Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre

“Style, flair and bravura
a“Sretynle,vfelrailracaknidngb.r”avura
are never lacking.—”Chicago Tribune

—Chicago Tribune

EENSSPEAMN~BOLLE
SPANISH DANCE THEATRE

04.23.22 outstanding

artistry of this premiere Spanish
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EENNSSEEMM~BBLLEdance company. “The dancers of
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Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder
Irma Suárez Ruiz, Artistic Director / Jorge Perez, Executive Director

Jose Torres, Repetidor/Rehearsal Master

FLAMENCO PASSION

GUEST ARTISTS
Paco Fonta, Flamenco Singer & guitarist
Jose Moreno, Dancer, singer, guitarist & percussionist

David Chiriboga, Flamenco Guitarist
Brian Torosian, Classical Guitarist
Luis Galvez, Tenor

COMPANY DANCERS
Monica Saucedo, Juan Carlos Castellón, Luis Beltran,
Frida Medina, Jonathan Pacheco, Nalanie Molina, Samantha
Micklewright, Abigail Mosqueda & Irene Sivianes Fernandez,

Nestor Corona, Company Dancers
Katrina Bartels, Catherine Beza, Adrian Villanueva, Apprentices

Youth Company Dancers
Samantha Ortega, Abigail Valdez, Citlali Cruz Bruno, Dania Villela

ii

about the company

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 Español preserves, presents and promotes the
four styles of Spanish dance: Flamenco, folkloric, escuela bolero and classical. Founded
in 1975 by Dame Libby Komaiko, and incorporated in 1976, the organization is now
under the dynamic leadership of Irma Suarez Ruiz, artistic director and Jorge Pérez,
executive director. The company is comprised of 40 dancers, singers, 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, film, and symphonic
formats, including with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The Ensemble has appeared
in many major theater and universities in Chicago and Illinois, including the landmark
legendary Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, North Shore Center, Harris
Theater, Symphony Space, to mention a few. The Ensemble has appeared throughout
the United States, the Midwest, Puerto Rico, Hawaii & Canada and on four continents
in the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia, China and Spain.

about dupac

ABOUT DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dominican University Performing Arts Center is dedicated to artistic excellence, bringing
multiticultural programming with a distinctive, learning-centered focus to a wide and diverse
audience. The five guiding principles of the Dominican University Performing Arts Center are:
excellence (to work with and develop artists of quality, vision and integrity); diversity (to develop
programming that explores different cultures, genres and time periods in order to engage a varied
audience); education (to provide experiences that challenge individuals to grow); public presence
(to increase prominence and attendance); and fiscal vitality (to provide for long-term growth and
stability).

ABOUT DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution
offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the
Brennan School of Business, the Borra College of Health Sciences, and the College of Applied
Social Sciences. The university also offers a doctoral degree in library and information science.
In the 2022 issue of “America’s Best Colleges,” U.S. News & World Report ranked Dominican
University # 10 of all Midwest regional master’s level universities. The magazine also ranked
Dominican as best value in the State of Illinois.

iii

program

ACT I
Danza del Fuego (Dance of Fire)

La Noche Sagrada
Sevilla

Viva Galicia / Folkloric
Horizonte (Horizon) (Neo-Classical)

Alma De Aragon
Zapateado
Solares

Pasion Flamenca (Flamenco Passion) (Musical Interlude)
No Me Olvides (Romeras)

Intermission

ACT II
Tangos de Granada
Entre Dos Almas/Between Two Souls (Alegrias)
Ritmo de la Tierra/Rhythm of the Earth (Martinete)
Introvertido (Solea)
Cancion por Buleria (Flamenco Musical Interlude)
Al Golpe ( Jaleos)
Viva Sevilla (Sevillanas)

iv

Act I A

Danza del Fuego (Dance of Fire)
This romantic twentieth-century neoclassical dance portrays the mysterious moods and great

eastern influence of the Moors in Spain during their 900-year rule.
Choreography & Lighting Design (1977): Dame Libby Komaiko
Music: Pablo Luna (1879-1942) from the zarzuela “Ben Amor” (1923)

Costume Design: Ann Rossi
Dancers: Company
La Noche Sagrada

This choreography is inspired by the process of metamorphosis. The dancer is portraying a
butterfly leaving its cocoon and venturing on to the next phase of life. The fabric represents the

connection with one’s past and origin, as it will always remain a part of the soul.
Choreographer (2019): Carlos Rodriguez

Music: Juan Parrilla Lighting Design: Sarah Lackner
Costume Production: Luz Creations

Dancer: Samantha Micklewright, Company Dancer
Sevilla

“Sevilla” from Suite Española, Op. 47 by Isaac Albeniz was originally written for piano
in 1886 by Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909).

