I was so, so happy we took lessons with Whitney before our wedding. She was an amazing instructor, and so fun to work with. I was definitely anxious going into it (dancing is not my strong-suit). But Whitney provided a very safe, friendly environment for me and my now wife. I'm extremely grateful for the experience, and Whitney made our first dance anxiety-free! read more

Jeremy Pilling is a dance instructor extraordinaire & owner of the Palomar Ballroom in Santa Cruz. He expertly breaks down each dance sequence demonstrating both leader & followers dance steps. Most recently I enrolled in his Thursday night beginning cha-cha & bachata classes. Jeremy makes it fun & not at all intimidating!!! read more

I took their beginning salsa class. It was easy to follow, the instructor was great. I am planning to take their advanced salsa, then venture out to the salsa world! Overall, place was clean, instructors were patient and encouraging (they did not yell at the students when they could not get it... i had experience in that at another dance studio). Have not gone to their Friday Salsa party but I think it will be on my to do list. read more

I love this place and it is simply, by far, the best ballroom dancing resource in Santa Cruz County! Basically, it's excellent and there really isn't another option. Pros: - Awesome Instructors - Variety of dance styles. Primarily: - East/West coast swing - Salsa - Argentine Tango - Rhumba - Foxtrot - Charleston - Lindyhop - Cha Cha - Variatry of class styles - Drop in's great for beginners - Series classes to improve for different levels - Dance parties for practice and a real fun event - Private single or couples lessons - Excellent package deals to fit your needs and budget - Beautiful huge historical ballroom that immediately makes you want to dance - Central location that pairs well with other events before or after - Fun and effective learning - Frequent rotation of dance partners makes the whole thing less intimidating for new people Cons: - No main classes on Thursdays - Due to the schedule at both their location's, one in Scott's Valley and one in Santa Cruz, it is difficult to travel between them since classes overlap - Would like more advanced Tango and Cha Cha series classes Far more pros than cons, I give it 5 stars, and would highly recommend read more

Palomar is THE best place to take ballroom dance lessons around. Jeremy, the owner and instructor, is a fantastic dancer and gives great lessons. He's patient, kind, effective at teaching, but makes it great fun. I've met and seen some of the other instructors and they are all excellent instructors as well. Palomar also offers group lesson, and has been doing virtual lessons so no reason to miss out if you can't get into the classroom. They have great dance parties as well, where you can socialize and practice your skills. I'm so grateful to Palomar and the staff for providing such an excellent dance environment here in Santa Cruz. read more

So, I can't currently dance due to my dang hip.... but dream of going back to Palomar Ballroom. Honestly, I gave 4 stars because I really didn't care for the Salsa Instructor back in 2014, but LOVED the Ballroom Instructor. I had been doing Latin dance for over 15 yrs and went to a (class) with a girlfriend who wanted to learn Salsa. I bailed after 15 min. Anyway, the "party" afterwards is super fun - and they- Palomar- have been doing this since at least the 90's. Keep an open mind. If you're female- you will get asked (possibly) to dance more, if you were a skirt or dress to the party.... I'm just sayin' read more

I've done classes with Mario, Zak and Whitney [East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Night Club Two Step] and all have been really satisfying. Not only did I learn a lot, but I had fun doing it. Rotating partners is far and away the best way to learn. Sure, every one isn't perfect, but you can help the ones who know less than you do, and learn from those who know more. The couples who come and only want to dance with each other really miss out. Sometimes I come alone and sometimes I come with a partner. Either way is great! read more

I have been taking classes here for two months now and I absolutely love it! There are so many great things to highlight about this organization. First they offer a very wide variety of classes at two different locations. So far I have only taken the beginning classes with Mario and it couldn't be better! He is a fantastic instructor who knows what he is talking about. They offer many different classes and drop in lessons. They host a multitude of events throughout the year and allow all skill levels to attend. One of the biggest fears I have heard people speak about is having no dance experience. Having had no experience myself and walking into the beginning dance series classes you will learn how to dance in a comfortable environment and at a pace that promotes learning. I hope to see you all there! read more

Here's the thing. The guy Jeremy doesn't look like he's interested at all in what he's doing. There aren't enough girls that show up, so there really are too many d!cks on the dance floor. The guys from the intermediate class join the beginning class straight after it so there are perpetually less girls for the classes. I'd suggest learning elsewhere: I heard San Jose is better. Here's hoping! read more

