Flamenco Passion l by Sofia Ivanova

Chicago - November 4, 2004 - Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University

For their 28th Anniversary Celebration and 3rd season at the Auditorium Theatre, Ensemble Espanol was once again in top form for their Ole! "Spain in America" presentation.

Led by Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater, she is also the Professor of Dance in the Music Department/Dance Program at Northeastern Illinois University.

Act I started with Tiempos De Goya. As Francisco de Goya's paintings flashed in the background, the dancers interpreted them to music. Goya's paintings are so powerful as he painted the life of the times. From the common man to the aristocrats, and to the war with Napolean.

Four of the pieces of Act I were dedicated to him starting with Pinturas del Parque (Pictures in the Park), Retratos de la Corte (Portraits of the Court), Desastres de Gierra (Disaster of War), and Oracion (Prayer). The Disaster of War Piece was especially grim as the dancers were crying for their loved ones and dragging the dead away. A very dramatic performance that hit close to home for many in the audience.

Next came Clavos Y Canela (Siguiriyas), which had the Flamenco singer and musicians on stage as the dancers performed. This is a very taxing piece for the singer and musicians as they put their heart and soul into this sad and very serious song.

The final presentation was Costumbres Valencianas (Folkloric), an upbeat piece about the celebration and fiesta held every Spring in Valencia to honor San Jose.

Act II was all "Flamenco Passion!" The five presentations included Aires de Caribe (Guajiras), Una Obra De Arte (Farruca), Con La Pasion (Tangos), Sendero (Alegrias) Premiere, and the finale - Maurice Ravel's Bolero. It is such magnificent music and the dancers performed it so beautifully, they flowed to it as the music builds so did their choreography until the two became intertwined. They reached the ultimate goal, the dancers became one with the music. A wonderful ending to a wonderful show.

If you haven't been to a Flamenco show before, I highly recommend that you experience the highly talented dancers of Ensemble Espanol at their next engagement.