Sept. 13: Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater kicks off Professional Touring Season at CLC
Chicago's own Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, which is internationally recognized for excellence in showcasing exciting Spanish dance, music and culture, returns to the College of Lake County with its romantic dance moves at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. The performance will be held in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St.
The company, which is in residency at Northeastern Illinois University, has earned rave reviews from media in Chicago and across the country. According to a January 2012 review in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, "Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater lives up to its name, beguiling the crowd with quicksilver choreography steeped in an atmosphere of romance. The Chicago-based company transcends geographic boundaries to get to the essence of what dance is all about: emotion in motion."
The company's founder and artistic director, Dame Libby Komaiko, was the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain's highest honor: "Lazo de Dama" or "Ribbon of the Dame" by the King of Spain for her artistic, cultural and educational work throughout the United States.
In 2010, Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun Times wrote: "This world-class company and its roster of guest artists never ceases to bedazzle its audiences with the variety, precision, beauty and heat of its performances. You would be hard-pressed to find the breadth and range and sheer brilliance of dance ─ from folkloric to flamenco to balletic riffs. Ole!"
The ensemble's repertoire contains original work by Dame Libby Komaiko, Edo, Maria Alba, Victorio Korjhan, Roberto Lorca and Spain's legendary dancers and choreographers Juan Mata and Ana Gonzalez, founding members and former first dancers of the National Ballet of Spain. In addition, works by Timo Lozano, Edo, Paco Alonso, folkloric authority Juanjo Linares and Flamenco master Manolete help exemplify the ensemble's dedication to its cultural and artistic mission.
Ensemble Español also appears with opera, chamber ensembles and orchestras and tours throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico and Hawaii, and has performed in Mexico, Costa Rica, Poland, Australia and China. The program will include Dame Libby Komaiko's critically acclaimed full company Bolero and their new Flamenco/contemporary ballet, "Mil Clavos" (One Thousand Nails) by Ron De Jesus.
Tickets: Regular tickets: $35/32/28; Senior/Staff/Alumni: $34/31/27; CLC Student/Teen: $15; and Children: $12. A $2 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added at the time of purchase. Single ticket sales begin August 25. Other fees may apply to Internet purchases. CLC student tickets are not available for online purchase. Teen and children tickets must be purchased with adult priced tickets.
Sept. 9: Box Office Blitz offers single ticket discounts
At the JLC Box Office Blitz from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 patrons can purchase discounted single tickets to any Professional Touring Series event and enjoy discount rates on CLC theatre, choral and dance performances (patrons must purchase tickets in person).
Subscribers receive best seats available, guaranteed same seats for all events, personalized assistance creating their subscription, handling and exchange fees waived and ticket exchanges up to 24 hours prior to the event during regular Box Office hours. A dedicated subscriber phone line for ordering is available at (847) 986-1800. A $2 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added at the time of purchase. Other fees may apply.
Subscription tickets can be purchased at the Box Office in the James Lumber Center, room P112 on the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St., or by phone. Subscriptions are not available for online purchase, but patrons can learn more at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. For more information, call the Box Office at (847) 543-2300 (option 5). The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Single tickets (not part of a subscription of three or more events) go on sale Aug. 25.
Professional events make excellent group outings, with groups of six or more people eligible for discounted ticket prices. Call group sales at (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu for more information.
To request a James Lumber Center subscription brochure or the 2014-15 CLC cultural arts calendar, which includes professional series as well as college-sponsored events such as music concerts, theatre and dance productions, films, art exhibits, literary events and much more, call (847) 543-2300 or join the mailing list at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.