I have been going regularly to the wednesday night swing class and i totally love it. Mario teaches both an intermediate and beginners class for which i have taken both, and it's great because you can practice the advanced and the basic moves to really get your style smooth. The swing party after the class is a blast, so much fun, great music, fun dancers, and i always have a good time. The lesson is $10, and if you take intermediate AND beginners it's still the same price. If it's just the dance party it's only $3 and most of the dancers will be very helpful in teaching you how to dance if you're new. It does get a little hot in here, but they try their best and have multiple fans and have the water cooler available, just not really any windows. read more

Another place that is close to my heart in my list of close-to-my-heart places in Santa Cruz. The Palomar is one of the first places that welcomed me when I started going to college here in 2006. This place really feels like "home". I made some of my earliest dancing beginnings here. Most notably, I discovered the (what used to be) 2$ friday night salsa parties. It's now 5$ friday night salsa parties for about 3 hours of straight dancing. Aside from my feeling sentimental over this place, it really is wonderful. The best and most beautiful dance venue in Santa Cruz. The floor is heavenly. The Spanish style architecture and high ceilings are heavenly. The mirrors are useful. This place truly turns into an exotic paradise on friday nights. A lot of south american and latin dancers come out which gives it a truly authentic feel. I feel like I'm in a foreign country for a few hours. I've made great friends here. So, this review is based almost entirely on the salsa parties, but the staff is also friendly from the limited contact I've had with them, and they have been here for years. It's a wonderful place to meet people and have a magical time. read more

Went here for the Friday night salsa, without taking the class first. It was amazing! Everyone was super nice and there were plenty of people willing and asking to dance. I loved the atmosphere, not cliquey at all. It was $3 to get in, which was totally worth it. I stayed to the end, and was so sad when it was over! One of the lady's working even took a picture of everyone. The only negative thing was that when I went to get water, there was a huge puddle and the suede bottom of my dance shoes got really wet. My shoes haven't been the same since, I wish they would have cleaned the mess by the water. read more

My wife and I started taking dance lessons here back in September. We love it! It's so much fun, and really inexpensive. Our dance teacher (Jessica) is the best. She is such a patient and encouraging instructor that it is really easy to learn from her. We are on our second set of lessons, and we are already talking about the next course. If you ever get a chance to take dance lessons here, do it! It is a blast! read more

Such a nice space! I've danced here for swing lessons, salsa party, and burlesque performances. The floor is really nice, theres lots of seating, cold water around the back. A smaller room to dress and practice. Great classes and instructors too! read more

Paloma Ballroom may be working slightly different than normal but it is still the best dance place in the Bay Area. Whether you take a zoom class or a social distancing class (no touching), the teaching staff gives you their best. Check it out. read more

I danced 7 days a week, 2-4 hours a day from December 2019 -March 2020. All the instructors are passionate about Dance, have strong competencies, and have a variety of different pedagogy approaches. Palomar is still one of my favorite businesses in Santa Cruz; however, Covid turned me onto to other artistic ventures for the time being. Thank you to Jeremy, Whitney, Mario, Jess, Zak, Katie, and Zeynap. I miss all of you and definitely felt like I was a part of the community. It is to my understanding that Palomar is offering online classes as well during these times. If you are interested in learning or fine tuning your Social Dancing skills in Santa Cruz County, this place is the best! read more

My spouse and I have been taking lessons at Palomar Ballroom for quite some time. Jeremy is great, runs a super business and his team are all wonderful. Recently, as a result of the Covid pandemic, we have been conducting virtual lessons through the use of Zoom and were pleasantly surprised by how effective they have been. Our virtual lessons have worked out extremely well and would highly recommend. So, whether in-person or virtual, you cannot go wrong by choosing the Palomar Ballroom! read more

Dance lessons via Zoom: highly recommended. As educational as it is fun. I'm not kidding. Jeremy is an excellent instructor and my partner is amazed at what I've learned through Palomar Ballroom "online." (Don't think for a moment he can't see what you do with your feet when you take that shortcut ...) read more

I have been dancing at the Palomar for years and I still learn things in Marios West Coast Swing. If you have the opportunity to fit a number of classes into your schedule, a monthly unlimited pass can be a fantastic value and a great replacement for a gym if your looking for cardio. It's learning, social, fun, and not a tread mill. I've performed and attended ballroom, burlesque, and private events at the Palomar and always have a good time. The instructors are exceptional at teaching technique and style. Each with their strengths. Another plus to taking multiple classes is the diversity of strengths in the instructors. Highly recommend the Palomar Ballroom. Foods great downstairs too. read more

