Our Staff

Melba Huber
Melba Huber
Melba Huber is president of Melba's Inc., a world-class dance studio in McAllen, Texas that has been in business more than 50 years. Melba’s houses six dance studios, a preschool gym and a dance apparel store. She is the founder of McAllen Dance Theatre Company that performs every February at the McAllen Civic Center.
 
In addition to dance, Melba is introduced as the world’s most published writer of tap dancing and conducts panels in New York and St. Louis each year. Melba was on the cover of Dancer Magazine announcing the online gift of her tap columns at MelbasDance.com and is in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who in Education.
 
Melba was honored by the St. Louis Tap Festival with the Savion Glover Award and later by Savion at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and by Tradition In Tap in New York. Oklahoma City University presented Huber an award for over 50 years of contribution to the arts as a dance teacher. Huber was the first person outside of New York City to be presented the New York Flo-Bert Award in 1996 at Lincoln Center for "life achievement in improving the art and skill of the tap dancer."
 
The Texas Senate recognized Huber in 1997 for contributions to dance by presenting her the Texas state flag. Among her many credits: the National Health and Physical Education Association's Plaudit Award, past president of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing, four-member panel for Texas Dance History for Houston's Greater Tap Gathering, member of the year award from the South Texas chapter of Dance Masters of America and a 50-year award, OCU Preservation of Our Heritage American Dance Award, Woman of Distinction Award by the Detroit Tap Festival and Dance Council Award in Dallas.
 
Melba’s former students are everywhere: two are currently performing on Broadway; one is a Rockette; two are in charge of Theatre dance at two major universities; some are directors of dance in fitness; others have gone on to run their own studios and gyms.
 
Melba Huber is a conservator of American dance in the truest sense of the word.
 
 
julie.jpg
Julie (Doyle) Wilson
Julie is the director of Melba’s School of Dancing.  She also serves as the preschool director and the artistic director and choreographer of McAllen Dance Theatre. She has been in charge of advanced programs for 7 years with specialties in ballet, pointe, tap and jazz. She was a dance major at Oklahoma City University and has a bachelor of Arts and Science in English with honors. Julie has been a student and faculty member at Melba’s for 20 years. Her continuing education includes:  member of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and the International Tap Association. She receives scholarships annually to the St. Louis Tap Festival and to two annual events for  Tradition In Tap in New York. While in New York, twice a year, she attends classes for her continuing dance education in all subjects. Her choreographic talents match Broadway levels in the advanced classes, and she is equally skilled in the preschool levels that she loves.

 
 

 

 
Victoria
Victoria Chappel
Victoria has been a part of Melba's as a student and faculty member for the last 18 years and serves as the developmental tap director. Victoria can simply do it all and can't wait to go to New York every year for new classes and ideas for her Melba's classes. She is a unique dancer who excels in all dance forms. She currently attends Pan American University. Victoria is a new member of The Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and made a perfect score on her examination. We are proud of her.
alyssa.jpg
Alyssa Thomas

Alyssa is the director of hip hop at Melba's. She has been a student and faculty member for 7 years.  Her choreography is amazing in hip-hop. It has the feeling of the street dance, but with a classy  tone resulting from her choice of music and movement. Alyssa currently attends the University of Texas Pan American, where she is majoring in English.

Bailey Smith

Bailey Smith

Bailey is the head instructor for Preschool Funk, a creative movement fun class at Melba's. She also teaches preschool classes and assists with other dance classes. Bailey was a member of the McAllen Dance Theatre Company for five years and was recognized in jazz at the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing by the teachers. She had a role in the ballet, Napoli, her senior year.


MELBA'S RETAIL DANCE STORE STAFF


 
   
delilah.jpg
Delilah Alviar
  Delilah Alviar has been a key member of the retail staff at Melba’s for 12 years. She has an excellent creative eye and serves as the merchandiser at Melba’s. Delilah’s other attributes include the expert fitting of dance attire and footwear. Delilah is now a tap student at Melba's!

 

 

(photo to come)

Mary Janell Leos

 

 

  Mary Janell Leos is the newest faculty member of Melba's Dance Store having been there for six years. She is a versatile person who helps accomplish anything that needs to be done. She attends South Texas College.
ernie.jpg
Ernie Madero
  Ernie Madero has been in charge of maintenance at Melba's for 20 years, and keeps an eye on all the kids who wait for their parents. He serves as the night watchman and sees that anyone leaving late gets to their cars safely. He helps with many things at the civic center and assists with stage set-up and floor management.

 

You are here: Staff

Melba's School of Dance -- 2100 N 10th Street McAllen TX 78501 -- 956-686-1411

Melba's Dance Wear Store Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Closed Fridays and Sundays

Copyright 2010 by Melba's Inc