CSDS September Workshop Event and Dance with Robert Cordoba
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We are thrilled to have renowned dance champion and LEGEND Robert Cordoba as our guest instructor on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Robert is one of 10 dancers in history to win both the Classic and Showcase divisions at the U.S. Open. He is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, the Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Hall of Fame, and the World Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
The event will be held at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church with 2 afternoon workshops. Robert will also lead a fun pre-dance lesson, and then stick around to deejay and dance with us.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Participation in these workshops requires a solid working knowledge of all basic west coast swing patterns (starter step, side passes, pushes, whips) with good timing.
2:15-2:45 pm: Check in/Warm up. We recommend no later than 2:30 to allow time for parking.
2:45-3:45 pm: Workshop #1: Musicality: Hitting the Breaks! | What do you do when the music “breaks?” How do you acknowledge the moment without looking like a deer in the headlights? How do even know when a break is coming? Robert ‘breaks’ (ha ha) it all down for you.
3:45-4:00 pm: Break. Check in/Warm up.
4:00-5:00 pm: Workshop #2: Playing with Redirection and Rides | Master the art of body-led momentum. This class teaches you how to smoothly redirect your partner’s energy—safely altering direction or changing steps mid-pattern.
5:00-7:00 pm: Dinner break on your own*. Please note the church will be closed during this time.
7:00-8:00 pm: Pre-dance lesson: Build It From Scratch — Whipstyle! A fun pattern based on a whip to help you shine on the dance floor.
8:00-10:30 pm: Dance! Robert Cordoba spins the tunes.
MORE ABOUT ROBERT:
Born and raised in South Pasadena, California, Robert Cordoba has also lived in London and Boston and now calls Deerfield Beach, Florida home. He is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams, and USC Trojans!
Robert has been dancing, teaching, performing, choreographing, judging, and inspiring dancers for over 40 years. He began competing in International Latin at the age of 16 as a member of two U.S. International Latin Formation Teams, placing 5th and later earning the bronze medal (3rd place) at the World Ballroom Formation Team Championships. He then spent two years living and training in London while competing as one of the top U.S. Amateur International Latin dancers, representing the United States at major events throughout Europe.
In 1990, Robert made the transition to West Coast Swing. Within just two years, he captured his first U.S. Open Swing Dance Championship title, launching one of the most successful competitive careers in the history of the dance.
For the past 35 years, Robert has traveled an average of 40 weekends each year, teaching West Coast Swing around the world. His accomplishments include:
- 2 World Championship titles
- 7 U.S. Open Championship titles
- 4 consecutive USA Grand National titles
- 4 consecutive N.A.S.D.E. titles
- Multiple Champion and Invitational Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing titles
- Dance Action Magazine’s “Best Classic Swing Dancer”
- Recipient of the U.S. Open “Social Dancer” Award
- The first dancer to win three consecutive U.S. Open Championship titles
Robert is one of 10 dancers in history to win both the Classic and Showcase divisions at the U.S. Open. He is also a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, the Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Hall of Fame, and the World Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Robert has judged virtually every major West Coast Swing event, including multiple appearances as a judge at both the USA Grand Nationals and the U.S. Open. He has also served as Head Judge, Master of Ceremonies, and DJ at events across the United States, Europe, South America, and the South Pacific.
Beyond competition, Robert has played a significant role in the worldwide growth of West Coast Swing. He was among the first group of professionals to help establish thriving West Coast Swing communities in New York and the East Coast during the early 1990s, throughout Europe in the mid-1990s, and across the South Pacific in the early to mid-2000s.
His accomplishments extend beyond the dance floor. Robert was a Grand Finalist on Dance Fever, finishing 3rd overall, and has appeared in national television commercials for Budweiser and Burger King, as well as on television. Alongside former partner Deborah Szekely, he choreographed the wedding dance for Grammy and Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Danny Elfman and actress Bridget Fonda.
Robert is also deeply committed to developing the next generation of dance professionals. Through the Global Professional Dance Instructors Association (G.P.D.I.A.), he conducts both judges’ training and teacher certification programs and holds the organization’s prestigious designation of Master Certified Instructor.
Today, Robert resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where he continues to teach, coach, choreograph, judge, and mentor dancers. He is available for private lessons, workshops, intensives, coaching, choreography, judging, and G.P.D.I.A. Teacher Certification.
LOGISTICS:
1. For smoother, faster check-in, we encourage all dancers to pre-register. For the best price, buy the PACKAGE!
2. We expect high attendance at this event, and parking space is limited. All participants are encouraged to carpool.
3. Bring your refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
Attendees of all CSDS events are expected to be familiar with and abide by our Code of Conduct:
http://cvilleswingdance.com/csds-code-of-conduct/
FUTURE DANCES:
- October 17 (no lesson)
- November 14, Instructor: Adela Su
We are thrilled to have renowned dance champion and LEGEND Robert Cordoba as our guest instructor on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Robert is one of 10 dancers in history to win both the Classic and Showcase divisions at the U.S. Open. He is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, the Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Hall of Fame, and the World Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
The event will be held at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church with 2 afternoon workshops. Robert will also lead a fun pre-dance lesson, and then stick around to deejay and dance with us.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Participation in these workshops requires a solid working knowledge of all basic west coast swing patterns (starter step, side passes, pushes, whips) with good timing.
2:15-2:45 pm: Check in/Warm up. We recommend no later than 2:30 to allow time for parking.
2:45-3:45 pm: Workshop #1: Musicality: Hitting the Breaks! | What do you do when the music “breaks?” How do you acknowledge the moment without looking like a deer in the headlights? How do even know when a break is coming? Robert ‘breaks’ (ha ha) it all down for you.
3:45-4:00 pm: Break. Check in/Warm up.
4:00-5:00 pm: Workshop #2: Playing with Redirection and Rides | Master the art of body-led momentum. This class teaches you how to smoothly redirect your partner’s energy—safely altering direction or changing steps mid-pattern.
5:00-7:00 pm: Dinner break on your own*. Please note the church will be closed during this time.
7:00-8:00 pm: Pre-dance lesson: Build It From Scratch — Whipstyle! A fun pattern based on a whip to help you shine on the dance floor.
8:00-10:30 pm: Dance! Robert Cordoba spins the tunes.
MORE ABOUT ROBERT:
Born and raised in South Pasadena, California, Robert Cordoba has also lived in London and Boston and now calls Deerfield Beach, Florida home. He is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams, and USC Trojans!
Robert has been dancing, teaching, performing, choreographing, judging, and inspiring dancers for over 40 years. He began competing in International Latin at the age of 16 as a member of two U.S. International Latin Formation Teams, placing 5th and later earning the bronze medal (3rd place) at the World Ballroom Formation Team Championships. He then spent two years living and training in London while competing as one of the top U.S. Amateur International Latin dancers, representing the United States at major events throughout Europe.
In 1990, Robert made the transition to West Coast Swing. Within just two years, he captured his first U.S. Open Swing Dance Championship title, launching one of the most successful competitive careers in the history of the dance.
For the past 35 years, Robert has traveled an average of 40 weekends each year, teaching West Coast Swing around the world. His accomplishments include:
- 2 World Championship titles
- 7 U.S. Open Championship titles
- 4 consecutive USA Grand National titles
- 4 consecutive N.A.S.D.E. titles
- Multiple Champion and Invitational Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing titles
- Dance Action Magazine’s “Best Classic Swing Dancer”
- Recipient of the U.S. Open “Social Dancer” Award
- The first dancer to win three consecutive U.S. Open Championship titles
Robert is one of 10 dancers in history to win both the Classic and Showcase divisions at the U.S. Open. He is also a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, the Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Hall of Fame, and the World Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Robert has judged virtually every major West Coast Swing event, including multiple appearances as a judge at both the USA Grand Nationals and the U.S. Open. He has also served as Head Judge, Master of Ceremonies, and DJ at events across the United States, Europe, South America, and the South Pacific.
Beyond competition, Robert has played a significant role in the worldwide growth of West Coast Swing. He was among the first group of professionals to help establish thriving West Coast Swing communities in New York and the East Coast during the early 1990s, throughout Europe in the mid-1990s, and across the South Pacific in the early to mid-2000s.
His accomplishments extend beyond the dance floor. Robert was a Grand Finalist on Dance Fever, finishing 3rd overall, and has appeared in national television commercials for Budweiser and Burger King, as well as on television. Alongside former partner Deborah Szekely, he choreographed the wedding dance for Grammy and Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Danny Elfman and actress Bridget Fonda.
Robert is also deeply committed to developing the next generation of dance professionals. Through the Global Professional Dance Instructors Association (G.P.D.I.A.), he conducts both judges’ training and teacher certification programs and holds the organization’s prestigious designation of Master Certified Instructor.
Today, Robert resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where he continues to teach, coach, choreograph, judge, and mentor dancers. He is available for private lessons, workshops, intensives, coaching, choreography, judging, and G.P.D.I.A. Teacher Certification.
LOGISTICS:
1. For smoother, faster check-in, we encourage all dancers to pre-register. For the best price, buy the PACKAGE!
2. We expect high attendance at this event, and parking space is limited. All participants are encouraged to carpool.
3. Bring your refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
Attendees of all CSDS events are expected to be familiar with and abide by our Code of Conduct:
http://cvilleswingdance.com/csds-code-of-conduct/
FUTURE DANCES:
- October 17 (no lesson)
- November 14, Instructor: Adela Su
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Where is it happening?
Ivy Creek United Methodist Church, 674 Woodlands Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901-5504, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherCharlottesville Swing Dance Society (CSDS)
