Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, presents the three performances as part of the “Zafiro Flamenco” 45th Anniversary Festival at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18, Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20.
The program will feature the world premiere of “Tangos de Granada,” choreographed by Wendy Clinard, Artistic Director, Clinard Dance; “Farruca, “Martinete,” and “Jaleos” Bulerias, choreographed by Nino de los Reyes, the first dancer to ever win a Grammy; and the Chicago premiere of “Solea” also by Reyes. Other guest artists include singer/guitarist Paco Fonta (Jaen/Miami); singer, percussionist, dancer and guitarist José Mareno (Madrid, Malaga, New York); singer Patricia Ortega (Cuba/Chicago); guitarist David Chiriboga (Ecuador/Chicago)
The “Zafiro Flamenco” 45th Anniversary Festival is dedicated to two beloved supporters and friends of Ensemble Español who passed away this past year: Dr. Miguel Suarez, former Ensemble Español Executive Board Member, ambassador and father of Ensemble Español Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz; and choreographer and dancer, José Barrios. Barrios’ “Algazara” (2013) will be performed by the company in his memory. A mix of audience favorites from Ensemble Español’s repertoire, including “Zapateado” (1976) choreographed by company founder Dame Libby Komaiko, complete the program.
“These performances represent our return to live performance. Because we will be performing on a smaller stage and to accommodate social distancing protocols, the all Flamenco works concerts will be performed by members of, but not all, of those in the Ensemble Español l Company and Youth Company,” says Irma Suarez Ruiz, Ensemble Español Artistic Director. “Yet we are excited to still have the opportunity to present these live Feria/ Fair outdoor performances just like in Seville and can’t wait to see our audiences before us, once again,” says Jorge Perez, Ensemble Español Executive & Associate Artistic Director.
Tickets
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, presents the three performances as part of the “Zafiro Flamenco” 45th Anniversary Festival at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, located at 9501 Skokie Blvd., 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18 through Sunday, June 20. Tickets are $32-$42. For tickets or more information visit www.Northshorecenter.org or call 847.673.6300.
There will also be a live video stream of the Saturday, June 19 performance. Tickets for the streamed performance (which will also be available for viewing through June 26) are $20 and can be purchased by visiting www.EnsembleEspanol.org.
All three performances will take place in the parking lot of the North Shore Center. Seating will begin at 4:30 p.m. There will be assigned seating, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair (some chairs will be provided). COVID-19 social distancing and protocols will be in place. For more information visit www.Northshorecenter.org or call 847.673.6300.
Related Special Events
5-7 p.m., June 18-20:
- Feira (Fair)
- Outdoors at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
- Free
Spanish culture fans can take a free Sevillanas class, enjoy shopping for Spanish fans, castanets, face picture painting and more or purchase tapas and sangria to enjoy. For more information visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org.
7-7:30 p.m., June 18-20:
- “Feria de Sevilla”
- Outdoors at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
- Free
The Youth Company perform to live music by guest artists Patricia Ortega (singer) and David Chiriboga (guitar) followed by a class on Sevillanas, the folk dance of Sevilla and its region. For more information visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org.
Friday, June 11 – Thursday, June 17:
Virtual Flamenco Dance and Cante (Flamenco singing) Classes
Guest Teachers/Choreographers: Carmela Greco, daughter of the Spanish legendary dancer, choreographer, Jose Greco (Madrid); Omayra Amaya, artistic director of the Omayra Amaya Flamenco Dance Company, grandniece of the legendary Carmen Amaya (Miami); Vida Peral, former Ensemble Español soloist, dancer, teacher, choreographer (Amsterdam). Jose Moreno, flamenco singer (Malaga/Madrid/New York). To register or for more information visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org or call Josephine DiCesare, Festival Coordinator at 773.442.5916.
About Ensemble Español
Ensemble Español, is a not-for-profit arts organization. As with many artists and arts organizations around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 virus is creating a significant financial challenge for the company. Ensemble Español welcomes donations to help sustain the company during this time. For more information, visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org.
Ensemble Español, founded in 1976 by artistic director Dame Libby Komaiko, is the premiere Spanish dance company and center in the U.S. with a professional and unique residency at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. Under the artistic direction of Irma Suarez Ruiz and executive leadership of Jorge Perez, company successors, the Ensemble continues its mission of preservation, presentation and promotion of Spanish dance and culture which also includes the exploration of the country’s history in the; Flamenco, Folkloric, Classical and Escuela Bolera styles and identifies its influence on Latin American art and dance in both traditional and contemporary formats. They forge ahead as the leaders in Spanish dance and culture with a commitment to our communities, via performances, education, school residencies, academic university programs, festivals and tours. They remain committed to their roots in education and mission of educational, artistic, and social development. Their incredibly rich history includes; serving over 30,000 students annually, training over 90 company dancers, training over 160 Youth Company dancers from ages 12 to 18, over 90 international guest artists and musicians from Spain and the Americas, over 2,600 scholarships awarded to talented aspiring dancers, musicians and educators, tours and residencies of U.S., including Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia, Canada, China and Spain. For more information, visit EnsembleEspanol.org.
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre in residence at Northeastern Illinois University is grateful to the following 45th Season Partners and Sponsors: Northeastern Illinois University, Prince Charitable Foundation and the MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Illinois Arts Council, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Home Depot, After School Matters, Microsoft, Helen Brach Foundation, Enterprise, Eugene Jarvis and Sasha Gerritson, Sonia Florian, Gameplan Creative, FourStar Branding, Dovetail Dance Studios. Thank you to our $45 for 45 campaign donors and additional thanks to the 45th Season Media Sponsors: La Raza, Negocios Now, Comcast, Hispanic Pro, Spanish Public Radio, HMS Media and Maisonet Photography.