Alma Dance Theater, NFP

Introduction / Overview

For discerning dance enthusiasts and aspiring performers across Illinois, particularly in the western suburbs of Chicago, Alma Dance Theater, NFP (Non-For-Profit) stands as a beacon of classical ballet excellence. More than just a dance school, Alma Dance Theater encompasses a professional performing company and a highly regarded dance academy, Alma Dance School, offering an unparalleled level of training and artistic expression. Founded by a passionate husband-and-wife team of former principal dancers, Vilma Machin and Guillermo Leyva, Alma Dance Theater is committed to honoring the rich history of ballet while simultaneously pushing its potential through creative and unique productions. Their mission is to create unique dance performances with the highest standards and to inspire people of all ages to experience and enjoy the beauty of classical ballet. With a strong emphasis on the renowned Cuban method of ballet training, Alma Dance Theater provides a rigorous yet nurturing environment where students from ages four and up can develop the strong, healthy foundations required for a lifetime of dance, whether for pure enjoyment or aspiring to a professional career. Their annual productions, like the beloved "Nutcracker" and the "Simply Classic Series," showcase the culmination of their students' hard work, often featuring international professional dancers alongside their talented students, truly elevating the performing arts experience in the Illinois community.

Location and Accessibility

Alma Dance Theater, NFP is conveniently located at 999 N Main St Suite 108, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, USA. This central location in Glen Ellyn makes it easily accessible for families and individuals residing throughout DuPage County and the wider western suburbs of Chicago. Communities such as Wheaton, Lombard, Downers Grove, and Carol Stream are all within a reasonable driving distance, benefiting from straightforward routes to the studio. North Main Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring ease of access for drop-offs and pick-ups. Ample parking is typically available at such commercial suites, adding to the convenience for parents and students arriving for classes and rehearsals. Glen Ellyn is a charming and well-connected community, making Alma Dance Theater, NFP a practical and desirable choice for anyone in the Illinois region seeking a professional and accessible environment for high-caliber ballet instruction and performance opportunities. Its location allows it to serve a broad demographic of aspiring dancers and arts patrons from various local communities.

Services Offered

• Cuban Method Ballet Training: Specializes in the renowned Cuban method of ballet, providing a highly detailed and focused approach to classical ballet technique, led by award-winning principal dancers and licensed teachers of this method.
• Pre-Professional Division: A premier, select-only program for highly motivated students aged 6-18, designed to foster the technical and artistic abilities necessary for a professional career in dance, offering rigorous weekly schedules in ballet, conditioning, pointe/pre-pointe, and contemporary/modern.
• Dance Division: Geared towards students who want to dance for pure enjoyment, offering fun yet challenging classes from award-winning teachers, with students participating in performances.
• Youth Company: Provides exceptional ballet dancers aged 14-19 with advanced classical training, technique perfection, and artistry development, preparing them for professional careers and offering opportunities to work with professional artists in main-stage productions.
• Annual Nutcracker Production: A much-loved magical holiday performance featuring acclaimed international ballet stars, professional actors, Alma Dance School's students, and special guest stars from their special needs program.
• Simply Classic Series Productions: An extraordinary end-of-year performance and professionally curated classical ballet production, paying homage to their annual Nutcracker and showcasing all talented dancers alongside professionals.
• Guidance for Competitions: Provides guidance and training for students preparing for prestigious competitions like the World Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix, and Prix de Lausanne.
• Trial Classes: Offers prospective students the opportunity to experience a class before committing to enrollment.
• Adult Classes: While the primary focus is pre-professional and youth, Alma Dance School aims to offer high-quality dance lessons for all ages and aspirations.

Features / Highlights

• Distinguished Cuban Method Ballet Training: A core highlight, setting them apart as Chicagoland's only studio specializing in this highly effective and internationally recognized ballet methodology, led by expert, award-winning instructors Guillermo Leyva and Vilma Machin.
• Professional Performing Company: Alma Dance Theater, NFP is not just a school; it's a non-profit professional dance organization that stages high-quality classical and new ballets, often integrating diverse musical styles like Latin, jazz, gospel, and blues to broaden appeal.
• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: Students, even at various levels, have unique opportunities to perform alongside acclaimed international ballet stars and professional dancers in large-scale productions like "The Nutcracker" and the "Simply Classic Series."
• Proven Track Record of Success: The Pre-Professional Division has a highly successful history of launching careers, with students gaining recognition and scholarships to renowned international ballet schools and companies (e.g., American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet).
• Expert and Passionate Founders/Teachers: Led by former Cuban principal dancers Guillermo Leyva and Vilma Machin, who bring extensive professional experience, deep knowledge, and a genuine love for their students, fostering growth in both technique and confidence.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond rigorous technical training, Alma Dance School emphasizes developing the whole person, nurturing talents and strengths unique to each student, including focus, discipline, and self-esteem.
• Inclusive Performance: Notable for including children from their special needs program as guest stars in major productions like "The Nutcracker," demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and community joy.
• Community Engagement: Through its productions and outreach, Alma Dance Theater aims to broaden public interest in classical ballet and inspire people of all ages to experience and appreciate its beauty.

Contact Information

For those in Illinois eager to learn more about the world-class ballet training and performance opportunities at Alma Dance Theater, NFP in Glen Ellyn, connecting with them is straightforward. You can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 999 N Main St Suite 108, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, USA

Phone: (630) 580-9784

Mobile Phone: +1 630-580-9784

We encourage prospective students, families, and patrons of the arts to contact Alma Dance Theater, NFP directly to inquire about class schedules, audition processes, performance dates, or any other questions regarding their exceptional programs. The dedicated team will be happy to assist you in becoming part of their vibrant dance community.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Illinois residents, particularly those in Glen Ellyn and the surrounding western suburbs of Chicago, Alma Dance Theater, NFP, offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching opportunity for ballet education and appreciation. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to providing world-class ballet training rooted in the esteemed Cuban method, a unique offering in the Chicagoland area. This ensures that students receive a strong, healthy foundation in classical technique, taught by renowned former principal dancers who are truly passionate about their craft. Locals seeking a serious pre-professional track for their children will find Alma Dance School's rigorous curriculum and proven success in placing students in top international programs to be invaluable. However, it's not exclusively for aspiring professionals; the "Dance Division" ensures that students dancing for pure enjoyment also receive high-quality instruction and performance opportunities. The chance for students to perform alongside professional international dancers in major productions like "The Nutcracker" and the "Simply Classic Series" is a truly unique and inspiring highlight for any local family. Beyond the stage, the nurturing environment fostered by the dedicated founders, Vilma and Guillermo, ensures that students develop not only as dancers but as confident, disciplined individuals. The studio's accessible location in Glen Ellyn makes it a convenient choice for families across DuPage County. For anyone in Illinois who values artistic excellence, dedicated instruction, and the transformative power of classical ballet, Alma Dance Theater, NFP, provides an unparalleled local resource that promises to inspire and elevate the art of dance within the community.

Alma Dance Theater, NFP

999 N Main St Suite 108, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, USA