Donahey's Dancing with The Stars Weekends - Guest Reviews
Hear what guests think about Donahey’s Weekend Breaks…
‘In March 2018 The John Lewis Partnership held the most spectacular exclusive special event for it’s Partners with Paul and the Donahey’s team. It surpassed all expectations and enjoyment by all who attended. A truly professional and well-managed event.’
Iwan Bradshaw-Hughes
Leisure Benefits Manager.
John Lewis Partnership
Just an official thanks to all the Donahey’s team. Windsor was my fifth weekend with you and I think it probably rates as the best yet. Certainly the most emotional. Tears rolling down my cheeks after the Family Von Boyce dance and Ian and Natalie’s Fotxtrot. Stunning.
I know how much work goes into an event like this and I hope you get as much buzz out of it as your customers do. The hotel was good, the food was the best yet in my opinion and the schedule went seamlessly through the three days. I thought the introduction of the try-to-remember-and-practice-the-workshop-steps was a good move and welcomed by many whose memory bank gets a bit bewildered through an inability to take so much in!!
This our first weekend with Donaheys Dancing with the Stars. I love Strictly and I love dancing. I have danced for over 20 years but never been taught proper ballroom dancing. My husband also loves Strictly but has never, ever danced. We thought it would be a great idea to try this and it was our Christmas present to ourselves.We loved learning the different dance styles, although my husband found some harder than others, and it was absolutely brilliant to meet and learn from some of the Strictly professionals. They were amazing! We also got to learn moves with the fabulous ballroom dancers who were also amazing. The showcases were incredible and it was wonderful to see all these amazing dancers in action.I loved the social dancing too.We made some new friends who we are going to keep in touch with. We are all coming next year to Celtic Manor!My husband and I have decided to take ballroom lessons at home and are eager to make progress. We feel inspired!Thank you to the whole Donaheys team for a great weekend.read more
The De Vere Beaumont in Windsor has recently been refurbished, and is now fine - good modern clean rooms, good food, and friendly, helpful staff. It's big, so there can be a bit of a walk from your bedroom to the centre of activities, such as the restaurants and ballroom. We were there in April 2018 for a Donahey's Dancing with the Stars weekend, which was well organised, and superb. Direct tuition from professional stars and world champions was excellent, and the show dancing blew us away. Altogether a great and memorable weekend. Jim and Hilaryread more
If you’re wondering if you should attend Donaheys dancing with the stars weekend, the answer is yes, yes, yes! We have just returned from our first year there and it was so amazing we’ve booked again for next year. It is so professional, so organised and so well thought through. The Donaheys team are amazing and make it all work like a well oiled machine. You don’t need to worry about a thing, they take care of it all for you. Your days are jam packed full if you want them to be. Loads of workshops to attend where you learn from absolute professionals. The evening showcases are just magical and you also get a chance to practice the steps you learned that day.We were beginners and were treated with such dignity and respect. It was so much fun.Absolutely everyone we spoke to couldn’t speak more highly of the weekend if they tried. We loved it and can’t wait for next year.read more
My wife Lorraine and I just attended the Donaheys Dancing With The Stars weekend at Beaumont House Windsor. As beginners we were a bit nervous of making fools of ourselves. But the whole weekend was a fabulous experience. The 7 beginners workshops were well run and great fun, including 4 taken by Strictly and Professional dancers. The evening shows were tremendous and included chances to practice the dances we had learnt during the day. The Beaumont House Hotel is a lovely place to stay, we had a very comfortable room and the staff were all very friendly. A great experience all round, which we may well do again one day.read more
