DANCE COMPANY

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Company Dancer

A Chicagoan since birth, Katrina “Katie” Bartels has been dancing since she was a toddler. She began ballet from 2-6 years of age with Chicago Ballet Arts. She was a delightful addition to “May I Have This Dance?” during middle school at St. Matthias. Katie quit Girl Scouts and began dancing flamenco at age 11 with the Ensemble Español community workshop classes, (with the help of her big brother, Teo, who danced with the youth company for four years). 

In 2012, she saw “Bolero” performed at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and the purpose of her life was forever altered by that magical experience. The next year, she was accepted into the junior division of the Ensemble Español Youth Company, which was taught by Sara Samuels (and later by Crystal Ruiz and Monica Saucedo). 

Katie was in the junior division for three and a half years before she made it to the senior division of the youth company, under the guidance of Julia Hinojosa and Jose Torres. Katie danced with the España Club (founded by Carlos Alverio, former EE dancer) until her graduation from Lane Tech in 2019. She performed with the senior division for four and a half years. During this time, she also participated in the After School Matters Spanish dance experience for four Summers before her promotion to apprentice with the Ensemble Español in the Fall of 2021. 

During this time, Katie is honored to have worked with the Founder of Ensemble Español, Dame Libby Komaiko, as well as such prestigious dancers as José Barrios, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Claudia Pizarro-Saume and Carlos Rodríguez.

Company Dancer

Born in Ecuador, Luis began his Spanish dance training in 2004 as part of the Ensemble’s Youth Company, under the direction of Dame Libby Komaiko and Sara Samuels.

He became an understudy, and an apprentice to the Ensemble in 2013. He has studied with Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez, Jose Torres, Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, Timo Lozano, and Paloma and Raquel Gomez. Luis has also studied ballet and modern with Venetia Stifler, Rachael Burton and Jamie Ferrel at Northeastern Illinois University, and was a recipient of the Brommel-Perez Scholarship.

In 2012, he traveled to Madrid, Spain with the Ensemble’s Youth Company to study at the Botica del Arte Dance Studio with Carmela Greco, Maria Torres and Paloma Gomez.

Luis performs nationally and internationally with the Ensemble performing works choreographed by Raquel Gomez, Irma Suarez Ruiz, Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Rojas, Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez and Ron de Jesus.

Company Dancer

Catherine, of Guatemalan descent, began her dance training at 4 years old and studied acrobatics, tap, and jazz. She started her flamenco training in the After School Matters program at Ensemble Español in 2012. She became a member of Ensemble Español’s Youth Company in 2013. In 2021 she began her apprenticeship with the professional company and in 2023-24 she was promoted to company dancer.

Catherine Beza is a bilingual second grade teacher on the northwest side of Chicago. She loves to merge her two passions: teaching and dance.

Company Dancer

Juan Carlos Castellon is originally from El Salvador and has a diverse dance background. He received training in modern, Latin, African, capoeira, and ballet under the guidance of amazing instructors throughout the years. His passion and dedication to his craft have led him to achieve significant milestones in his career.

In 2005, Juan Carlos began his formal Spanish dance training as an apprentice with the Ensemble Español. Recognizing his talent and hard work, he was promoted to Company Dancer in 2006. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Ensemble Español, showcasing his skills both nationally and internationally.

Juan Carlos's exceptional talent was recognized when he represented Northeastern Illinois University in the American College Dance Festival in 2012 and 2013. This opportunity allowed him to demonstrate his artistry on a grand scale, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

One of his notable performances took place in 2014, where he participated in the Jacob's Pillow's Dance Festival's Inside/Out dance series. Collaborating with fellow Company Dancer Leticia Aravena, Juan Carlos performed Aludir a lo Que Fue, a captivating choreography that captivated the audience.

Furthermore, Juan Carlos also took on a principal role in Ron de Jesus' Mil Clavos in 2014. His exceptional skill and presence on stage ensured the success of this production. Additionally, he had the opportunity to showcase his versatility in dancing through Cicatrices, a contemporary modern and flamenco duet choreographed by Dereque Whiturs.

