The elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased in Ensemble Español's  36th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, June 24.
 
The Festival culminates with three crowd-pleasing Flamenco Passion Gala live music and dance performances featuring world premieres at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077, Friday, June 22 and Saturday June 23 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 24 at 3 p.m.
 
Joining the dancers of Ensemble Español will be guest dancers and choreographers Carmela Greco, daughter of the legendary José Greco, Paloma Gomez, former principal with the National Ballet of Spain and Founder and Artistic Director of De Lunares Danza, Jose Barrios, principal dancer of the Maria Pages Company and David Coria, acclaimed classical and folkloric dancer and former principal of the National Ballet of Spain.
 
The impressive roster of guest singers and musicians will include Flamenco singer Manuel Palacin (Madrid), Flamenco singer and guitarist Paco Fonta (Miami), Venezuelan-born percussionist Javier Saume Mazzei, Flamenco guitarist Scott Mateo Davis and pianist, Juan Antonio Mata (Madrid).

Tickets are $26-$46. Free parking is available. For tickets, call 847-673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org.

For information about the company email Ensemble-Espanol@neiu.edu