We had the most enjoyable weekend. It was well organised and we were able to attend all seven of our scheduled workshops.The workshops were excellent. The professionals commented that it was good to work with people that had a real interest in dance and this certainly came across well. They were fun and seemed to be pitched at an appropriate level for all the participants.The demonstration dances were again excellent and again were much appreciated by all the people there.We would highly recommend these weekends and were pleased to book a repeat for ourselves next year.Thank you to everyone who worked to make the weekend the great success that we all enjoyed.Dave and Janread more
Just had our first weekend at Alton Towers, we had a brilliant time, really well organised. The social dancing was great fun, and being up close with the dancers was amazing. There are two things I would change/review negatively, 1) the food at dinner wasn’t great, and there is no excuse for a hotel to serve food on cold plates. This is not Donaheys fault, but worth mentioning. Also the red carpet photo call is a bit lame as you dont get to have your photo with them. We’ve booked again for next year and can’t wait ! This weekend has encouraged us to join a Dance School, hopefully next year we may be wearing blue wristbands!read more
Whether you are into Latin or Ballroom dancing, attending a Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekend is an absolute must! During the course of each weekend, which runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, you will get to see showcases performed by Stars from Strictly Come Dancing, attend classes delivered by the Stars themselves, and have great fun social dancing on an amazing dancefloor (which, on the Saturday night, will be to the live sounds of a big band).For the weekend's classes, each dancer is placed into one of three groups, depending on their dance experience. This allows instruction to be delivered at levels suited from beginner through to advanced. So, no-one will feel out-of-depth, but at the same time, all will be challenged.Throughout the weekend, the large contingent of friendly Donaheys staff are constantly on-hand to help, and always with a smile.Once the weekend comes to an end, and you start to depart the luxurious hotel that hosts the event, you will feel like you are leaving your (new) family. The Donaheys Dancing With The Start Weekends are a definite highlight to my year! I truly can not recommend them, nor the Donaheys staff and the regional regular dance lessons they run, highly enough.(In June of 2017 I attended the Chesford Grange weekend. In March of this year, 2018, I attended the Alton Towers weekend. I very much look forward to attending at least one of their weekends in each coming year)read more
We had the best weekend! We were complete beginners who were made to feel so welcome by all the team - fantastic sessions from all the pros and team of experts. The shows were amazing - everyone so personable. Thank you so much - cannot recommend highly enough!
Its difficult to find enough superlatives to describe these amazing weekends. We have just attended our 8th, and it was as fabulous as ever. The Donaheys team are so welcoming & helpful, the workshops great fun & informative and the evening shows are breathtaking. We are once again already booked on 2 for next year & already looking forward to them both. We Cant recommend them highly enough. Thanks to all involvedread more
Another fantastic weekend with Donaheys at Chesford Grange.To see the showcase dances from the edge of the dance floor is amazing.The dance lessons from the Strictly Stars and Donaheys staff are really enjoyable.Well worth a visit for those who want to dance, and those who just want to watch...
Best. Weekend. Ever. The organisation and staff are just superb. The work shops are so enjoyable and then the show cases in the evening round of a fantastic day. Highly recommended if you love dancing/Strictly!
Probably the Rolls Royce of weekend dance breaks. Intensive learning combined with a great ballroom experience alongside fellow minded intermediates and improvers. Whoever your particular Strictly Stars are, be in no doubt that Warren and Kristi are the real gems here. Scintillating !Can't thank Paul and the team enough. Top Marks
We have been on at least 5 Dance Weekends and enjoyed them all. The workshops from the Strictly Pros and the Donahey's teachers are excellent and great fun. The showcases from the Pros in the evenings are spectacular. To be able to see them dance close up is a real treat. If you love your dancing then this is a weekend well worth the money.
