Plymouth & Kingsbridge Ballroom Dancing Lessons

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Ballroom Dancing Lessons in Plymouth & Kingsbridge

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6-week consecutive blocks are priced at £49 per person.

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Simply select which course you would like to start, the date, & tell us your names, then select the Add To Cart button below. This will direct you to our secure Paypal site where you can adjust the quantity as required.

Book by Direct Bank Transfer

You are welcome to book your places by Direct Bank Transfer;

Simply email us using this link and we’ll reply with bank details.

Book by Post

Simply post a cheque to cover your £49pp course fee,
payable to Donahey’s;
Donahey’s, PO Box 126,
Kingsbridge TQ7 9BB.

Please include; All participant’s names, Start date, Venue, Your Phone No & Email address.

Book by Phone

Unfortunately we don’t have credit card facilities to enable us to accept telephone payments.

Booking T&C’s

Learn to dance some of the most popular Ballroom & Latin dances in our brand new beginner classes.

Donahey’s brand new Ballroom Dancing Lessons are especially for absolute beginners.

In no time at all we’ll have you dancing the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Jive, Argentine Tango & many more – all within a nice relaxed atmosphere.

‘Everybody needs to learn to dance, it’s joy, it’s such joy!’ Strictly Come Dancing Celebrity.

Dancing is one of the most beneficial exercises you can take part in, helping keep you fit & healthy. Whilst you’re moving to the music, you’re getting all the health benefits of a fabulous workout!

Donahey’s dance classes are perfect to help prepare you for upcoming social occasions such as; Weddings, Cruises, Dinner Dances, Holiday’s & much more.

So you can relax and enjoy learning to dance our beginners classes offer expert dance instruction, tailored especially for people who have never danced before – it really can be fun and enjoyable learning to dance with Donahey’s.

New 2019 Beginner Ballroom Lessons

Join our fabulous new Ballroom & Latin Beginner Dance Classes starting soon.

Monday 9th Sept 2019
7.45pm – 8.45pm
Plymstock School
Church Rd, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 9AZ

Tuesday 10th Sept 2019
7.30pm – 8.30pm
Kingsbridge Community College
Balkwill Rd, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PL

As of today limited places are still 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 £49 per person, starting from the first week you attend.

Learn to Ballroom Dance with Donahey’s

Remember, 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 Tuesday 2nd October 2018

Great flexibility – 2 Ballroom Classes a week to choose from!

Uniquely, Donahey’s offers you the chance to catch up each week if you miss your regular class.

We teach the same dances & steps all week at both our Ballroom classes, so for example if you usually attend Monday but end up working late then you can just turn up on Tuesday and learn exactly what we taught on Monday – just perfect so you don’t miss out.

It really doesn’t matter which venue you attend, same steps, same teachers, plus you don’t even need to let us know – just turn up to one class each week and you’ll learn how to dance…easy.

If you are planning a vacation holiday during your 6-weeks just let us know in advance, and we’ll carry those weeks forward for you upto a maximum 2-weeks per 6-week block.

Locations of Donahey’s Ballroom Dance 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;

Donaheys Plymouth & Kingsbridge Ballroom Dance Lessons

5.0

Based on 16 reviews

See all reviews

The beginner's classes are ideally structured to get you into the ballroom dances. Paul is very clear and precise with his instructions and the dance team are there to help you along the way. An hour passes very quickly and you always feel you have learnt something. You will find you can't wait for next week to arrive. A friendly gathering of beginners where we are all there to learn.

david marshall

14:48 12 Mar 19

Having a ball, we look forward to our class each week, the hour goes so quick , our dance instructors are very professional and very patient, we have a lot of fun , my only regret is that, l hadn't started before now , would definitely recommend it, thankyou Paul and your team x

Gill Horne

22:12 04 Mar 19

My wife has wanted to learn to dance for years, I agreed to attend Donahey's with her but did not expect to enjoy myself so much. The instructors are great fun and obviously enjoy what they do. We are having varying degrees of success but are getting lots of support from Paul and his team. We have just signed up for our second course and fully intend to continue with this very sociable and energetic evening.

Steve Horne

22:08 04 Mar 19

Friendly informative instruction in a good spacious environment. Easy going, helpful and knowledgeable staff. Well organized and would recommend to anyone.

