EnsembleEspanol-FamilyHoliday

1Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder & Artistic Director

Irma Suárez Ruíz, Associate Artistic Director

Special Family Holiday ConcertConcierto Familiar

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium

Spain in America Honorary Chairpersons

The Honorable The Honorable Ambassador Richard M. Daley Javier Ruperéz Mayor, City of Chicago Consul General of Spain

Sharon K. Hahs Dr. Salme Harju Steinberg President, Northeastern Illinois University President Emerita, Northeastern Illinois University

Company Dancers Irma Suárez Ruíz, First Dancer, Sara Samuels, Principal Dancer, Alejandra Ferrer, Claudia Pizarro, Crystal Ruiz, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano, Monica Saucedo, Yu-Ling Hu,

Leticia Aravena, Evelyn Sánchez, Apprentice, Carolyn Bernal, Company Understudy

Jorge Pérez, First Dancer, José Torres, Principal Dancer, Israel Sánchez, Juan Castellón, Sean Arana, Omar Roman, Apprentice

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth CompanySenior Division

Luis Beltran, Heather Billings, Anais Cotillas, Frida Medina, Vanessa Rodriguez, Amanda Saucedo, Argelia Solis, Leonard Pérez, Carisa Serrano, Abigail Ventura, Tasiana Villalobos

Grade School DivisionTeodoro Bartels, Brandon Alvarado-Chavez, Edrass Alvarado-Chavez,

Mario Alvarado-Chavez, Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht, Laila Galecki, Eliza S. McDaniel, Nadia Quinones, Yisrael Spurgeon

Anna Czajun Irma Suárez Ruíz Jorge Pérez Ballet Mistress Associate Artistic Director Rehearsal Master Company Production Asst. Rehearsal Mistress

Sandy Nowarita Elias Morales Pilates/Yoga Instructor Technical Director & Stage Manager

2 Ensemble Español – Spanish Dance Theatre

NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC D IRECTOR

Queridos Amigos / Dear Friends:

¡Bienvenidos y Gracias! Welcome and thank you all for being here with us to celebrate this evening’s Special Family Holiday concert, “Concierto Familiar”.

It is my honor, along with the Executive Board of Directors, to officially present both Irma Suarez Ruiz as our new Associate Artistic Director and Jorge Pérez as the newly appointed Executive Director. Their artistry, passion, professionalism, and dedication have been my blessings all these years. Irma began as an apprentice back in 1979 after viewing one of our Tales of Spain concerts while Jorge began as my office student aide in 1984 auditioning for the company the following season. My heart felt gratitude to them both for their loving dedication to the company and our legacies. ¡Gracias!

Thank you to all of the incredible dancers and teachers of our Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company. We simply would not be celebrating 35 years if it were not for your loyal dedication, artistry and hard work. I look forward to sharing and presenting your artistry to many more audiences throughout our city, state, nation and world. Ole!

A special thank you to our wonderful staff, Giuseppa DiCesare, Manager of Operations, Julia Hinojosa, Residency Program Coordinator, and Brenda Rodriguez, Abigail Villalpando & Elena Bezman, Administrative Assistants, all of whom work tirelessly around the clock to make all of our Ensemble Español programs a true success. ¡Gracias!

It is an honor to once again perform in this beautiful auditorium of our in resident Northeastern Illinois University.

I wish to acknowledge all of the dancers, staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and sponsors who have been a part of the Ensemble Español over the past 35 years and have contributed to making this Company and Center the “International Jewel” that it is. ¡Muchisimas Gracias!

And now, we travel to España, Spain in America.

Please enjoy this concert. ¡Que lo disfruten!

Con cariño,


2010 H IGHLIGHTS

2010 HIGHLIGHTS of the company’s work this past year include:

• Serving over 40,000 youth and adults in the greater Chicago area

• Welcoming 8 new members to the Ensemble Espanol Youth Company, with one year scholarships valued at $10,000

• Mid-Atlantic Tour to five cities in Pennsylvania, New York and Boston

• Helped raise over $270,000 for Dance For Life / HIV Clinics & Programs in Chicago

• Jorge Perez was appointed the new Executive Director

• Irma Suarez Ruiz was appointed the new Associate Artistic Director

• Over 75 million television viewers and over 400,000 spectators watched the Ensemble Español during the McDonalds 76th Anniversary Thanksgiving Parade on State street in Chicago on November 25th, 2010