Was bought this experience for Christmas and I can honestly say this has got too of been the best present EVER!!I was absolutely blown away by the whole weekend, the lessons, the staff and the professional dancers.The strictly dancers are just wonderful and put on an absolutely fantastic show.As a non dancer I was given time and help with the lessons and each teacher was lovely, I can't fault anything.The location was lovely and the Hotel was an extremely nice place to stay, the room was lovely and modern.I had a wonderful time and will be returning in 2018.Well done and thank you for an experience I will never forget and may quite possibly become a repeat returner!!!read more
What an unforgettable, amazing weekend with the stars at Celtic Manor! The hotel is a wonderful venue and the experience of workshops with the stars and seeing their showcases up close was fabulous. All went like clockwork due to Donaheys great organisation and their friendly and helpful staff. Well done Donaheys, a fabulous experience! �
Another fantastic weekend at Celtic Manor Resort with Donaheys. Our 5th year going to one of these Dancing With The Stars weekends ... the dance lessons are great (and not just those with Strictly pros), the evening exhibitions, the live band, the friendly Donaheys staff and the professionalism of the whole event. First class. Whether you are interested in the dance lessons, the exhibitions, or just a weekend away without the kids, you wont be disappointed!read more
Had an amazing weekend at Celtic Manor, the hotel was beautiful and the whole weekend events where so well organised. We enjoyed it so much we have booked again for next year. Well done Donaheys team you did an amazing job in making sure your guests got great value for money and had an amazing weekend.
Had a fabulous dancing weekend at Beaumont Estate Windsor. A fully packed weekend learning lots of different ballroom dance steps. It was very well organised and great fun. I loved learning with some of the Strictly stars, professional ballroom dancers and teachers. The showcases were amazing and all of the Donaheys staff were friendly and helpful. We have booked for next year in Wales and are going to take ballroom dance lessons back at home.read more
Our third time at the Dancing with the stars weekend! Absolutely love it , fab lessons , amazingly organised, lovely people and of course , lots of dancing!! Thank you so much Donaheys x
Had a great weekend at De Vere hotel with Donaheys. Very well organised by people who love dance and this came across as all the people attending had a great time. Donahays couldn’t have done more and this comes from someone who never had an interest in Ballroom or Latin dance. This weekend has changed my mind. So everyone......keep dancing!
Fantastic teachers and team, couldn’t be more friendly or helpful than they were. Absolutely amazing weekend with the Donaheys team and the Stars from Strictly Come Dancing!Well done!
This was a magical weekend of dance. It is rare that I say it was worth every penny but this event was!! Paul and all the team work so hard to make sure every part of your weekend is enjoyable. I can not wait to return again the future
What an amazing, value-for-money experience the recent weekend at Celtic Manor was. Faultless organisation, from the cheery welcome and help from Freda, right through the weekend from all Donahey's staff. As for the showcase performances - we won't be trying to get tickets for the TV show any longer. We got a much better experience. And as for being taught by the best of the best - as raw beginners we are astounded at how much we learned. My husband went from 'man hiding in car park' on Friday, not wanting to take part, to saying he wants to take up dancing and to book again next year!read more
What a fabulous weekend we both had at Celtic Manor this weekend. The weekend was 1st class and nothing was too much trouble for any of the team. The whole weekend was expertly arranged with fantastic stars all weekend.I would personally like to thank Paul, Amy and the whole team for allowing me to propose to my gorgeous partner, now fiancee Tracey, during the black tie ball on Saturday night. We are honoured to be the 1st couple to get engaged on one of your special weekends. The way they helped us celebrate and helped me to arrange this special occasion for us was unbelievable and made us feel very special and ensured we would never forget this weekend.We loved it so much, we will be back next year and have made sure of this by rebooking our places before we left. Thank you so much for a very special weekend and look forward to seeing you all again next year. if you were thinking of booking a place on one of these special weekends, do it now before they sell out, you defiantly will regret not doing so.Many thanks Mark & Tracey xread more
Having been inspired to ballroom dancing by Bea and Lee Jackson at ‘IDoDance’ in Cornwall my wife and I have just returned from the Celtic Manor weekend in May 2018. We stumbled upon it by accident last year and we’re so glad we did!What an amazing experience ...we got to meet, and have lessons with, so many incredible Strictly Come Dancing Stars it was mind blowing...Donahey’s organisation and professionalism was beyond brilliant and as for the hotel .. that was just stunning.We have immediately booked to come again next year .. we have tried for years to get audience seats at the SCD BBC shows but we now realise that these Donahey events eclipse that as an experience .. who wants to sit in a stuffy studio for hours waiting for ‘glimpses’ when at Donahey’s weekends the stars are brought right to you with no waiting and do hour long lessons with us and then do evening show dances which are amazing - and all in 5* luxury - Brilliant 🙂read more
We had the best time at the Dancing with the stars weekend at Celtic Manor. Thank you Donahey’s, you make dreams come true! A truly wonderful experience in every way! Special thanks to my favourite teacher Tony, I always feel like I learn so much from his classes! We’ve already booked again for next year! See you on the dance floor! ���
Just returned from a fantastic weekend of dancing at Beaumont. The whole weekend was extremely well organised by the Donahey family. The workshops were amazing, to be taught by your favourite Strictly stars is really something special! The showcase dances are just wonderful to watch. A fabulous weekend, we have already booked to return next year!
