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Venues
- Ashton Town Hall
- Hyde Town Hall
- Denton Labour Club
- Dukinfield Community Centre
- Droylsden Concord Suite
Members area
Photo Gallery
11th – 13th June ‘10
Making A Booking
Early bird booking price, 3 days, 2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast from only £349pp. £100 per person deposit secures your place.
Book by Credit/Debit Card
Simply make your room selection from the choices below, then select the Add To Cart button and this will direct you to our secure Paypal site.
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.
Book by Phone
Unfortunately we don’t have credit card facilities to enable us to accept telephone payments.
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th March 2011
Join us for the ultimate adult only dance weekend and enjoy a weekend mixing and mingling with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the dancing world. See them perform up close & personal, learn to dance with them, hear all about their Strictly Come Dancing experiences plus have the chance to meet, chat and have pictures & autographs with them.
Just take a look what’s included in our fabulous dance weekend;
- Two stunning Ballrooms featuring hours of workshops – guaranteeing you a minimum 6-hours of dance workshops actually taken by the Strictly Come Dancing Stars, World Champions & Donahey’s.
- Fully choreographed breathtaking evening Dance Showcases, up close & personal on both evenings in the stunning air conditioned State Room.
- A fabulous selection of music each evening to dance the night away.
- The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Ballroom & Latin Big Band.
- Saturday night Black Tie Ball.
- Exclusive reception areas to meet, chat with the stars and to grab those important photographs & autographs.
3 days, 2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast from only £349pp
Even the small things like;
- Complimentary 12-page glossy souvenir programme, just perfect for collecting all those autograph’s.
- Welcome souvenir dance bag – containing lots of helpful goodies.
- Reserved table & seats in The Stateroom throughout the whole weekend.
- Jugs of iced water on the tables refreshed throughout the daytime.
- Ample free on-site car parking.
Our Adult only dance weekends are truly inspirational and a great chance to improve your dancing, try new styles, learn new steps, develop your technique along with a fabulous opportunity to be taught by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing themselves. If you’re not sure what to expect, take a look at some of the fabulous testimonials we have received from the Strictly Stars & our guests.
Donahey’s are pleased to have exclusive use of the entire Alton Towers Resort Hotel for the whole weekend. 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 bedrooms with flat screen TV’s, all set around a beautiful central courtyard with it’s own lake, fountain & countryside walks.
The stunning fully Air Conditioned State Room, at nearly 6,000sq ft, will offer us 3,500sq ft of 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 original ballroom, will offer guests a beautiful second daytime Workshop venue at over 2,500sq ft.
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 Spa, enjoy the Thermal circuit & pools, or choose that 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. Discount rates & admission charges for these attractions will of course apply to ALL our Weekender guests. 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 yours!
IMPORTANT – The Alton Towers Theme Park will not open until late March, after our weekender, in time for Easter which next year is 22nd – 25th April ‘11, 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.
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.
Dancing With The Stars Weekends supported by Supadance Shoes.
What the stars had to say about our recent Dancing With The Stars Weekends…..
‘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
“Donahey’s events are one of the best and professionally organised events. The people attending the workshops are very friendly and make the atmosphere great” Vincent Simone
“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
“Extremely well organised and a real buzz in the ballroom – the audience were electric” Brian Fortuna.
Spend the weekend mixing & mingling with the stars, you could be learning & dancing with them…
In fact you may need to take the next day off work to recover!
The TV stars, champions & your Donahey’s team take ALL the workshops offered.
take a 360 tour of the Hotel, Restaurants, Spa, Grounds & Ballrooms – here
Fri 18th – Sun 20th March 2011
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB
Early Bird Booking Price, 3 days, 2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast only £349pp
if booked before 30th Nov ‘10. £359pp thereafter. Payment by instalments available.
Unlike other dance weekends we don’t sell extra daytime or evening passes – so you won’t get extra people dropping in – just one group for our entire weekender. Our Dancing With The Stars Weekend is a wonderful, relaxed social dance weekend and would not be suitable for competitive/advanced dancers – simply come along and enjoy yourselves!
Twin, Double or Triple rooms still available – sorry no single rooms left.
The Tony Greenwood Big Band
The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Ballroom & Latin Big Band - ready to entertain you...
Sample Programme
This programme is from one of our previous Dancing With The Stars Weekends;
Special Occasion…
Why not treat yourself to one of Alton Towers exclusive fun themed room upgrades?
- The Chocolate Room – Go on a journey of discovery in the travel-inspired Chocolate room. It’s themed like a railway cabin complete with an endless supply of hidden chocolate.
