The Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Youth Company, whose home base is here at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), had the incredible once-in-a lifetime experience of traveling to Spain to study flamenco dancing with Carmela Greco, known as the “soul of flamenco,” as well as with other prominent instructors. The dance company began with a scholarship; given to Dame Libby Komaiko by Jose Greco (Carmela’s father) in the early ‘70s. Now the company provides a number of scholarships to NEIU students to dance with the Youth Company which consists of 18 American school children. Be- cause of the noble leadership of the Dance Company’s Executive Director Jorge Perez, the company was privileged to experience this educational excursion. The education trip involved dancing five hours a day, visits to the National Ballet of Spain, the Prado, the palace, Plaza de Mayor, Parque Retiro, and a visit to Casa Patas. Sara Samuels
and Julia Hinhosa are two of the many teachers responsible for the Youth Company who returned to show off their newfound skills with Monica Saucedo at the Bucktown Arts Fest shortly after their return at the end of August.