FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: June 7, 2016 Carol Fox & Associates: Ann Fink 773.969.5042 [email protected]

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater And The Department Cultural Affairs And Special Events Present “International Passion: A Discussion Among Master Dancers” At The Cultural Center, Tuesday, June 14

Ballet Chicago Founder and Artistic Director Daniel Duell Moderates Free Discussion by Panel of International Spanish Dance Artists on Chicago’s Important Role in Maintaining Spanish Dance and Music Traditions

CHICAGO – In celebration of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater’s 40th Anniversary, the Ensemble Español and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events proudly present “International Passion: A Panel Discussion” featuring an international roster of leaders in Spanish dance. This free event will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington St. Tuesday, June 14 at 12:15 p.m. Advance reservations are not required. This event is part of the 40th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 8 through Sunday, June 25. For more information about the event www.ensembleespanol.org, or call Josephine DiCesare at (773) 442-5916.

“International Passion: A Panel Discussion” will explore relationship between Spanish dance and other dance styles, as well as Chicago’s singular place as a home for Spanish dance in the United States. The panel will be comprised of Spanish dancers, choreographers and esteemed artists who have a professional relationship with the Ensemble Español and will include Panelists will include Ana Gonzalez and Juan Mata, Founding Members of the National Ballet of Spain; Carlos Rodriguez, Dancer, Choreographer, Founding Member of Nuevo Ballet Español; and, Paloma Gomez, Dancer, Choreographer, and former Principal Dancer with the National Ballet of Spain. (Biographies on speakers and panelists are attached to this release.)

Topics for discussion will include the experiences of working in the United States, how they see Chicago as an important part of maintaining Spanish dance and music traditions, and how cultural exchange helps to preserve traditions at home and in other lands. Welcome remarks will be delivered by Ensemble Español Executive Director Jorge Perez. Dan Duell, founder and artistic director of Ballet Chicago moderates. A question and answer session will follow the discussion.

This program is supported by The Chicago Community Trust, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation International Connections Fund, and Northeastern Illinois University. The Ensemble Español deeply thanks its co-presenter, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for its generous hospitality and support.

The Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater is in residence at Northeastern Illinois University. # # #

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Biographies

Welcome Remarks: Jorge Perez, Executive Director, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater As the executive director of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Jorge Perez’ leadership is marked by the company’s remarkable growth. Since his promotion in 2009, the company’s outreach programs now annually serve over 25,000 students and children, it regularly performs at 100 events throughout the year, and both artistic and administrative teams have more full-time staff than in the past. Jorge participated in such prestigious programs as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Midwest Capacity Building Program, which was led by respected arts professional, Michael Kaiser, and similar programs with Chicago’s Arts and Business Council. In fall 2014, Jorge graduated from the celebrated Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, which provides business leaders and entrepreneurs intensive training in business management. Jorge serves on the board of Audience Architects, and has participated in a variety of panels and cooperative arts programs. He is the recipient of many awards, and he is an honors graduate of Northeastern Illinois University with a B.A. in Speech Communication / Performing Arts, and a Dance minor.

Moderator: Dan Duell, Founder and Artistic Director, Ballet Chicago As a leading proponent of American Classicism, Mr. Duell is dedicated to the advancement of ballet technique in its purest and most energetic from. He is the founder of Ballet Chicago, and works widely with many Chicago dance companies, as well as national institutions. He danced with the between 1972 -1987, under the instruction of George Balanchine. He was named principal dancer in 1979, and danced many leading roles in the ballets of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, and Jacques d’Amboise, among others. He has choreographed for Ballet Chicago, of New York, , Harkness Dance Theatre, The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and The School of the . He was awarded the 2000 Award for the Artistic Direction of The Ballet Chicago Studio Company. He is a frequent lecturer on ballet, music, and the arts, and serves on several boards. He has been adjudicator for the National Endowment of the Arts and The Illinois Arts Council Agency. Mr. Duell taught again for the in preparation for the 2012 Copenhagen performances of major Balanchine/Stravinsky ballets.

Panelist: Ana Gonzalez, Founding Member of the National Ballet of Spain Ms. Gonzalez was born in Sens, France, where she studied classical ballet at Therpcicorettes, under the direction of Lucien Legrand, and Tripolina d’Iatosi of the Comedie Française. Gonzales received a grant to study at the Conservatoire Superieur de Musique de Paris, where she continued her classical ballet studies under the direction of Solange Schwartz, First Dancer and teacher of L’Opera de Paris. Ms. Gonzalez was admitted several years later to Les de Montecarlo. She is a founding member of the National Ballet of Spain (BNE), and continues to work and teach with her husband, Juan Mata.

Panelist: Juan Mata, Founding Member of the National Ballet of Spain Mr. Mata began taking classes with the great master teacher, choreographer and dancer, José Granero at the Amor de Dios studios in Madrid at the age of ten. By 14, he made his debut as a professional dancer in José Greco’s company during the Royal Festival in London. Later, he was awarded a scholarship at New York’s Harkness Ballet. He and his wife, Ana Gonzales, toured the globe, working with many significant artists, and creating new works. In 2003, they set the historic Amor Brujo on the Ensemble Español, and the Alegrias y Jaleos in 2006. Each of these works received critical acclaim.

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Panelist: Paloma Gomez, Dancer and Choreographer Paloma Gómez was born in Málaga, Spain, and started her training at the School of the Ballet Nacional de España (BNE), under the direction of María de Ávila. Later, Ms. Gomez studied classical ballet, contemporary dance, and Spanish dance at the Lola de Ávila School. In 1989, she entered the BNE under the direction of José Antonio, and toured internationally. In 2000, she created her own performance company, De Lunares Danza, which performed throughout Spain, the United Kingdom, Holland, and Venezuela. Ms. Gomez continues to perform, teach and choreograph throughout Spain, Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Panelist: Carlos Rodriguez, Dancer, Choreographer, Founding Member of Nuevo Ballet Español As a co-founder of the highly-acclaimed company, Nuevo Ballet Español, Carlos Rodriguez has received international praise for his remarkable artistry as dancer, performer, and choreographer. With Angel Rojas, Mr. Rodriguez has created a company that presents Spanish dance in fresh and modern contexts without tempering its majesty, passion, and tradition. They have produced original, full-length productions including Gallo de Pelea, NBE x 5, and Fury, which was awarded the First Prize UP for Best Flamenco and Spanish Dance Company. Both from Madrid, Rojas and Rodriguez met when they both won the best dancer award at the 1994 Flamenco Annual Choreography Awards. In 1995, they formed Nuevo Ballet Español and have since produced and created 14 individual productions and worked on many collaborative and commissioned projects.

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Center

Founded by Dame Libby Komaiko, the Ensemble Español is internationaly recognized as the premier center for Spanish dance in the United States. Led by artistic director, Irma Suarez Ruiz and executive director Jorge Perez, the organization is comprised of 40 dancers and musicians who perform, teach, and create works that preserve and present Flamenco, folkloric, classical, and contemporary works that reflect these rich cultural traditions. To date, the organization has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships, trained over 160 young dancers, and presented over 90 professional dancers and musicians. For more information about Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Center visit ensembleespanol.org.

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