- Arabian Night’s – This luxurious room is the perfect hideaway for loved-up couples, the magnificent marble bathroom complete with whirlpool bath is the perfect place to relax with a glass of bubbly.
- Tatty Teddy – Two exceptional rooms, furnished in a style that encapsulates the essence of Me to You and the Tatty Teddy characters.
- Sonic the Hedgehog – Spin into the universe of Sonic The Hedgehog in his amazing new themed room. Stay in the famous game level of Green Hill Zone, practise your video gaming skills in the dedicated gaming area with Sonic game library, hunt for the Chaos Emeralds and test Sonic facts!
- Celebration Room- Join the carnival atmosphere and party! With streamers, balloons and a fridge full of refreshing, ice-cold Coca-Cola, this brightly decorated room is made for fun.
- Sleepover Room – Have the ultimate girly night in, sleeping over in this gorgeous, shocking pink room. It has separate areas for partying and for sleeping.
Tour the hotels themed rooms here;
Themed room upgrades and other upgrades are available to book direct with Alton Towers Resort Hotel on a limited basis. If you would like to upgrade you should initially book the dance weekend here, then we will send you details of how to upgrade in your booking confirmation.
What guests had to say about our previous Dancing With The Stars Weekends…..
‘Thank you all for a lovely weekend’ Angela & Barbara
‘May i thank you all for organising such a wonderful event. The workshops were extremely enjoyable and the live showcases breathtaking. Look forward to seeing you next year’ Ruth & Rupert
‘This year was our first and can i say both Ellie & I enjoyed the experience immensely. We came with 3 other couples who had been the year before and it even exceeded their descriptions – look forward to next year’ Kevin & Ellie
‘Thanks again for another brilliant weekend, as you know we’re already booked in for next year, and although not wanting to wish the time away, we can’t wait. You all do a backbreaking and no doubt stressful job to make the weekends run as smoothly as they always do. You are all amazing and very much appreciated.’ Jan & Barrie
‘Thanks again for a fantastic weekend. As ever we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our party of eight have already booked again for next year.’ Eddie & Linda
‘Thanks for a fabulous weekend. Both Danny and myself really enjoyed the classes and both evenings. Your organisation of the event is first class and your dedication to making the whole weekend special is admirable.’ Brenda & Danny
‘Let me say thanks to you and all your team for another wonderful weekend, we really enjoyed ourselves and look forward to seeing you next year.’ Karen & Murray
‘Thanks to the whole team for all your hard work, we have enjoyed the weekend very much’ Kath & Alan
‘Fantastic yet again, 3rd time & booked for next year’ Janet & Alan
‘Another wonderful weekend, the shows were amazing. Thank you to all the Donahey’s team for all your hard work and bringing us a fabulous weekend’ Louise & Diana
‘The weekend has been superb’
‘Fun, action packed weekend – thank you’ Mike & Audrey
‘Great weekend? Well done Paul, Shirley & co for a well organised fun weekend’ Keith & Barbara
‘Well organised, full of variety & fun! Thanks’ Pete & Helen
‘It was our first time and we had a great weekend. Thank You’ Alan & Yvonne
‘What a fantastic & tiring weekend. Thank you’ Jenny
‘Brilliant weekend – the first we’ve attended. The workshops, showcases and chance to meet the stars first class & inspiring. Lots of tips to take away – we wish Donahey’s was closer, we’d be there every week.’ The East Anglia Contingent
‘So great to have the stars mingling with the rest of us all the time. Perfect organisation, never a dull moment definitely booking again.’
‘A thoroughly enjoyable weekend’ Ellie & Catherine, Dublin
‘Great weekend, definitely booking for next year. Very sociable and great fun, stars were lovely and really well organised’
Plus, you are always welcome to read the genuine hand written comments as a pdf file here
Questions & Answers
Who teaches the workshops?
The professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing & champions of the dancing world will teach most of the workshops, along with extra workshops offered by your Donahey’s team.
I’ve never danced before is it suitable?
Our dancing weekend is designed for enjoyment for all, whether you’ve never stepped foot on a dance floor before and want to sit back, enjoy the shows and meet the stars, 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!
Our Dancing With The Stars Weekend is a wonderful, relaxed social dance weekend and would not be suitable for competitive/advanced dancers – simply come along and enjoy yourselves!
What shall I wear?
The daytime is casual; the evenings will be smart look your best for some fab pictures with the stars! 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 please. We will be offering a Swing dance workshop on the Saturday, for this we request that you wear flat shoes i.e. trainers/pumps/jazz shoes – heels won’t be suitable for this one.