Performer and castanet composition: Dame Libby Komaiko
Music: Brian Torosian, Classical Guitarist
Castanet accompaniment: Irma Suarez Ruiz
Photos by: Dean Paul
Viva Galicia / Folkloric

Choreography (1990): Section 1: Dame Libby Komaiko
Choreography (2007) Section II: Paloma Gomez & Christian Lozano, Guest Artists
Music: Traditional Costume Design: Nana Lorca, former artistic director of the National Ballet

of Spain and Juanjo Linares, foremost authority on Spanish folklore
Dancers: Company

Horizonte (Horizon) (Neo-Classical)
Ms. Monica Saucedo dedicates this work to Ensemble’s founder, Dame Libby Komaiko, for
her life’s work, love, dedication, and passion of Spanish dance, music, art, and education.

Choreographer and Dancer (2018): Monica Saucedo, Principal Dancer
Music: Ernesto Halffter (1905-1989) Costume Design: Paloma Gomez
Costume Production: Luz Creations Lighting Designer: Sarah Lackner
v

Act I cont...

Alma De Aragon
La Jota is considered one of Spain’s “national dances”.
Folkloric regional style, this joyous and vigorous dance derives from the

Northern Province of Aragon.
Choreographer, Costume Designer and Production (1990): Paco Alonso
Music: Tomás Breton from the zarzuela (Spain’s light opera), La Dolores

Tenor: Luis Galvez, Guest Artist Lighting Design: Michael Mix
Dancers: Full Company
Zapateado

A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fields on horseback - Dance of the Shoes.
Dame Libby Komaiko, inspired by her late teacher and mentor, Mr. Jose Greco, set this dance

originally on her first company of five dancers:
Karen Stelling, Vida Bitinas, Myrna Salazar, Sergio Bahamondes, Rafael Figueroa performed

on the stage at NEIU Auditorium in 1976 as the newly formed Ensemble Español.
Choreography & Lighting Design (1976): Dame Libby Komaiko
Costume Design & Construction: Paco Alonso & Dolores Decano
Dancers: Company
Solares

Solares, is a fusion of traditional styles of the legendary Cana from the 19th century, now mixed
with modern Flamenco elements that is current in our times today. The significance of Solares in
this dance is even where there is darkness; light can still be manifested and come to life through

the movements and footwork of Solares.
Luis dedicates this piece as hope for all those who need it.

Choreographer (2018): Carlos Rodriguez
Music: Juan Debel Lighting Design: Sarah Lackner

Dancer: Luis Beltran, Company Dancer
Pasion Flamenca (Flamenco Passion) (Musical Interlude)
Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer & guitarist, David Chiriboga, Flamenco guitarist

Jose Moreno, Singer, guitarist & percussionist
No Me Olvides (Romeras)

Choreography & Costume Design (2008): Irma Suarez Ruiz, Artistic Director
Costume Production: Luz Creations

Music: Carmen Linares Lighting Design: Sarah Lackner
Dancers: Company

vi

Act II

Tangos de Granada
Premiered at the Ensemble Espanol’s Zafiro Flamenco Festival on
June 18, 2021 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Choreography (2021): Wendy Clinard
Singer: Jose Moreno

Lighting Design: Dustin Derry
Dancers and Costumes: Company

Entre Dos Almas/Between Two Souls (Alegrias)
This work, inspired by the songs of the seaport of Cadiz, was last
performed at the outdoor presentation of the American Spanish
Dance and Music Festival this past June at the North Shore Center for
the Performing Arts. Before that it had not been performed since the
company’s 35th anniversary in 2011. This work has also been performed

on tour in the Midwest, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Poland.
Choreography, Dancers, Costume Designs (1998): Irma Suárez Ruiz & Jorge Pérez

Musicians: Paco Fonta, Flamenco Singer and Guitarist; Jose Moreno,
Singer, Guitarist, and Percussionist; David Chiriboga, Flamenco Guitarist

Ritmo de la Tierra/Rhythm of the Earth (Martinete)
Choreography and Costume Concept (2021): Nino de los Reyes, Guest Artist

Singer: Jose Moreno, Singer, Guitarist, and Percussionist
Lighting Design: Dustin Derry
Dancers: Company

company and musicians

GUEST ARTISTS
Paco Fonta................................................................................Flamenco Singer & Guitarist
Jose Moreno...........................................................Dancer, singer, guitarist & percussionist
David Chiriboga......................................................................................Flamenco Guitarist
Brian Torosian.......................................................................................... Classical Guitarist
Luis Galvez.....................................................................................................................Tenor

