About DanzAlma Academy
DanzAlma Academy was born from a lifetime devoted to dance, artistry, and education. Its founder, Yasmany Hechavarría, began his journey in Cuba, graduating from the prestigious Vocational School of Arts “Alfonso Pérez Isaac” in Classical Ballet in 2000. He went on to earn his Dance Instructor diploma at the “René Fraga Moreno” School of Art, and later graduated with honors as Valedictorian from the Juan Marinello Superior Pedagogic Institute with a Bachelor of Education in Dance Instruction.
From the very beginning, Yasmany’s career blended performance with teaching. He worked as a Ballet, Modern Dance and Technical Improvisation instructor, choreographer, and artistic director across Cuba, while performing Contemporary, Afro‑Cuban, Cuban Traditional Dances, and Cuban Cabaret with renowned companies such as Danza Espiral, Danza Corpus, and CubaLights. His artistry was recognized with multiple awards for choreography and interpretation, and his leadership extended to serving on Cuba’s Provincial Commission as adjudicator for Musical Shows.
In 2014, Yasmany founded the first DanzAlma Academy based in Cárdenas, Cuba, where he trained students from ages 3 to 21 in ballet, traditional dances, and modern dance. His vision was clear: to create a space where dance was not only taught at a professional level, but where creativity, discipline, and community could flourish.
After relocating to Canada, Yasmany continued performing with companies such as Kashe Dance and Newton Moraes Brazilian Dance Theatre, while teaching ballet, acro, jazz, Latin and modern dance in Mississauga. His passion for education and choreography inspired him to establish DanzAlma Academy in Mississauga, bringing his international experience and Cuban heritage to a new generation of dancers.
From Cuba to Canada, Yasmany’s journey has been defined by loyalty to the art form, devotion to his students, and a vision of dance as a transformative force. Today, DanzAlma Academy stands as a vibrant hub for the performing arts—where every dancer is inspired to grow, every class builds character, and every performance celebrates the freedom of expression.