CAREERS

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Current Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz Assumes Newly Created Position of Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director as Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Launches Official Search for New Artistic Director 

CHICAGO — June 23, 2025 — Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, America’s premier institution dedicated to the preservation, presentation, and advancement of Spanish dance, music, and culture, announces the launch of its search for a new full-time Artistic Director. 

This moment marks a significant milestone in the company’s nearly five-decade legacy of artistic excellence, cultural education, and community engagement. Founded in 1975 by the late Dame Libby Komaiko, Ensemble Español has flourished under the visionary leadership of Dame Libby, Irma Suárez Ruiz, and Jorge Pérez, and remains in partnership and in residence at Northeastern Illinois University—the only university in the United States to house a professional Spanish dance company. 

Ruiz is assuming the newly created position of Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director effective immediately, ensuring the continuation of the company’s artistic traditions and mentorship while remaining an integral part of Ensemble Español’s future. She will temporarily continue in both roles as the Ensemble rolls out plans to fill the full-time Artistic Director position. She will be assisted by Company Dancer/Rehearsal Director Jose Tores, who assumes the role of Associated Artistic Director as of July 1. Jorge Perez continues as Ensemble Español Executive Director.  

In the search for the new Artistic Director, the company is seeking a bold and inspiring leader to guide Ensemble Español into its next era—honoring its deep roots while embracing new visions for flamenco, Spanish classical, folkloric, and contemporary dance forms. Ensemble Español will be conducting this search in collaboration with international organizations drawing on our shared commitment to excellence and cultural authenticity to identify a leader who embodies both tradition and innovation in Spanish dance. 

The incoming Artistic Director will continue to shape Ensemble into the next 50 years by providing artistic vision while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Spanish dance. This role will encompass the curation and choreography of both traditional and contemporary works within the Spanish dance spectrum—including flamenco, classical Spanish dance, escuela bolera, and regional folk traditions. 

“This is more than a position—it is an opportunity to shape a living legacy,” said Executive Director Jorge Pérez. “The next Artistic Director will join us at an exciting time of strategic growth and renewed commitment to our roots in Spanish dance and cultural exchange.”

Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and implementing the company’s artistic programming; 
• Leading rehearsals and coaching dancers to ensure technical excellence and stylistic authenticity; 
• Collaborating with musicians, designers, and international guest artists; 
• Recruiting and mentoring dancers with a passion for Spanish dance traditions; 
• Managing and facilitating bookings and touring of the company and works to be presented; 
• Engaging in fundraising, cultural representation, and strategic planning with staff and board members; 
• Coordinating the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival. 

Ideal candidates will demonstrate extensive professional experience in Spanish dance, a proven track record as a choreographer and leader, and a deep passion for elevating the art form. Administrative skills and fundraising experience are highly valued. 

This search is part of Ensemble Español’s long-standing succession plan, a tradition initiated by Dame Libby herself, who prioritized leadership cultivation as essential to the company’s future. From the company’s first apprentice dancers in the 1970s to its current roster of 40 professional artists and international collaborators, Ensemble Español continues to be a trailblazer in dance education and cultural ambassadorship. 

The Board of Directors is currently forming a search committee that will begin reviewing applications starting September 15, 2025. All applications and questions regarding the position should be directed to Kim Grigsby, Managing Director:  Kim@eesdt.org. 

About Ensemble Español:

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is an internationally recognized performing arts institution in residence at Northeastern Illinois University. Its mission is to preserve, present, and promote the flamenco, folkloric, classical, and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain. From U.S. presidential commendations to Spain’s highest cultural honors, the Ensemble has captivated audiences across the globe for nearly 50 years.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

- Ann Fink, Carol Fox & Associates at annf@carolfoxassociates.com 

- R. Kimberly Grigsby, Esq. Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater at Kim@eesdt.org 

- For EPK, CLICK HERE 

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Artistic Director to lead our company into its next chapter. The ideal candidate will be deeply rooted in the art of Spanish Dance, with an international perspective and a passion for both tradition and innovation. You will oversee the artistic direction, choreography, casting, and development of new productions, while fostering community engagement and artistic partnerships. Ideal candidates will demonstrate extensive professional experience in Spanish dance, a proven track record as a choreographer and leader, and a deep passion for elevating the art form.  

The search for the Artistic Director is part of Ensemble Español’s long-standing succession plan, a tradition initiated by Dame Libby herself, who prioritized leadership cultivation as essential to the company’s future. From the company’s first apprentice dancers in the 1970s to its current roster of 40 professional artists and international collaborators, Ensemble Español continues to be a trailblazer in dance education and cultural ambassadorship.  

Job Summary: 

The Artistic Director will shape the company’s artistic vision, choreographing and curating performances, and preserving the integrity and cultural richness of Spanish dance forms, including flamenco, classical Spanish dance, escuela bolera, and regional folk dances. This role requires a passionate leader with extensive knowledge of Spanish dance traditions, strong choreographic skills, and the ability to inspire and mentor dancers.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Artistic Leadership & Programming 

• Develop and implement the company’s artistic vision with a strong foundation in Spanish dance traditions. 
• Curate and oversee performance seasons, ensuring a balance of traditional and contemporary works. 
• Choreograph or commission works that reflect the depth and diversity of Spanish dance styles. 
• Maintain the highest artistic standards in all productions while promoting innovation within the genre. 