Juan Carlos recently graduated as a Clinical Massage Therapists and his ready to take the world in his hands. 

In summary, Juan Carlos Castellon is an immensely talented dancer, with a breath-taking repertoire and a remarkable career. His dedication, passion, and versatility have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the dance community.

Company Dancer

María Luján was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. She started her dance training at 8 years old with the Pilar López Local Dance Academy, first exploring the classical and contemporary styles and later focusing on Spanish dance with Raquel Gómez, former soloist and rehearsal director of the Ballet Nacional de España.

She continued her flamenco studies at the Amor de Dios Flamenco Studios in Madrid, with artists such as La Tati, Patricia Guerrero, José Maya, Antonio Canales, Rosa Zaragoza, Marco Flores, Sara Martín, Alfonso Losa, María Juncal, Belén López or La Lupi among many others.

She has participated in national dance contests, winning first and second prizes with Folklore, Clásico-Español, Flamenco and Contemporary choreographies. She has also collaborated with professional orchestras in her home city, such as Orquesta de Cámara Andrés Segovia, performing several pieces by Bizet and Granados. 

María carries an eclectic background. She's got a Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology, which has allowed her to work as a Science teacher for several years and also take part in several human health research projects. As part of an international student organization within her university, she has been involved in different tasks and roles, like Vice President. She has also taken part in international cooperation projects in developing countries.

Currently, María is a dancer with the professional Spanish dance company Ensemble Español. She combines her dancer career with being an instructor, teaching Clásico-Español and Escuela Bolera to the Ensemble Español Youth Company and teaching Flamenco at Inter-American Magnet School. She also takes part in different educational projects which the company holds throughout the city of Chicago, with the aim of sharing all that Spanish dance has to offer.

She feels honoured to be a recipient of the Perez/Ruiz Ensemble Español fellowship and part of the premier international exchange program with Ensemble Español, North Eastern Illinois University, the NEIU Foundation and the Pilar López Local Dance Academy in Madrid.

Company Dancer

Samantha Micklewright is from Arlington Heights, Illinois and is of Slovak and Irish descent. She began ballet classes at the age of two and displayed an early passion for all forms of dance. At age seven she began taking flamenco classes.

At eleven years old, she was awarded a full scholarship with the Ensemble Español Youth Company and began her formal Spanish dance training with instructors Sara Samuels, Julia Hinojosa, Jose Torres, and Claudia Pizarro. She was promoted to company apprentice in 2017 and company dancer in 2019. Micklewright has studied with renowned dancers and teachers including La Lupi, Carmela Greco, Jose Barrios, Paloma and Raquel Gomez, Jose Moreno, Nino de los Reyes, Isaac Tovar, Wendy Clinard, and Carlos Rodriguez. She has studied ballet with Kara Zimmerman, Anna Czajun, and Patti Klekovic. Samantha has also studied in Madrid at Amor de Dios and the Conservatory of Professional Dance Carmen Amaya.

During her tenure with the company, Samantha has been featured in the lead roles of Carlos Rodriguez’s “Piel Desnuda” and “Jaleos” from the Mar De Fuego ballet. She has also been featured in “Dualia” by Carlos Rodriguez and Angel Rojas. She has performed multiple solo works including “La Noche Sagrada” choreographed by Carlos Rodriguez which she recently performed at the Auditorium Theater.

Additionally, Samantha enjoys performing at special events and Tablao settings around Chicago and the Midwest. She recently performed at the 2023 TedX Chicago event with guitarist David Chiriboga and violinist Olya Prohorova. Micklewright is also currently wrapping up her final year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. During her college career she has completed internships with the Design Museum of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Great Wolf Lodge Corporate. She will graduate in 2024 with a BFA in Communication Design. 

Company Dancer

A native Chicagoan of Puerto Rican heritage and a true admirer of the Performing Arts since a little girl, Nalanie was introduced and in awe of Spanish dance at the age of 18.

Irma Suárez Ruiz and Leticia Aravena provided her with her first experience of Spanish dance through After School Matters.

