Four decades after Dame Libby Komaiko founded Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, the Northeastern Illinois University resident company has officially launched its 2015-16 season by honoring the past and celebrating the present.
As the company prepares for a historic and ambitious schedule of high-profile performances and youth outreach programs—including a July 16 appearance in Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks—we take a look at the impressive numbers the Ensemble has compiled over the years.
2,000
Spanish costumes, props and accessories.
26,000
Students reached nationwide annually through arts education programming 2014‐15.
95
Professional dancers trained by Ensemble Español.
170
Youth company dancers (ages 10‐18) trained by Ensemble Español.
7,800
Academic Spanish dance class students taught at Northeastern Illinois University.
1
Letter received from the White House from President Barack Obama honoring the company’s work.
3
Documentaries featuring Ensemble Español, including the Emmy Award‐winning film “Dance for Life.”
3
Endowed scholarships for Ensemble Español dancers to attend Northeastern.
1
Foundation endowment for the general operating programs of the company.
135
Original full‐length choreographies performed.
100
Guest artists and musicians hosted from Spain and the Americas.
5 million
Television viewers worldwide who watched Ensemble Español perform during the opening ceremony of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago. President Bill Clinton was in attendance at Soldier Field.
4,000
Performances locally, nationally and internationally. The company has performed on four continents in Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia, Canada and China.