• Performed at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Thanks4Giving concert at the Harris Theater on November 27th, 2010

• The 35th annual International American Spanish Dance & Music Festival will be presented beginning June 15th and conclude with gala concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on June 24, 25, and 26, 2011

MISS ION

The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, under the Artistic leadership of Founder Dame Libby Komaiko & Associate Artistic Director, Irma Suaréz Ruiz, is the premier Spanish Dance Company & Center in the United States to have In Residence status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Ensemble Español is a not for profit Arts and Education corporation. The company’s mission is the preservation, presentation and promotion of the classical, folkloric, flamenco and contemporary traditions of Spain which includes the exploration of the country’s history and identifies its influence on Latin American art and heritage as living sources of cultural pride and education. Dame Libby, Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance program at Northeastern Illinois University is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company and the founder and originator of the first and complete academic program for Spanish dance in America.


PROGR A M

Act 1Escencia de España

La Era RománticaPortraying the Romantic period, this work is created to the music of

La Zarzuela (Spain’s light opera).

Choreography (1989): Dame Libby KomaikoMusic: Manuel de Falla (1860-1909), “Fanfare Sobre el Nombre”

Pablo Sorazabal (1807-1988) “Los Burladores” (excerpt) Zarzuela 1948 Amaden Vives (1871-1932) “La Doña Francisquita”

Costume design: Freddie Rocha Dancers: Company

En La Alhambra, SerenataSet to the music of the 19th century classical Spanish composer, Tomás Bretón, En La Alhambra, Serenata depicts the beautiful palace of Granada in Andalucia,

surrounded by gardens, fountains, and streams. This legendary castle and gardens is the product of the Moorish and Christian cultures of 14th – 16th centuries.

Choreography (1975) (Revival 2009): Nana Lorca Staging: Dame Libby Komaiko

Music: Tomás Bretón Costume: From the collection of Lola Montes

Dancer: Irma Suaréz Ruiz, First Dancer

Danza del FuegoThe Danza del Fuego (Dance of Fire) is from La Zarzuela (Spain’s light opera)

“Ben Amor”. This romantic 20th century dance combines two styles, Ballet Español and Flamenco. It portrays the mysterious moods and great eastern influence of

the Moors in Spain during their 900 year rule.

Choreography: (1979) Dame Libby KomaikoCostume Design: Ann Rossi

Dancers: Company

La Boda de Luis Alonso Truly in the classical style, this dance from popular Spanish zarzuela (Spain’s light

opera) depicts the elegance of the late nineteenth century. In 1979 Edo cre-ated this work for Dame Libby Komaiko as a solo. She set the castanets to the

master’s choreography and danced it with great success and acclaim, including performances with the Evanston Symphony, Skokie Valley Symphony, and the Detroit Symphony. With great pride and joy, Dame Libby passes this beloved

Spanish jewel to First Dancer Jorge Perez, Principal Dancer Sarah Samuels and the Ensemble Español.

Choreography (1979): Edo Music: Geronimo Gimenez (1854-1923) from the zarzuela

“La Boda de Luis Alonso o La Noche del Encierro” (1896)Costume Design: Paco Alonso

Dancers: Jorge Perez, Sara Samuels and the Ensemble Español


PROGR A M (c o n t.)

Suite RegionalTribute to Juanjo Linares- September 6, 1933 -November 15, 2009.

Maestro Juanjo created twenty five works for the full company from 1984 through 2000. As Spain’s foremost authority on folklore, Juanjo’s detail to the style, customs

and celebration of the people of each region in Spain made him the legendary master on this art form. Tonight the Ensemble Español honors his legacy by

presenting excerpts from the regions of Galicia, Extremadura, Valencia, Basque, and the Canary Islands.

Special thank you to Irma Suarez Ruiz & Jorge Pérez, for their work on this special revival.

They have both performed and been a part of Juanjo’s works with the Ensemble Español since his first residency to Northeastern Illinois University in 1984.