In 2011, she auditioned for the Ensemble Español Youth Company, where she began her formal training with Julia Hinojosa and Sara Samuels. From 2011 to present day, she has studied with various acclaimed Spanish Dance Artists such as Dame Libby Komaiko, Carmela Greco, Jose Torres, Claudia Pizarro, Jose Barrios, Nino de los Reyes, Carlos Rodriguez, Paloma and Raquel Gomez, La Lupi, Jose Moreno, Wendy Clinard and Isaac Tovar. Nalanie has also trained in ballet under Anna Czajun and Kara Zimmerman. Her tenure as a Company apprentice began in January 2017 and ended in January 2020 with her promotion as a Company dancer.

Nalanie has had many highlighted performances and works that have included lead roles in Irma Suarez Ruiz’s Rendición, Carlos Rodriquez’s and Angel Rojas Dualia, and Isaac Tovar’s Amangue. Additionally, her solo and duet works include Carlos Rodriguez’s Vinculo from his favored Spanish dance suite Amor Eterno’s Picasso, as well as his Flamenco piece Mis Caminos restaged and inspired by La Lupi. In April 2022, she performed with the Vatican Choir alongside Luis Beltran in the Neoclassical style from the well known opera “Carmen'' La Habanera which was choreographed by Antonio Gades and restaged by herself and Mr. Beltran. In September 2022, she embraced the Auditorium Theatre’s stage with a Flamenco choreography in the style of Alegrias with acclaimed musicians Curro de Maria, Jose Moreno, Javier Saume and Paco Fonta.

When she is not rehearsing, performing or touring with the company, she is teaching and building curriculum for various dance programs that the Ensemble has to offer all over the city of Chicago for youth 4-18 years old. These programs include After School Matters Spanish Dance Experience and Flamenco Dance and Art, United Rhythms project with Muntu Dance Theatre, Bailamos Residencies, and Dual Enrollment under Northeastern Illinois University with Chicago Public Schools. In addition to teaching, Nalanie enjoys learning other forms of dance. She attends classes at Vicercal, Stiletto dance studios, and Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Chicago. She also holds enthusiasm for performing Tablao performances at different venues and Spanish restaurants in the city of Chicago. Finally, Nalanie holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management and Business from Columbia College Chicago.

Company Dancer

Born in Chicago and of Ecuadorian and Mexican descent, she began dancing flamenco at the age of 5 at Inter American Magnet school’s after school program. At the age of 8 Abigail continued her flamenco studies at Christine Belpedio’s School of Dance under the direction of Julia Hinojosa, and Abigail Ventura. 

In 2017, she began her formal training with the Ensemble Español Youth Company under the direction of Julia Hinojosa, Jose Torres, Monica Saucedo, and Crystal Ruiz. During her time in the youth company she was able to train with renowned Spanish dance artists like Paloma Gomez, Carmela Greco, and Jose Barrios. In 2018, Abigail was nominated and awarded the Rising Star Honor Roll for dance by the City of Chicago. In the same year, Abigail was also awarded the Ballet Hispanico Nuestro Futuro Scholarship and was able to train in New York with Jose Moreno, Nélida Tirado, and Alfonso Cid. 

In 2019, guest artist Carmela Greco awarded Abigail a scholarship to travel to Spain and train for two weeks at her flamenco dance intensive in Cadiz, Spain. In 2020, Abigail was promoted from Youth Company dancer to Apprentice dancer with the company. The following year, 2021, Abigail was promoted to Company dancer. As a company dancer Abigail has had the opportunity to study with many guest artists such as Nino de los Reyes, Paloma Gomez, Raquel Gomez, La Lupi, Carlos Rodriguez, Isaac Tovar, Jose Moreno, Wendy Clinard, and Mercedes Ruiz. Abigail has been featured in numerous dances such as ‘Ben Amor’ choreographed by Dame Libby Komaiko and Dualia choreographed by Carlos Rodriguez and Angel Rojas. She has also performed a solo dance number titled, ‘Por el Barrio’ choreographed by Jose Barrios which she recently performed at Navy Pier’s Chicago Live. 

