The Westmor Dance Studio

Westmor Ballroom occupies a space steeped in Hollywood history. For nearly a century, this venue has been home to world-class dance instruction. It began as the Ernest Belcher Dance Studio, where legendary performers including Fred Astaire, Shirley Temple, Cyd Charisse, and Maria Tallchief trained during Hollywood's Golden Age. Today it operates as both a teaching studio and event venue, continuing that legacy under the ownership of Lilia and Valdas Padriezas, both NDCA and WDC certified teachers and adjudicators.

The studio teaches ballroom and Latin styles in group classes and private instruction. Group offerings include Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Bachata. Classes also include Adult Contemporary Dance, Adult Ballet (intermediate and advanced levels), and Open Level Adult Hip-Hop. Most group classes run approximately 45 minutes. First-time group ballroom dance students can use coupon code FIRSTTIME to bring a friend and save $15. Beginners are welcomed; many students arrive with no prior dance experience, and instructors rotate partners throughout group lessons so no partner is required.

Private lessons are tailored to your goals and run 45 minutes at $135 per session. Wedding dance preparation includes a complimentary 30-minute introduction and custom choreography for first dances, father/daughter dances, mother/son dances, and bridal party routines. The studio also specializes in quinceañera waltzes and competition coaching. Competitive dancers can join Friday and Sunday Practice Rounds.

The instructors are accomplished professionals. Lilia Padriezas, co-owner, has been a finalist in prestigious ballroom competitions across the US and internationally and has appeared on Dharma & Greg, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and Cherish the Day. Valdas Padriezas, co-owner, has danced competitively with Lilia since age 17 and shares her television and performance credits. Uros Markovic, a dance instructor, was National Champion of Serbia in both Ballroom and Latin, competed at four World Championships, performed with Balkan recording artist Jelena Karleušа at Belgrade Arena, and appeared as a guest artist on Andrea Bocelli's 2025 US tour. Additional instructors include Anna and Kiril Kish.

The venue is located on the 3rd floor of 607 S Western Ave in Koreatown, Los Angeles. It features Art Deco architecture with crystal chandeliers, a polished hardwood floor, soaring ceilings, and gilded details. A built-in stage with projection screen accommodates live entertainment, ceremonies, and speeches. The ballroom can seat up to 350 for banquet-style events or 400 for theater-style seating, with a maximum capacity of 499 guests. An on-site bar area is available (alcohol is not provided by the venue). Wheelchair-accessible elevator access is available; the women's restroom accommodates wheelchairs, though the men's restroom is not wheelchair accessible. On-site parking is available for guests. Hours are Monday–Friday 10 AM–10 PM, Saturday 9 AM–11 PM, Sunday 10 AM–8 PM.

Group classes are welcoming to beginners and rotate partners throughout, so you do not need to arrive with a dance partner. Expect approximately 45 minutes of instruction in a historic ballroom setting beneath crystal chandeliers. Comfortable clothing that allows free movement is recommended; dance shoes are encouraged but not required for beginners, and rubber-soled shoes should be avoided to protect the hardwood floor.

The studio is led by co-owners Lilia and Valdas Padriezas, both NDCA and WDC certified teachers and adjudicators with decades of competitive and performance experience, including appearances on major television productions. Uros Markovic, a former National Champion of Serbia in Ballroom and Latin, brings world-class technique and international performance credits. Additional instructors include Anna and Kiril Kish.

Many students are complete beginners; instructors create a welcoming environment and most group classes rotate partners so no partner is required.