Ensemble Español-“Flamenco Passion” returns to the North Shore Center

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, brings their popular “Flamenco Passion” performances to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17; and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 18. These performances will cap the company’s 47th multi-faceted American Spanish Dance and Music Festival (June 16-24). Tickets are on sale now.

The performances feature a diverse program showcasing Flamenco, Classical and Folkloric Spanish dance styles in both traditional and contemporary genres. Selections will include:

• “La Vida Breve” / The Brief Life” (2022) choreographed and performed by guest artist Isaac Tovar.
• “Mediterraneo” (2023) choreographed and performed in the Alegrias style by guest artist Irene “La Chiqui” Lozano. WORLD PREMIERE
• “Donde Todo Comienza” (2022) choreographed and performed by guest artist Irene “La Chiqui” Lozano in the Tarantos style. AMERICAN SPANISH DANCE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL PREMIERE
• “Desde Cai” (2019), choreographed and performed by guest artist Isaac Tovar in the Alegrias style. CHICAGO PREMIERE
• “Andaluz” [Working title] (2023) choreographed by guest artist Isaac Tovar; performed by the Ensemble Español Company dancers set to the music of composer and guitarist Curro de Maria. WORLD PREMIERE

...plus popular works from Ensemble Español’s repertoire:

• “Rendicion / Rendition” (2013), a flamenco contemporary company work by Ensemble Español Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz performed to the music of David Peña Dorantes.
• “Sur / South” (2015) a full company ballet in the Escuela Bolera-Flamenco contemporary style by Raquel Gomez, former principal of the National Ballet of Spain, with music by David Peña Dorantes and percussionist Javier Saume-Mazzei.
• “Pasos Largos / Long Steps” (2022) by “award-winning Flamenco phenom” (Chicago Tribune) La Lupi set to the music of composer and guitarist, Curro de Maria in the Flamenco Caña style.
• “Fantasia Regional” (2010) a Folklore Suite (4 excerpts from the provinces of Valencia, Extremeno, Galicia) with choreography by Folklorist expert Juanjo Linares, Ensemble Español founder Dame Libby Komaiko and former principals of the National Ballet of Spain Paloma Gomez and Cristian Lozano, performed by Ensemble Español Company dancers and members of the Youth Company.
• “Tangos De Granada” (2021) choreographed by Wendy Clinard, founder and artistic director of her Chicago-based namesake, Clinard Dance

Joining the members of Ensemble Español in performance will be guest dancer/choreographers including Irene “La Chiqui” Lozano (Malaga), recently awarded the “Premio Desplante” at the Festival Internacional de Minas in Spain, one of the most prestigious flamenco awards in the world; and Isaac Tovar (Seville), recipient of numerous 1st prizes in dance including the renowned Concurso IV Internacional de Danza in Almería, the Concurso Nacional de la Perla de Cádiz and the XXVII Concurso Nacional de Ubrique. Featured musicians will include: Curro de Maria (guitarist); Paco Fonta (singer & guitarist); Jose Moreno (percussionist) and David Chiriboga (guitarist). Please note: programming and guest artists are subject to change.

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater presents three “Flamenco Passion” performances at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17; and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 18. Tickets are $25-$55. To purchase tickets and for more information visit NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847.673.6300. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information call 773. 442.5916.

Related American Spanish Dance and Music Festival Special Events

The “Flamenco Passion” performances are part of Ensemble Español’s 47th American Spanish Dance and Music Festival which also features these related events:

• VIP-Pre-Opening Night Reception: Preceding the Friday, June 16 performance there will be a “Meet the Artists” VIP Pre-Opening Night Reception in the North Shore Center on the 2nd level. Tickets are $65 (and include VIP seating for that evening’s performance). To purchase tickets and for more information visit NorthShoreCenter.org/ee/ or call 847.673.6300.
• Festival Spanish Dance Classes at Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studios: The festival offers 44 dance classes in the Escuela Bolera, Folklore and Flamenco styles including Flamenco guitar, song and percussion. Classes are presented in multiple levels from beginners introductory with no previous Spanish dance experience required to intermediate and advanced. This year’s star line up of instructors include: Ensemble Español Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz, guest artists Raquel Gomez, Isaac Tovar, Irene “La Chiqui” Lozano, Jose Moreno and Paco Fonta. For more class information and registration visit EnsembleEspanol.org or call 773.442.5916.