In 2023, Abigail attended Carmela Greco’s VIII Seminario de Flamenco y Danza Española and fulfilled the scholarship she was awarded back in 2019. Abigail was able to train for two weeks with various Spanish dancers such as Carmela Greco, Lola Greco, Carmen Ledesma, La Chiqui De Jerez, Jesus Fernandez, Juan Navarro, Claudia Cruz, Maria Jose Franco, Marta Ortiz, and Torombo. This was an enriching experience that taught Abigail a lot more about Flamenco and Danza Español. 

Currently, Abigail is an Elementary Education Major with a bilingual endorsement at Northeastern Illinois University and is completing her final year of schooling to receive her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education by May 2024. Abigail has taught after school dance classes at Inter-American Magnet School and was an Instructor for the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company for three years. 

Guest Dancer

Nestor is from Jalisco, Mexico. He began dancing Mexican folklore at age 12, under the direction of Josefa Castañeda.

In high school, he danced with Jose Luis Ovalle’s Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, and began his formal Spanish dance training, in 2000, with the Ensemble’s Youth Company.

In 2009, Nestor performed with the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company in Las Vegas for the Latin Grammy’s with singer Juan Gabriel, and in Ireland for the Festival of World Cultures.

He travels internationally and nationally with the Ensemble and represented the company in Lane Alexander’s collaborative work In The Meantime, which was performed at the Chicago Dancing Festival in 2015.

He is a vice principal math at Mirta Ramirez High School in Chicago, and received a bachelor’s degree in Math with a minor in Economics from Northeastern Illinois University. He received his M.A. in Education from Chicago State University.

Nestor has taught Mexican folkloric dance to students and parents at the Rosario Castellano School in Little Village.

Guest Dancer

Ronaldo Monge, Flamenco dancer and percussionist, was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began his artistic formation on April 2006, with Antonio Santaella, dancer and choreographer from Granada, Spain.

Since December 2006, Monge worked in the most predominants “tablaos” of the capital city; including “Barrachina”, “El Chotis”, “Divino Bocadito”, “Casa Botín”, "Rosa de Triana", "Triana", “Bar Gitano”, “El Mesón La Guitarra”, "Casa Emilio" among others.

In 2007, Ronaldo became a member of the flamenco company Mozaico Almudéjar, directed by Antonio Santaella, in which he performed at various festivals and musical scenic plays.

In January 2010, he co-produced the show “Entre la Ida y la Vuelta” on Nuyorican Café, Old San Juan, with dancers Vivian Bruckman and “La Coralillo”. These were Sold Out shows and it marked the beginning of the flamenco company “La Compañía”. Along with the company, Monge performed in various venues (e.g. Ponce Art Museum) and together they co-produced another show on February 2011 called “De Tablao... La Pasión del Flamenco”, at the Bóveda Triana on the Old San Juan.

In July 2011, he relocated to the great city of Chicago, IL, and immediately merged into the flamenco scene, becoming part of Chiara Mangiameli's Ensemble. He has performed as a soloist and made guest artist appearances with ensembles like Las Guitarras de España, Spanish Guitar, El Payo, Ensemble Español and Guitarra Azul, as well as in other states like Flamenco Sur, in San Diego, California.

In 2016, he formed "12 Tiempos Flamenco Company"with 6 other artists; in which he produced sold out shows in Puerto Rico like "Tríptico Flamenco" on Bóveda de Triana, "Entre Tiempo y Flamenco" on Celebrate Puerto Rico, and in February 2018; they were invited to perform in Chicago, IL in various venues and prestigious theaters including Old Town School of Folk Music and Segundo Ruiz Belvis; with the help of the Chicago Community Trust Fund.

On September 2017, he was invited by the UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) to perform in Mexico City; in the prestigious theater Miguel Covarrubias, in which he produced the show "Del Negro al Vivo". Between 2018 and 2019, he made several guest artist appearances as percussionist and dancer in Houston and McAllen, Texas.

