Dame Libby Komaiko created and founded the Ensemble Español in 1976. After performing at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, in 1974, in accompaniment with concert pianist and mother, Dorothy Komaiko, she became the University’s artist in residence. Two years later she created the Ensemble with five Northeastern students. Today the company trains and houses 43 dancers. Dame Libby passed away on Feb. 2, 2019. She inspired and changed the lives of countless dancers, students, and Spanish dance aficionados.
To honor her legacy and memory, the Ensemble has renamed its fund The Dame Libby Komaiko Legacy Fund for Ensemble Español. The fund will support the same initiatives that meant so much to Dame Libby and will ensure that her wish for the Ensemble to continue to bring the passion of Spanish dance to all will be honored.
Your contributions will continue to support:
- Establishing the company as a full-time professional performance company
- Supporting the Youth Company, apprentices, scholarship and endowment programs
- The American Spanish Dance and Music Festival, featuring world-renowned artists and musicians
- Production of the annual Holiday Family Concerts at Northeastern Illinois University
- Increasing the educational programming of the company
- and much more!
Dame Libby Komaiko – In Loving Memory Tribute
April 27th 2019 at Northeastern Illinois University
