Ensemble Español Dame Libby Komaiko
Spanish Dance Theater Founder & Artistic Director
In-Residence  
Northeastern Illinois University  

Support the Ensemble

"Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Guarantee the Future"

January 15, 2008

Dear Friend,

I am writing to you today, to wish you a wonderful and happy new year and in this spirit to thank you for your support, generosity and friendship to our beloved Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater over the past three decades. ¡Gracias!

I too experience and embrace the personal fulfillment of freely contributing my time and resources to this most extraordinary institution of artists who everyday strive to attain and live their dreams. They share a passion for hard work, discipline and heartfelt commitment to cultural diversity along with the highest level of artistic performance for you, our audiences and our communities, knowing that you share their dreams too.

For this upcoming 2008-09 season, we are currently preparing to showcase and perform in
  • New York for the 51st anniversary of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters Showcase
  • We have also been invited to China in September 2008 (at the time of the Olympics) for an artistic/cultural exchange tour of three cities
  • We are working to move forward with efforts to continue our expansive ongoing community outreach programs (school residencies, classes, workshops and performances)
  • Annual International American Spanish Dance Festival, June 2008
  • Performances & residencies throughout the U.S. under the auspices of HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities- U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, Portugal and Spain)
However, all of these programs which involve dancer's salaries, training, scholarships for apprentices and Youth Company dancers are on "hold" due to the lack of funding, production costs and staff support.

In 1974, I first attended a solo concert performance of Libby Komaiko (with musicians) at Northeastern Illinois University. I was amazed! She then came to me with her dream, her idea, written on a single piece of paper asking for my help.
"¡Si! - of course I will help…dreamers build society." Thus, the "seed" was planted.
The Ensemble Español began with 5 dancers, a pianist, (Libby's mother, Dorothy) and a guitarist. Today, this "seed" is hailed as "Chicago's International Dance Jewel".

Thanks to YOU the Ensemble Español is:
  • America's Premiere Center for Spanish Dance and Music
  • Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater; full company of 40 professional dancers, singers, instrumentalists and a magnificent choreographic roster of 120 + works
  • Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company - serving as the training sector to the professional company
  • Libby Komaiko is now Dame Libby Komaiko, the first American artist in United States history to be decorated with the Lazo de Dama de Orden de Isabel la Católica - "Ribbon of the Dame"- Spain's highest honor by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain in 1983
  • We possess the premiering uniqueness of a partnership and professional university residency spanning three decades with Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, as well as complete classical, folkloric, and Flamenco academic, scholarship and diverse community outreach programs
Now, sadly, I must tell you that for the first time in our 31 year history we have cancelled our annual December Holiday "Flamenco Passion" evening concerts, and we will not be taking part in this year's Chicago Flamenco Festival due to devastating financial cutbacks. This sobering fact is threatening the existence of our Ensemble Español.

Funding for the fine arts and education has become scarce. Programs and grants have been severely diminished and some completely eliminated. I can not imagine life in our city, nationally and throughout the Americas without our unparalleled Ensemble Español, without our "Cultural Treasure".

The uniquely exquisite concert performances, extraordinary and diverse educational and community outreach programs, expansive scholarship programs for young apprentice dancers and to our Youth Company dancers, and even our annual international American Spanish Dance Festival are

ALL IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY.

We need the help of our friends. We depend on the generosity of our friends. We need you. Your tax deductible donation, at whatever level you give, will be greatly appreciated.

Amigo/a, Friend ____ $30 - $249
Contributor____ $250 - $4,999

We also offer various Sponsorship opportunities with attractive donor benefits

Sponsor ____ $5,000 - $50,000 and up.

We ask that you join us, and help us, however you can. Your donation, at whatever amount you can afford, will make a big difference. Your support has always meant a great deal to the dedicated artists of the Ensemble.

And...there is an additional way that you can help us. We are beginning a "Heritage Circle" in our efforts to continue for the next 30 years. If you have the time, talent, and desire to join one of our newest committees, please contact us. We are anxious to talk with you and hopefully to welcome you further into our Ensemble Español community.

The Ensemble's unique historical legacy is the ultimate testament of our astonishing pioneering voyage. "Paso-a-paso," step by step, together we will continue on our positive and important journey.

Please say "yes". Be as generous as you can. Thank you for giving and helping us to

Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and
Guarantee the Future of the Ensemble Español.


Gratefully,


Dr. Angelina Pedroso
President, Board of Directors
Ensemble Español
Associate Professor
Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures
Northeastern Illinois University
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All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law and will be acknowledged by a receipt letter.