DANCERS
Company..................Monica Saucedo, Juan Carlos Castellón, Luis Beltran, Frida Medina

Jonathan Pacheco, Nalanie Molina, Samantha Micklewright
Abigail Mosqueda & Irene Sivianes Fernandez, Nestor Corona
Apprentices......................................... Katrina Bartels, Catherine Beza, Adrian Villanueva
Youth Company Dancers ���������������������������������������������������Samantha Ortega, Abigail Valdez,

Citlali Cruz Bruno, Dania Villela

vii

Act II cont...

Introvertido (Solea)
Choreography and Dancer (2019): Jose Moreno
Musicians: Paco Fonta, Flamenco Singer and Guitarist

David Chiriboga, Flamenco Guitarist
Lighting Designer: Sarah Lackner

Cancion por Buleria (Flamenco Musical Interlude)
Musicians: Paco Fonta, Flamenco Singer & Guitarist, David Chiriboga, Flamenco Guitarist,

Jose Moreno, Singer, Guitarist & Percussionist

Al Golpe (Jaleos)
Choreography (2021): Nino de los Reyes
Hybrid Assistant Choreography Production: Wendy Clinard
Musicians: Paco Fonta, Flamenco Singer and Guitarist;
Jose Moreno, Singer, Guitarist, and Percussionist; David Chiriboga, Flamenco Guitarist

Viva Sevilla (Sevillanas)
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 Staging: Irma Suarez Ruiz
Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz & Dancers

Costume Production: Luz Creations
Dancers: Full Company, Apprentices & Youth Company

production staff

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL PRODUCTION STAFF
Anna Czajun..................................................... Ballet Master and Production Assistant
Wendy Clinard................................................................. Flamenco Master & Founder

& Artistic Director of Clinard Dance Theatre
STONEWOLF PRODUCTIONS
Dustin Derry ......................................... Lighting Designer/Production Stage Manager
Sarah Lackner..................................................... Technical Director/Lighting Designer

ENSEMBLE ESPANOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Kim Grigsby..................................................................... Associate Executive Director
Brenda Rodriguez.........................................................Operations Executive Assistant
Danielle Lafrancis.................................................................. Administrative Assistant
Miguel Garcia...........................................................................Marketing Coordinator

viii

meet the artists

IRMA SUAREZ RUIZ, Artistic Director JORGE PEREZ, Executive and Associate J
Artistic Director R
the musicians F
C

PACO FONTA, Flamenco JOSE MORENO, Percussionist DAVID CHIRIBOGA
Singer and Guitarist Singer, Dancer and Guitarist Flamenco Guitarist

N
C

BRIAN TOROSIAN LUIS GALVEZ
Classical Guitarist Tenor

We wish to acknowledge ALL the dancers, staff and volunteers who have been a part I
of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater during the pandemic and over the C
past 46 years for their amazing contributions to making this Company and Center
the “International Jewel” that it is. ¡Gracias!

ix

the dancers

JOSE TORRES MONICA SAUCEDO JUAN CARLOS CASTELLON
Repetidor/Rehearsal Master Company Dancer Company Dancer

FRIDA MEDINA LUIS BELTRAN JONATHAN PACHECO
Company Dancer Company Dancer Company Dancer

NALANIE MOLINA SAMANTHA MICKLEWRIGHT ABIGAIL MOSQUERA
Company Dancer Company Dancer Company Dancer

IRENE SIVIANES FERNANDEZ NESTOR CORONA
Company Dancer Company Dancer

For bio’s and more information on all of our artists and staff please visit
EnsembleEspanol.org

x

Events and Concerts Saturday, February 26, 2022 Theatre Arts Lab Series

Saturday, October 18, 2021 The Reminders November 12-14 & 19-21

Ranky Tanky Saturday, April 23, 2022 Mamma Mia

Saturday, December 12, 2021 Ensemble Español Music and Lyrics by
Spanish Dance Theatre Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
THE PRESIDENT’S HOLIDAY CONCERT Book by Catherine Johnson

A Carpenters Christmas April 7-10, 2022

Silent Sky

by Lauren Gunderson

2021 | 2022 Special Event

Saturday, March 5, 2022

ANNUAL TRUSTEE BENEFIT CONCERT
In support of student scholarships

Kristin Chenoweth

events.dom.edu FREE PARKING
BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000
7900 WEST DIVISION STREET
RIVER FOREST, IL 60305