The festival will run from 6th to 17th July 2005 at the Northeastern Illinois University

Flamenco-world.com, June 2005

The Ensemble Español company and the Northeastern Illinois University are organizing the twenty-ninth edition of the Chicago American Spanish Dance Festival. Heading the bill will be bailaor Manolete from Granada, who choreographed the production ‘Luna terrestre’ (Terrestrial moon) specially for the occasion. The production will be shown for the first time on 15th, 16th and 17th July, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, as part of the Ensemble Español gala evening entitled ‘Pasión Flamenca’. Juan Mata and Ana González (founder members of the Ballet Nacional de España), Timo Lozano and Edo are also taking part in the show. Flamenco dance courses, a painting exhibition and recitals will also be included in the program of the American festival.

The 2005 American Spanish Dance Festival is conceived as a celebration, that of the twenty-ninth anniversary of the American company Ensemble Español, founded by Dame Libby Komaiko. Thirty-five ballet dancers, cantaores and musicians will coincide on stage as they present the gala show ‘Pasión Flamenca’ on 15th, 16th and 17th July at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Chicago. The flamenco and Spanish dance show will include the première of ‘Luna terrestre’, choreographed by Granada-born dancer Manolete, as well as appearances by Juan Mata, rehearsal instructor at the Ballet Nacional de España, Ana González, formerly first ballerina at the Ballet Nacional de España, Timo Lozano and Edo.

Manolete (Photo: Joe Davis)

Flamenco artists resident in the U.S. like Paco Fonta, Mateo and El Payo get together to offer the concert ‘Duende’ on Thursday 7th July at the Recital Concert Hall of the University of Northeastern Illinois.

But the festival begins with training. Between 8th and 14th July the flamenco, Spanish classical and folk dance workshops will be held. The teaching staff will consist of Dame Libby Komaiko, Manolete, Juan Mata, Ana González, Timo Lozano and Edo. There are also special classes for kids and percussion workshops. The program of parallel activities also includes an exhibition of paintings at the Gala Gallery in Chicago.

magazine@flamenco-world.com