Libby Komaiko, American dancer, choreographer, educator. Recipient Lazo de Dama de la Orden de Isabel Louisiana Católica, Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, 1982 (1st American artist to receive the decoration); Alumni Merit award Northeastern Illinois University, 1983; National Education Association fellow, 1980, 83; Illinois Arts Council fellow, 1984, 87; Chicago Office on Fine Arts fellow, 1985-1987. Member Chicago Dance Arts Coalition (board directors 1983-1986).
Background
Komaiko, Libby was born on June 30, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Daughter of Robert and Dorothy Komaiko. Bachelor of Arts, Northeastern Illinois University, 1978. Scholar, dancer José Greco Spanish Dance Company, United States of America, 1968-1969.
Education
Dancer Lola Montes Spanish Dance Company, United States of America, 1976. Member of faculty/dance program department music Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, 1975. Founder, director Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Chicago, 1976, American Spanish DanceFestival, 1980.
Founder, director, choreographer Junior Ensemble Español, 1985, All City Junior Ensemble Español, 1985.
Master teacher Illinois Arts Council Apprenticeship Program, 1986. Choreographer: Ben Amor, 1980, Concerto in Doctorate, 1982-1983, Era del Romance, 1983, Ilusiones, 1983, Canciones de Garciá Lorca, 1983, Ecos de España, 1983, Noches en Los Jardines de España, 1984, El Albaicin, 1985, Memorias de Vidas Gitanas, 1985, Ensuerios y Sombras de Amor, 1988, Tiempos de Goya,1990, over 50 others
Career
Artist to receive the decoration).
Membership
Member Chicago Dance Arts Coalition (board directors 1983-1986).