1.) Extremeño from Extremadura Dancers; Leticia Aravena, Juan Castellon, Carolyn Bernal

2.) Jota de Tres from Madrid Dancers: Crystal Ruiz, Jose Torres, Evelyn Sanchez

3.) Embrujada from Galicia Dancers: Alejandra Ferrer & Sean Arana

4.) Costumbres Valenciana from Valencia Dancers: Julia Hinojosa & Israel Sanchez

5.) Isa Canaria from the Canary Islands Dancers: Ensemble Español Youth Company

6.) Danzas Vascas from the Basque Country Dancers: Company

7.) Viva Galicia Dancers: Ensemble Español Youth Company

Choreography (1984-2000): Juanjo Linares / Viva Galicia Choreography: Section 1: Dame Libby Komaiko Section 2: Nana Lorca

Music: Traditional; Fernando Arias, Milladoiro, M. Padilla, Ginet, Guidi & CaserioCostume Design: Juanjo Linares & Nana Lorca

Y O U R O N L I N E G U I D E T O T H E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Photo: Milwaukee Rep


PROGR A M (c o n t.)

Act II Flamenco Passion

Zapateado (Dance of the Shoes)

A portrayal of the herders, herding the bulls to the fields on horseback.

Choreography Section 1 (1976): Dame Libby Komaiko Section 2 (1992) Paco Alonso Costume Design & Construction: Paco Alonso & Dolores Decano

Dancers: Company

Aires de Huelva (Fandangos)

Choreography: (1976) Nana LorcaMusic: Sevilla, Worldscapes

Costume Design: Dame Libby Komaiko, Paco Alonso, Irma Suarez RuizCostume Construction: Paco Alonso

Dancers: Youth Company

Antes del Amancer (Before Dawn) (Alegrias de Cadiz)

Music: Ginesa Ortega Choreography & Costume Design(2009): Irma Suarez Ruiz

Costume Construction: Luz CreationsDancers: Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Perez,Claudia Pizarro, Jose Torres,

Crystal Ruiz, Juan Castellon

Feria de Sevilla Sevillanas-one of the national dances of Spain.

Choreography & music -traditional (1976): Staging: Dame Libby KomaikoCostumes: Leo’s Dance Wear

Dancers: Youth Company

No Me Olvides (Do Not Forget Me)

Choreography & Costume Design (2008): Irma Suarez RuizCostume Construction: Luz Creations

Dancers: Company

Fiesta Flamenca (Vente Pa Cai) (Tangos)

Choreography (2004): Irma Suarez RuizMusic: J. Rodán Morales Dancers: Full company

FIN

from your friends at


DA ME L IBBY KOM AIKO

DAME LIBBY KOMAIKOFounder & Artistic Director, The Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music

For over half a century Dame Libby’s innovative, unique and visionary career has encompassed art, educa-tion and culture. Her passionate pioneering creations are respected and hailed throughout the Ameri-cas and internationally. In 1983 she became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain’s highest honor, the “Lazo de Dama de Isabel la Católica” by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, for her superlative work in spreading the cultural and artistic values of Spain throughout the U.S.

Dame Libby began her dance training and performance in classical ballet and character dance as a young child

with Elisa Stigler at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. As a teen, she studied and performed Jazz, Modern and Musical Theater with Gus Giordano. At the age of 18, she was discovered by the legendary José Greco and given the opportunity to learn and perform with his world famous Spanish Dance Company.

Her beloved journey into the Spanish dance world also led her to the company of Lola Montes. Dame Libby’s career also includes musical theater, opera, television, film and orchestra, including guest performances with Arthur Fiedler and the Bos-ton Pops, the Detroit Symphony, the Evanston and Skokie Valley Symphonies, and repeated performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with the Ensemble Español. She has been the choreographer and coach for several Chamber Opera Chicago performances. She has studied in Spain and the United States with Elisa Stigler, Gus Giordano, Maria Alba, Nana Lorca, Lola Montes, José Greco, Edo, Manolo Vargas, Paul Haakon, María Magdalena, Pedro Azorin, Ciro, Pacita Tomas, and Roberto Lorca, with whom she partnered for several years.

In 1975 she created and founded the Ensemble Español, the premier Spanish Dance Center and Company in the United States to have “In Residence” status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Today, what began with a company of seven, is now a full company of 40 dancers and musicians. She has choreographed the majority of the company’s extensive 125 plus choreographic roster and has produced their major international Flamenco ballets and dramas, folkloric suites and classic modern interpretations with guest artists from Spain and the Americas: Juan Mata, Ana Gonzalez, William Carter, Manolete, Paco Alonso and Juanjo Linares.

