Westmor Ballroom
Historic Hollywood ballroom: lessons and events since Ernest Belcher's golden…
A ballroom dance studio offering instruction in American and International style dances including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Swing.
Photo: Westmor Ballroom via Google
Before your first class
Complete beginners are welcomed; instructors create a supportive environment and classes rotate partners so you don't need to arrive with one.
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely; dance shoes encouraged but not required for beginners.
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement.
Convenient on-site parking is available for guests attending dance classes, private lessons, and special events.
About this studio
Westmor Ballroom occupies a space with nearly a century of dance history. Before it became Westmor, this was the Ernest Belcher Dance Studio, where Fred Astaire, Shirley Temple, Cyd Charisse, and Maria Tallchief trained during Hollywood's golden age. Today it remains a working ballroom and event venue on the 3rd floor of 607 S Western Ave in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
The studio teaches ballroom and Latin styles: Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Samba, and Bachata. It also runs group classes in Adult Ballet, Adult Contemporary Dance, and Open Level Adult Hip Hop. All group classes are approximately 45 minutes long. Classes run across multiple levels—beginners rotate partners throughout lessons, so you don't need to arrive with one. You can drop in for a single class or buy packages (which expire within three months). A free 30-minute intro session is available for wedding dance instruction.
The instructors are NDCA-certified teachers and accomplished competitors. Lilia Padriezas and Valdas Padriezas are co-owners, certified by both the National Dance Council of America and the World Dance Council. Lilia has been a finalist in prestigious ballroom competitions across the United States and internationally; Valdas began dancing at 11 and has partnered with Lilia since age 17, with the same competition pedigree. Both have appeared on Dharma & Greg, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and Cherish the Day, and provided choreography for Germany's Next Topmodel. Uros Markovic, born and raised in Serbia, became National Champion of Serbia in Ballroom and Latin dance, represented Serbia at four World Championships, and performed with Balkan artist Jelena Karleuša and tenor Andrea Bocelli. Anna and Kiril Kish also teach here.
The ballroom itself features Art Deco architecture, crystal chandeliers, gilded details, a polished hardwood floor, and soaring ceilings. There is a built-in stage with projection screen. The space accommodates up to 499 guests (350 for banquet-style seating, 400 for theater-style). An on-site bar area is available (no alcohol provided or sold). The venue is wheelchair accessible via elevator; the women's restroom accommodates wheelchairs, though the men's restroom is not wheelchair accessible.
Westmor hosts group classes, private lessons, wedding dance preparation, quinceañeras, corporate galas, private celebrations, and practice rounds (Friday and Sunday). Wedding packages include custom first-dance choreography, father-daughter and mother-son dances, and bridal party routines. Private lessons are $135 for 45 minutes. Hours are Monday–Friday 10 AM–10 PM, Saturday 9 AM–11 PM, Sunday 10 AM–8 PM.
What to expect
Your first visit
On your first visit, you'll enter a historic ballroom with Art Deco chandeliers and a sprung hardwood floor. Most group classes rotate partners and welcome complete beginners. Comfortable clothing that allows free movement is recommended; dance shoes are encouraged but not required for beginners. Avoid rubber-soled shoes that damage the floor. First-time group ballroom students can use coupon code FIRSTTIME for $15 off when bringing a friend.
Instructors
Who teaches here
All instructors hold NDCA certification. Co-owners Lilia and Valdas Padriezas are finalists in prestigious international ballroom competitions and have appeared on television (Oprah, Dharma & Greg, Cherish the Day) and provided choreography for Germany's Next Topmodel. Uros Markovic, National Champion of Serbia in Ballroom and Latin, competed in four World Championships and performed with Andrea Bocelli. Anna and Kiril Kish also teach.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Complete beginners are welcomed; instructors create a supportive environment and classes rotate partners so you don't need to arrive with one.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely; dance shoes encouraged but not required for beginners.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Dance shoes are encouraged but not required for beginners. Avoid shoes with rubber soles or heavy treads.
Studio history
Westmor Ballroom occupies the space of the historic Ernest Belcher Dance Studio, where legendary performers including Fred Astaire, Shirley Temple, Cyd Charisse, and Maria Tallchief trained during Hollywood's Golden Age. Ernest Belcher was an accomplished ballet dancer, choreographer, and instructor. For nearly a century, this ballroom has been a training ground for competitive dancers, performers, and social dancers. Marg Belcher grew up dancing here; Shirley Temple earned her third-grade ballet certification in this studio before becoming one of Hollywood's brightest stars. The ballroom has hosted world champion dancers, Dancing with the Stars celebrities, and competitors in American Smooth.
Styles offered
17 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Westmor Ballroomhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Westmor Ballroom, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Westmor Ballroom
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Westmor Ballroom teach?
Westmor Ballroom teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Waltz, Viennese Waltz and 11 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Westmor Ballroom located?
Westmor Ballroom is located in Los Angeles, CA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Westmor Ballroom offer private lessons?
Contact Westmor Ballroom directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Westmor Ballroom teach kids and adults?
Westmor Ballroom welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Westmor Ballroom?
The fastest path is to visit Westmor Ballroom via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Westmor Ballroom?
Convenient on-site parking is available for guests attending dance classes, private lessons, and special events.