Guillermo Leyva trained at the Professional School of Arts in Camaguey, Cuba. After graduating, he began dancing professionally at the Ballet de Camaguey under Fernando Alonso's direction. He joined this company for 11 years as a principal dancer, where he played several classic roles. Later he danced for 3 years with the Ballet de Monterrey in Mexico, under Ann Marie D’ Angelo, Fernando Alonso, and Fernando Bujones' direction. He also danced as a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Lexington Ballet, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Illinois Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet de Santiago, Chile, and Ballet Royal de Wallonie, Belgium. He is the co-artistic director of Alma Dance Theater.

Guillermo has coached students for the Youth America Grand Prix Regionals and Finals, resulting in his students placing and winning in both the junior and senior divisions. He was awarded Outstanding Teacher in 2014 at the Youth America Grand Prix Indianapolis Regional.

Guillermo was born in a very poor and dangerous place, and his parents decided to send him to the art school in order to obtain a better education and a better future for him. Guillermo will be always grateful for whparents parent did because it made him what he is today.

Guillermo’s dream as a child was to direct his own classical ballet company and be a successful choreographer. He also dreams of having his own art ballet school to help children with low incomes get off the streets and become professional dancers. One of his goals is to keep giving students all his knowledge and experience, which he has always done with deep love.