A Professor of Dance in the Department of Music and Dance at Northeastern Illinois University, where the Ensemble Español has been in residence for 35 years, she has created, developed, directs and teaches alongside instructor/demonstra-tor and associate artistic Irma Suarez Ruiz. the first complete academic program for Classical, Folkloric and Flamenco dance and music.


COMPANY B IOGR APHIES

IRMA SUAREZ RUÍZ, Associate Artistic Director, First Dancer, Rehearsal Mistress, Teacher, Choreographer, Director of Education

and Community Outreach, was born in Chicago, then moved to Mexico City to live with her family there for five years. Her formal dance training in classical ballet and Spanish dance began with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1979. She graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) in April 1983 with a B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literature and a minor in Dance. In 2006 Irma joined the dance faculty of NEIU teaching Spanish dance in the department of Music/Dance. Irma is married to Antonio Ruiz and the proud mother of Crystal, Tiffany, Brandon, Tyler, and Collin.

JORGE PÉREZ, First Dancer, Assistant to the Directors, Rehearsal Master, Teacher, Choreographer, Administrative

Director, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began his formal study of Spanish dance with Dame Libby Komaiko in1985 after receiving a scholarship apprenticeship, and promoted to company dancer in 1986. Jorge is a graduate of NEIU with a B.A. in Speech Communication/Performing Arts and a minor in Dance. On October 16, 2004, Jorge Pérez and Irma Suarez Ruiz were honored with the Twentieth Anniversary Award from the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society. His accomplishments are listed in Who’s Who among Hispanic Americans, Who’s Who among Business Leaders of America and Who’s Who in Dance.

SARA SAMUELS, Principal Dancer, Teacher, Assistant Artistic Director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company, a native of

Chicago, began ballet training at the age of 6 with Lilette Rohe of the Lilette Rohe School of Ballet in Evanston. Sara received an NEIU Talent dance scholarship from the dance program of the music department at NEIU. She began her Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko in January of 1991. Sara toured with the company to Puerto Rico in 1994 as production assistant. In September of that year she was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T. and became a Full Company Dancer in September 1996. Sara is on the faculty of the E.E.S.D.T. Flamenco dance workshops for the community, and NEIU’s Summer Transitional Program. She is also the Assistant Artistic Director of the E.E.S.D. Youth Company.

ALEJANDRA FERRER, Company Dancer, was born in Puerto Natales, Chile. She began her formal dance studies with

Dame Libby Komaiko in the fall of 1989. Alejandra received an NEIU Talent scholarship from the department of music & the dance program at Northeastern Illinois University. She was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T. in January 1991 and in July 1992 was promoted to Full Company Dancer. Alejandra received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from NEIU in 1995 and went on to teach at the Frederick Funston School. She recently completed her Masters degree from National Louis University in Curriculum and Instruction and achieved National Boards Certification in Special


COMPANY B IOGR APHIES (c o n t.)

Education. Alejandra and her husband Bonar, are the proud parents of Sofia Lola and Diego.

JOSÉ TORRES, Principal Dancer, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, began his formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a

member of the “All-City Jr. Ensemble Español” at the age of sixteen in 1995. In 1997 he was promoted to the professional company and in 2002 was promoted to Principal Dancer. José has taught Spanish Dance for the E.E.S.D.T. community outreach and education programs. Through NEIU’s Enlace program Jose Torres taught Flamenco at Casals Elementary School in Humboldt Park for the Family Focus after school program. Jose traveled to Australia in 2007 & 2008 on the invitation of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company as a guest performer, choreographer, and teacher to rave reviews.

ISRAEL SANCHEZ, native of Chicago, began his dance training with Ballet Isleño Puertorriqueño at the age of 12 while living in Puerto Rico

in 1979. In 1989 he transferred to Northeastern Illinois University to complete his degree in Speech and Performing Arts with a minor in Dance, graduating in December 1993. While attending NEIU, he began his Spanish dance study with Dame Libby Komaiko and the E.E.S.D.T. He became a company dancer with in 1994. In 2004, Northeastern Illinois University presented the Excellence in Fine Arts award to Israel. Partnering with Sara Samuels, Israel taught at the Joyce Kilmer School for the Ensemble’s 2008 special April outreach program, funded by the Illinois Arts Council.

