Critic

ANTECESORES/ANCESTORS: This company flamenco drama premiered in 2025 to the songs and rhythms of Seville in Andalucía, southern part of Span, 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.

AMANGUE: 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.