Ensemble Español’s popular live dance and music performances return to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts with Flamenco Passion: A Tribute to Jose Greco’s 100th Anniversary from June 15-17. These performances are part of the company’s 2018 American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, exploring the theme Jose Greco: An American Immigrant in Spain. The Festival, now in its 42nd year, features performances, concerts, classes, seminars and lectures showcasing the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture.
The Flamenco Passion performances will feature more than 40 dancers and musicians, including guest artists in a fusion of classical, folkloric, traditional, contemporary and flamenco styles. The first half of the program will feature a world premiere ballet by Carlos Rodriguez, “Mar de Fuego (Sea of Fire),” honoring company founder Dame Libby Komaiko in the flamenco contemporary style. The second half of the concert will be a tribute to Jose Greco's 100th anniversary featuring all three of his children who dance: Carmela, Jose and Lola. The tribute is directed by Juan Mata, founding member and former first dancer of the National Ballet of Spain and former dancer with the Jose Greco Spanish dance company.
The performances will conclude with Ensemble Español's critically acclaimed “Bolero,” choreographed by Komaiko. The New York Times observed how the work, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, “wowed the audience,” in its review of Ensemble Español's January 2018 performances at the Joyce Theater.
Performances are Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 17, at 3 p.m. A Meet the Artists VIP pre-opening night reception will take place on June 15 at 6 p.m. on the second level of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts for $65. For festival class information and registration, visit EnsembleEspañol.org. To purchase performance tickets, visit northshorecenter.org or call (847) 673-6300.
