Learn to dance the Cha Cha, Waltz, Jive and many more at one of Donaheys fabulous weekly Ballroom and Latin beginner dance classes in Plymouth and Kingsbridge.
Dancing is a fabulous sport to enjoy – whilst you’re moving to music you’ll be getting all the health benefits of a great workout, helping keep you fit & healthy – plus our dance lessons are great fun!
Our friendly and relaxed beginner dance classes offer expert dance tuition, you’ll learn all the steps in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, at spacious venues.
As heard on BBC Radio Devon
The NHS recommends dancing to lose weight, maintain strong bones, improve posture and muscle strength, and increase balance and co-ordination.
Donaheys dance classes are just perfect for helping keep fit and active, help get you ready for upcoming social occasions, plus of course they’re great fun!
Improver classes are also available for those who have danced before – more details below
Brand New Beginner Ballroom Lessons
⭐ Monday 12th January 2026, 7.30pm ⭐
Plymstock School, Plymouth PL9 9AZ
⭐ Tuesday 13th January 2026, 7pm ⭐
Kingsbridge College, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PL
Places are filling fast on our new 2026 courses. Payment is in 6-week blocks priced at £71.50 per person, as of today, 5th September 2026 places are still available.
Class Flexibility Scheme – A Donaheys Exclusive!
Unique to Donaheys, once you’ve booked your places, if you find you can’t attend one of your regular classes simply catch up at any of our alternative sessions that week.
Since we teach the same dances each week at all classes, it’s easy to stay on track and enjoy the full experience.
You’ll never miss a step, choose from;
✨ Monday 7.30pm – Plymstock School
✨ Tuesday 7pm – Kingsbridge College
Plus – if you can’t make a whole week, you’re welcome to double up the following week, and if you have an upcoming vacation holiday, just let us know in advance and we’ll roll those weeks over for you. ✨
Online Dance Lessons Included
Exclusive to Donaheys – FREE Online Dance Lessons with every booking!
Perfect your steps anytime, anywhere with our included online Ballroom & Latin lessons – taught by your actual Donaheys expert team. Stream to any device and practice along to a full Big Band soundtrack – it’s your personal dance studio at home!
Google Reviews & Recommendations
Dancing – Officialy recommended by the NHS
Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba has backed a campaign to get people dancing to boost their health and well-being.
The NHS recommends dancing to lose weight, maintain strong bones, improve posture and muscle strength, and increase balance and coordination.
Oduba said: “The thing about dance is that it just makes you feel good, and it can really benefit your physical, mental and social wellbeing.
People should adopt “old-fashioned” methods to stay healthy. Having lots of exercise, mental stimulation and a social network… these are old-fashioned methods, but still work to keep healthy. Professor Sir Chris Whitty, England Chief Medical Officer, 2023 Annual Report.
Learn to Ballroom Dance with Donahey’s
One of the best things about dancing is that while you’re having fun moving to music and meeting new people, you’re getting all the health benefits of a fabulous workout.
Regular dancing is great for losing weight, maintaining strong bones, improving posture & muscle strength, increasing balance and co-ordination and beating stress. It’s proven Dancing provides physical, psychological, and social benefits galore, so put on your dancing shoes and get yourself along.
Dancing is good for your body & mind…
Speaking on the link between mental health and dance, Kate Silverton reveals “I now realise how addictive dance is… the endorphin levels, it reduces cortisol. It just makes you feel good to be alive and you are getting fit, what’s not to love?” Kate Silverton Speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on GMB show
Plus, Donahey’s hold fabulous monthly practice evenings exclusively for class members, where you can come along and enjoy a fabulous evening of dancing – perfect for practicing all those moves in a nice relaxed fun environment.
Locations of Donahey’s Dance Classes
Plymstock School, Church Rd,
Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 9AZ
Kingsbridge College,
Balkwill Rd, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PL
The Woolwell Centre, Darklake Lane,
Woolwell, Plymouth PL6 7TR
Improver Ballroom Dancing Lessons
Mastered the basics? Our fab Improver Ballroom dancing lessons offer you the natural progression. The classes are especially designed for those who have learnt the basic steps, we build on your knowledge, developing core routines, rhythm, technique, leading & style.
We teach in spacious ballrooms, all with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout.
We have some great weekly Improver Ballroom dance lessons available
✨ Monday 6.30pm & 8.30pm – Plymstock School, Plymouth PL9 9AZ
✨ Tuesday 7pm – Kingsbridge College, TQ7 1PL
During our Improver classes we’ll focus on 4 core Ballroom & 4 core Latin dances; Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango; Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba & Samba. Plus over time we introduce Argentine Tango & Salsa into our programme – so you can enjoy a great range of social dances.