CLAUDIA PIZARRO was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. At the age of twelve she moved to Chicago with her family. She was

introduced and began studying Flamenco in 2002 while attending the Summer Transition Program of Northeastern Illinois University. In the Fall of 2002 she began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In January of 2003 she was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship to the E.E.S.D.T., and in January of 2004 was promoted to Full Company Dancer. Claudia graduated in the spring of 2008 from NEIU with a major in Finance.

CRYSTAL RUIZ, of Mexican-Puerto Rican descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She is the daughter of Irma Suarez Ruiz, the

company’s Associate Artistic Director. She began her formal dance training as a small child with Dame Libby Komaiko, and first performed at the age of four with the E.E.S.D.T. She has studied in Spain at the Amor de Dios Flamenco Dance Academy with Candela Soto. In 2002, Crystal was promoted to Apprentice after dancing with the All City “Jr” Ensemble Español since 1997. In 2003 she was promoted to Company Dancer. Crystal is a graduate from Northwestern University.

JULIA HINOJOSA, of Mexican-Puerto Rican descent, is a native of Chicago. She began her Spanish dance studies with Dame

Libby Komaiko in the Fall of 2000. In May 2004, Julia graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree



in English and a Dance minor. She is currently an intern with the Ensemble Espanol serving as Residency Program Arts Coordinator working on her masters degree in Arts Management from Columbia College. Julia is also currently working as an instructor with the NEIU Community Children’s Dance program and on the faculty of the Ensemble Español’s community dance workshops.

OLIVIA SERRANO, of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, was born and raised in Chicago. Olivia began taking dance classes at the age of ten at

the Chicago Park District studying ballet, modern, and jazz dance for six years. In 2003, she auditioned for the All City “Jr” Ensemble Español and began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In 2004, Olivia was promoted to Apprentice and in 2005 was promoted to full company dancer. Olivia is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently working on pre-requisite courses for Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

MONICA SAUCEDO, of Mexican-Ukrainian descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She began dancing with the Nobleza Azteca Mexican

Folkloric Dance Group at the age of five at her elementary school, Kanoon Magnet. Monica began her formal dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko at age eleven in the spring of 1999. In the Winter of 2001, Monica was given a scholarship to the All City “Jr” Ensemble Español. In the spring of 2004, Monica was promoted to understudy status with the E.E.S.D.T. In January 2005 she became an apprentice to the company. In July

2005, she became a full company dancer. She is continuing to pursue majors in Secondary Education and Mathematics at NEIU. She is a Dance Minor in the Dance Program of the Department of Music, the recipient of the Dance Talent Scholarship Waiver and recipient of the Brommel-Komaiko-Pérez scholarship.

JUAN CASTELLON, was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States in 1995. As a student at the College of Lake County he majored in

Communications with a minor in Dance. In 2003 he was the winner of the modeling competition “Mr. Vision” in Waukegan. Juan began his formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby in February 2005 after receiving a full scholarship/apprenticeship to the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. Juan is also a scholarship student in the Dance program at Northeastern Illinois University. In 2006, Juan was promoted to full Company dancer.

YU-LING HU, was born and raised in Taiwan. She began learning Chinese dance and ballet at the age of eight. In 2006 Yu-Ling came

to Chicago to pursue her graduate study in Dance Movement Therapy at Columbia College. While in Chicago she immediately began taking Flamenco dance classes with Irma Suarez Ruiz via the Ensemble’s community workshops. In January of 2007 Yu-Ling auditioned for the company where she was awarded an Apprenticeship/Scholarship to the company and in January of 2008 was promoted to full company dancer.



LETICIA SUSANA ARAVENA, was born in Cordoba, Argentina. She began her dance training in Argentina at the age of eight with the

Escuela Integral de la Danza. At age eleven she moved to the United States with her family. She began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko in 2006. She is a student at NEIU, where she is a dance minor on scholarship. She is currently working as an assistant ballet instructor with the NEIU Community Children’s Dance program. Leticia is majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance and was the recipient of the Brommel-Komaiko-Pérez scholarship last season.

SEAN ARANA, of Guatemalan decent was born in Chicago. He completed his major in Secondary Education and in

Spanish with a Dance minor at NEIU. Sean began his formal Spanish dance training in 2005 with Dame Libby Komaiko and the Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music. In 2006 he auditioned for the Ensemble Español and was awarded a scholarship apprenticeship. In 2009 he was promoted to full company dancer. Sean is the current recipient of the Brommel-Komaiko-Pérez scholarship.