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 American, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Swing; American Smooth; Dancercise; Salsacise & more.
My partner doesn’t dance can I take part in the classes?
Yes.
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 3-course evening meals; Saturday & Sunday morning Full English Breakfasts; Dancing Friday & Saturday evening from 8pm till midnight; Workshops Saturday daytime & Sunday until around 1pm; Dance showcases Friday & Saturday evening, Black Tie Ball Saturday evening.
What standard of accommodation is The Alton Towers Resort Hotel?
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 quintessentially English hotel benefits from large modern comfortable rooms, a beautiful central lake, fountain and courtyard. The hotel features;
- 165 large non-smoking modern comfortable 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, Girls Sleepover & more…
Tour the hotels themed rooms here;
Can we make special room requests at the hotel?
No problem, 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 please contact The Alton Towers Hotel direct on 01538 703344 . All special requests and upgrades should be organised directly with the Hotel.
What happens in the evening?
There will be dancing for everyone during the evening with fabulous showcases from some of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing.
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 Table
You will be reserved seats at a table in the Ballroom for the whole weekend. A Ballroom seating plan will be on display next to our registration desk on the Friday.
What time do things start to happen on the Friday?
You are welcome to use the facilities of the hotel anytime on Friday. Check-in for your room will be available from 3pm, please ensure you have your confirmation letter with you. Dinner will be available in the main restaurant from 6pm and the evening’s dancing & shows will commence from 8pm.
Registration
Donahey’s registration desk, located in the hotel foyer, will be available on the Friday from 3pm through to 7pm, please ensure you register here to collect your Wristband, programme & welcome goody bag.
What time will the weekend finish?
Sunday morning checkout is 10am, please ensure you settle any room accounts and hand your keys in beforehand, our last workshop should finish around 1pm. Safe storage is available at reception for your suitcases & bags, otherwise feel free to bring them into the ballroom.
The Weekender Programme
You will receive your complimentary 12page souvenir programme upon registration with all the details of what we have to offer you over the weekend. For your information, Friday evening’s welcome party will commence at 8pm and our last workshop on Sunday should finish around 1pm. At this stage we are still finalising your weekender programme so are unable to give any further details beforehand.
The Ballroom
All dancing, workshops & shows will be held exclusively in the Ballroom and you must display your wristband to gain entry.
Your Meals
Evening meals consist of a 2-course buffet dinner. There is no table plan for the restaurant, if you wish to sit with friends simply turn up at the restaurant together and the restaurant team will be happy to seat you together. If you are travelling later on the Friday evening and cannot make your mealtime, or you wish to dine at a different time do not worry as the restaurant is open from 6pm till 8pm and they will do their up most to accommodate you at a time you prefer.
Full English breakfast is available in the main restaurant anytime from 7.30am – 9.30am.
Cameras
There’s going to be lots of great photo & autograph opportunities during the evenings so make sure you don’t forget your camera! Please though, avoid photos or autographs with the stars before and after their workshops & during their shows, thanks.
To reduce the time you are queuing and to increase your enjoyment of the remainder of the evening; following the showcases we are introducing a system whereby guests will be invited by table number for photo’s & autographs with the stars. Please hang fire until your table has been invited, your co-operation with this will be really appreciated and hopefully this should work to allow for the better enjoyment of the rest of the evenings for you
Making payments
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 confirmation slip the amount you would like to pay off. Due to the high PayPal Credit/Debit Card fees, payments can only be made by cheque, payable to ‘Donahey’s’ or by cash in person. Simply place your payment and tear off payment slip in an envelope & hand in at your Donahey’s dance class, or post to our address. Please allow us upto 21 days from making any payments to receiving your confirmation receipt, many thanks.
Workshops
There is no-need to pre-book your workshops. There will be a selection of workshops suitable for everyone to take part in; these are entitled ‘Introduction to’ or ‘Fun class for all’. Where we offer a number of different level workshops in the same dance style, guests are invited to take part in one of these. Please choose the workshop at the level most suited to your dancing ability in this dance style. To enable each workshop to begin promptly please arrive 10mins beforehand.
I am a lady without a partner – can I come along?
Donahey’s does not have a policy of offering male dance partners to ladies who attend our Weekend With The Stars without a dance partner and we don’t rotate during workshops.
We openly welcome ladies without a dance partner, and we have a couple of Taxi dancers available during the workshops & in the evenings, however we make no promises or guarantees whatsoever. Please do not book our dance weekend under the impression that we supply dance partners for ladies.
