Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, marks its 45th Season August 2020 – July 2021. The season titled “Zafiro Flamenco (Sapphire Flamenco): New Era, New Works, New Legacies” will feature new partnerships, new works, virtual programs plus a new $300,000 anonymous matching grant opportunity with total potential earnings of $1 million.  “Sheltering in place has brought out new creativeness and collaborative spirit from our dancers and staff. It’s like we are warriors fighting with added passion for established projects and inspiration for new projects as we fight to stand strong and build bridges of understanding during these uncertain times” says Ensemble Español Artistic Director Irma Suárez Ruiz. 

Ensemble Español’s 45 Season features new monumental collaboration between Chicago Public Schools and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) where they will be offering dual enrollment Spanish Dance classes for the Honors program and creating a global curriculum for all CPS schools to follow to offer Spanish Dance.   Ensemble Español has also created an exciting new educational program, the United Rhythms Youth Fusion Project. For this program, Ensemble Español, Eafon & Muntu African Dance Company are collaborating on a Flamenco dance cross cultural exchange showcasing the similarities of the Spanish Flamenco culture and the percussive styles of African and African American dance. To catch the full list of performances this season, visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org.