On August 2019, he was the guest artist at the Waterloo/Kitchener Flamenco Festival; where he made several shows and workshops in Guelph, Waterloo, Hamilton, and Toronto at Ontario, Canada. He has also performed with singers Israel Paz, Cachito Diaz, Gerrardo "el Carrizo", Oscar Valero, dancers Ivan Vargas, Raquel Heredia, among others….

His dance education includes San Juan, PR; San Diego, CA; Sevilla, SP; Barcelona; Chicago, IL; Buenos Aires; Argentina; Mexico City and the Flamenco Festival of Albuquerque, NM: with such artists like Jossette Reily, Cihitli Ocampo “La Gillardi”, Juan de los Reyes, “El Torombo”, “Farruquito”, Carmen Ledesmas, Carmela Greco, Alejandro Granados, Carlos Rodriguez, Ivan Vargas, Jose Barrios, Rafael Campallo, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Marco Flores, Olga Pericet, Jeanne D’arc Casas and Vico Zapata, among others.

Ronaldo is currently living in Chicago, IL; teaching in schools and performing in monthly venues like Café BaBaReeba, Eden on the River and Art Tango. He is currently a member of the grammy nominated band Guitarra Azul.

International Exchange Company Dancer

Miguel was born and raised in Castillo de Locubín (Jaén) Spain. He began his dance training at the age of 8 at the "Reina Sofía" Professional Dance Conservatory in Granada, where he completed his basic dance education and later received a professional dance degree specializing in Flamenco Dance. In 2020, he began his higher dance studies in the specialty of Flamenco Dance and in Social, Educational and Health Dance at the

Conservatorio Superior de Danza Ángel Pericet in Málaga.

He compliments his training with different courses with teachers: Antonio Canales, Andrés Peña, Mercedes de Córdoba, Pedro Córdoba, Patricia Guerrero, Daniel Doña, Cristian Martín and La Lupi among others.

At a professional level he has worked in Flamenco Tablaos such as “La Venta de Vargas” in San Fernando,  "La Alboreá" and “El Rincon del Canastero” in Granada. He has also performed in the productions of "Óbices" by Sara Sánchez at at the Teatro Calderon in Motril, "Aldawaran" by Marta López at the Casa de la Cultura in Almuñecar and "Números de Ink" by Paloma Campos at the Sala Cánovas in Málaga.

Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University welcome Miguel to his premiere International Exchange Educational Residency. On this exchange, he performed with the Ensemble at Elgin College Arts Center in January for their educational outreach program, Tales of Spain. Miguel will perform at the Ensemble’s June 2024 American Spanish Dance and Music Festival (ASDMF) at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. For this production, he has worked with artistic director, Irma Suárez Ruiz, in “Pasión Oculta”, La Lupi, in “Compás de Seda” Flamenco Guajiras, and Antonio Najarros “Viejos Aires” Flamenco Tango. At the ASDMF he will be studying with Raquel Gómez, Yinka Esa Graves, and Nino de Los Reyes. 

Special thank you to Dr. Fátima Moreno from the Ángel Pericet Conservatory in Málaga and the Junta de Andalucía for their support alongside Irma Suárez Ruiz and Jorge Perez and the EE Perez/Ruiz International Fellowship program.

International Exchange Company Dancer

Sergio was born and raised in Seville, Spain. He began studying Ballet and Spanish Dance at the age of twelve at the Antonio Ruiz Soler Professional Dance Conservatory. He completed his studies in dance at the Conservatorio Superior de Danza Ángel Pericet in Málaga with a major in Dance Pedagogy and in Educational, Social and Health Dance. 

Throughout his career, Sergio has studied with numerous esteemed artists, including Flamenco and Spanish dance masters Pastora Galván, Matilde Coral, La Lupi, Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya "Farruquito", Nino de Los Reyes, Rubén Olmo, Miguel Ángel Corbacho, Daniel Ramos, Raquel Gómez, Carlos Rodríguez and Antonio Najarro.

Sergio has performed at the national level with Sevilla Flamenco Company, Gibraltar Company, in addition to being selected to perform at the Ciudad de Málaga Awards. He has also performed at the Lope de Vega and Teatro Central in Seville and the Cervantes Theater in Málaga.

