Ensemble Español held their Flamenco Holiday Market on Nov. 16 and 17, 2024. Within their building, located by parking lot J, the organization invited several companies such as Rosa Laura, a shop called Homemade Crochet Crafts and The Stoned R & R to come and sell items. Many of the items were handmade, ranging from handmade bath bombs to handmade earrings.
On Saturday, they had several of their dance students perform a routine they were practicing for concerts. The youth section of the dancers moved in a fluid and well-practiced manner, showing their skill and dedication.
The goal of this event was to celebrate Flamenco as well as a way to fundraise for the Ensemble. When talking to Kim Greedsby, the associate executive director of the Ensemble Español, she was overjoyed at the amount of people who attended. “Together we spread the word of the good works of the Ensemble to our community, the donor and funding community both locally and abroad. Just as he [is] enthusiastic about telling the story of Ensemble, I equally want to make sure that we are engaging the donors, patrons and new people we are winning over to support the Ensemble.”
The money earned was to help the youth program specifically. Greensby’s joy with the program was clear as she spoke about Ensemble Español. “The artistry and the dedication of the dancers who commit to rehearsing and performing with some of the world’s best dancers and musicians is just amazing to witness. Being a part of the team that helps to manage all of the behinds-the-scenes logistics allows me to help in an authentic way without having to be an artist myself.”
Ensemble Español helps to teach passionate youth starting at the age of 10, with several types of dance styles of Spanish origin learned. There are two levels of the youth ensemble, with level one of the youth group being open to children who have some dance experience, and level two which requires the student to be at least 16 years old and pass a more rigorous audition. Level two is where the dancers can earn college credit and more professional help.
Ensemble Español has made quite a name for itself. As they enter their 50th season, Greensby said that they were recognized for their skill in the Flamenco. Their skill allowed the ensemble to travel to Spain to perform. This upcoming year, Greensby confirmed the Ensemble will once again perform in Flamenco Passion in 2025.
NEIU students have classes available, which fulfills fine art credits including those needed for the dance minor or for standard gen ed credits, taught by one of the Ensemble Español instructors. The dance program and dance courses at NEIU are open to all students regardless of experience level or course of study. For students who want to minor in dance, the ensemble offers a program to fulfill some of the requirements.
