Final Performances of Ensemble Espanol: Flamenco Passion June 17 & 18

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

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

• Amangue” (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
• “Desde Cai” (2019), choreographed and performed by guest artist Isaac Tovar in the Alegrias style. CHICAGO PREMIERE
• “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
• “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.

Tickets are $25-$55. To purchase tickets and for more information visit NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847.673.6300.

The “Flamenco Passion” performances are part of Ensemble Español’s 47th American Spanish Dance and Music Festival which also features 44 dance classes in the Escuela Bolera, Folklore and Flamenco styles including Flamenco guitar, song and percussion. Classes take place June 19-24 and take place at the company's rehearsal space in Building J on the NEIU campus located at 5500 N. St. Louis Ave in Chicago. 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 ensembleflamencopassion.org/classes or call 773.442.5916.