Ensemble Español's 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival
June 12-23, 2013
Chicago’s unique contribution to the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased as never before in Ensemble Español's 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 23.
In addition to Dance For Life, this year the Festival partners with two other organizations, expanding the Festival’s reach: the north side’s Old Town School of Folk Music, and Instituto Cervantes in downtown Chicago which will host a reception and pre-release preview presentation of the "Sobre las Olas" documentary film on Flamenco in the US. featuring Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español (June 13). Northeastern Illinois University will once again be the site of the popular series of Spanish/Flamenco /classical/folkloric master classes (June 14-20) and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host the Flamenco Passion Gala Performances (June 21-23).
FLAMENCO DOCUMENTARY FILM
"Sobre las Olas - A story of Flamenco in the US,” directed by Carolina Loyola-Garcia, will have a pre-release exclusive preview event at Chicago’s Instituto Cervantes Auditorium, 31 W Ohio St., Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m.
Since the early 20th century, the art of Flamenco has been crossing the ocean traveling to faraway places, including the United States. The legendary José Greco spread this art form throughout the Americas making it a household word. Many have fallen in love with its deep songs, cries, rhythms and movements. This documentary brings us into the heart of Flamenco in the US and to the artists who keep it alive.Featured artists include Carmela Greco, daughter of the legendary José Greco, and Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suárez Ruiz and Jorge Pérez of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. Other featured artists include Edwin Aparicio, Ricardo Marlow, Jesus Montoya, Barbara Martinez, Rebeca Tomas, Elba Hevia Y Vaca, Marija Temo, Manolo Leiva, Maria Benitez, and Cihtli Ocampo, among others.
Following the screening there will be a Q & A with Carmela Greco, Dame Libby Komaiko and dancers of the Ensemble Español and a Spanish Tapas & Wine reception by Emilios Tapas Restaurant. Tickets are $15 (general admission), $12 (students and seniors) and $10 (IC and ILCC Members).
For reservations and more information contact Josephine DiCesare, Manager of Operations at 773-442-5916 www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals
The documentary film "Sobre las Olas- A story of Flamenco in the U.S.,” is funded by Heinz Endowments, Pittsburgh Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and private donors.
SPANISH/FLAMENCO DANCE CLASSES
Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studios, located at 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., is home to seven days of Spanish master dance classes and workshops in the classical, folkloric and Flamenco styles taught by stellar guest artists from Spain, June 14-20. The comprehensive series includes classes and workshops in Neoclassical, Clásico Español, Regional/folkloric and Flamenco styles. Students will have the opportunity to learn from an impressive roster of international guest artists, including the world famous Carmela Greco; Paloma Gómez, Artistic Director of Compañia de Danza Paloma Gomez ; José Barios, Principal dancer with the Maria Pages Company of Seville, Spain.
More information about classes call Josephine DiCesare, Manager of Operations at 773-442-5916 or visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals
Check out the culmination of the 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival 6/21
Ensemble Español Flamenco Passion Gala Performances
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Tickets are $26-$46; free parking is available. For tickets, call 847-673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org. Mini-group rates ($22-$39) are available for groups of 6 or more. Call 773-327-3778.
A portion of the proceeds for the June 21 performance will go to benefit Dance For Life. There will also be a free pre-performance talk-back and reception with Dame Libby and members of Ensemble Español, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information call Ensemble Espanol at 773-442-5916 or visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music
Featuring world, U.S. and Festival premieres and highlighting the 20th anniversary of Dame Libby Komaiko's International Flamenco masterwork ballet,"Bolero"
Friday, June 21, 7:30 p.m.
(Pre-Show Q&A with Dame Libby Komaiko 6 p.m.)
ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL’S CELEBRATES THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF DAME LIBBY’S INTERNATIONALLY ACLAIMED “BOLERO,” IN THREE “FLAMENCO PASSION” GALA PERFORMANCES AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE, JUNE 21-23, 2013
Proceeds from June 21 Opening Performance
to Benefit “Dance For Life”
Thrilling Dance and Music Performances
Cap 37th International American
Spanish Dance & Music Festival (June 12-23) also featuring
Spanish/Flamenco Masterclasses, a preview of the film
"Sobre las Olas - A Story of Flamenco in the US” and More
Chicago’s unique contribution to the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased as never before in Ensemble Español's 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 23. For the thirteenth season North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host the ever popular “Flamenco Passion” Gala performances, this year highlighting the 20th anniversary of Dame Libby’s International Flamenco masterwork ballet, “Bolero.”
“Festival time is always exciting for us. We are thrilled to be adding the Old Town School of Folk Music as partners and the pre release preview of the documentary film “Sobre las Olas” at the Instituto Cervantes. I am also thrilled to mark the 20th anniversary of “Bolero” given the overwhelming international reception throughout its history. Sitting in the audience for the 2010 Dance for Life benefit gala concert at the Harris Theater in Millennium park, my heart was passionately pumping as the dancers began and my soul took flight when the entire audience jumped to their feet in uproarious applause as the company devoured the full stage, rushing and twirling, with their Spanish fans and toreador capes. ¡Ole!
We are honored to donate part of the proceeds from our Friday, June 21 opening gala performance to benefit Dance for Life. We are also extremely grateful to once again have the support of our in resident partner, Northeastern Illinois University, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, plus an incredible roster of guest artists and sponsors, who have generously contributed to the success of our festival”. Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Español.
