Social

Social dancing is perhaps the oldest and most authentic of the three methods, and is the base from which the contemporary styles of partner dance have evolved.  Its teaching is based in the relationship that exists between the couple.  Social dance is developed from the appreciation of the music and the physical interaction of the dancers.  The objective of the students in this style of dance is to focus their training on the execution of the movements, marking emphasis on the learning of how to lead and follow.  This form of learning is recommended to those whose main interest is only to practice it in social situations. 

Show

Show dancing is by far the most artistic version of the three methods that we offer.  It not only focuses on the presentation of the movements, but it also narrates a story according to the interpretation of the music.  One of the most obvious differences between social and show dance is that in show dancing the movements are generally bigger, more decorative, and have more of a theatrical approach to them.  In its more advanced forms, this style includes acrobatic movements with the intention of elevating the level of excitement and surprise for the audience.  The purpose of this style is to offer a pleasing performance to those who are observing it.  

Ballroom

Ballroom dancing has been proven to be one of the most popular styles of teaching partnering dances within the United States and Europe. Its teachings are based on the simplification of the moves in a condensed set of patterns. Generally the student will narrow their focus to the memorization of specific steps that are globally known as the syllabus. The principal idea in this type of dance is the demonstration of the techniques of the movements. For this reason the students dedicate a great majority of their time in learning to reproduce the exact footwork of the pre-choreographed figures that are found in the syllabus.  One of the most common syllabi is known as the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing).

Ballroom Smooth Dances

Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Tango

Latin Ballroom Dances

Cha-Cha, Rhumba, Paso Doble, Samba, Mambo, Swing Hustle, Jive

Social Style Dances

Salsa, Argentine Tango, Merengue, Bachata, Lindy Hop

How We Teach:

Group Lessons

Group lessons are usually pre-scheduled classes that are 30 minutes or 1 hour in length and are open to everyone. The cost of the lessons will vary depending on the length of the class Depending upon the level, partners are recommended but not required. Having a partner is not a necessity unless training in the higher levels.

Often times a group of people would like to schedule a private group lesson, in which they choose the topic and level of instruction. If you’re interested in this type of instruction,please contact Zabor Dance by phone at (434) 227-1709 or via our Contact page.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are mainly for students who are more serious about learning the dances or have conflicting schedules with the times of the group classes.  They are designed to work at the student’s level.  They are open to one or two students, where the student chooses the topic of the class.  The participants are welcomed to bring a video tape to the class, as means of having a visual aid to help in practicing at home. For those students who are more serious about dancing and are planning on taking several private sessions, we generally offer special packages. If you are interested in setting up a private lesson, please contact Zabor Dance by phone at (434) 227-1709 or via our Contact Page.

Workshops

Workshops are a pre-scheduled set of lessons that usually give in depth instruction on one specific topic. These lessons have a pre-designed amalgamation of movements that maintain the level of the class. The lessons are set to be progressive, meaning that what you learn in the first lesson will be essential to what you learn in the second lesson, and so on and so forth. For this reason, it is recommended that the participants attend the full workshop. The classes in the workshops are usually one hour in length and are normally held once a week. Pre-registration only to attend a Workshop.

Lecture Demonstrations

Lecture demonstrations are mainly designed as non-interactive classes.  In this style of teaching, the participants are not necessarily interested in learning how to dance, but more so about the dance itself.  These classes take a more theoretical approach to the study of the dances.  They usually include a demonstration of the chosen topic. Generally, these types of classes are done for educational establishments, such as universities.  They are usually 45 minutes long, including the demonstration. 

Often, the school would like to include an interactive session along with the lecture demonstration, so that the students can get an idea of the physical aspect of the dance.  In this case, the pricing is adjusted according to the activities provided.