EVELYN SANCHEZ, Apprentice of Guatemalan decent, was born in Skokie and raised in Chicago. She began her dance training at the age of

eight in 1999 at U Dance Corporation. In 2003 she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko as a member of the E.E.S.D. Youth Company. In 2006 she was

selected to tour with the Ensemble Español to Poland. Evelyn is pursuing a BA in Dance Teaching from the Dance Center of Columbia College.

OMAR ROMAN, Apprentice of Mexican descent was born and raised in Chicago. He began studying ballroom dancing at the age of 17 at his

community YMCA. In the spring of 2008 he began his formal Spanish dance studies with Dame Libby Komaiko. In 2009 he was awarded a Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) dance scholarship from the Music department & the Dance program studying ballet and Jazz with Rachel Burton and Dr. Venetia Stifler. In June 2009 and 2010 he performed with the EESDT for the American Spanish Dance Festival Gala Concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. He is currently attending Northeastern Illinois University completing his major in French and minor in dance.

CAROLYN BERNAL, Understudy, of Mexican- Guatemalan descent, was born and raised in Chicago. She is currently working on her BA in

Communications and Media at NEIU. In 2001 she was introduced to Flamenco by Michelle Nascimento. In 2004 she auditioned for and received her first scholarship with the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company where she began her formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko. In 2006 she was promoted to Understudy with the professional company and in 2008 was selected to tour China.


ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL BOARD OF D IRECTORS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

OFFICERS

Dr. Angelina PedrosoPresidentProfessor of Foreign Languages & Literature Northeastern Illinois University

Judith Grubner Vice PresidentAttorney at LawArnstein & Lehr LLP

George Diaz Vice PresidentIllinois Department of Revenue

Raymond IrizarrySecretaryCommunity Development Analyst, Officer Fifth Third Bank

Dame Libby KomaikoFounder & Artistic DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Jorge PérezAdministrative DirectorEnsemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Louis AltmanVice President EmeritusLegal Consul

Rita Moreno Ana Gonzalez & Juan MataFounding MembersNational Ballet of Spain

Pepe VargasPresidentInternational Latino Cultural Center

Lane AlexanderFounder & Artistic DirectorChicago Human Rhythm Project

Bret BattersonExecutive DirectorAuditorium Theatre

Frank ChavesArtistic DirectorRiver North Chicago Dance Company

Lou ConteFounder, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Lou Conte Dance Studio

Vincent CorderoVice President and General ManagerUnivision

Carmela GrecoFounder & Artistic DirectorCompañia Carmela Greco, Madrid

Jonathon DonadoPresident Applus Technologies

Daniel DuellArtistic DirectorBallet Chicago

Luisa EchevarriaCommunity RelationsUnivision

Charlie GrodeVice PresidentInstitute for Learning, Access and TrainingChicago Symphony Orchestra

Joel Hall Founder & Artistic Director Joel Hall Dancers & Center

Gail KalverArts Management Consultant

Dolores LongAssociate Director Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance

Senator Iris Y. Martinez

Annet MirandaFifth Third Bank

Suleyma PérezGovernment RelationsNortheastern Illinois University

Harriet RossFormer Managing DirectorJoffrey Ballet

Anita Salazar

Dr.Venetia StiflerFounder & Artistic DirectorConcert Dance Inc.

Eduardo VilaroArtistic DirectorBallet Hispanico, N.Y.

Wei YangPresidentNortheastern Chinese Association

ADVISORY BOARD

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS


ARTISTIC STAFF

ADMINISTR ATION STAFF

Executive Director ......................................................................................................................... Jorge Pérez Manager of Operations ................................................................................................Giuseppa DiCesareArts Education Program Coordinator................................................................................Julia HinojosaAdministrative Assistants ................................................... Abigail Villalpando, Brenda Rodriguez,

Elena Bezman

Founder and Artistic Director ............................................................................. Dame Libby KomaikoAssociate Artistic Director/ Rehearsal Mistress ...................................................... Irma Suarez RuizRehearsal Master ........................................................................................................................... Jorge PérezBallet Mistress / Production Assistant .................................................................................Anna CzajunPilates/Ballet Instructor .....................................................................................................Sandy NorawitaAssistant Artistic Director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company .......................................................................... Sara SamuelsCommunity Outreach Faculty ..............................................................Irma Suarez Ruiz, Jorge Pérez,

