The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, under the artistic leadership of Artistic Drector Irma Suarez-Ruiz and Executive Director Jorge Perez, is the premier Spanish Dance Company and Center in the United States in-residence at Northeastern Illinois University’s Department of Music and Dance. The company’s mission is the preservation, presentation and promotion of the classical, folkloric, flamenco and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain. The Ensemble Español, founded in 1976 by Dame Libby, is comprised of 40 dancers, singers, musicians and guest artists.