Dance Classes
Dance Weekends
- Dancing with The Stars Weekend – Beaumont Estate, Windsor, June ’13
- Dancing with The Stars Weekend – Alton Towers Resort Hotel March ’14
- Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag Weekend Dance Break
- Dancing with The Stars Weekend – Beaumont Estate, Windsor June ’14
- Previous Events
Strictly Professionals
- Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag
- James and Ola Jordan
- Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe
- Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton
- Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova
- Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace
- Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor
- Warren and Kristi Boyce
Newsletter
Get regular updates on classes, dance events and weekend with the stars events by subscribing to our newsletter.
Venues
- Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
- Beaumont Estate Hotel, Old Windsor, Berkshire
- Village Hotel & Leisure Club, Manchester
- Dukinfield Town Hall
- Dukinfield Masonic Hall
- Ashton Town Hall
- Hyde Town Hall
- The Moor Suite, Heaton Moor, Stockport
- Droylsden Concord Suite
Members area
Photo Gallery
Dancing with The Stars Weekend – Alton Towers Resort Hotel March ’14
Making A Booking
Early Bird Booking Price 3 days,
2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast only;
£379pp if booked before 31st Aug’13
£389pp if booked before 31st Dec’13
£409pp Thereafter
£100pp deposit secures your place. Sorry, no single places or rooms available.
Book instantly & securely by Credit/Debit Card
Simply make your room selection from the choices below, select the Add To Cart button and this will direct you to our secure Paypal site.
Please note this will incur a £2.50 paypal debit/credit card booking fee per person.
Book by BACS
You are welcome to make your deposit payment by direct bank transfer;
Sort Code; 30-98-12
Account No; 01038050
Account Name; DONAHEY’S
Please add your surname as a reference. Once you have made the payment, simply email us using this link with all your booking information and we’ll confirm receipt of your bank transfer, along with your booking confirmation letter.
Book by Phone
Call us on 0161 338 2884 and book your places by telephone.
Mon – Fri; 8am – 5pm
Sat; 9am – 5pm
Book by Post
Simply click here to print out our Booking Form, complete this then post out along with a cheque to cover the £100 pp deposit, payable to Donahey’s c/o Donahey’s, PO Box 209, Ashton-U-Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 OAG. Please allow 17 days from posting for receipt of confirmation.
Dancing With The Stars Weekend
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th March 2014
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
Over 100 places already booked from this years event….wow!
Spend the weekend mixing & mingling with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing, see them perform up close & personal, learn to dance with them, hear all about their Strictly Come Dancing experiences plus grab photograph’s of your favourites.
Following on from our previous sell-out success, we’re delighted to present an amazing 2014 weekender .
Line-up to be announced Sept/Oct 2013 – We’re sure you’ve seen from our 2013 line-up and all our many previous weekenders – we guarantee it will be amazing & unrivalled…..
See the Strictly Come Dancing stars perform up close & personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other, enjoy dance lessons tailored to your dancing ability with the stars, plus hear all about their Strictly experiences.
Just take a look what’s included in Donahey’s Dancing with The Stars Weekend;
- Friday & Saturday night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the fabulous 4 star Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire.
- Two nights of Breathtaking Dance Showcases featuring the stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the Dancing World – all up close & personal.
- 4 hours of Ballroom & Latin Dance classes with the stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the Dancing World – guaranteed for everyone and tailored specifically to your dancing ability.
- Question & Answer sessions with the stars for everyone – find out the all the juicy Strictly gossip first hand from the stars, and maybe ask your burning questions.
- An additional 3 hours of dance classes with Donahey’s highly experienced dance teachers in our second stunning ballroom – tailored specifically to your dancing ability.
- Two nights of dancing in the stunning, air conditioned, State-Room Ballroom – featuring a fabulous selection of music to enjoy and dance the night away.
- Saturday night Black Tie Ball starring The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Ballroom & Latin Big Band – you really can’t beat dancing to the fabulous sounds of live music.
- Exclusive ‘Red Carpet Strictly Photo Calls’ to grab those all-important souvenir photographs of the Strictly Celebrities.