Whitney! You are a fantastic, patient and efficient dance instructor. My fiancée (at the time) and I decided we needed some dance lessons before our wedding. With a few shorts weeks to the big day, we found Whitney! Our dance lessons were easy to schedule. Whitney was responsive, professional and fun to work with! We had 3 lesson in the 2 weeks prior to our wedding. My husband and I looked great for our first dance. We had fun and it wasn't stressful at all. We want to thank you! We couldn't have done it without you!!! Also, I want to thank you because I LOVE to dance and now he is thinking about some sort of ballroom dancing with me because he had so much fun!!!! -Mr & Mrs P read more

My husband and I had been wanting to take salsa Classes for many years now and we finally were able to, Jeremy has always been a great teacher, he loves what he does, he correct us when we are wrong so we can keep improving which we really appreciate, it's a safe and fun environment and makes us forget about our problems when we are there. Whitney is also really good at teaching, speaking by personal experience and that of other friends of ours. Keep up the good work guys read more

I am addicted to Palomar Ballroom and pretty much take everything. This as great place and great crowd. We are Mario's fans, but all the teachers are good, including Whitney and Jessica, two brand new teachers here. Don't miss the parties, it is always fun with dance lessons, performances ,games and social dancing in between. My heart belongs to Palomar Ballroom. read more

I dance weekly at the ballroom and find the teachers and staff to be helpful and kind. The ballroom is reasonably spacious (although Friday night salsa dancing can get a bit cramped). They offer group classes, series classes and individual classes in lots of kinds of dance. It's nice to see a venue for dance that attracts so many interesting people! read more

I came to the Palomar Ballroom to learn the quickstep. The teacher was patient with me and I had a great time learning this :) The staff seems very friendly! read more

I used to take private dance lessons (salsa, east and west coast swing, foxtrot and the waltz) once a week at this gorgeous ballroom on the 2nd floor in downtown Santa Cruz. I felt as if I were stepping back into time. Although I did not attend any of the dance parties I have heard they are a lot of fun and a good time is had by all. read more

I tried to find a good place for dance classes that weren't too expensive and this was exactly what I was looking for. It was nice place and I love the food at the Palomar too. read more

My mom and I bought the Groupon, which is a great way to sample classes, and see which ones you like. We chose the hustle and salsa, and love them both. Mario and Zak are incredible teachers, and make each class fun and invigorating! We've also been attending the Friday night salsa dance parties. I had my reservations about going- I thought it would be more like a club scene where guys try to get grabby with the girls. I was happily surprised that it was not like that at all. Everyone who attends is there to have fun and dance. There are absolutely no creepy vibes! Many of the people who go to the dance parties started salsa dancing at the Palomar Ballroom, and are happy to help you out and teach you new moves! read more

Great date place, have a beer at Rosie McCann's, some appetizers in the restaurant at Palomar, then dance it off, then a margarita, more beer... The only weird part for a date is rotating the partner business in the group class which I wasn't having any part of.. but people were cool. Definitely fun, good instructors and clean, healthy nighttime fun! read more

We did a drop in Salsa lesson with Jeremy; it was fun, friendly, and a great time. We will back. Nice people, nice environment.

Jeremy is an amazing dance teacher. If you ever want to give your loved one a great gift do personal couples dance lessons. Had a great time. read more

Best place to learn to dance and have fun at their dance parties. Instructors are excellent and fun! I feel like I've found a home away from home. They've made learning to dance easy and fun! Now I want to go all the time. I highly recommend it if you're looking to have fun while learning to dance! read more

I started going to the Palomar ballroom over three years ago. And I'm still going... because it's awesome and so much fun! The variety in the schedule is great. There are drop in classes for those who can't commit to coming every week or who just want to sample a particular style, there are series classes for those who want more in depth instruction, as well as parties and special events for extra practice or just for fun :) Salsa, swing, bachata, waltz, tango, foxtrot, rumba, cha cha, technique, and many others. And it's all affordable (student discounts!! Bring your IDs!) Jeremy, Zak and Mario are all very knowledgeable and very good teachers. Jeremy is very professional but still a little silly. Zak is encouraging and patient. Mario is quirky. They all teach fun, enjoyable classes that you can learn a lot from. I haven't taken the fitness or Argentine tango classes yet so I can't personally vouch for them, but I have heard great things about those teachers too. Come check it out! Dancing is so much fun and the Palomar ballroom is a great place to learn!! read more

Lots of fun and helpful! My wife and I want to be sure we can do a dance at our daughter's upcoming wedding. Mario showed us how to look like we know what we're doing. read more