Katrina Bartels

A Chicagoan since birth, Katrina “Katie” Bartels began Spanish dance at age 11 in the Ensemble Español community workshop classes with the help of her brother, who danced with the youth company for four years. 

In 2012, she saw “Bolero” by Dame Libby Komaiko performed at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and the purpose of her life was forever altered by that magical experience. The next year, she was accepted into the Ensemble Español Youth Company, which was taught by Sara Samuels (and later by Crystal Ruiz and Monica Saucedo). 

Katie was in the Youth Company for 8 years. She was promoted to apprentice with the Ensemble Español in 2021, and to company dancer in 2023.

Katie is honored to have worked with Irma Suarez-Ruiz, as well as such prestigious dancers as José Barrios, Carmela Greco, Paloma Gomez, Raquel Gomez, Antonio Najarro, and Jose Torres throughout her journey with Ensemble Español.