- Saturday night intimate late night ‘Latin Lounge’, ideal for relaxing & dancing into the early hours.
Take advantage of the great offers we have available if you book early. Just £369pp if you book before 31st Aug’13, £389pp if booked before 31st Dec’13, £409pp for all bookings after this time.
Book your place now to avoid disappointment, as these are hugely popular sell-out events.
Pay just £100pp deposit to reserve your place, with the remaining balance not due until 31st Dec ’13.
Even the added extras are included;
- Personalised Gift Certificate – received on booking, just perfect for presenting the gift for any special occasion, plus a great keepsake.
- Complimentary 16-page glossy souvenir programme – a perfect keepsake and great for showing off to all your friends & family after the event.
- Welcome souvenir dance bag – sponsored by Supadance, containing helpful & fun goodies.
- Reserved VIP table & seats in The Stateroom Ballroom throughout the whole weekend – no need to change to different tables all weekend and no need to worry about getting there first.
- All tables front row, floor-side guaranteed – offering great uninterrupted views of all the shows with no need to pay extra to upgrade.
- Complimentary jugs of iced water on all the tables, refreshed throughout the day – so you can stay refreshed & hydrated at no extra cost.
- Ample free on-site parking.
Donahey’s Adult only dance weekends are truly inspirational and a great chance to learn to dance, improve your dancing, try new styles, learn new steps, develop your technique along with a fabulous opportunity to be taught by the actual stars of Strictly Come Dancing. Alternatively why not just sit back and soak up the fabulous atmosphere of this great weekend in this stunning resort. If you’re not sure what to expect, take a look at some of the fabulous testimonials we have received from the actual stars of Strictly & this years guests.
If you’ve never danced before this is a Strictly experience you’ll never forget; Amazing shows to see, live music to enjoy, beginner dance lessons with the stars to try, questions & answers sessions – and so much more all under one roof, who knows who you’ll bump into around the hotel! Plus of course you have all the facilities and actvities that Alton Towers 4 star resort has to offer you.
Dancing With The Stars Weekend 2013 Photo’s
Alton Towers stunning Air Conditioned State Room Ballroom, at nearly 6,000sq ft, will offer us 3,000sq ft of amazing sprung wooden dance floor – one of the largest dance floors in the country. The brand new State Room benefits from floor to ceiling windows & doors opening out onto it’s own private courtyard area, along with it’s own private bars & reception areas – this impressive new venue is just perfect for our dance weekend. Plus, the Emperor Suite, Alton Towers Resort Hotel’s newly refurbished original ballroom, will offer guests a beautiful second daytime Workshop venue at over 2,500sq ft.
Dance workshops will be offered for all levels in; Ballroom, Latin American, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Swing, American Smooth, Zumba® & more. Unlike other dance weekends where you are restricted to just two 45min workshops, we guarantee you a minimum of 7-hours of workshops with the actual stars & your Donahey’s team – you don’t have to take part in all or any of them though if you don’t want!
Donahey’s Dance Weekends – Officially Recommended in Radio Times Strictly Come Dancing Gift Guide.
What the Strictly stars have to say about Donahey’s Dance Weekends…..
‘Thank you to Donahey’s, in our opinion Donahey’s are one of the best-organised events we attend, they always look after you the guest and us the artist – thank you’ Vincent Simone
‘Congratulations to the Donahey’s for finding the most amazing venue. How brilliant is Alton Towers – a diamond in the country. We love working with the Donahey’s – you always know you’ll get such a professionally run event’ Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe
‘Alton Towers is a great venue, we love it here’ ‘We’ve had great feedback from a lot of people about your event at Alton towers it was a fantastic weekend’ Darren Bennett & Lilia Kopylova
‘Absolutely amazing, well organised and an extremely fun filled weekend. So much to take part in and everyone having such a great time’ Karen Hardy
‘Paul, you’re such a Superstar for organising such a fabulous event’ Anton Du Beke
‘Dance weekends with Donahey’s are a fun and exciting break for anyone who loves to dance or wants to learn. They are very professionally organised and they really look after you. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the team are great. A must for your diary’Flavia Cacace
“What can I say? What a great weekend. We do shows all over the country but never have we had so much fun and met so many great people. I have to say Donaheys have done an amazing job organising the whole weekend, hope to be back soon!” James & Ola Jordan
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
This impressive hotel set in the rolling Staffordshire countryside is the perfect setting for our ‘everything under one roof’ dance weekend. With all the facilities you would expect from a 4 star hotel, this fabulous quintessentially English hotel benefits from large modern comfortable en-suite bedrooms with flat screen TV’s, all set around a beautiful central courtyard with it’s own lake, fountain & countryside walks.