The crowd-pleasing, festival-capping “Flamenco Passion” live music and dance performances come to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Friday, June 21 and Saturday June 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. In addition to Dame Libby’s full company Flamenco masterwork ballet, “Bolero,” the program will also include three world premieres, a U.S. premiere and a Festival premiere:
World Premieres:
“RENDICIÓN” (“Surrender”)
A Flamenco contemporary drama depicting the passions of everlasting love.
Choreography and costume design by Irma Suarez Ruiz;
Costume production: Luz Creations;
Dancers: Full company;
Music: “Semblanzas de un Rio” by David Peña Dorantes.
“HERENCIA” (“Heritage”), Spanish Classical Duet
This grand work has become a traditional dance presentation performed by the great masters of Spanish dance which include Paloma and Raquel’s parents, Raquel Rodriguez and Jose Gomez. The choreographer and dancers dedicate this premiere special tribute to their parents.
Choreography and dancers: Guest artists Paloma & Raquel Gomez;
Music: “La Torre del Oro” by Geronimo Gimenez.
“DE CORDOBA A CAI” (“From Cordoba to Cadiz”), Flamenco Alegrias
Choreography and dancer: Guest artist Jose Barrios;
Costumes by Puroego and Gallardo;
Music by Antonio Gabarri Jimenez, Flamenco guitarist, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer and guitarist, David Chiriboga, Flamenco guitarist and Javier Saume-Mazzei, percussionist.
U.S. Premiere:
“YUNQUE-FARRUSOUL,” Flamenco Martinete-Farruca
This Flamenco drama premiered at the Carmen Hall Theater in Ugata, Japan in March 2013.
Choreography and dancers: Guest artist Jose Barrios, with Ensemble Español principal company dancers; Sara Samuels, Claudia Pizarro and company dancers Monica Saucedo, Evelyn Sanchez, Abigail Ventura;
Costume design by Puroego, Gallardo and Luz Creations;
Music by Isaac Munoz and Susana Ruiz.
Festival Premiere:
“NUEVAMENTE VIVIR” ( “Live Again” )
Choreography and costume design by Paloma Gomez;
Music: Hans Zimmer;
Lighting design: Elias Morales,
Dancers: Ensemble Español’s Crystal Ruiz, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano.
Joining Ensemble Espanol for these performances will be guest dancers and choreographers including Carmela Greco (Madrid), daughter of the legendary José Greco; Paloma Gómez & Raquel Gomez (Madrid), former principals with the National Ballet of Spain; and José Barrios (Cordoba), principal dancer of the Maria Pages Company. The impressive roster of guest singers and musicians will include Flamenco guitarist, Antonio Gabarri Jiménez (Madrid), Flamenco singer and guitarist, Paco Fonta (Miami), Flamenco guitarist, David Chiriboga (Ecuador), Peruvian Tenor, Luis Galvez and Venezuelan-born percussionist, Javier Saume Mazzei.
Under the artistic direction of founder Dame Libby Komaiko and associate artistic director, Irma Suárez Ruiz, Ensemble Español is internationally recognized as the premier center for Spanish dance, music, art, culture and education in residence at a state university in America, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. It’s 40 sensational dancers, singers, instrumentalists with international guest artists promotes and preserves , Spanish dance culture in all its forms from classical, folkloric, Flamenco and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain from the renaissance through the XXI century . In 1982, Dame Libby became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain's highest honor "Lazo de Dama" (Ribbon of the Dame) de la Orden de Isabel La Católica by his Majesty Don Juan Carlos I, King of Spain for her artistic, cultural and educational work throughout the U.S. Ensemble Español has been in residence at Northeastern Illinois University since 1976. For more information visit EnsembleEspanol.org.
Dance for Life
The mission of Dance for Life is to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention while promoting the art of dance in Chicago. In the late 1980's, Chicago dancer Keith Elliott had a brilliant idea: why not bring Chicago's dance community together for one night to dance for life! In 1992, Keith partnered with HIV/AIDS community activist and event fundraiser Danny Kopelson, as well as Chicago dance professionals Harriet Ross and Gail Kalver, to form Chicago Dancer's United. Over the past 22 years, Dance for Life has grown to become the largest dance performance-based HIV/AIDS fundraising events in the Midwest. For more information visit www.danceforlifechicago.com
Dance for Life: The Documentary
Through poignant personal testimonials, passionate music and powerful dancers bodies in motion, Dance for Life: The Documentary painted a rare, you-are-there portrait of the generosity and compassion of Chicago's dance community over 20 years (Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Ensemble Español). The film featured the dance companies that participated in the 2010 Dance for Life benefit performance which opened with Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español’s passionate “Bolero.” The documentary won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Arts/Entertainment Special (Scott Silberstein, Producer, HMS Media)) and Outstanding Director (Matt Hoffman, HMS Media).
To get a behind the scenes look, click on these YouTube links:
SPONSORS
The 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival is made possible in part with support from Northeastern Illinois University; The Chicago Community Trust; the Illinois Arts Council, an agency of the State of Illinois; Fifth Third Bank; Southwest Airlines; Consulado General de España; City Arts Grants-Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago; Enterprise; Holiday Inn-Chicago North Shore; Emilios Tapas Restaurant; Athletico; Chicago Dance Supply; HMS Media; The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, José Greco Foundation and individual donors .
MEDIA SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Univision Chicago; LaRaza; arteyvidachicago.com and Spanish Public Radio—WDCB 90.9. Additional support is provided by Instituto Cervantes, the Old Town School of Folk Music, Studio Mangiameli , Chicago Dance & Supply, Athletico Physical Therapy and the Flamenco Arts Center.