Hazel Nightingale

21:34 04 Mar 19

We love Donaheys! My husband had never stepped foot on the dance floor in his life. After 7 months of weekly classes and a weekend away with the Strictly stars (organised by Donaheys) we were able to perform a Waltz, Tango and Cha-Cha medley at our wedding which our guests were completely amazed with. My husband also used to complain about lower back pains regularly before we started ballroom and since starting the lessons his posture has improved so that he doesn't have this trouble anymore! I came from a ballet background and have enjoyed learning the new styles of dance. The classes are good fun and we also learn a lot at a good pace and the members nights are so enjoyable too!

Claire Spence

11:03 02 Mar 19

I’ve tried a few classes in the region over the last few years before coming to Donaheys and this is the best!! Paul’s teaching style is easy and enjoyable, venues are warm; people and heating! There are helpers to dance with singletons (not many classes do this). Keep on dancing 😀

Julie Lang

13:59 07 Jan 19

I'm young, and I work as an engineer. No-one expects me to do ballroom dance classes, but i find it absolutely brilliant! Paul and the whole crew are always so much fun and the kindest people you will meet. If you are on the fence about it, personally I would say just give it a go and try it. It's great fun and you do learn a lot along the way!

Jake Shaw-sutton

11:22 19 Dec 18

I can't rate Donaheys highly enough, from the first lesson I was hooked. I was always reticent to take dancing lessons but my wife needed a partner so along I went and 3 years later, still loving it.Pauls relaxed teaching methods take you along gently, but before you know it you have lovely routines for all your favourite dances. You just have to look around the dance floor at all the laughing, smiling people to know your in a great place.

Dave Brown

11:36 18 Dec 18

I have been attending Donaheys ballroom dance classes for several years now. Because I was a lone dancer, I initially thought I would just give it a try for a six weeks. But the classes have been so friendly, enjoyable and welcoming that, here I am many year's later, still 'giving it a go'. I would recommend Donaheys to anyone who wants to learn dance routines in a fun atmosphere.

Cheryl Mcsweeny

17:02 16 Dec 18

If you are looking for a fun, friendly way to exercise and meet new friends then look no further. There is an added bonus in that you will also be taught to dance by Paul and his team in a way and at a speed that is ideal for beginers and also for those who wish to progress to a higher standard.I recomend giving it a go.

Gerald Tizzard

14:52 14 Dec 18

As a Single man, I joined Donaheys Dance Classes at Plymstock School, with a view to improving my dancing for when cruising, and other occasions.In almost 12 months, I have missed only 1 class.Being single was not an issue, as a Partner is always found, and dancing with different Partners contributes to the fun.Donaheys is a well established, welcoming and friendly Dance School, with professional expert tuition in Ballroom and Latin dances.Member's Dances are held regularly at Kingsbridge, giving the opportunity for further tuition, practice and socialising with new friends.If you want to take it to the next level, Dancing with the Stars Weekends, which include Strictly Professionals, receive rave reviews, and is on my " To do list ".Oh, and for those of you wondering why I missed a lesson - England were playing in the World Cup !.

David Staley

14:15 13 Dec 18

It was such a pleasure to find dance classes in our area, for them to be comprehensive, thorough and also great fun with a lovely mix of Strictly style music. The teaching style is very clear and encouraging, while dancing with both your partner and others in the group makes you realise we all have the same struggles with tricky bits. It is very sociable across a broad age range and that is helped by members dances a couple of times a term. In fact I wish they were more often in order to practice the new learning. Once you have conquered the basics you never get bored, because each time a dance block is revisited a new little sequence is learnt - just wish I could remember them all.Also Paul organises the most fabulous "Strictly" weekends with the Strictly professionals tutoring classes and presenting showcase dances, full on and up close. We never would have thought of going to anything other than a standard theatre performance previously.

Susan Morgan

17:36 12 Dec 18

This is like having your own strictly journey. We’ve made some wonderful friends to share the experience of learning all the ballroom and Latin dances. Paul teaches dance in a way that is easy to pick up and no matter how uncoordinated one might be everyone will get a little bit closer to the strictly stars through these lessons.

Edey fun

19:53 11 Dec 18

Three years ago I was able to shuffle around the dance floor/ballroom but never felt proud of my efforts. After Pam and I have attended the Donaheys Ballroom lessons all has changed, not only are we able to confidently dance Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Tango but we have also been taught 4 Latin dances and a host of others including Rock and Roll, and Jive.At the start of this festive season we are learning the Viennese Waltz.Although retired we are now able to keep up with many of the younger couples who attend - there is no doubt that my fitness has improved dramatically.Thanks to Paul and the Team for the fun of the lessons and the enjoyment of the Social evenings.