Choreography & Rehearsals 

• Lead rehearsals and provide technical and artistic coaching to dancers. 
• Ensure stylistic authenticity and technical excellence in all Spanish dance forms. 
• Collaborate with musicians, designers, and guest artists to enhance productions. 

Dancer Recruitment & Management 

• Identify, recruit, and audition professional dancers who specialize in Spanish dance. 
• Manage and mentor company dancers, providing artistic and technical coaching. 
• Develop training programs and rehearsal schedules to maintain and elevate performance quality. 
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that supports dancer growth and well-being. 

Administrative & Organizational Leadership 

• Work closely with the Executive Director and board to develop strategic plans. 
• Assist with grant applications, fundraising efforts, and donor engagement. 
• Manage artistic budgets, including production costs and dancer contracts. 
• Represent the company at cultural events, festivals, and international dance forums. 

Qualifications: 

• Extensive professional experience in Spanish dance, including flamenco, classical Spanish dance, escuela bolera, and regional styles. 
• Proven track record as a choreographer and artistic leader within a Spanish dance company or similar institution. 
• Strong ability to mentor and develop dancers artistically and technically. 
• Knowledge of traditional and contemporary Spanish dance repertoire. 
• Excellent communication and leadership skills. 
• Passion for preserving and promoting Spanish dance at a high artistic level. 
• Administrative skills and fundraising experience are highly valued. 

Additional Information 

• Full-time position based in Chicago (Relocation support available). 
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. 
• Opportunities for artistic freedom, collaboration, and touring. 
• Ideal start date: Summer 2026 

How to Apply
Please send your CV, artistic portfolio (including video links to past work), a statement of artistic vision, and 2 professional references to: 

HR@eesdt.org

Deadline for Applications: September 15th 2025 

Join us in bringing the soul of Spanish Dance to new audiences and shaping the future of this vibrant art form in the heart of the United States. 

¡Esperamos conocerte pronto! 

The Company Dancer responsibilities are to practice and rehearse Spanish dance routines in the styles of Flamenco, Folkloric, Classical, Escuela Bolera and Contemporary Dance under the direction of the Artistic Director to achieve the desired interpretation and presentation of the piece. This is a part time / hourly position, pay is $15.40 an hour. Rehearsal schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 7pm to 10pm, Saturdays 11am to 3pm.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Show up on time for rehearsals, performances, promotional events, and costume fittings.

• Take instruction from the artistic director and/or repetidor.

• Flexibility to work long hours to perfect dance routines.

• Collaborate with other dancers and instructors to modify steps, routines, and formations as needed.

• Train and exercise to maintain the required levels of ability and fitness

• Take initiative to research on different Spanish dance styles and techniques.

• Maintaining good relationships with fellow team members, the instructors, and senior staff.

• Eagerly accepts coaching and feedback for improvement.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Formal training and extensive dance experience in Flamenco, Folkloric, Classical, Escuela Bolera.

• Previous ballet training is a plus.

• Must be disciplined and demonstrate good time management skills and high professional standards.

• Ability to harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.

• Ability to perform dances as member of a group before live audiences.

• Ability to establish and maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.

• Have a positive attitude and passion for working with others.

• Be self-motivated, enthusiastic and 100% passionate about dance.

• Ability to coordinate dancing with that of partner and group of dancer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

• Stand, walk or run for long periods of time.

• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

• Be physically active for long periods of time.

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

• Use fingers, one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

• Dancers are exposed to moderate light and sound.

To apply please send your resume to hr@eesdt.org

After School Matters provides Chicago teens the opportunity to explore their passions and develop their talents through free, world-class after-school and summer programs across Chicago.

The Ensemble Español partners with the non-for-profit After School Matters (ASM) and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) to provide hundreds of Chicago high school students the opportunity to learn the history, culture and professional theatrical art form of Spanish dance. Our professional dancers / educators, support teens’ growth and development in an intentional and meaningful way providing them the opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond.

THE POSITION:

We are looking for a part time Spanish Dance Teaching Artist to provide instruction for the ASM Summer Program from June 23rd to August 1st, 2025. The program runs from Monday through Thursday from 9am to 2pm at the “J” Building of Northeastern Illinois University. Compensation is $35.00 an hour.

REQUIREMENTS:

-Training and performance experience in traditional and contemporary Spanish dance including Flamenco, Folkloric, Classical and Escuela Bolera.

-Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

-Previous teaching experience required.

-Strong ability to cultivate a positive teaching and learning environment

-This position is eligible for the CPS background check and fingerprint process.

-CPR certification is needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

-Lift, push, pull, or carry art supplies and furniture weighing up to 40 pounds.

-Walk up and down stairs.

-Bend, twist, reach, turn, stand and/or sit for long periods of time.

To apply please send your resume to hr@eesdt.org