Just got back from a weekend of dancing with the stars from Strictly with Donaheys.at Alton Towers. Everything about the organisation by Donaheys was faultless, cannot say the same about the Alton Towers Hotel itself, but Donaheys I would highly recommend. The dance workshops by the stars themselves were excellent, and I think I can take to the dance floor myself now. The performance by the professional dancers were outstanding. Booked to go again next year, this time trying the hotel in Windsor. The other option is Celtic Manor which you will find is excellent, but is just five minutes up the road for us. Give it a whirl, you will not regret it.read more
My friends and I had a fabulous weekend at Alton Towers Donaheys Dancing with the Stars last weekend, all the staff were amazing and helpful, dance classes were fabulous with the professional dancers and Tony Bennett. The shows were fantastic. Would definitely recommend and thanks so much for giving us a great weekend to remember, 💃🕺Jean xx 😘
Whether you are into Latin or Ballroom dancing, attending a Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekend is an absolute must! During the course of each weekend, which runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, you will get to see showcases performed by Stars from Strictly Come Dancing, attend classes delivered by the Stars themselves, and have great fun social dancing on an amazing dancefloor (which, on the Saturday night, will be to the live sounds of a big band). For the weekend's classes, each dancer is placed into one of three groups, depending on their dance experience. This allows instruction to be delivered at levels suited from beginner through to advanced. So, no-one will feel out-of-depth, but at the same time, all will be challenged. Throughout the weekend, the large contingent of friendly Donaheys staff are constantly on-hand to help, and always with a smile. Once the weekend comes to an end, and you start to depart the luxurious hotel that hosts the event, you will feel like you are leaving your (new) family. The Donaheys Dancing With The Start Weekends are a definite highlight to my year! I truly can not recommend them, nor the Donaheys staff and the regional regular dance lessons they run, highly enough. (In June of 2017 I attended the Chesford Grange weekend. In March of this year, 2018, I attended the Alton Towers weekend. I very much look forward to attending at least one of their weekends in each coming year)read more
The Dancing with the Stars Weekend at Windsor organised by Shirley, Paul and Amy truly exceeded my expectations! It was a fantastic experience dancing with the Strictly Professionals and of course the talented Donahays team too! Wall to wall quality, very well organised, great fun and highly recommended. So much so that I have already booked for Celtic Manor in May 2018.
Just come back from our 1st dance weekend, it was fantastic. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone wether you can dance or would like to learn. Everything is explained and easy to pick up, we've booked again for next year �
Just come back from Windsor weekend. It was absolutely fabulous. We really enjoyed all of teaching workshops. The showcases were spectacular. The Donaheys team were really professional & helpful. Can't wait to go again.......we highly recommend it & whether you have danced before or not, you will love it !