Donahey’s have exclusive use of the entire Alton Towers Resort Hotel for the whole weekend, the Alton Towers Theme Park will not open until later in March, or will the hotel feature it’s usual family entertainment – all hotel guests will be part of our exclusive adults only Dancing With The Stars weekend.
Alton Towers Resort Hotel Ballrooms – 360 tours
The StateRoom Ballroom
The Emperor’s Ballroom
Alton Towers Resort Hotel Photos
Alton Towers Resort Hotel Spa
As well as the non-stop dancing there’s plenty on offer to keep you entertained at this fabulous resort; You could pamper yourselves at the Hotels Luxury award-winning Spa, enjoy the Aqua Relaxation Rooms thermal circuit & pools, or choose your very own custom spa treatment? You may want to take the plunge in one of Europe’s largest indoor water parks, Alton Towers hugely impressive Splash Landings. Alternatively, choose from two 9-hole adventure golf courses. Rates & admission charges for these attractions will apply, details of these can be found on arrival in resort. As an added treat you could upgrade to one of Alton Towers exclusive fun themed bedrooms – The Chocolate Room, Arabian Night’s, Tatty Teddy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Celebration, Girls Sleepover & more…the choice is all yours!
Alton Towers Resort Hotel Tour
Alton Towers Resort Hotel Features
- 165 large non-smoking modern comfortable en-suite bedrooms.
- Luxury Spa & Thermal circuit
- The Stateroom & Emperor’s Ballroom – tour them here
- Central courtyard, lounges, lake & fountain.
- Free car parking for all guests
- Secret Garden Restaurant
- Splash Landings Water park
- Upgrade to one of 20 exclusively themed bedrooms – Choose from The Chocolate Room, Arabian Night’s, Tatty Teddy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Celebration, Shanghai Girls Sleepover & more…Tour the hotels themed rooms here;
The Alton Towers Theme Park will not open until later in March, nor will the hotel feature it’s usual family entertainment – all hotel guests will be part of our exclusive adults only Dancing With The Stars weekend.
View our event on the offical Alton Towers Resort Hotel website here
www.altontowers.com/short-breaks/dancing-with-the-stars-weekend/
This isn’t a weekend break organised by a holiday company or a hotel with some dancing available – this is an exclusive weekend bursting at the seams with dancing, organised by dance experts. Our weekend will give you the chance to be close to the stars of TV – and will be one you’ll remember for years to come.
Our Dancing With The Stars Weekend is a wonderful, relaxed social weekend and would NOT be suitable for competitive dancers – simply come along and enjoy yourselves! Enjoy seeing BBC Strictly Come Dancing Stars performing live up close and personal
Dancing With The Stars Weekends supported by Supadance Shoes.
Fri 7th – Sun 9th March 2014
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB
Take advantage of the great offers we have available if you book early. Just £369pp if you book before 31st Aug’13, £389pp if booked before 31st Dec’13, £409pp for all bookings after this time.
Pay just £100pp deposit to reserve your place, with the remaining balance not due until 31st Dec ’13.
Take a 360 tour of the Hotel, Restaurants, Spa, Grounds & Ballrooms – here
I’ve never danced before, is it for me..….
Throughout the weekend you can enjoy over 7 hours of dedicated beginners dance classes especially designed for guests who have never danced before or maybe have taken a few classes and want to build their confidence on the dance-floor.
