This weekend marks the official opening of the new Sabor Latin Dance School and the launch of the New Veranda Bar at Elbow Beach Hotel.

The school's new studio is located at the Berkeley Institute Cultural Centre in Pembroke.

BermudaSalsa.com group director Travis Gilbert and Sabor Latin Dance School director Angela Hayward told The Royal Gazette that they have planned an entire weekend's worth of activities.

"The weekend begins with the launch of the New Veranda Bar through a strategic partnership between the Elbow Beach Hotel, the BermudaSalsa.com Group and the Bermuda Department of Tourism," explained Mr. Gilbert.

"We aim to provide a renewed experience at the New Veranda Bar during the summer of 2008, including a new menu."

Mr. Gilbert added that the official cutting of the ribbon for the New Veranda Bar takes place tomorrow evening at 5.30 p.m. Dance performances and an interactive Latin variety dance class and social dancing will follow.

Although the Sabor Latin Dance School opened its new studio at the Berkeley Institute Cultural Centre in February, the official opening will take place this Saturday at 7 p.m.

"This will feature live radio interviews, performances, music and dancing, which is the highlight of the weekend's activities," Mr. Gilbert said.

"During the Saturday broadcast of SalsaMania's Latin Flavours radio programme, which airs on Magic 102.7 FM, guests will be interviewed live from 7 to 9 p.m. during the reception and the official opening of the new studios of the Sabor Dance School.

"The hosts of the radio programme will broadcast both from within the radio station and those of the dance school for the duration of the show. Latin dance performances by Mariana (Parma) and Jason (Colacino) will also take place at 7.15 p.m.

"Ms Parma and Mr. Colacino, from New York, our acclaimed guest instructors and performers, will dazzle with performances on Friday and Saturday, and will also be holding Argentine Tango classes.

"The month's weekend workshops are designed to inspire, develop and challenge dancers of all levels and they are held every other Saturday.

"Each workshop will focus on a different skill, technique or a whole new Latin dance to enrich your dance experience.

"If you haven't already felt the intense passion of the Argentine Tango, this is a perfect opportunity to dive into the experience."

There will be West Coast Swing on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. On Sunday there is beginners Argentinean Tango from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

"Sabor has brought together some of Bermuda's best instructors, performers and choreographers with an aim to, through the use of a carefully developed curriculum, produce strong, confident, competent and fun-loving dancers," said Miss Hayward.

"Frequently Sabor dancers are invited to perform and offer instruction to people throughout Bermuda and abroad. All students and instructors are encouraged to frequent SalsaMania events during the week and throughout the year.

"Sabor has developed a warm embracing culture, which is inclusive of everyone. Students are inspired towards enriching and rewarding self-expression while developing their dancing skills.

Miss Hayward added that classes are offered to students of all levels and provide a fun and exciting way to spend any afternoon or evening.

"You can relax and enjoy beautiful music and dance, taught by instructors who have a passion and a strong technical understanding for many Latin dance forms," said the director who specialises in salsa, casino de rueda, bachata, merengue, cha cha, ladies styling, spinning technique and the tango.

"All classes have been designed to develop dancers of all levels. If you are unsure of which class you should attend, one of our instructors will assist you with placement."

Other instructors include Travis Gilbert, Steven Bean, Marshall Weller, Teresa Whitter, Sophie Dier and Jermiko Dillas.

For more information and to sign up for classes, visit www.bermudasalsa.com.

This weekend's workshops are $25 per person.