Business Details
50 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Lake Zurich, IL
Denise Sabala Dance Studios (DSDS) has served the Lake Zurich area for over 45 years, offering comprehensive dance education through a team of highly qualified instructors with professional backgrounds and degrees in diverse dance styles. Founded by Executive Artistic Director Denise Sabala, the studio cultivates well-rounded dancers prepared for careers in performance, theater, and media, with alumni achieving success in professional dance companies, Broadway productions, and television. The studio houses the award-winning Denise Sabala Dance Company (DSDC), which performs nationally and participates in high-profile events like the McDonalds Thanksgiving Day Parade.With locations across Illinois, DSDS emphasizes technical excellence, artistic expression, and lifelong skills through structured programs for students aged 3 to adult. The curriculum includes ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, hip hop, and tumbling, with specialized classes for competitive teams and private lessons. The studios mission combines rigorous training with a supportive environment, fostering discipline, creativity, and confidence in students at all levels.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Musical Theater
Lyrical
Tap
Tumbling
Combo Classes
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 45 years of excellence in dance education with experienced instructors
- Award-winning competitive dance company with national recognition
- Comprehensive curriculum covering ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary
- Alumni pursuing professional careers in dance and entertainment
- State-of-the-art facilities with dedicated staff for all skill levels
What people say
Award-winning choreography
Professional instructors
Excellent technique development
Comprehensive curriculum
Supportive environment
Services
Ballet
Ballet classes focus on foundational technique, including barre work, center floor exercises, and choreographed routines. Students develop posture, flexibility, and precision through structured training. This discipline serves as the cornerstone for all other dance styles offered at the studio.
Hip Hop
Hip hop instruction combines jazz fundamentals with street-style movements seen in music videos and pop culture. Classes emphasize rhythm, isolations, and freestyle expression while maintaining technical discipline. Students learn choreography from current trends and classic hip hop repertoire.
Musical Theater
Musical theater classes integrate dance, acting, and vocal techniques from Broadway productions. Students study iconic Broadway choreography while developing stage presence and storytelling skills. The program prepares performers for theatrical auditions and productions.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance classes emphasize fluid movement, floor work, and emotional expression. Training incorporates elements from ballet and modern dance while encouraging individual creativity. Students explore dynamic choreography that challenges traditional dance conventions.
Combo Classes
Combo classes provide young dancers (ages 3-7) with exposure to multiple styles including tap, ballet, jazz, and tumbling. These introductory courses develop basic coordination, musicality, and foundational skills while maintaining an engaging, playful environment for early dance education.
People
Denise Sabala
Executive Artistic Director
With over 45 years of experience, Denise Sabala founded the studio after performing at Great America and choreographing for the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has trained dancers who now work professionally in theater, film, and television while maintaining active roles in local high school productions.
Alvin Ramirez
Hip Hop Instructor
Alvin Ramirez brings professional hip hop experience from MTV's Americas Best Dance Crew and performances with Black Eyed Peas. He teaches competition teams and mentors youth through hip hop culture while maintaining industry connections in Chicago's dance scene.
Brian Enos
Choreographer
With 24 years of experience, Brian Enos has choreographed for Royal New Zealand Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He teaches master classes internationally and brings expertise from working with renowned choreographers like Twyla Tharp and Ohad Naharin.
Tatum Lang
Dance Educator
Tatum Lang graduated from University of Iowa with a BFA in Dance and Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship. She teaches contemporary techniques while performing with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and freelancing across Chicago's dance community.
Vanessa Urbn
Hip Hop Specialist
Vanessa Urbn trained with Xtreme Dance Force for nine years before earning a Master's in Higher Education. She teaches hip hop while combining dance expertise with academic leadership experience to develop comprehensive dance education programs.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling classes for children starting at age 3, with combo classes that combine multiple styles in one session.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Our award-winning Denise Sabala Dance Company participates in national competitions and events like the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
How are class levels determined?
Class placements are based on technical ability, experience, and instructor evaluation to ensure proper skill development and advancement.
Do you offer private dance lessons?
Private lessons are available by appointment for students seeking personalized instruction in specific dance styles or competition preparation.
What are your recital policies?
Participation in our annual recital is optional. Costume fees apply, and costumes are distributed only after tuition accounts are paid in full.
How do you handle class absences?
Students may make up missed classes at their convenience during the current school year by coordinating with instructors for appropriate class times.
Reviews (1)
Matt Merkel
Dec 10, 2017
Report
I know very little about dance, but the instructors here seem to know their stuff and do a good job with the kids, especially the younger ones just starting out. My impression is that it's a pretty serious school, though perhaps not elite? Having attended several of their recitals, I know they do an excellent job; there are a lot of dedicated and talented kids that come out of this studio.
