Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in Lake Zurich, IL
Denise Sabala Dance Studios has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Lake Zurich area for over 45 years. Founded by Executive Artistic Director Denise Sabala, our studio combines decades of industry experience with a staff of highly qualified instructors holding advanced degrees in dance. We are home to the award-winning Denise Sabala Dance Company (DSDC), which has performed in prestigious events like the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our mission focuses on developing well-rounded dancers prepared for professional careers in dance, theater, and media, with alumni achieving success in companies, films, and Broadway productions. Offering comprehensive training from preschool to adult levels, we specialize in styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop.Private lessons and competitive team opportunities further enhance our students' growth. With locations across Illinois, we maintain a legacy of excellence while adapting to evolving dance trends. Our structured curriculum ensures technical mastery through progressive class levels, and our commitment to community engagement is reflected in annual recitals and outreach programs. This enduring dedication to quality instruction and artistic development solidifies our reputation as a trusted leader in dance education.
Services
Ballet
Pointe
Hip Hop
Jazz
Lyrical
Contemporary
Musical Theater
Tap
Tumbling
Private Lessons
Highlights and features
- We offer 45 years of proven expertise in dance education
- Our staff includes degree-holding instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- Award-winning choreography recognized in national competitions
- Alumni have achieved careers in Broadway, film, and professional dance companies
- Comprehensive training from preschool to advanced levels in 10+ dance styles
What people say
Award-winning choreography
Experienced instructors
Comprehensive training
Competitive teams
45-year legacy
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program builds foundational technique through barre and center floor work. Students develop proper alignment, turnout, and grace while learning classical repertoire. Classes emphasize musicality and artistry alongside technical precision. This training prepares dancers for advanced pointe work and professional performance opportunities.
Hip Hop
Contemporary hip hop classes teach urban dance styles seen in music videos and pop culture. Instructors focus on isolations, rhythm, and freestyle expression while maintaining technical discipline. Students learn current trends and develop performance confidence through choreographed routines that emphasize individual style.
Jazz
Jazz classes combine technical training with dynamic performance elements. Students master turns, leaps, and complex combinations while developing strength and flexibility. The curriculum integrates Broadway-style jazz and modern trends, preparing dancers for musical theater and competition settings.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance merges ballet technique with emotional storytelling. Classes focus on fluid movement quality and interpretive expression through music. Dancers learn to connect technical skills with narrative performance, creating compelling stage presentations that showcase both artistry and control.
Private Lessons
Customized private instruction available for all dance styles. Sessions target individual goals including competition preparation, audition coaching, or skill refinement. Personalized attention accelerates technical development while fostering artistic growth in a focused learning environment.
People
Denise Sabala
Executive Artistic Director
With 45 years of experience, Denise Sabala founded the studio after performing at Great America. She choreographs award-winning works and directs the dance company, mentoring students toward professional careers while maintaining active involvement in local theater productions.
Alvin Ramirez
Hip Hop Instructor
A former MTV show finalist, Alvin brings professional performance experience from Las Vegas shows and collaborations with major recording artists. He teaches hip hop technique while mentoring youth in the Chicagoland area.
Brian Enos
Choreographer
With 24 years of experience, Brian has worked with renowned companies like Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He teaches master classes internationally and brings expertise in contemporary choreography to our advanced students.
Tatum Lang
Dance Educator
A University of Iowa graduate, Tatum combines BFA training with professional performance experience in Chicago. She focuses on creating supportive learning environments that emphasize both technical growth and personal expression.
Vanessa Urbn
Hip Hop Specialist
A former competitive dancer with Xtreme Dance Force, Vanessa holds a Master's in Higher Education. She combines 10+ years of competitive team experience with academic expertise to develop well-rounded dance students.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling for ages 3-12 with age-appropriate combination classes.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, our award-winning Denise Sabala Dance Company (DSDC) competes nationally and performs in major events.
Are adult dance classes available?
We offer adult ballet and jazz classes - contact the studio for current schedule and availability.
What performance opportunities exist?
Annual recitals, local theater collaborations, and competitive team performances provide regular showcase opportunities.
How are class levels determined?
Placement considers technical ability, experience, and instructor evaluation to ensure proper skill development progression.
Do you offer private dance lessons?
Yes, personalized private instruction is available for all dance styles by appointment with our instructors.
