Palomar Ballroom

Palomar Ballroom offers weekly drop-in classes and monthly series classes in Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Bachata, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Nightclub Two-Step, Samba, and Burlesque. It also offers 45-minute private lessons available seven days a week, plus wedding dance lessons and choreography.

Programs

• Classes — Weekly drop-in classes; monthly series classes · Dance instruction at one or both locations; styles include Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Bachata, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Nightclub Two-Step, Samba, and Burlesque.
• Private Lessons — Available seven days a week · 45-minute lessons; can be arranged to meet your schedule.
• Wedding Lessons — Wedding dance lessons and choreography; packages include 3 private lessons for $209 or 5 private lessons for $329.

About the provider

Palomar Ballroom was founded in 1997 by Steve Hughes. The site names instructors and staff including Jeremy Pilling, Zak Bauman, Mario Avila, Jessica Sweeney, and Whitney James-Heskett. It says dance is their passion and that they provide high quality dance instruction in a fun, friendly, professional, and supportive environment. The ballroom also arranges regular dance parties and invites the public to its ballroom.

• Renting the Ballroom — Ballroom rental available in Santa Cruz or Scotts Valley for events.
• Practice at the Ballroom — $10 per day · Students may practice when there is no class in session; cost is $10 per person for the day.

Students are welcome to practice only when there is no class in session and should call in advance. Private lessons are 45 minutes long. 24 hours’ notice is requested for cancellations; last-minute cancellations are charged for the lesson. Orders are non-refundable and may only be used as credit if applicable.

Last updated September 14, 2026.