Very first time at Donahays best weekend we've had recomend to anyone 5*all the way classes were brilliant even got to partner Kevin Clifton made my year looking forward to next year much appreciation to you all
We are now well into double figures for attending these events and cannot recommend them highly enough. The showcases are exhilarating and moving and it's even more impressive seeing them perform in person than on TV. The workshops are excellent, and all the professionals convey great advice on style and technique in a clear, positive but above all fun way!Excellent organisation throughout the weekend too. All in all, a fabulous weekend for anyone who enjoys dancing!read more
First visit to a Donaheys dance weekend. My friend and I had the most amazing time. The event was run very professionally with fantastic teachers, routines and music but most of all everyone was so friendly and helpful. We have met new friends too. Have already booked for next year! See you then x
This was a new experience for us and we loved it so much we've booked again. The weekend gave us lots of laughs, we have learnt alot and we were confident enough to join in on the dance floor. The workshops were fun and suitable for our ability. The demonstrations were beautiful. We are inspired and encouraged to keep dancing. Thank you for a great weekend we look forward to doing it again.
We've been on a number of Donaheys dance weekends and all have been fantastic. Well run, great workshops and fabulous showcases from all dancers. this last weekend at Chesford Grange was absolutely brilliant, loved all the routines and hope to use them all when I get back to dance class. I particularly loved learning some more Argentine Tango which we don't learn at home. Leandro and Maria make it so easy to pick up. Finishing off with the jive was great fun, learning some kicks which we don't do often was brilliant! Thanks again for a great weekend and can't wait for our next one at Celtic Manor next year. Xread more
We have now been to 5 Weekends with Donaheys, just returned from Chesford Grange in Warwickshire and it was the best ever. The organisation and attendance to detail is always good from the whole team, but the workshops and the routines taught were tremendous. To have these wonderful and amazing dancers performing their showcases on the floor right next to you, rather than on a remote stage, is something so special it needs to be seen rather than explained. Thank you Donaheysread more
What an amazing weekend we had at Warwick. As always Paul, Shirley and the team make you feel so welcome. From the hotel, lessons, showcases and big band on the Saturday night it was superb. So nice to meet up with friends from previous years and make some new friends. Anyone thinking of booking a weekend, go ahead and do it you won't regret it. Thank you Donaheys team for another outstanding weekend. ������read more
This was our first time at a Donahey's Dancing with the Stars Weekend, and what a FAB-U-LOUS weekend it turned out to be. The dance classes with the Strictly Stars were brilliant, up close and very engaging. The facilities and professional management of the event ensured everything worked smoothly. We returned home exhilarated and uplifted - if not a little exhausted!!If you love your dancing, and if you love Strictly, this is a must. The showcase dance routines given by the stars are out of this world and will tug at your emotions. Taken as a whole, this is an excellent value for money package. It's clear to see why so many people return year upon year - we booked our 2018 event before we left on Sunday!Thanks Paul and to all your team for a memorable weekend and we look forward to seeing you at Celtic Manor next year!!read more
We returned to the Donahey's Warwickshire Dancng with the Stars event this year and had the most amazing time. We really enjoyed the warm welcome from the team, the great hotel staff and their 'can do' attitude and of course, the dance workshops with the professionals from STRICTLY. A big 'thank you' to the Tony Bennett for his patience and great skill in helping us during his Rumba and Tango workshopsThe absolute highlight of our weekend though was our time with the incredible Leandro & Maria in their Argentine Tango workshop - so emotional - we were completely in love with them and this dance. What a connection these two lovely people have with each other - truly inspirational. Thank you to Paul and his team for yet another great eventread more
We recently went to the Anton & Erin break in Ashton Under Lyne. This was our first experience of Donahey's and eveything was Fantastic. Nothing I could fault at all. In fact we enjoyed it so much, we have booked again with some other friends to go to their new venue, Celtic Manor, next year. Can't wait.Thanks Paul and Amy.
If you love dancing, you will love Donahey's Dancing with the Stars weekends. A brilliant weekend, spectacular showcases from the strictly stars and all the classes are wonderfully tailored to suit your particular level. Paul, Amy, Shirley and thier team are super friendly and just want you to have a great time. From the moment you arrive a full on fabulous experience!
Learning ballroom dancing at Donaheys is hands down the best thing we've done this year. Only wish we'd gone sooner! Fantastic classes structured in a way to get the best out of everyone. Fun, friendly atmosphere, I look forward to my Monday nights every week!