The great news is you will be taught your first dance steps by the stars of Strictly…wow, what better way to learn to dance? You’ll enjoy 4 hours of beginners dance classes with the stars of the weekend, plus 3 hours of beginner’s lessons with your Donahey’s team.
We’ve listened to customer feedback and are pleased to offer a special beginners refresher hour early Saturday evening – before the main Black Tie Ball begins. Here we’ll go over some of the dances you’ve learnt over the weekend – a perfect re-cap for you. Plus, we always teach a fun & easy dance during both Friday & Saturday evening.
So as well as sitting back and enjoying the spectacular shows and the fabulous live music, you’ll be able to learn to dance with the stars of TV, and of course enjoy the stunning setting of our fabulous venue and all the facilities it has to offer.
It truly will be a weekend made of great memories
I’ve danced before…
This will be an amazing opportunity for you to enhance your dancing and be taught by some of the world’s finest dancers.
You’ll learn tailored new choreography in Ballroom & Latin dances, developing your technique & style, most of all though you’ll actually be taught by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing – what better way to learn?
We offer you either 7 hours of dedicated Improver/Intermediate dance lessons, or 7 hours of Advanced dance lessons. You’ll enjoy 4 hours of dance lessons with the stars of the weekend, plus 3 hours of lessons with your Donahey’s team, all you need do is let us know which level of lessons you would like to take.
Plus as well as Friday & Saturday evening’s social dancing, we host afternoon practice sessions where you can come along and practice what you’ve learnt.
You really will take away so much from the weekend, just take a look below at what previous guests had to say…
What guests have to say about Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars Weekends
On behalf of our group, Barry and I want to say a big thank you for such a professional organised weekend of ballroom/latin dancing, showcases and tuition. Our group have not enjoyed such an event ever. It was wonderful.
Marylene & Barry NealeJust a quick thank you for a super weekend. You and your team worked hard to make everything work and it was much appreciated. See you all next year.
John & Julie WardHi Paul, Just to say a big thank you to you and your gang for, well we thought, the best weekend ever. The structure was great. The order of the dance classes was excellent, and therefore plenty for the beginners to dance to on the Saturday night. We loved all the lessons, but Cha cha and Jive were brilliant. Ola and James and Karen and Kevin……..WOW! We had an absolutely fab time, and will see you next year
Phil, Steph, Mary and AlexThank you for a brilliant weekend. I can’t believe you packed in so much into 3 days. We are going to book for Windsor in 2014 and will be taking our daughters and their partners.
Neal and SianThank you to you, and all the Donahey’s staff for a wonderful weekend at Alton Towers. We had a fabulous time and as usual in the main that is down to your hard work, planning and preparation. We are looking forward to next year’s event already!
Danny & BrendaWe had a fantastic time and have been impressed with the organisation and the amount of learning and entertainment packed into the weekend.
Ruth & JohnHi everyone at the Donaheys team
Myself and my husband have just arrived back in Dumfries from your Alton towers weekend dancing with the stars. My husband Mark surprised me with this weekend as a Christmas gift and I was utterly thrilled. He’s not a dance fan but I’m a huge strictly fan but to be honest with you I thought it would be one of those things where the stars turn up and wave! How wrong I was! I just had to drop you a line to congratulate you and your wonderful team for making our weekend such a magical fabulous time. I organise a festival up here so I understand what it takes to make things go as smoothly as they did. And not only was it a fabulous weekend, Mark and I enjoyed ourselves so much, it will be a memory we will treasure for ever. Congratulations to you all for producing such a fantastic event and thank you all so much for making it such a memorable weekend for us.
Karen ClappertonAs first time attendees we were very impressed with the standard of organisation achieved by you and your team, the chance to see the professionals dance close up was truly amazing.
Alan & ChristineJust wanted to say a massive thank you for a great weekend at Alton Towers resort hotel. I reluctantly booked the tickets for my wife and I after she said that I hadn’t taken her dancing in the 13 years that we had been married. So, we came, we danced and………………………………………. I LOVED IT! ………and so did she! Anyhow, what a surprise! Many thanks Paul and will see you in Windsor 2014!