Each week we focus on one Ballroom & one Latin dance, over a 3-4 week period, with full revision videos available too. Plus you’re able to join us for our fabulous & exclusive members evenings. When you book, simply state Improver classes.
Dancing is good for you
Dancing is a great way to build physical & mental activity into our lives; evidence shows that having an inactive lifestyle has a negative impact on our health.
The British Heart Foundation agrees that dancing is a great way to stay in shape. Regular dancing can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer. And you’ll enjoy yourself so much you’ll forget you’re exercising!
Read more in our ‘Dancing is good for you’ article.
Customer Reviews
Below are some comments from our most recent beginners Ballroom dancing lessons;
‘Great night out and an enjoyable way to learn’
‘Can’t wait to move onto the next class’ Phil & Wendy
‘Really good teaching and an enjoyable relaxed atmosphere’
‘Best thing i have ever done’ Ian & Wendy
‘We come a long way for our beginners class & it’s worth every minute on the M60! Brilliant!’
‘Total beginner, made to feel at ease, enjoy the experience, meet new people – fun’ Cathy & Mike
‘Great fun! Great company! The dancing’s good too’
‘Love the classes, so much fun. Look forward to them every week’ Alex
‘Great value – really enjoy it’ Deon
‘It never occurred to us that the whole of Tameside was learning to dance – this is where the party’s at!! Thanks!’ Michaela & Ryan
‘Easy to follow classes with a good atmosphere, look forward to the next dances’ Vicci & Jon
‘Great fun and great teachers. Really good exercise too!’ Andy
Photo’s of Donahey’s Ballroom Classes
Course Information
Our easygoing relaxed adult beginners Ballroom & Latin course run’s for 18 weeks altogether, and partners aren’t essential. During these weeks you’ll learn how to dance 6 Ballroom dances & 6 Latin dances. Our course is broken into 3-week segments; each covering one Ballroom & one Latin dance.
Once you’ve completed your initial 6-week pre-paid block we hope you’ll continue with your strictly dancing & sign up for the following 6-week block. Your 6-week consecutive block commences the week you begin the course. Unfortunately though, missed/lost weeks other than for vacation holidays are strictly non transferable.
Once the 18 weeks are complete, the course will then repeat itself to cover the dances for those that have joined mid-course. For those of you that are interested in reviewing the dances already learnt you are more than welcome to stay on the course, and for those that would like to extend their knowledge of the dances learnt, you may join one of our Improvers classes.
Ballroom & Latin Dancing Course Companion DVD
We have available our popular Donahey’s Ballroom & Latin Dancing Course Companion DVD.
Featuring all 14 dances taught on our beginners course; Ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango, American Smooth & much more all shown step-by-step, filmed at Ashton Town Hall by Paul & Amy Donahey. The DVD benefits from a full practice soundtrack, it really is a Donahey’s exclusive – your ideal practice companion.
This DVD is priced at just £25 and is exclusively available to Donahey’s members who are currently enrolled in our beginners Ballroom Dancing Lessons.
Intermediate Ballroom Dancing Lessons
Ready to extend your choreography? Our Intermediate Ballroom dancing lessons offer you natural progression from Improvers. The classes are especially designed for those who feel confident with their dancing, building on your knowledge, developing routines, rhythm, technique, leading & style.
We have some great Intermediate Ballroom dance lessons available
- Monday 8.30pm
Plymstock School, Plymouth PL9 9AZ
- Tuesday 8pm
Kingsbridge College, TQ7 1PL
During our Intermediate Ballroom dance lessons you’ll learn routines taught by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing at Donaheys Dancing With the Stars Weekends – fab social routines choreographed by the Strictly Professional’s themselves.
All our dance classes are group lessons and would not be suitable if you have previously competed, performed or taken high-grade dance examinations. All our classes are aimed at social dancers, who enjoy going out dancing.
Limited places are available on each course, once we receive your payment your place is confirmed and you can commence your course. Payment is in 6-week consecutive blocks priced at £71.50 per person, starting from the first week you attend.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’ve never danced before, are your dance lessons suitable?
All our courses are especially designed for absolute beginners so don’t worry we’ll be teaching you to dance one step at a time.
What shall I wear?
Something comfortable, flattish shoes preferably not trainers. No high heels, flip flops, steel heels or toe caps please.
View our ladies recommended footwear photo guide here;
Do I need a Partner?
You are very welcome to join us without a dance partner. During our lessons we teach all the steps solo for both leads & follows. You’ll benefit from learning all the dances, style & technique plus of course have a great fun workout for the mind & body.
Our team of dance teachers and dance assistants are on hand throughout each lesson to partner with solo dancers. If you and other solo dancers are happy to partner together you are very welcome to do so.