Thank you all for a wonderful weekend! Extremely well organised and a great venue, we had a FAB-U-LOUS time.
The Stars and Donaheys team alike were all brilliant during our lessons. The Show Dances were ALL breath taking, but especially, Warren & Kristi’s Waltz, Darren & Lilia’s Paso and Ian and Natalie’s Foxtrot! How lucky were we to experience all of that in one weekend!
We would highly recommend Donahey’s and Dancing with the Stars weekend to anyone. Len and Jo
We really, really enjoyed the weekend with you and look forward to seeing you again in March Trevor and Lorraine
I want to say thank you to you and your team for a fantastic weekend. Both my wife and I enjoyed the three days far more than we thought we could have done. Every element of the event was exceptionally well planned, and we were impressed by the friendly and approachable nature of your whole team. This, coupled with the superb workshops and showcases has left us with memories that we will never forget. We will return, along with some additional family members.. Jon & Tara
A massive Thank You to you, Shirley and your wonderful team for a fantastic weekend….. my first and certainly not my last! We have both booked up for next year.
With best wishes and, again, huge thanks to you for what was an absolutely brilliant weekend and, for me, the best introduction I could possibly have had to the world of ballroom dancing. Amanda & Jan
Just a huge thank you for a fabulous weekend at Old Windsor. The venue, the workshops, the showcases, everything absolutely fab…u..lous! Enjoy your rest, well done to you and your team. We cannot forget something so good, we even practised some steps yesterday evening! Robert & Julie
Congratulations on organising a fantastic weekend at the Beaumont Estate, it was truly memorable Patrick & Claire
We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Windsor ‘Dancing with the stars’ weekend. Once again, your teams thorough planning and organisation of the weekend (not to mention their hard work on the weekend itself!) resulted in it being a resounding success.
All of the classes we attended were excellent, and both of the evening events were fantastic, with show dances from the stars that were truly memorable. We would also like to say what a treat it was to dance to a big band – they were superb. The venue was well chosen, and I must say the food was very good – which was an added bonus.
Thank you so much for putting together such a wonderful package of classes and entertainment. We are already looking forward to joining you again next year – for both of the weekends! Ruth & John
Paul, Amy, Shirley and all the Donaheys team, what a fantastic weekend, Jack and I had a ball! Thanks once again, it really was amazing. Sam and Jack
Looking forward to another amazing weekend. Julie & Keith
We both absolutely loved the weekend, one of the best weekends we have had so thank you! Sharon & David
Thank you for the wonderful weekend in Windsor, Jane and myself really enjoyed our time and appreciate the amount of hard work that you and your team must have gone to Darren & Jane
I felt I had to say what a fabulous weekend we had at Windsor. Everything was well organised and the shows were fantastic. I agree with your comment about the family dance it was Brilliant and unforgettable.
We nearly booked up for next year but we wanted to tell our Dancing School what a fabulous weekend it was and see if anyone wanted to be included for next year. I will be in touch, once again Brilliant. John & Brenda
We just wanted to say Thank you to you all for a great weekend. My best Christmas present ever! Everyone was so friendly and helpful and made us feel welcome. We made a few new friends and loved table 12 so much so have rebooked so we can meet up again next June. We both had such a lovely time and even Trev is continuing to dance. The challenge is on for him to be in the blue group next year. Watch this space!! Wishing you all a successful year ahead and look forward to seeing you all again in Windsor next year.
Keeeeep dancing Heather & Trevor
Firstly to say very many thanks for an absolutely excellent weekend at Windsor and thank you so much for accommodating Raphael and me as a late booking. We came away on a high!
We really enjoyed sitting up in the far corner, on the table of beginners, who all seemed to be in absolute awe of your event, especially as they are obviously not used to getting ‘up close and personal’ with the gorgeous professional dancers, nor at seeing the fabulous demos which us more experienced people are used to. It seemed from their feedback that they somehow imagined it would all be much more ‘distanced’, like in a theatre or something, and certainly not so ‘full on’. I know you definitely had some firm converts from our table – and what you are doing for the name of ballroom dancing is just so laudable.
