Ensemble Español 50th Anniversary Celebration

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

The Auditorium Theatre’s 50th Anniversary of Ensemble Español commemoration was a sold out house for this unique dance company that started with Dame Libby Komaiko’s dream, going on to make its mark significantly on the Chicago dance scene. Irma Suarez Ruiz took over the reins as artistic director in 2016, and has expanded their repertoire, my favorite being “Bolero”, a masterpiece of talent, technique, and visual painting.

The first number “Duente Gitano” was a sensual gypsy style flamenco that was breathtaking, followed by “Dana del Fuego”, with literally fires, had the audience shouting “Ole!” A slide presentation of Spanish art in the background of “Ecos de España” added to the dance. Live music from Jose Moreno on Spanish guitar transported us to the tableaus of Sacromonto Caves in Granada – Mr. Moreno was accompanied by guitarist David Chiriboga, percussionist Javier Saume Mazzel, and vocalist Patricia. For more opportunities to see dance, music, and other cultural events, please visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

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