WHEATON – A pair of professional dancers are hoping to bring high-level ballet to Wheaton.

Guillermo Leyva and Vilma Machin, married Cuban immigrants and long-time Chicago ballet dancers, opened Alma Dance School on Sept. 2 at 246 E. Geneva Road.

The two said they chose Wheaton, not only because they enjoyed the suburbs and hoped to move in the near future, but because they thought there was a void of high-quality, professional ballet lessons in the area.

"We teach a Cuban style of dance, and it's a very good and strong program," Leyva said. "It takes from every style in the world – France, opera, Parisian ballet, American ... And it has medical research on muscles on how to work to avoid injury."

Leyva said they have about 22 students, but hope to grow quickly and hold classes throughout the day for all levels – in particular those who are serious about the craft.

"We're willing to work with every kid – everyone has potential," Machin said. "It's about the individual student, and we try to get the best out of them."

Both Leyva and Machin started their dancing careers in Cuba before age 10.

Machin said her experience growing up makes her a better teacher. She wasn't a natural dancer, she remembers, and when an instructor tried to push her to be ready for an entrance exam, she tore her hamstring at age 9 and went through a grueling year of rehab to get her flexibility back.

But for her, the work was welcome, even on days when all her family had to eat was water and sugar in the mornings.

"In that room, nothing else mattered," she said. "Hearing the music and dancing made me alive ... The minute or two minutes on stage are everything."

Eventually a teacher noticed her efforts and took her under her wing.

"She really made a difference and helped build my confidence," Machin said. "She said that 'If you want this and you are willing to work, you can do this.'"

Machin eventually left Cuba for a chance at a better life. She lived in Mexico, before coming to the U.S. Now the two hope to pass that message of perseverance on to their students.

They are glad to be opening a studio together. Machin said her husband is usually the more lighthearted teacher, while she is the tough one.

"I do expect a lot, but our kids are fine with that because I challenge them," she said.

Though they cater to dancers of all skills, ages and commitments, students must attend at least two classes per week.

"It's hard if you want to be a dancer, and very hard for the kids," Machin said. "But you get better and better if you work, and we want to give them the best training every day."

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Meet Alma's owners

Guillermo Leyva has taught for more than 30 years and has danced with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, as well as served as the principal dancer at the Illinois Ballet.

Vilma Machin was formerly with the Alma Dance Company and has danced with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and the Cuban National Ballet Company. She has also taught at the Cuban National Ballet School and the Academy of Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami.

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Know more

For more information on Alma Dance School, visit www.almadanceschool.com or call 630-580-9784.