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…
Read entire article»

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

Our teaching staff is as follows:

Jeremy Pilling, Owner
Height : 5'8"
Jeremy has been teaching and performing ballroom for over 9 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.

Jeremy enjoys competing Pro/Am with his students, as well as professionally in American Rhythm with his partner Julie Goldman. Together, Jeremy and Julie have 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 latin, hip-hop 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.

Julie Goldman
Height : 5'3"
Julie's been dancing for 20 years. She has an extensive background in ballet, modern, jazz, musical theatre, hiphop, samba and belly dance. She is very versatile as performer and teacher, ranging from ballroom to latin, and all swing types, while specializing in choreography, wedding couples, children's classes and performance. She is a Dance Spectra Artist for the Santa Cruz County schools and holds a BFA from California Institute of the Arts in Dance. Julie has been teaching dance to children and adults for over ten years and her specialty is breaking down steps so they are accessible and fun to dancer and non-dancer alike. Julie is spunky, energetic and full of life! Ask for Julie at dance@palomarballroom.com for lessons.

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.

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.

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.

Cassaundra Spurger
Cassaundra, originally from Wyoming, has been teaching and performing ballroom dance since 1999. Her instruction includes Smooth, Standard, Rhythm, Latin, Nightclub and a little bit of Country. She also loves teaching couples to do lifts, drops, dips and tricks. Cassaundra has taught students from ages 7 to 85! In the past year, she has started coaching and choreographing for competitive same-sex couples. She has always been complimented by students for her extreme amount of patience and respect for her students learning process.

Her background:  Music (piano, violin, vocal), Rollerskating (figure, speed), Downhill Skiing, Gymnastics, Dance (jazz, tap, ballet), Martial Arts (3 styles) and Color Guard (flags, sabers, rifles) and Horseback Riding.

You can reach Cassaundra at cassaundras@gmail.com to schedule lessons.