Neil and Yolanda FrostThank you for a really wonderful weekend of dance. The hotel was top notch, the food delicious — and I even lost weight because of the nearly non-stop dancing all weekend! Usually I can’t get enough dancing, but I will confess to being footsore by the end of the Viennese Waltz session. We truly enjoyed the classes and the big band was a real treat.
Karen & BernardCongratulations on your marvellous 2012 weekend break at Alton Towers. The venue, workshops & shows were fantastic, but what stands out is your amazing friendliness, and the organisational skills of managing such a massive event at such an affordable cost – you should have been responsible for organising the Olympics! We would also like to offer our congratulations as you celebrate 44 years, what amazing events will you be hosting in your Jubilee year….
Michelle & StuartJust arrived home after a BRILLIANT Dancing with the Stars @ Alton Towers. Congratulations to Shirley/Paul and all the team for such an excellent time. You should all be proud of the event you put on. Many many thanks!
Jan & PaulThank you so much for an absolutely fabulous weekend. This was our first time with you and we enjoyed it so much we have booked to do it all again next year.. We came home tired but happy.
Hazel & DenisJust wanted to thank you for yet another superb dancing weekend – can they get any better. Warren and Kristi’s son was particularly amazing. 44 years of dancing – you must be so proud?
HazelThank you for last weekend, we truly had the best time ever.
Geoffrey & NicolaThank you once again for a fabulous weekend, the whole weekend was so professionally run – very impressive. We were both beginners at the start of the weekend but will be taking lessons over the next year so we can enjoy the weekend even more when we return next March. We just wish we lived near Manchester to be able to attend your classes. Thank you to all the Donahey’s team for their help and friendliness over the weekend. You all worked so hard. The teaching was all excellent.
Jane & IanThe whole event was PHENOMENAL. The dance shows in the evening were stunning and spectacular and it has been a tremendous privilege to see such top pro’s in such an intimate environment; like a private show. The workshops were great fun AND we learned loads. The staff were all really helpful and polite. The venue was perfect.
We’re both physically tired but delighted that we came to our first such event. We have already booked for next year; of course! Your efforts are hugely appreciated. A fantastic job supremely well done’ Martin & Angela
Questions & Answers
Firstly, tell me about Donahey’s?
The Donahey’s family have been organising spectacular dance events and teaching children & adults across Manchester to dance for over 44 years. We pride ourselves on the quality of all our classes and events. Our hugely successful ‘Dancing with The Stars Weekend’s’ are now in their 7th year – we thoroughly enjoy them and we go out of our way to ensure our customers do too.
Donahey’s is recommended by, and affiliated to the world’s largest dance teacher’s organisation, the IDTA – rest assured Donahey’s have worked hard to establish a name you can trust along with an exceptional reputation in the Dancing world.
Who teaches the workshops?
The professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing will teach 4 of your workshops. 3 hours of additional workshops will be offered by your highly experienced Donahey’s team – and there’s no need to pre-book these workshops.
I’ve never danced before is this weekend suitable?
Absolutely, this is a Strictly experience you’ll never forget; Amazing shows to see, live music to enjoy, beginner dance lessons with the stars to try, questions & answers sessions – and so much more all under one roof, who knows who you’ll bump into around the hotel! Plus of course you have all the facilities that the fabulous hotel has to offer you.
Our weekend is designed for enjoyment for all, whether you’ve never stepped foot on a dance floor before and want to sit back and enjoy the shows, or if your an experienced dancer and want to take part in the workshops & evening dancing. The level of your participation is entirely your decision, you can join in some of the workshops & dancing, or none at all – the choice is completely yours!
What level of ability will the workshops be?
Workshops will be offered throughout the days aimed at mixed levels from beginners through to advanced. Styles of workshops include; Ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Zumba® & more.
How many hours dance workshops are included?
