Dance Santa Cruz / Avila Dance Instruction

Mario is an exceptionally gifted instructor. As he coached us through our wedding first dance, he choreographed a dance that was uniquely us. My fiancée and myself could not have been more pleased with how clear his instructions were improving our presentation for that special day. We did the seven lesson wedding package. Six lessons for us and the 7^th lesson for my fiancée and her father. Even my future father in-​law had fun learning from Mario.
Our dance was a blend between swing, tango and base moves. We feel really confident and look forward to our first dance as a married couple.
Qualities I appreciated — patient, talented, clear instructions, kind correction, and funny.
Several family members offered to coach us for that first dance. Do it right, hire a professional, follow his instructions and enjoy that special day.
I highly recommend Mario and Avila Dance Instruction.
*I only review services I am extremely pleased with. I do not give 3 star or less reviews. If I’ve rated a business, it’s an honorable respectful business that serves it’s customers.

Mario is the most patient, creative and talented dance teacher. He is respectful and possesses one great sense of humor. Mario’s classes are enjoyable experience for all ages, levels and abilities.

If you’re looking for great dance instruction in the Santa Cruz area, look no further! I highly recommend you check out Avila Dance Instruction. Mario is an incredible dancer and instructor; super-​fun to take a class with, as well as for private instruction. He’s highly regarded in the dance community, as an active ballroom competitor himself. Above all, you can’t beat his sense of humor and he’s a blast to dance with at the dance parties :)

I have always believed that dance is meant to be an activity that’s fun and stress-​relieving as opposed to frustrating and difficult. With that said, Mario is excellent when it comes to having an excellent dance experience. Mario is a very patient instructor and is also a great deal fun to be around.

I have known Mario since 1995. He was a very talented dancer, choreographer, and teacher then and has become even more so throughout the years. Mario has an outstanding personality, warm, funny, personable, patient, and did I mention funny? He makes his students feel at ease while still pushing you to do your best and progress to greater levels. Invest in the best… take ballroom lessons with Mario :)

I have been doing East Coast Swing for a couple years now, and nearly everything I know I learned from Mario’s wednesday classes at El Palomar Ballroom. He mixes in teaching technique with new and interesting patterns on a regular basis, and my repertoire has improved steadily thanks to his addicting classes!

Great place to learn dancing! Mario is the best teacher! Love this place!

Mario is awesome! He’s got a great combination of technical skill, presence, personality, patience, experience, and fun! I’ve taken lessons with him starting over 13 years ago and each year he gets better. He puts in the time to continually practice, train with new instructors, compete, and improve his own dancing and knowledge, unlike some teachers who just stagnate. He’s great fun to watch, to learn from, and to just talk to. The only negative is that he’s in Santa Cruz, and now I’m in San Francisco.
If you’re thinking about taking dance lessons, give Mario a try – you’ll be glad you did!

I’ve take a group class and mainly social danced with Mario. As you see below, Mario is a very patient and encouraging teacher. I personally feel horrible when I make a wrong step or do anything wrong, but he never fails to help you brush it off and pick up again. He’s also a great leader, meaning it’s not hard to figure out what he wants you to do. It totally makes dancing more enjoyable! His good humor, patience, enthusiasm for his work, and positive spirit never fails to brighten up your dancing days. A recommended teacher if you’re ever in the area! =)