Chicago Dance Supply

 

Spotlight On: Ensemble Español--Flamenco Passion

by Anthony Fett

Swirling skirts, stomping feet, and pulsing music: I've just walked into a dress rehearsal for Ensemble Español's latest celebration of dance, music, and culture entitled Flamenco Passion. From the moment I step into the theater, I can feel a frenetic energy, a mix of anticipation, determination, and excitement.
The dancers onstage twirl and turn in and out of formations, while a stoic yet strikingly elegant woman in thick-rimmed glasses watches from a table in the center of the auditorium. "Move to stage right. Straighten that arm," and so on. She speaks into the microphone on the table.

That woman, I come to learn, is Libby Komaiko, the founder and artistic director of Ensemble Español, which is celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence this season. Ms. Komaiko's vision has brought Flamenco dance from the streets of Spain into the lives of countless dancers over the last three decades, as well as to Chicago school programs. In June 2006, Flamenco Passion was performed at the Harris Theater at Chicago's Millennium Park as part of their 30th anniversary celebration.

But, as stunning as the onstage presentation looked, I was eager to dig deeper into this historic organization. So, I found my way backstage. Sigrid Sanchez Mitchell, a mom of two young dancers in the program, greeted me, and introduced me to the ensemble. Beautiful and breathless Olivia Serrano emerged from the stage and took a short break from dancing to chat with me. She has been a company member since the age of sixteen and has danced Flamenco for over ten years. "Everything you do, you must do it with emotion," she says. Serrano expressed her deep gratitude for being a part of a company that presents traditional dances as well as new choreography. She finds the new dance Alegria to be most appealing to her. "It is so theatrical. It is unlike anything else. So much passion."

Passion was in abundance among the members of Ensemble Español, especially from its younger members. Before long, I found myself surrounded by eager faces of young dancers, all bubbling with excitement and pride. I addressed them generally, "What would you like to tell the readers at home?" and a voice trumpeted, "MUCHOS BESSOS- I LOVE YOU ALL!" Meet Evelyn Sanchez, the outspoken, self-proclaimed "drama queen" of the group. "Oh, my goodness gracious! I love to dance," she gushed. "I love everything about it. I love to express to the audience!"

"And it takes your mind off school," added Carolyn Bernal. "You learn the basic footwork, or zapateado, and also the hand movements. It is just so beautiful."

Though it may be clear that the dancers' minds are onstage, school isn't forgotten altogether. Ms. Sanchez-Mitchell, who has been present all the while, informs me that the children learn a great deal of responsibility working with the organization. "They must sign a contract, and agree to maintain a B+ average in school to participate." Sanchez-Mitchell is glad she has passed on her dancing genes to her children, Paulo and Paloma Mitchell. "It is a part of the culture." She explains that although most individuals have a Hispanic heritage, there is still so much diversity within the organization, representing a number of nationalities and backgrounds.

Daughter Paloma, age 14, has been dancing since age 3, but only became a Youth Company Member last year. She started taking ballet at Ruth Page, and danced with the Joffrey Ballet for five years. "Ballet is the basis for all dance," she explains. "So, it helped me a lot when I began Flamenco." To her, like many of the other dancers, "dancing is the easiest way for me to express myself."

For her brother, Paulo, it is a whole lot of fun. He saw Paloma dancing and thought it looked cool, so he joined the Youth Ensemble, where he met his friend Luis Beltran. Luis was introduced to the Company through a residency program at LaSalle Language Academy and was hand selected by Ms. Komaiko to be a Youth Company member. It has been a great learning experience for both boys. "We learned the Sevillanas-the national dance of Spain." A proud smile rises across Ms. Sanchez-Mitchell's face at the sound of this. She looks at me and nods. "Culture."

One of the most profound stories I encountered was that of long-time company member, Israel Sanchez. Born in Chicago and raised in Puerto Rico, Sanchez' life has been dedicated to dance. He began at age twelve with Ballet Isleño, where he studied folkloric, ballet, jazz, and modern styles of dance. Even after having a double lung transplant, he never stopped dancing. "I would go on the respirator all day and then take it off to dance for a couple of hours. That's what flamenco does...once that passion is inside you, it never comes out."

That passion was palpable to me, onstage and off. Ensemble Español is one Chicago organization to be proud of.

Leni@ChicagoDanceSupply.com

07/25/06