You’ll be offered over 7-hours of dance workshops, evenly spread across your whole dance weekend. 4 hours of Ballroom & Latin Dance classes with the stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the Dancing World – guaranteed for everyone and tailored specifically to your dancing ability. Plus an additional 3 hours of dance classes with Donahey’s highly experienced dance teachers in our second stunning ballroom – again tailored specifically to your dancing ability.
We’ll usually also offer some fun warm-up workshops in the mornings, such as Zumba or Salsacise – just to get you started nice & fresh. Remember you can take part in as many or as few of theses workshops as you like – it’s all upto you.
Do i need to pre-book any of my workshops?
There’s absolutely no need to worry about pre-booking any of your workshops, we’ll reserve you places in all the workshops for your dance level – so all you need to do is come along and enjoy.
I’m experienced in Ballroom & Latin, but not the other styles
- how do you sort the workshops for the other styles?
Each of our workshops are tailored to the dancing ability of your group.
A group of experienced dancers in whatever form, we find pick-up new steps & rhythm much easier than say a group of absolute beginners. So the overall progress in improver or advanced groups can be more rapid and therefore we can add more content & choreography for you in those workshops.
Don’t worry, we don’t anticipate everyone in the group will be Improver or Intermediate in those ‘additional workshop’ styles – just that they are dancers and able to follow and learn within a dance class easier than say absolute beginners.
My partner/friends don’t dance can I take part in the classes?
Absolutely.
My partner/friends dance at a different level to myself, can we each take the workshops appropriate for our own dancing ability?
Sure, it’s absolutely fine for you to split for the dance lessons/workshops, no problem at all – just let us know on your booking form. We do occasionally get some people do that, we wouldn’t though be able to accomodate both of you taking each others lessons as well.
If you choose to split for workshops please be aware we are unable to offer you partners in the workshops. If you choose to take part in all the workshops you are offered, due to the packed workshop schedule spread across 2 ballrooms, you should expect to spend most of the daytimes seperate from each other.
What shall I wear?
The daytime is casual; the evenings will be smart look your best for some fab pictures! For your enjoyment Saturday evening will be a Black Tie Ball.
For dancing; on your feet something comfortable, dance shoes or flattish shoes preferably not trainers. No high heels, flip flops, steel heels or toe caps on the dance-floor please.
What kinds of age group attend?
Our Dancing With The Stars Weekend is designed for enjoyment by everyone and regularly attracts a mix of all ages so you can be sure of a fun time – some families bring along 3 generations!
What is included in the price?
2 nights en-suite accommodation; Friday & Saturday 2-course evening meal; Saturday & Sunday morning Full English Breakfasts; Dancing Friday & Saturday evening from 8pm till midnight; Workshops Friday evening, Saturday daytime & Sunday until around 1pm; Dance showcases Friday & Saturday evening, Black Tie Ball Saturday evening.
What happens at lunchtime?
Your hotel will have some lovely food, drinks & snack offerings available at various bars and restaurants across the estate each day – so you can choose exactly what you would like such as a light healthy snack or something more filling.
Drinks & Lunch aren’t included in your package price.
What standard of accommodation are the hotels?
All the hotel’s Donahey’s chooses for our events are a minimum of 4 star standard. For more information on each of our hotels, visit the dedicated webpage;
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Alton, Staffordshire
Will the Alton Towers Theme Park be open during our March Dancing With The Stars Weekend?
No, the Alton Towers Theme Park will not open until the following weekend.
Can we make special room requests at our hotel?
Of course, if you have any specific hotel requests whatsoever such as; extending your stay either side at preferential rates, rooms close to your friends, low floors, near a lift or wish to upgrade your facilities simply contact the hotels direct. Contact No’s will be highlighted in your confirmation letters
What happens in the evenings?
There will be fabulous showcases from the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, dancing for everyone plus on Saturday there will be live music with our 15-piece Big Band.
Can we sit with our friends?
Certainly, when you fill out your booking form, just tell us who they are and we will reserve you seats together in the ballroom!
Your VIP Table
You will be reserved seats at a table in the Main Ballroom for the whole weekend – all our tables are front row floor-side guaranteed, so no need to pay to upgrade.