Perren Tracey

13:55 11 Dec 18

My wife found Donaheys when they first started in the south hams, this was after many failed attempts. to be honest Paul was the last attempt. From the very first night it just clicked. Paul has such an enthralling way to teaching that you just can't help but smile even when your feet won't work. We have so much to thank Donaheys for, going that first night was one of the best things we have ever done. If your remotely thinking about dancing then come along you will love it! Thank you Paul and thank you Donaheys

andrew keast

21:44 21 Mar 18

Having never danced before I was a bit apprehensive about joining Paul's classes but now, a few months on, I love every minute. He has taught me the basics of ballroom dances, he has teachers on hand to observe and step in and offer advice as we dance. People thought I would be shy of admitting that I am taking dance lessons (as a retired ship captain) but I am so proud of what I have learnt and will recommend it to everyone.

Richard Taylor

10:04 20 Mar 18

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‘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

Learn to Dance in a Day in Bristol

Walk in…dance out…the fast & fun way to learn how to dance!

Can’t commit to weekly evening dance lessons?
Take a look at our fab weekend Adult Beginners Ballroom Dance Lessons

In our 4-hour Saturday workshop you’ll receive expert tuition in some of the world’s most popular Ballroom & Latin dances.

In no time at all we’ll have you dancing the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha & Jive – all within a nice relaxed atmosphere.

Our weekend Ballroom Dancing Lessons are especially designed with the absolute beginner in mind.

We’ll teach you all the steps in a relaxed & enjoyable way, plus with limited numbers in our exclusive venue this workshop is great to help prepare you for up-coming social occasions such as Weddings, Cruises, Dinner Dances, or as a simple introduction to dancing.

Saturday 15th February 2020
Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha & Jive
The Greenway Centre
Doncaster Rd, Bristol BS10 5PY

Our Learn To Dance In A Day Workshops are also available in Berkshire, West Midlands & Manchester

Our 4-hour ballroom workshop truly offers you the ultimate fast track dance lesson
– an enjoyable experience in a relaxed and social environment.

Photo’s of Donahey’s Ballroom Classes

Donahey's Ballroom Dance Classes

20 photos

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 now have available our very 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.

Order Online Here

Improver Ballroom Dancing Lessons

Mastered the basics? Our Improver Ballroom dancing lessons offer you natural progression. The classes are especially designed for those who have learnt the basic steps, building on your knowledge, developing core routines, rhythm, technique, leading & style.

We have some great Improver Ballroom dance lessons – New Dances commence;

Monday 9th September 2019
8.45pm – 9.45pm
Plymstock School
Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 9AZ

Tuesday 10th September 2019
8.30pm – 9.30pm
Kingsbridge Community College

During our Improvers dance 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 may introduce some other fab dances including; American Smooth, Argentine Tango & more into our programme – so you enjoy a great range of social dances.

During our Improver Ballroom dance lessons you’ll learn routines taught by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing at our previous Dancing With the Stars Weekends – fab social routines choreographed by the Strictly Pro’s! Usually we’ll focus on one Ballroom & one Latin dance for a 4 week period.

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 £49 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 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 for your dance classes?

No, as we partner people up with our teachers, assistants and the many others who come without a partner. If you join as a group of friends, we may ask you to partner each other up – this way it’s more fun for you all & you can practice with each other when you’re out & about!

Do you change partners during the dance classes?

During all our dance classes, we start by teaching the steps solo, then we partner you up together, then we change partners for a short while (no one is left without a partner), then we partner you back up together.

Changing partners during class is proven to be the quickest way to improve your dancing, it makes men more positive leaders and ladies more receptive to your partner

Not least it relieves some of the pressure of dancing together if one of you is struggling, it makes the class much more fun & sociable for you, plus you both learn through dancing with our teachers, assistants & other members of the class. Trust us, it works, that’s why we do it – leaving two beginners dancing together for an hour can be extremely frustrating for both of you, and not much fun!

We can assure you though, you will always start & finish our lessons dancing & practicing with your partner.

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 teachers are qualified with & recommended by the world’s No 1 dance organisation, the International Dance Teachers Association.

Which Ballroom Dances will I learn how to dance?

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