Sara Samuels, Jose Torres, Israel Sanchez, Julia Hinojosa, Leticia Aravena

Technical Director Stage Manager ...................................................................................... Elias Morales

ADMINISTR ATION STAFF

President ............................................................................................................................. Dr. Sharon K. HahsProvost ...............................................................................................................................Dr. Lawrence FrankVice president/Finance and Administration .............................................................Mark WilcocksonAssociate Vice President/ Financial and Administrative Affairs ..................................................................................David JonaitisVice President/Institutional Advancement ............................................................... Carla KnorowskiAdministrative Assistant ......................................................................................................... Judy CasconeAdministrative Assistant ........................................................................................................Evelyn HanleyDean, Graduate College Director of international programs .......................................................................... Dr. Janet FedericksDean, College of Arts and Sciences ....................................................................... Dr. Wamucii E NjoguChair, Music Department and Dance Program .........................................................Dr. Shayne CoferAssistant Vice President - Marketing and Public Relations........................................ Erica KrehbielAssistant Director - Public Relations/ Community Listeners Program, Coordinator...................................................................Dana NavarroPublic Information Specialist ..............................................................................................Anna CannovaDirector of Marketing ................................................................................................................... Julie Wight

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director, University Events ...................................................................................................Kyle Burke-DixSenior Events Administrator ..........................................................................................Izabella WoronkoBox Office ............................................................................................................................... Alberto CorderoDirector - Auxiliary and Support Services/Purchasing ............................................ Robert B. FilippTV and Video Services ............................................................................................................... Jim HenningAuditorium................................................................................Bob Smith , Michael Mikrut, Tim DavisAudio Recording .............................................................................................................................Rick MartinPhotography ....................................................................................................................................Joe L. DavisGraphics Design Manager .........................................................................................................Brian HarmsPrinting .......................................................................................................................................Quartet CopiesWebsite Designer .................................................................................................................Lee Rivadeneira

NORTHEASTERN I LL INOIS UNIVERS IT Y STAFF

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL STAFF


CONTR IBUTIONS / PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS & INDIVIDUALS

PARTNERSNortheastern Illinois

UniversityInternational Latino

Cultural CenterLupus Foundation of

America, IL ChapterGaleria GalaUrban Gateways

PLATINUMUnivisionHispanic Serving

Institute

GOLDConsul General of SpainFifth Third BankCherry Family

FoundationIllinois Arts Council La Raza Hispanic

NewspaperChicago Latino NetworkChicago City Arts

ProgramAfter School MattersColumbia College

ChicagoCenter for Community

Arts Partnerships (CCAP)

SILVERArts Work FundNIB Foundation

BRONZEAlbankThe SaintsAronson Philanthropic

TrustFarny R. Wurlitzer

FoundationJose Greco FoundationNEIU Foundation

IN-KIND SERVICES & GIFTS

Alverio GraphicsNortheastern Illinois

UniversityUnivision

International Latino Cultural Center

Arte y Vida ChicagoLatin Street DancingBiltmore Alterations

PATRON$1,000-$4,999Dame Libby KomaikoJorge Pérez

CONTRIBUTORS$250-$999Lou and Ellie AltmanShara FataAnne FreterCarmela GrecoLibby KomaikoJorge PerezMarisel SalascruzOlga Turek

HERITAGE CIRCLE$100 - $249Co-ChairsMrs. Maggie DaleyChicago Cultural Center

Foundation

Lois WeisbergCommissioner of

Cultural Affairs, City of ChicagoCheryl BurackCotillas Family Bertha de la MataHector HernadezRaymond IrizarryMichelle Mouhelis Melissa Mouhelis Rosalyn O’CheronyJorge PerezSuleyma PerezMario R. PonceGregory RagsdaleBlanca SantiagoOlga TurekMelody VasquezRobert Van RiemsdykZelda Kolber Senior Program FundKaye and Leonor Acuña

Richey

Charlotte DoyleBernard FultonJohn LoganMartin MaddenJorge PerezAndrea SaietJonathon SamuelsArnold and Lois Samuels

AMIGO(A)/ FRIENDS OFTHE ENSEMBLE$25-$99Lou and Eleanor AltmanJayne de la HuergaGeorge DiazAlejandra Ferrer DaileyJudith GrubnerRobert and Victoria

