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50th Ensemble Español Celebration * Sat. June 13 * North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie, Illinois
Ensemble Español returns to the North Shore Center in Skokie on Saturday, June 13th to celebrate its 50th anniversary for one dazzling performance!
50th Anniversary Celebration
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077
Saturday, June 13, 2026
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.
For five decades, Ensemble Español has shared the passion, rhythm, and soul of Spanish dance with Chicago and the world, one breathtaking step at a time.
Now, we invite you to celebrate that history and – more importantly – to become a part of our future. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the steps that brought us here and ignite the passion that will propel us into the next 50 years.
One night only concert program highlights include modern masterpieces, beloved classics & world premier company work:
BOLERO: The Ensemble Espanol 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.
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 Marcia 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 Buleria style by guest artist, Isaac Tovar, former principal of the National Ballet of Spain to original musical composition by renowned guitarist Curro de Maria.
https://northshorecenter.org/event/ensemble-espanol/