Many thanks once again. Heather & Raphael
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 Neale
Just 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 Ward
Hi 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 Alex
Thank 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 Sian
Thank 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 & Brenda
We had a fantastic time and have been impressed with the organisation and the amount of learning and entertainment packed into the weekend. Ruth & John
Hi 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 Clapperton
As 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 & Christine
Just 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 Frost
Thank 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 & Bernard
Congratulations 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 & Stuart
Just 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 & Paul
Thank 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 & Denis
Just 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? Hazel
Thank you for last weekend, we truly had the best time ever. Geoffrey & Nicola
Thank 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 & Ian
The 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
Thank you for a fabulous weekend, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. All the members of our party (of 24) who had not been before were very pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves and the whole dancing experience. So well done to you all yet again!’ Eddie & Linda
Well done a fab weekend Gill
This was a stunning weekend. As a non-dancer I was dragged along by my dancing wife, reluctant and resistant all the way. I expected to feel foolish, inept and inferior, and I suspected Alton Towers would be tacky and plastic. I am delighted to say that I could not have been more wrong on every count! The hotel was fun and high quality, and the staff were the friendliest and most genuine I have ever encountered (sample size of hundreds of hotels world wide), right up to the doorman dancing with my wife! The Donaheys staff were brilliant from the first welcome to the last farewell; the workshops with Strictly stars were so good that I felt like a dancer within minutes and even had the confidence to venture out in the evenings – with absolutely no disdainful looks from anyone, no matter how advanced.
I hugely enjoyed every minute of the weekend – so much so that I bought a pair of dancing shoes and I can’t wait for my next lesson! Thanks to you and to your team for everything, and we look forward to bringing a group with us next year. Julian & Swann
Thanks for a lovely weekend. Steven
Had a fantastic weekend. Classes were great, show was amazing. Venue perfect. Dave & Josie
What a fantastic weekend! You must be really delighted that all that planning came together to deliver such a great end product. Thank you on behalf of all our pupils who had the benefit of being there to enjoy it. Please keep up the good work and pass our thanks to your team. Thanks again for a brilliant weekend. Alan & Linda
This was our first dance weekend and we were a little nervous as we only had a little dance experience. Did not need to worry. Everyone was friendly & welcoming, classes were well spaced out and taught at just the right level. Hotel facilities were great, service wonderful and food very good. Meeting & watching the strictly stars dance was an added bonus & gave us a standard to aim for. Tracy
You’ve outdone yourself this time. Well done. Steve
What an amazing weekend! We have enjoyed every single second. We have enjoyed all the workshops. Meeting the professionals has been a true experience and it has been wonderful to be tutored by them. The workshops run by your team have been great fun and we have learnt so much. This has been such a professionally run weekend we cannot fault it. The shows were outstanding. We very much enjoyed the Milonga hour where the professionals were able to give their personal instructions. Helen & Neil
Thank you for a perfect weekend! The venue is great, the food good and the showcase performances were fantastic. We loved all the strictly performances especially Vincent & Flavia and their workshops were all excellent I’m sure we learned more in a weekend here than we have in the past year! All the best, hope to see you again. Jim & Jacquie
Just wanted to say thank you for giving us such a great time last weekend. Everything went so smoothly that there must have been a tremendous amount of work going on in the background – but you were all so friendly and relaxed that the work you put in was never obvious. The standard of teaching by the Donahey’s team was incredible – wish we lived closer to you. Unfortunately can’t join you in 2012 but will be back in 2013. Thanks again. Mary and Davy
