ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL | JUNE 13 | NORTH SHORE CENTER
50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 7:30PM the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie, Illinois
As the company celebrates its golden anniversary season, we are excited to present the beautiful full Company of dancers and guest artists on this special concert honoring beloved Dame Libby Komaiko, founder of the Ensemble Español and Irma Suarez Ruiz, our Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Artistic Director.
Avoid ticket processing fees by purchasing in person at the North Shore Center box office
One night only concert program highlights include modern masterpieces, beloved classics & world premier company work:
BOLERO: The Ensemble Español will present the revival of Dame Libby Komaiko’s 1993 full company iconic Bolero to the music of Maurice Ravel presented thanks to the generous support of friend and donor Sonia Florian 1936-2025. The Ensemble Español dedicates this performance of Bolero to Ms. Florian.
ESCENAS DE VILLANESCA (World Premiere): This Spanish classical premiere will feature the full company in Irma Suarez Ruiz’s Villanesca set to the music of Enrique Granados. Special thank you to Philip and Marsha Dowd production sponsors.
PASION OCULTA: This contemporary work by Irma Suarez Ruiz, set in 2019 to the music of the all-female electronic string quartet from London, received rave reviews in 2025 by the Chicago Tribune hailing it “Tour de force…Pasion Oculta is a modern masterpiece” - Lauren Warnecke, Dance Critic.
ANTECESORES / ANCESTORS: This company flamenco drama premiered in 2025 to the songs and rhythms of Seville in Andalucía, southern part of Span, choreographed by newly appointed Associate Artistic Director, Jose Torres. The work pays homage to those who came before us in the world of Spanish dance and music.
AMANGUE: The program will open with the flamenco company work set in 2023 in the Bulería style by guest artist, Isaac Tovar, former principal of the National Ballet of Spain to original musical composition by renowned guitarist Curro de María.
Avoid ticket processing fees by purchasing in person at the North Shore Center box office
SUMMER DANCE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN 2026
SATURDAYS From June 27 through August 8
At Northeastern Illinois University J-Building
AGES 4-8 & 9-12
DANCE FOR LIFE 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026
At The Auditorium | 7:30pm
50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
