Pacific Grove Dance — Attraction in Pacific Grove

Many years ago, when I watched an international ballroom dancing competition on PBS I was captivated by it. Their posture - their frame. The way the couples glided across the floor together. Now “that was real dancing” I thought - not what most baby boomers like myself knew. I never forgot those images and as my daughter’s wedding approached we took lessons at PG Dance so we could do a father - daughter dance. Real ballroom dancing was new to both of us but with the help, patience, and ice breaking good humor of the great instructors/proprietors, Olga and Leo at PG Dance, we pulled together a really nice dance in a matter of weeks from nothing - no prior experience.

I enjoyed it so much that I decided to continue lessons every week after the wedding to finally realize this longstanding desire to learn real dancing. It has been a year and a half now and as with all endeavors, progress is not linear and can be streaky but I just cannot say enough about my progress and overall experience there. I am still very much motivated and enjoying dancing there.

All of the instructors - Olga, Leo, Natasha, and Sergei are real professionals and great teachers (and wonderful to watch by the way). They are not only helpful, encouraging, and persistent but also really fun and if they can teach me to dance I know they can teach anyone! I started out somewhat shy and hesitant but those days are long gone thanks to them and the atmosphere they cultivate. The other students, regardless of their level of experience are also helpful and encouraging which again is also part of what these fine very hard working professionals have cultivated at PG Dance. I have made many new friends and Olga, Leo, and staff almost feel like family. If you’ve even had a passing thought about wanting to learn to dance, if you like music, I would give this a try. You won’t regret it. None of us is getting any younger so it’s time to get out and do some of those things that have been in the back of our minds. For me dancing has evolved from something I always admired and enjoyed watching to something I am actually doing. It’s a blast!

I am grateful to Olga, Leo, and their creation, PG Dance for making this happen and for the joy and fun and friendships that have...

I have been a student at Pacific Grove Dance for the past eighteen months. It has changed my life. I wanted to learn Salsa, but now I'm also learning Cha Cha, Swing, Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, Tango, as well as the smooth dances, Fox Trot and Waltz. Leo and Olga, the husband-wife team who are the owners/teachers, are simply incredible. They are both very high-energy, extremely talented, while being very warm, supportive and lighthearted. They both work hard teaching their students, both in group lessons and individual private lessons. It is beautiful to see their endless patience, encouragement and coaching bring out the best in each of their students. They pay attention to the smallest detail, and notice everything. They truly want us to succeed and grow. It doesn't matter at what level you begin, whether you've no prior experience, or just want to improve your skills, they will start where you are. The students I've interacted with are all wildly enthusiastic about Leo and Olga. On Friday nights, there is a group lesson, followed by a dance party which is well attended and offers the students, at whatever level they happen to be, an opportunity to participate. The studio is beautiful, well appointed and meticulously maintained; a real pleasure to be there. Try it; you will love it;...

Most of my career has been as a Nurse Practitioner working with Sports Medicine surgeons and elite athletes. I lost my husband in June and decided to take dance lessons as I move forward. That is when I found Olga and Leo the owners of Pacific Grove Dance. And my new dance instructor Marcus - talk about athletes! Marcus is so professional and patience and has a mischief about him to make it fun. I highly recommend them as a top notch dance studio! Grab your shoes and come join me for some Salsa!💃

Update: I have been taking lessons for about 6 months with Marcus - and I have improved so much with his teaching style and skills. The contribution of his ability to make me laugh as I am desperately trying to remember my dance steps, hand/arm positions and if I am suppose to be looking left, right or at him! :) Last night I finally got to attend the Friday night dance lesson (open to the public) followed by general dancing and it was so fun! I am actually very shy and Leo, Olga and Marcus made me feel so at ease as well as the other attendees. So if you are looking for a Friday night fun event ( no need to bring a partner ) I highly recommend Pacific...