Ensemble Español

- 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is not just a dance company; it is a globally recognized cultural treasure that calls Chicago, Illinois, its home. Established in 1975 by the remarkable Dame Libby Komaiko, this organization holds the distinguished title of being the premier Spanish dance company and center in the United States to have an in-residence status at a university—specifically, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). For almost five decades, the Ensemble Español has dedicated itself to the profound mission of preserving, presenting, and promoting the vibrant Flamenco, folkloric, classical, and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain.

Located right here in Chicago, the Ensemble Español acts as a powerful nucleus for artistic creativity and cultural preservation, sharing the rich history and contemporary importance of Spanish art forms with local, national, and international audiences. The organization operates under the passionate artistic leadership of Artistic Director Irma Suárez-Ruiz and Executive Director Jorge Perez—both of whom were early dancers trained by Dame Libby Komaiko—ensuring that the founder’s high standards and family-centric atmosphere endure. The company, composed of over 40 professional dancers, singers, and musicians, is celebrated across the country and the globe, bringing the fiery elegance of Spanish dance to major performance venues, a feat that makes this institution a source of tremendous pride for the Illinois arts community.

The quality of the company’s performances is often described in superlatives by audiences. As one enthralled customer shared after attending a show at NorthShore, the dancers were “absolutely amazing” and the costumes “beautiful,” leading them to immediately purchase tickets for the next day. This dedication to artistic excellence and passionate performance is a hallmark of the Ensemble Español experience. However, it is important for prospective patrons, especially those booking classes through third-party platforms, to always verify schedules directly with the company to ensure a seamless experience, as with any major arts organization managing complex scheduling logistics.

Ensemble Español is conveniently based at the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) campus in Chicago, positioning it as an integral part of the city's educational and cultural landscape.

The primary contact address for the organization is:

5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

The location within NEIU's facilities (often referred to as the J-Building) offers a secure and accessible environment. Key accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The premises ensures easy access for all visitors and patrons, upholding a commitment to community inclusion.
• Campus Accessibility: Being part of a major university campus, the location generally offers well-maintained grounds, additional parking infrastructure, and ease of access via public transit serving the North Side of Chicago.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: The programs are designed to be Good for kids, and the location within a university setting provides a structured, safe, and academically focused atmosphere for younger students.
• Modern Payment Options: For convenience, the organization accepts major payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Ensemble Español's offerings extend far beyond professional touring, encompassing comprehensive education, community outreach, and cultural preservation efforts:

• Professional Performance Company: A world-renowned company of over 40 professional dancers, singers, and musicians that tours nationally and internationally, presenting a vast repertoire of over 135 original full-length choreographies.
• Cultural Dance Styles: Expert training and performance in the three main styles of Spanish dance: Flamenco (the fiery, expressive folk art), Folkloric (traditional regional dances), and Classical (Escuela Bolera, a blend of traditional dance and ballet).
• Youth Company: A dedicated pre-professional training program with Junior (ages 10–18) and Senior (18+) divisions, providing aspiring young artists with the foundational skills to audition for the professional company.
• Academic & College-Level Training: Offering college credits through NEIU for Spanish Dance courses and a Dual Enrollment Spanish Dance Program for high school students.
• Arts Education and Outreach Programs: Extensive community programs like Paso a Paso and ¡Bailamos! Residencies that provide multi-formatted instruction to K-12 students across Chicago, stressing the historical and cultural significance of Spanish dance.
• "After School Matters" Partnership: Provides free, world-class Spanish dance programs for Chicago teens after school and during the summer, in collaboration with NEIU.
• "Tales of Spain" Concerts: Multi-media performances and lecture demonstrations designed to educate and immerse young audiences in the history and variety of Spanish dance.
• Annual American Spanish Dance and Music Festival: A major yearly cultural event featuring performances, a free Ethnic Dance and Music Symposium, and intensive Spanish dance classes for the public at the NEIU campus.
• Cross-Cultural Exchanges: Programs like Ritmos Unidos / United Rhythms, which features a Flamenco cross-cultural exchange workshop with organizations like the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, highlighting the similarities between Spanish and African percussive dance styles.
• Master Classes and Workshops: Hosting guest artists from Spain and the U.S. for professional training and community engagement.

The Ensemble Español is a celebrated institution, distinguished by its unique history, status, and commitment to the arts.

• Premier U.S. Spanish Dance Company: Recognized as the leading Spanish dance center in the United States, maintaining an unparalleled commitment to the art form since 1975.
• University In-Residence Status: Its long-standing residency at Northeastern Illinois University provides unique academic and infrastructural support, integrating professional artistry with education.
• Internationally Celebrated Repertoire: Known for its breathtaking performances of classic works, including the iconic "Bolero," which has been seen by over one million viewers globally, alongside cutting-edge contemporary Spanish choreography.
• Award-Winning Heritage: Founder Dame Libby Komaiko was honored by the King of Spain with the Lazo de Dama (Ribbon of the Dame) de Isabel la Católica for promoting Spanish culture, an honor that underscores the company’s authenticity and prestige.
• Deep Community Reach: Reaching nearly 20,000 students annually through arts education programming in Chicago, demonstrating a profound commitment to local engagement and cultural access for youth.
• Latinx Representation: The company proudly reports that Latinx individuals make up 90% of the company, serving as a vital home for Latinx dancers who connect with their Spanish and ethnic heritage.
• Professional Staff Leadership: Currently led by former dancers Artistic Director Irma Suárez Ruiz and Executive Director Jorge Perez, ensuring the continuity of the founder's artistic vision and legacy.

For performance tickets, class information, or to learn more about the educational programs, Chicagoans can contact Ensemble Español directly.

Address: 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

Phone: (773) 442-5916 (Mobile: +1 773-442-5916)

Choosing to support or participate in Ensemble Español means investing in a world-class cultural experience right here in Illinois. What is worth choosing about this organization is its unique dual role: it is a high-caliber international performing arts company and a deeply rooted academic and educational institution. Unlike standalone professional troupes, Ensemble Español offers a full pathway for Spanish dance engagement, from a child's first class to a professional career, all within the trusted, accessible setting of Northeastern Illinois University. For families, this means having access to professional training and performance opportunities that are validated by academic rigor and a 45+ year legacy of artistic integrity.

For the Illinois community at large, the Ensemble Español serves as a vibrant gateway to the rich traditions of Spanish culture, offering spectacular, passionate performances that one customer found so captivating they immediately purchased tickets for a second night. Their dedication to cultural preservation—Flamenco, Folkloric, and Classical—while also embracing contemporary forms, ensures that the art form is constantly evolving and relevant. By engaging with Ensemble Español, you are celebrating one of Chicago’s premier ethnic arts organizations, one that has been recognized by both the United States and the Spanish monarchy for its global impact. It offers a cultural education and an artistic experience that is simply unmatched in the Midwest.

Ensemble Español

5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA