There is no better way to learn how to dance than with private lessons. Not only do you learn more quickly, you also learn more efficiently. While group classes are great for introduction, to learn new patterns, and to rehearse and review what you've learned in private lessons, they do not give you the benefit of having a professional dancing with you for the entire time and giving you feedback that is uniquely yours.

Read what one of our students had to say about the benefit of private lessons.

I'll take privates any day!
by Kathy Long

...I am an addict. I have a love affair with dance, and it is quite obvious to me that private lessons are to blame. Why is that? The answer is simple: There is no better way to improve your skills as a dancer than with private lessons, and the better you become, the more enjoyable it will be. Even though it may take many frustrating practice sessions to get there, when you finally learn to execute moves with the proper technique, you will be amazed at how much easier they are to perform. You will develop finesse and grace in your dance and will be able to incorporate musical expression like never before…
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Rates & Specifics

All private lessons are 45 minutes long and most likely can be arranged to meet your busy schedule. We ask that you please respect your teacher's schedule and give him or her 24 hours notice if you need to cancel. All last-minute cancellations will be charged for the lesson.

Rates vary per teacher. Please call for specifics. Most teachers offer a break when you purchase a block of five or ten.

If you find you can't afford private lessons, then why not get a small group of friends together to share? Cost for shared lessons with 3-6 people is only slightly higher than individual lessons. Or you can schedule a private lesson from time to time. It need not be on a regular schedule, though you will get the most benefit by working with your teacher on a regular basis.

Our Staff

At the Palomar Ballroom we take pride in having a highly trained teaching staff. We have instructors available for private lessons seven days a week, and we'll tailor a lesson plan that is just right for you.

Our teaching staff is as follows:

Jeremy Pilling, Owner 
Height : 5'8"
Jeremy has been teaching and performing ballroom for over 13 years and has been dancing socially all his life. He has had training in tap, ballet, salsa, dance theatre, latin and ballroom, and now specializes in American Rhythm, International Latin and Salsa. His ballroom training comes from several national champions and finalists. His teaching style is very technique-oriented while still achieving the goal of having fun. He enjoys teaching both social and competitive students and couples and also teaches teachers at the Santa Cruz Ballroom Dance Teachers Academy. 

Jeremy enjoys competing Pro/Am with his students, and was a former professional competitor in American Rhythm with his partner Julie Goldman. Together, Jeremy and Julie won several Rising Star Rhythm and Open Professional Rhythm competitions. Jeremy was the former assistant director of Ritmo En Fuego Dance Company and performed in numerous shows with the explosive company. In addition to his dance training, Jeremy has a B.S. in Sport Science and was also a certified personal trainer. You can contact Jeremy at dance@palomarballroom.com for lessons, workshops, or shows.

Ask for Jeremy at dance@palomarballroom.com for lessons.

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Zak Bauman
Height : 5'10.5"
Zak has been on the staff at the Palomar Ballroom since 1999. Although she specializes in American Smooth with a focus on technique and competition, she also teaches the following dances to singles and couples interested in social dancing: Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Salsa, Waltz, Foxtrot, Hustle, Romantic 2-step, and more. Zak was trained as a classical ballet dancer, and spent 7 years dancing as a professional modern dancer in New York City and in California. She has a BA in American Literature from UC Santa Cruz, a teaching credential from SJSU, and currently teaches High School English in San Jose. Ask for Zak at dance@palomarballroom.com for lessons.

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Miles Ogata
Height: 5'8"
An experienced dancer for over 15 years, Miles' instruction includes Nightclub, Smooth, Standard, Latin, and Rhythm dances and Salsa. He is a fantastic instructor for all levels of dance and is known to transform the absolute beginner to a competitive and beyond level dancer. A winner of many top teacher awrads, Miles' lessons are always fun and exciting.

Ask for Miles at dance@palomarballroom.com for lessons.

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Mario Andreas Avila
Height : 5'9"
Originally from San Francisco, Mario's career began early with the formation of the "Rude Boys Dance Crew" performing Hip Hop, Break Dancing, and Pop Locking in front of Ghiradelli Square and Pier 39. From there, he expanded his dance repertoire with the study of jazz, ballet and Flamenco before discovering Ballroom. He has since taken his street jazz styles and Ballroom to many studios as choreographer, performer and intstructor. He has also served as guest choreographer and performed locally at many of Santa Cruz County's charitable events. Look for him as a principal dancer in the upcoming feature film, "Swing."

Mario's ballroom pedagogy occurs under the direction of the Palomar Ballroom. He has an undying love for Swing music and dancing, but he also specializes in Latin/Rhythm dances such as Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha and Bolero, as well as American Smooth Ballroom.

Eric Conrad, executive director of Ballet Art Magazine had this to say about Mario: "With Mario's passion to share his art and joi de vie, he brings great enthusiasm to his classes and performances which evokes his students and colleagues to achieve their very best."

Ask for Mario at dance@palomarballroom.com for lessons.

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Darci Everitt
Height: 5'2"
Darci has over 10 years of dance experience ranging from irish step, ballet, bellydance, hip hop,jazz, modern, ballroom. Darci specializes in salsa, ladies styling and American Rhythm. Darci is a former principle dancer of the ESPN 2005/2006 World Salsa Championship team, "Pretty Boys and Girls, based out of the bay area. She has competed and performed internationally as professional salsa dancer.  Darci's patient, enouraging approach to dance instruction makes her great for new couples and singles who are looking to enjoy the benefits of social dancing.

Ask for Darci at dance@palomarballroom.com

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Kathy Long - West Coast Swing / Nightclub Two-Step
Kathy specializes in West Coast Swing and Nightclub Two-Step, two popular club dances. Nightclub Two-Step is also the most popular wedding dance. She teaches through awareness, helping you to get out of the distractions and self-criticisms of the mind and into the body. Emphasis is put on good, simple technique to make even the beginning dancer shine. Kathy also teaches semi-private lessons. Get 4 lessons for the price of 1 private! Call for details. Contact Kathy at (831) 335-2152 or email her at dance@santacruzswingclub.com.