Ensemble Español and Northeastern Illinois University welcome Sergio to his premiere International Exchange Educational Residency. On this exchange, he performed with the Ensemble at Elgin College Arts Center in January for their educational outreach program, Tales of Spain. Sergio will perform at the Ensemble’s June 2024 American Spanish Dance and Music Festival (ASDMF) at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. For this production, he has worked with artistic director, Irma Suárez Ruiz, in “Pasión Oculta”, La Lupi, in “Compás de Seda” Flamenco Guajiras, and Antonio Najarros “Viejos Aires” Flamenco Tango. At the ASDMF he will be studying with Raquel Gómez, Yinka Esa Graves, and Nino de Los Reyes.

Special thank you to Dr. Fátima Moreno from the Ángel Pericet Conservatory in Málaga and the Junta de Andalucía for their support alongside Irma Suárez Ruiz and Jorge Perez and the EE Perez/Ruiz International Fellowship program.

International Exchange Company Dancer

Martina Wensell, was born and raised in Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain. At the age of 6, her passion for dance sprang at the Pilar López Municipal School of dance.

Commitment, dedication, effort together with her ability to learn have all defined her from the very start. She has studied different styles of dance, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Spanish Dance, which turned out to become her relished passion.

She has amassed her style in Spanish Dance from Raquel Gómez, former soloist and rehearsal director at the Spanish National Ballet (BNE) and current Director of the Pilar López Municipal School. She has studied with different tutors such as: Penélope Sánchez and Mercedes Burgos, both former dancers of the BNE, as well as with Lara Fernández former soloist at the Monte Carlo Ballet. She has participated brilliantly in courses and Masterclasses with Victor Ullate, Manuel Buzón former dancer at the BNE, and Francisco Velasco, current principal of the Spanish National Ballet . She has constantly been present in national competitions since she was 12, performing in different disciplines including Spanish Dance, Contemporary, Folklore and Flamenco, obtaining first and second places in all of them. 

She combines all this with university studies in Advertising, Public Relations and Entrepreneurship, as well as teaching English and dance classes to students in public schools in Las Rozas. 

She is currently enrolled in an exchange program between the Pilar López Dance School and the Ensemble Español Professional Dance Company of Chicago, as a result of the outstanding generosity shown by Jorge Pérez and Irma Suárez Ruiz, Directors of the Ensemble Español who have provided her with an opportunity to share the stage with professionals. An unforgettable and deeply appreciated life experience.

Guest Company Dancer

Albertossy Espinoza an internationally known actor, dancer, choreographer, and director was born in Ecuador and raised in Chicago. He has toured nationally and internationally with numerous, prestigious dance companies from Chicago and Los Angeles.

Albertossy is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AGMA. His credits include teaching abroad, guest choreographing for various dance companies, performances in musicals, and TV appearances. His choreographic works have been presented in Chicago, California, Spain, France, Guatemala, Australia, and Dominican Republic. He also choreographs for movies, tv and music videos. In 2004 he founded Los Angeles FUSION Dance Theater which has been presented in various dance festivals. In 2008 he founded FUSION Performing Dance Academy (www.fpdacademy.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit dance facility that works with the underserved East LA community

His highlights have been sharing the stage with Alvin Ailey dancers in New York, working with Placido Domingo, choreographing for Dick Van Dyke, participating as grand Marshal and leading the 21st Ecuadorain Parade in Los Angeles, and performing as guest artist with Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater in Antonio Najarros’s “Otoño Porteño/Viejos Aires.” Albertossy is proud to represent New York’s Ballet Hispanico as teaching artist for their LA Community Outreach Program. In 2018, the City of Los Angeles presented Mr. Espinoza with a Certificate of Recognition for his contribution to the arts in the City of Los Angeles. Albertossy also serves as board chair for Dance Resource Center of Los Angeles.

In his pursue of acting, Albertossy made his debut as a lead actor in an independent film, “The Price of the American Dream.” Since then, he has had a lead role on five more features, three short films and a Canadian TV series. Currently he is preparing to start work on a film as, choreographer, dancer, and actor. He is grateful for his blessings.