Fairmont Spanish Dancers History

Founded in 1972 by Libby Lubinger, The Fairmount Spanish Dance Company- directed by Sandi Bohl- shares the tradition of this dance style through community performances, residencies, and lecture/demonstrations.

From the surprising Celtic flavor of Northern Galicia, to the energetic Jotas of Aragón, down to the complex, driving rhythms of flamenco from Andalusia, Fairmount Spanish Dancers bring the infinite variety of Spain’s music and dance to audiences all over northeast Ohio. Guitar, percussion, Palmas and song inspire the dancers.

The Fairmount Spanish Dancers offer exciting and colorful activities that appeal to all ages and reflect the rich culture and history of Spain. Through demonstrations and classes they present the rhythms, music, basic dance steps, brief introduction to castaneting and Palmas (clapping), and costumes of each region. At the close of a residency, they offer lecture/demonstration/performance with student participation. The company, founded in 1972 by Libby Lubinger, performs classical flamenco and regional dances from Spain along with some Latin American pieces. Fairmount Spanish Dancers have performed throughout Ohio.

Libby Mila Lubinger, founder of the Fairmount Spanish Dancers, is a native of Brooklyn, New York, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College. She studied ballet and Spanish dance with Charlotte Steinberg and Lola Bravoi and performed in New York City before moving to Cleveland in 1969. Libby taught at the Fairmount Center since its opening in 1970. She studied Spanish dance with such distinguished artists as Estelle Steinberg, Pascual Olivera, María Alba, José Greco, Nana Lorca, Teodoro Morca, La Conja, Ciro, La Cintia, Ramon Barrul, Carlota Santana and Ilisa Rosal. She attended flamenco workshops with Ethan Margolis, Cihtli Ocampo, Marija Temo and Ulrika Frank. Libby choreographed extensively for the company and served as the Fairmount Center’s Dance Director since 1972. In addition, she taught flamenco at the School of Cleveland Ballet and at the Cleveland School of Dance. In 1990, Libby received the Cervantes Award from Cleveland State University for her contribution to Spanish culture.

Milestones

1969
Libby Mila Lubinger moved from New York City to Cleveland.
1970
Fairmount Center opened, Libby taught from the opening.
1972
Libby Lubinger became the Fairmount Center's Dance Director.
1972
Libby Lubinger, founder and artistic director of Fairmount Spanish Dancers are based at The Fairmount Center.
1990
Libby Lubinger received the Cervantes Award from Cleveland State University for her contribution to Spanish culture.