The Weekender Programme
You will receive your complimentary 12-page souvenir programme upon registration with all the details of what we have to offer you over the weekend.
What time does the weekend begin on the Friday?
You are welcome to check-in to your hotel from 3pm onwards, Dinner will be offered in the hotels main restaurant from 5pm – 8.30pm, our welcome party commences in the main Ballroom from 8pm, the shows commence from 9.30pm.
You will also be offered a one-hour workshop with one of the Strictly couples between 5pm – 8pm. Usually, beginners at 5pm, Improvers at 6pm & Intermediate at 7pm.
What time does the weekend finish on the Sunday?
Our last workshop on Sunday should finish around 1pm.
Photographs
Make sure you bring your camera for our exclusive ‘Photo Calls’ with the stars of the show. These will take place in some great locations around the Resort grounds, your chance to take some fabulous souvenir photographs of the stars.
I’ve booked my places – how can i make my final balancing payment?
To make a cheque payment, simply post your cheque, payable to ‘Donahey’s’, and tear off payment slip from your booking confirmation letter to; Donahey’s, PO Box 209, Ashton-U-Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 OAG.
To make a BACS payment, please ensure you quote the lead passenger surname & your booking code. Our bank details are; A/C name; DONAHEY’S. Sort code; 30-98-12. A/C No; 01038050. Once you have made the BACS payment, please simply return the tear off payment slip from your booking confirmation letter stating that you have made the BACS payment and stating the date the payment was made, many thanks.
Please allow us upto 17 days from posting payments/slips to receiving your confirmation receipt email, many thanks. Due to high PayPal Credit/Debit Card fees, balancing payments can only be accepted by cheque or BACS.
Can i pay in instalments?
Sure, to help spread the cost of your dancing weekend we are pleased to offer you the option of paying in instalments. If at any time between now and the balance due date you would like to pay off some of the balance, you are welcome to do so by simply indicating on your payment slip from your booking confirmation letter the amount you would like to pay off, and following the notes above.
I am a lady without a partner – can I come along?
Of course, we openly welcome ladies without a dance partner, however we are unable to provide dance partners over the weekend. Donahey’s does not have a policy of offering male dance partners to ladies who attend our Dancing With The Stars Weekend without a dance partner and we do not rotate partners during any workshops. We ask you please, not to book our dance weekend under the impression that we supply dance partners for ladies, or that you will be dancing with the stars themselves, thank you.
Unfortunately, we have no single rooms or places available. Large comfortable Twin rooms are available for two-person occupancy, but not for single occupancy – sorry absolutely no single places or rooms now available.
Can i just purchase tickets for the dancing/workshops/show?
In terms of non-residential, or day passes, unfortunately it’s not an option we offer I’m afraid. We don’t sell day passes so you won’t have different people dropping in and out of your weekend.
It creates a much nicer atmosphere when everyone is residential for the entire weekend. Mainly because you don’t have different people dropping in and out across the weekend for certain classes or just evening shows.
Once guests arrive Friday afternoon, guests are shown to their table in the Ballroom, this is your table then for the entire weekend. We try and ensure all the guests on each table are in the same group for their dance classes, and that they have the same evening dining times – it really helps bond everyone, helping create a friendly atmosphere and an enjoyable experience for all our guests.
We’ve always run our dance weekends along these lines, and receive really positive feedback about this approach – people often book again requesting that they sit with their ‘new weekend friends.’
Is the Alton Towers Resort Hotel or Merlin Group connected in any way with the dance workshops & shows offered?
All the shows & workshops are organised by Donahey’s – the dance experts. Merlin has no contractual responsibility towards guests in relation to the delivery of any workshops & shows.
Is our dance weekend associated with the BBC in any way?
No.
Is the Alton Towers Resort Hotel or Merlin Group connected in any way with the dance workshops & shows offered?
All the shows & workshops are organised by Donahey’s – the dance experts. Merlin Group has no contractual responsibility towards guests in relation to the delivery of your workshops & shows.
