Libby Komaiko

Libby Ann Komaiko (June 30, 1949 – February 2, 2019) was an American classical dancer and educator, whose career spanned 50 years in culturally specific art, dance, and education. She is the founder of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater in residence at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois.

Early life Born in Chicago to Dorothy, a concert pianist and educator, and Robert, a music educator who served as the fine arts coordinator at Kaplan Jewish Community Center, Libby Komaiko's passion for dance began at the age of nine after seeing a performance of The Nutcracker. She began her dance training with Elisa Stigler at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University. At 18, after an invitation to audition for a scholarship, Komaiko earned the opportunity to train and perform with the legendary Jose Greco's Spanish Dance Company.

Career Komaiko put aside her dream of being on Broadway and continued to commit herself to Spanish dance. She studied in Spain and the U.S. with Maria Alba, Nana Lorca, Lola Montes, José Greco, and Edo, as well as her partner for several years, Roberto Lorca. Teaching ballet, modern dance, and creative movement across Chicago, Komaiko became part of the Artists in Residence program at Northeastern Illinois University in 1974. Eventually advancing from instructor to full professorship, Komaiko (B.A. ’78 University Without Walls)

Komaiko retired from dancing in 1994. She died on February 2, 2019, at the age of 69.

Honors Lazo de Dama, Order of Isabella the Catholic (1983) Ruth Page Award (2003) International Latino Cultural Center Lifetime Achievement Award (2004) Legacy Award from Audience Architects Northeastern Illinois University Distinguished Alumni Award (2016)