Great weekend. Dancers were fabulous. Ian & Natalie were amazing teachers, very attentive to people’s needs. A very enjoyable weekend. Thank you. Sarah
Once again you and your staff did an outstanding job and the venue was simply fantastic. We enjoyed every minute of it. You do a fantastic job and we are looking forward to next year already! In our opinion your weekender is the best dance weekender we attend all year! Danny & Brenda
Thank you very much. We have thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. The workshops were terrific and well organised. The showcases from all the professionals were out of this world. Also the burlesque workshop was the funniest experience of the weekend. Thanks again. Lisa & Susan
Second time. Superb event, well run. Wonderful evening shows. Great venue. Donahey’s staff and instructors as friendly and helpful as ever. We will be back. Brill – thanks. Mark
Fabulous weekend. Stars were great. Well organised. Judith
Was worried classes would be too difficult but they were just right and well structured. Good to have breaks between workshops. Jan
As usual a very well organised event with a great mix of workshops to suit everyone and amazing shows from the pro dancers. The new venue is stunning and the food lovely. Another cracking weekend for the fab Donahey’s team. Sandra
Totally fab!! Sean
Fantastic weekend! Everything was well organised and we were looked after well. We thoroughly enjoyed all the workshops, the evening dancing and the entertainment. But the highlights were definitely the strictly stars – watching them and dancing with them. Wow! You’re all our favourites. Steve and Angie
The cha cha workshop with Darren & Lilia was very good and well suited to the experience level of the class. All 3 of the professional workshops were excellent. The waltz with Ian & Natalie was particularly well taught. Helen, Karin & Karen
Fantastic weekend, lovely staff, great shows. Venue excellent. Well run & great time had by all. Neil & Michelle
Excellent weekend, brilliant organisation. Demos and showcases were fabulous. Venue excellent, lovely friendly people. Had fab weekend and will come back. Robert & Julie
So far an absolutely great weekend at a fab venue. Well done Paul & Shirley. The Donahey’s team were very friendly & remembered us from last year – a nice touch to make us welcome. Thank you. Irene
Our first strictly weekend and we enjoyed every second of it. Definitely coming back next year! An action packed, thoroughly enjoyable workshop/schedule. Overall a fabulous weekend. Russell & Jo
We really enjoyed the weekend. Fantastic shows, fantastic workshops, fantastic organisation! Weekend ran really smoothly. We will be back next year. Tracey & Kay
Superb weekend beyond our expectations. Excellent organisation. Strictly stars so professional and nice with it. Reawakened our interest in dancing. Ian
My daughter and her boyfriend only agreed to come because of the water-park. We can’t keep them out of the dance classes! The stars are excellent – entertaining, informative but also approachable. Donahey’s crew are absolutely great. Phil, Steph, Ben & Mary
Did not know what to expect – absolutely brilliant. Donahey’s staff lovely. Great dancing with the big band. Alistair & Kim
My husband and I have had a super weekend. Everything was really well organised Y timed. We look forward to coming next year. Eileen
Lovely weekend, very well organised. Alton Towers lovely venue. Very courteous & helpful staff. Kerstina
This is my 4th weekend with the Stars so you must be doing something right. Ian & Natalie were 1st class in every respect. AnnLoved the hotel. Organisation by your team was again very good. Amy and John particularly were very welcoming. Thank you. Pauline
The stars were absolutely great. They remain fun, informative, approachable and, well, gorgeous.
Staff lovely & very helpful especially Tracey. Loved the stars. Caroline
A fantastic & well organised weekend. Lots of variation of styles of dance & new ones to try. Would definitely recommend it. Fiona
We had a fabulous weekend , it was all good. Thank you for arranging such a truly special event and we have already booked for next year. As always we enjoy the music you select. John
A fabulous weekend. Lots of variation and lots to do. I applaud you. Donahey’s staff were all superb. Terry
Excellent weekend. Superb venue. Graham & Yvonne
Good venue. Excellent organisation. We have enjoyed the weekend. Ray & Maggie
Classes have been fabulous. Amazing having lessons with strictly stars. Samantha
Great weekend, fab venue and fantastic demonstrations. Great team of people – lovely group and fun as always. Emma
What a wonderful way to spend a special birthday (60th). We learnt so much and had so much fun. Valerie
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