Ensemble Español Celebrates 40th Anniversary at the Auditorium Theatre

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater returns to the Auditorium Theatre for a full-length evening concert on Thursday, September 29 at 7:30PM with their 40th anniversary finale Flamenco Passion, a showcase of classical, contemporary, and traditional Spanish dance.

The company makes its debut in the Auditorium's "Made in Chicago" Dance Series with a performance of Ensemble Español founder Dame Libby Komaiko's stunning masterpiece Bolero; Mil Clavos, by former Ensemble Español and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's principal dancer Ron De Jesus, which gives modern context to traditional Spanish dance; and Iroko, a Flamenco contemporary ballet piece choreographed by Nuevo Ballet Español founders Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez.

"Ensemble Español's performance of Flamenco Passion continues the Auditorium Theatre's dedication to representing the vibrant and varied dance scene in the city," says Henry Fogel, Auditorium Theatre's Interim Chief Executive Officer. "We are honored to commemorate the Ensemble's 40th anniversary with this event."

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater's founder Dame Libby Komaiko was awarded the "Ribbon of the Dame" title by the King of Spain Juan Carlos I in 1983, making her among the first American dance artists to receive such an award. In 2011, in honor of the company's 35th anniversary, President Barack Obama sent a congratulatory letter to the company for its work and longevity. Founded in 1976, Ensemble Español performed in Spain for the first time in the summer of 2016.

The 2016-17 Dance Sponsor is NIB Foundation. The 2016-17 "Made in Chicago" Dance Sponsor is Joyce Chelberg.

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater's Performance Sponsors include: Northeastern Illinois University, the MacArthur Foundation International Connections Fund, the Chicago Community Trust, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Caerus Foundation, Inc.; Wintrust, and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.