Auditorium Theatre 2019-2020 Celebrate Sondheim

12 | AUDITORIUM THEATRE 2019-20 | September 21 - November 16, 2019 This season, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is honored to be celebrating the life and legacy of its founder and mentor, Dame Libby Komaiko, who passed away in February 2019. For over half a century, Dame Libby’s innovative, unique, and visionary career encompassed art, education, and culture. In 1983, she became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain’s highest honor, the “Lazo de Dama de Isabel la Católica,” by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, for her superlative work in spreading the cultural and artistic values of Spain throughout the United States. Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater performs with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre at the Auditorium Theatre on October 4, 2019. A Tribute to Dame Libby Komaiko Dame Libby began her dance training andperformance in classical ballet and character dance as a young child with Elisa Stigler at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. At the age of 18, she auditioned for the legendary flamenco dancer and choreographer José Greco and was given the opportunity to learn and perform with his world-famous Spanish dance company. Her trailblazing career also included musical theatre, opera, television, film, and orchestra. She studied in Spain and the United States with teachers including Elisa Stigler, Gus Giordano, Maria Alba, Nana Lorca, Lola Montes, José Greco, Edo, Manolo Vargas, Paul Haakon, María Magdalena, Pedro Azorin, Ciro, Pacita Tomas, and Roberto Lorca. She became Northeastern Illinois University’s artist- in-residence in 1974, and two years later she created Ensemble Español, the premier center and company for Spanish dance and music, which is still in residence at Northeastern today. Dame Libby created more than 60 pieces, out of the 135 repertoire ballets and suites she helped to produce, for the company throughout her career. Dame Libby received the coveted Ruth Page Award in 2003 at the Ravinia Festival and the prestigious International Latino Cultural Center Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. In 2008, she received the Outstanding Partnership Award from the City of Chicago. In 2011, Ensemble Español leaders were recognized by President Barack Obama for presenting the Spanish dance art form to the rest of the world as representatives of the United States. On September 26, 2017, See Chicago Dance presented Dame Libby with the first annual Legacy Award. Dame Libby’s passion for Spanish dance was only exceeded by her passion for excellence, education and community. She was an inspiration to all who met her. Ensemble Español dedicates themselves to those same passions as they carry on her legacy with the deepest and sincerest admiration, love, and gratitude for the gift she has left us all. Gracias, Dama Libby, de todo corazón. (Thank you, Dame Libby, with all of our heart!) DON BULUCOS Dame Libby Komaiko in 1975