About Donahey’s
The Donahey’s family have been organising spectacular dance events and teaching children & adults to dance across Manchester & South Devon for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on the quality of all our classes and events.
Our hugely successful ‘Dancing with The Stars Weekends’ are now in their 16th year. We love hosting them and go out of our way to ensure our guests do too.
Donahey’s is recommended by, and affiliated with the International Dance Teachers Association – the world’s largest dance teachers’ organisation. You can trust us to provide an exceptional experience and maintain a strong reputation in the dancing world.
No, our events are independently organised by Donahey’s Events Ltd and are not endorsed or associated with the BBC.
Suitability
Absolutely! The weekend includes over 7 hours of dedicated beginner dance classes designed for complete novices or those with minimal experience.
You’ll be taught by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing – what better way to learn your first steps?
We also offer a special beginners refresher hour on Saturday evening before the Black Tie Ball, plus a fun introductory dance on Friday night. Participation is entirely optional, so you can join in as much or as little as you like.
Whether you sit back and enjoy the shows or take part in the workshops and evening dancing, the weekend is designed to create lasting memories.
Our Dancing With The Stars Weekends are for adults only. Guests must be aged 18 or over. We attract a wide mix of ages, ensuring a fun and lively atmosphere for everyone.
Yes! You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your dancing and learn new choreography in Ballroom, Latin, and Argentine Tango. All classes are led by the world-class stars of Strictly Come Dancing, giving you a unique learning experience.
We offer 7 hours of lessons tailored to your level – Improver/Intermediate or Advanced. This includes 6 hours with the stars and 1 hour with our experienced Donahey’s team. You can also practice during the evening dances on Friday and Saturday.
Workshops
Five of your workshops are taught by professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing. Additional 2-hour workshops are run by our highly experienced Donahey’s team. There’s no need to pre-book these; your place will be reserved based on your level.
Our workshops are grouped by ability to provide the right level of challenge and enjoyment. Styles include Ballroom, Latin, and Argentine Tango, from beginners to experienced dancers.
You’ll also have the option to practise your steps online with our refresher facility (available at a small additional cost).
- Absolute Beginners (0–3 months): For those new to dance or with very limited experience.
- Improver (4–9 months): For those who have learned basic steps in a few dances.
- Regular Social Dancers (9 months–2 years): Ideal for those who enjoy attending social dances and have some experience.
- Experienced Dancers (2+ years): For regular dancers who want to advance their skills.
We group guests by experience to ensure everyone enjoys the lessons. Lessons progress with the Strictly Stars as planned, so you’ll take away as much or as little as you want.
You’ll receive 7 hours of dance workshops across your weekend:
- 6 hours with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing
- 1 hours with the Donahey’s dance team in a second ballroom
Optional warm-up sessions, such as Latin Line, are also offered on Saturday morning. Participation is flexible – join as many or as few as you like.
No. Your place in all workshops will be reserved based on your experience level, so all you need to do is attend and enjoy.
Workshops are tailored to the ability of each group. Experienced dancers generally progress faster, so content is adapted to their level. We recommend selecting the level you feel most comfortable with, as switching between levels for different dances isn’t possible.
Attire & Facilities
Daytime sessions are casual. Evenings are smart; Saturday includes a Black Tie Ball. Comfortable dance shoes with non-slip soles must be worn for dancing. Trainers, steel-toe shoes, flip-flops, wedges, or bare feet are not permitted.
- 2 nights’ en-suite accommodation
- Friday & Saturday 3-course evening meals
- Full English breakfasts on Saturday & Sunday
- Dancing Friday & Saturday evenings from 8pm–midnight
- Workshops Friday evening, Saturday daytime & Sunday morning
- Dance showcases Friday & Saturday evenings and grand finale on Sunday
- Black Tie Ball Saturday evening
Yes. All deposits and payments are fully protected under ABTOT, in compliance with The Package Travel Regulations 2018. Refunds are provided if you have not yet travelled.
All hotels are a minimum of 4-star standard. More information on each venue can be found on our Venues page.
Yes, you can request room preferences such as low floors, proximity to friends, near lifts, or room upgrades. Contact details will be provided in your booking confirmation letter.
Evening & Social
Evenings feature showcases from the stars, dancing for all, and live music from our 15-piece Big Band on Saturday.
Yes. Indicate friends’ names on your booking form, and we will reserve seating together in the ballroom for the weekend.
Check-in: from 3pm (4pm at Celtic Manor). Friday evening dinner: 4.45pm–7.30pm. Welcome dance: 7.30pm. Shows start 9.15pm.
Last Sunday workshop: ~1pm. Grand finale: ~2.30pm.
Booking & Payment
Cheque: Payable to ‘DONAHEY’S EVENTS LTD’, send to PO Box 126, Kingsbridge, TQ7 9BB, with the payment slip from your booking confirmation.
Bank Transfer: Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-12, Account No 14712860, Account Name: DONAHEY’S EVENTS LTD. Include the lead passenger surname and booking code.
Yes. We offer up to 3 instalments. You can pay off part of your balance at any time before the due date.
We openly welcome guests without a dance partner, however we are unable to provide dance partners over the weekend. Donahey’s does not have a policy of offering dance partners to those 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, or that you will be dancing with the stars themselves, thank you.
No, all weekends are residential only. This ensures a consistent atmosphere, seating arrangements, and full participation in all classes and shows.
Line-ups & Artists
Donahey’s DWTS weekend line-ups are only advertised following exchange of contracts directly with the Strictly Stars confirming their attendance. Unfortunately, advertised line-ups are subject to change due to changes in artists personal circumstances such as illness, injury, BBC Tour commitments or new TV commitments. Where a change in line-up is neccessary, Donahey’s will make very best efforts to replace with alternative Stars so we can all continue to enjoy an amazing break. Donahey’s will always inform you at the earliest possible opportunity if a change in line-up is required. Similar to other festivals such as Glastonbury, line-ups are subject to change due to changes in artist circumstances. You are absolutely booking a Dancing With The Stars Weekend, not a theatre or concert ticket for a specific named artist. Absolutely no refund will be due because of a change in advertised line-up. Please rest assured, Donahey’s will always work tirelessly to ensure an amazing line-up for all our guests. Donahey’s are highly respected in the dancing world and thankfully over the past 20 years it has been exceptionally rare a change in line-up has been required.
Venue & Theme Park
No. The Theme Park opens the following weekend.
No. All workshops and shows are organised by Donahey’s Events Ltd. These venues have no contractual responsibility for the delivery of any workshops or shows.
