Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Description

Founded in 1975 by Dame Libby Komaiko, and incorporated in 1976, the Ensemble Español preserves, presents, and promotes the Flamenco, folkloric, classical and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain. While the Ensemble Español often cites its artistic and educational standards as the reasons for its success, there can be no doubt that these standards were set by its founder, Dame Komaiko. Widely recognized as one of the leading proponents of Spanish dance, Dame Komaiko built an organization that upholds cultural integrity, creative inquiry, and educational accessibility. Through its relationship with Northeastern Illinois University, the Ensemble Español offers scholarship support, accredited Spanish dance instruction, artistic apprenticeships, and a range of community-based programming for all interested artists, students, educators, parents, and dance enthusiasts. As the recipient of the prestigious Ribbon of the Dame, which is awarded by the Spanish monarch and government, Dame Komaiko's vigorous standards are upheld by the company's staff, board, dancers, teachers, and students. As such, the Ensemble Español carries on the promise of outstanding programming, as well as inspired training opportunities for all its stakeholders.

Work Sample

1.) CLASSICAL - El Baile de Luis Alonso (company by Irma)
2.) FOLKLORE - La Jota Dolores (by Paco Alonso)
3.) FLAMENCO - Dualia (by Carlos Rodriguez)
4.) FLAMENCO CONTEMPORARY (Mar de Fuego by Carlos Rodriguez)

All our works selected represents a different aspect of who we are a company. The first work, El Baile de Luis Alonso, is an example of the classical Spanish Ballet style of dance. The work features Luis Alonso along with Ensemble Artistic Director Irma Ruiz. The second work, La Jota Dolores by Paco Alonso is an upbeat work is an example of a popular Spanish Folklore style Jota. This is a courtship dance traditional in northern Spain, particularly Aragon. The third work featured is a traditional Flamenco work called Dualia. This work was created by Carlos Rodriguez who well regarded for his mastery of the many styles of Flamenco. Flamenco, called the International dance form by UNESCO and the United Nations because it adapts to everywhere it is adopted, has international appeal. From its earthy roots as a protest dance of Gypsies is the most popular and form of Spanish dance. Likewise, the final work, also by Carlos Rodriguez evokes a contemporary tone in a piece called Mar de Fuego. Still in the style of Flamenco, you can see the range of what Flamenco is in both works.

History

Founded in 1975 by Dame Libby Komaiko, and incorporated in 1976, the Ensemble Español preserves, presents, and promotes the Flamenco, folkloric, classical and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain. While the Ensemble Español often cites its artistic and educational standards as the reasons for its success, there can be no doubt that these standards were set by its founder, Dame Komaiko. Widely recognized as one of the leading proponents of Spanish dance, Dame Komaiko built an organization that upholds cultural integrity, creative inquiry, and educational accessibility. Through its relationship with Northeastern Illinois University, the Ensemble Español offers scholarship support, accredited Spanish dance instruction, artistic apprenticeships, and a range of community-based programming for all interested artists, students, educators, parents, and dance enthusiasts. As the recipient of the prestigious Ribbon of the Dame, which is awarded by the Spanish monarch and government, Dame Komaiko's vigorous standards are upheld by the company's staff, board, dancers, teachers, and students. As such, the Ensemble Español carries on the promise of outstanding programming, as well as inspired training opportunities for all its stakeholders

Artistic Vision

Currently, the Ensemble is celebrating its 45th Anniversary Season. The Ensemble works closely with Spain's leading master dancers and choreographers to offer the best opportunities for the Ensemble's artists, students, and audiences. The work of the Ensemble includes hosting weekly community Spanish and Flamenco dance & music classes for children and adults; our Spanish Dance Youth Company-the foundation for the training of young artists to the professional company; professional training; presentation of Spanish dance and music concerts; Tales of Spain multimedia lecture concerts for grade & high school students; Ritmos de España outreach performances; and residencies. Lastly, we host the annual international American Spanish Dance and Music Festival with guest artists from Spain and the U.S. In addition to our tried-and-true repertoire we regularly choreograph, rehearse and perform new works within the framework of mission, even now during the pandemic we have transitioned to an online schedule of activities. The company dancers are also regularly adding to the Ensemble's 135+ repertoire of original works, as well as more collaborative relationships have been forged between the Ensemble and Chicago's arts community, and additional arts education programs are now presented throughout the Chicagoland area.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

We seek to be as inclusive as possible. We not cater to any particular audience, rather we provide a wholistic experience for all audiences young and old, people of limited ability and full ability, diverse audiences and non-diverse audiences. We cater to everyone.

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

Spanish dance has become extremely popular and now is emerging in mainstream American culture. At the American Grammy awards this year, popular Flamenco-inspired singer Rosalia performed during the show. Additionally, American born dancer, Nino de los Reyes was the first flamenco dancer to be awarded a Grammy award. According to UNESCO, Flamenco [Spanish Dance] has been described as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage" as this form of dance is something that is carried in "our veins". Latinx individuals account for nearly 30 percent of Chicago's residents, with a total of over 1.8 million individuals in Chicago and its suburbs. Latinx individuals make up 90% of the Ensemble company. Not only do we consider us a folk/ethnic arts organization. We also believe that we provide a home for Latinx dancers who hail from all parts of North and South America. Spanish dance spans elements of Ballet, Folkloric dance, the emotion filled Flamenco and everything contemporary. That's why this artform as ethnic dance transcends preserving Spanish culture rather, it preserves the culture of North and South Americans who connect with their Spanish heritage, ethnic heritage and contemporary culture.