KaprelianJulia HinojosaRaymond IrizarryHannah KaplanMaryellen LanghoutDolores LongSherwin & Gertrude

MarksCindy MitchellDr. Angelina PedrosoJorge PerezElizabeth SilversteinDr. Rita Simo and Tomas

BissonnetteWilliam SteinAna Maria VazquezJeanette VogelOscar Zambrano

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOLENDOWMENTFOUNDINGMEMBERSCo-ChairsDr. Salme H. SteinbergPresident EmeritaNortheastern Illinois

University

Dr. Bernard BrommelProfessor of

Communications Emerita

Northeastern Illinois University


DONORS

Albany Bank and Trust Company

Louis & Eleanor AltmanMs. Miriam AlvarezThe Aronson

Philanthropic FundMr. Carlo Basile & Las Guitarras de España Felix & Iris BermudezBernal Elias FamilyMr. Harmon G. BernsMs. Sophia W. BoccioMs. Ruth K. BrackettDr. Bernard J. BrommelMs. Patricia BuenoCalifornia Recruiters.

Com Inc.The Cherry Family

FoundationDr. Shayne CoferCotillas FamilyScott Mateo DaviesMr. George DiazFrancisco & Celia FontaDr. Jeffrey I. Gaule & Elena Carbajal-GauleMs. Yalila Assria-HerreraMs. Bertha de la MataMs. Helen de la MataRon de JesusDebra & Darren DeckerMr. Jose and Ms. Tamara

Dos SantosMrs. Shara Fata & the International Foreign

Language Immersion Program

Ms. Alejandra Ferrer-Dailey

Flamenco Arts CenterDr. and Mrs. Battista J.

GalassiMr. Allen Garland

Mr. Mack C. GastonMrs. Judith A. GreenMs. Judith L. Grubner ofMichael Best & Friedrich

LLPMs. Victoria A. HathawayDr. and Mrs. Robert

HeinemannMs. Lillian C. HeminoverMr. Eliezer HildesaimAsad Husain, Ph.D.Mr. Leonard P. IaquintaThe Jose Greco

Foundation for Hispanic Dance, Inc.

Dame Libby KomaikoMr. Lee KoonceEd and Bonnie KovenLatin Street Dancing, Inc.Mr. James H. LeonMs. Karen LesmezMs. Flora LlacunaEstela R. Lopez, Ph.D.Timo & Elena LozanoElena & Benjamin MarshSenator Iris MartinezJuan Mata & Ana

GonzalezMedina FamilyMexican Folkloric Dance

Company of ChicagoMs. Susan E. NamestAnil PandyaDr. Angelina PedrosoMr. Jorge PérezMr. Nelson Pérez Ms. Suleyma Pérez Ms. Barbara ProvusMs. Jill M. PrzewoznikMr. Gregory F. RehnerMs. Lenore & Mr. Herman

Rice

Mr. and Mrs. Miguel A. Rivera

Mr. Santos RiveraFreddie RochaCarlos Angel RodriguezMs. Irma M. RuizMr. Antonio RuizDr. and Mrs. Arnold C.

SamuelsSara Samuels & Diego

AlonsoMs. Dilva E. SanchezMr. Israel SanchezMs. Blanca SantiagoSchmidt-Ureña FamilyMs. Michelle

Schwammberger-Nascimento

Mr. Eddie SernaSerrano FamilyDr. and Mrs. Allen N.

ShubSigma Lambda Gamma

NationalMs. Margo L. SmithMr. William J. StankeDr. Salme Harju

Steinberg Dr. Michael D. SteinbergMs. Amy StepanekJohn & Georgiana P.

StepanekDr. Venetia StiflerMr. Jose O. TorresDr. Pepe Vargas and Mrs.

Madeline Roman-Vargas &

the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago

Tanya & Robert VerdinMr. Mark WilcocksonMr. Alan R. Wilson

We are very grateful to all of our Founding Contributors of our Endowment, Heritage Circle, Patron, Amigo/Friend donors, contributors

and the corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals who have helped to support the many programs of the Ensemble Español

over the past thirty five years. ¡Gracias!

Any omissions to this program are unintentional. Our sincere gratitude to everyone.

Donations received December 1, 2009 to December 1, 2010

Documents

EnsembleEspanol-FamilyHoliday