Do you change partners?
I confirm you will dance with your partner for the duration. During all our lessons, we start by teaching the steps solo, then partner you up together.
We have a great team of experienced dance teachers and assistants that will look after you during the lesson. As a team we may occasionally offer to dance with you if we think it may help, acceptance is of course completely upto you – definitely no continuous changing of partners with Donaheys. I hope this helps reassure you.
How long do the Lessons last?
One hour.
Do i need to pre-register?
Yes, you’ll need to reserve your place & make full course payment in advance in order to be sure of a place in our Ballroom Dancing Lessons.
Are Donahey’s dance teachers qualified?
Yes, our team of highly experienced dance teachers are qualified with & recommended by the world’s No 1 dance organisation, the International Dance Teachers Association.
Which Ballroom Dances will I learn?
Social Foxtrot
The perfect dance to get you started on the dance-floor.
Easy to pickup, this dance will have you up & dancing around the dance-floor in no time. We dance the Social Foxtrot to all the wonderful Big Band sounds. You’ll love this social dance, especially for all your Social Occasions such as Weddings & Cruises.
Music Suggestions;
Robbie Williams – Swing When You’re Winning
Westlife – Allow us to be Frank
Waltz
The Modern English Waltz is a slow graceful dance that glides effortlessly around the dance floor.
Characterised by graceful turns, a gentle sway and a rise and fall, once you have learnt how to dance the Waltz, you’ll really feel as though you are dancing. Waltz is one of the most popular Ballroom dances, and danced to some romantic ballads.
Music Suggestions;
See The Day – Girls Aloud
Under the bridges of Paris – Shall We Dance Soundtrack
Quickstep
The quickest of all the Ballroom dances, a fun, lively and energetic dance – you’ll especially love the music to this dance. Combining steps from the Rhythm Foxtrot, once you’ve learnt how to dance the Quickstep, you’ll really start to get the blood pumping, plus it’s a fab dance for burning off those calories!
Music Suggestions;
BBC Strictly Come Dancing Album
Robbie Williams – Putting On The Ritz & King Of The Swingers
Tango
Originally from Argentina, Tango is the dance of passion and drama. Characterised by its instantly recognisable music and staccato action, learning this dance is fun – with music to inspire you.
Music Suggestions;
Ross Mitchell Ballroom Dancing
BBC Strictly Come Dancing Album
Argentine Tango
Featured on Strictly Come Dancing in the past few years, Vincent & Flavia with their flawless performances of the Argentine Tango have really brought this passionate dance to the attention of everyone. A slow dance, with some good basic steps
Music Suggestions;
Marks & Spencer Argentine Tango CD
Beginners Guide to Argentine Tango
American Smooth
Another dance most recently featured on Strictly. We’ll teach you some nice Foxtrot based Smooth, which includes dancing in close & open hold – you’ll love the showmanship of this dance, great fun and a fab 1st Wedding Dance!
Music Suggestions;
It had to be you – Harry Connick Jr
Fly me to the moon
Which Latin Dances will I learn how to dance?
Cha Cha Cha
A bright cheeky dance all the way from Cuba, Cha Cha is the most popular of the Latin dances. The energetic rhythm makes this dance a firm favourite for many dancers, once you’ve picked up the basic cha cha steps, you’ll really enjoy dancing this to many popular songs.
Music Suggestions;
Pussycat Dolls – Sway to the Rhythm
Duffy – Mercy
Samba
The dance from Brazil, a bright bouncy dance with a true carnival atmosphere! The music is fab with lots of exciting rhythms, you’re sure to have plenty of fun learning how to Samba.
Music Suggestions;
Gloria Estefan—Rhythm Of The Night
Hot Hot Hot
Rock ‘n’ Roll
A dance floor-filler, this lively dance is always popular at special occasions, especially when the band fires up. Rock ‘n’ Roll is a slow tempo version of the Jive, with lots of great hits, you’re sure to enjoy learning this dance.
Music Suggestions;
Shakin Stevens – This Old House, Oh Julie, Marie Marie
Showaddywaddy -Dancin Party
Rumba
Originating from Cuba, Rumba uses many of the basic Cha Cha steps. Rumba is a slow dance often referred to as the dance of Love, some nice music can really help you learn how to Rumba.
Music Suggestions;
Beyonce If I Were A Boy
Robbie Williams Something Stupid
Jive
Originating in America, Jive is a combination of Swing dance Jitterbug and Lindy hop. It’s certainly one of the fastest Latin dances with lots of energy, bounce and turns – sure to get your pulse racing!
Music Suggestions;
Reet Petite Jackie Wilson
Slow Boat To China Bette Midler
