4* & 5* Weekend Breaks
2019 Brochure
Reviews
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Strictly 2019 Annual
Strictly Stars
Read all our latest...
Be the first to know
....all the latest information about our amazing Weekend Breaks with the Stars of Strictly, plus all the latest Strictly news.
Photo Gallery
Our Resort Hotels
Members area
5* Weekend Break with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing
Weekend Break with the Stars of Strictly Come Dancing
Friday 26th – Sunday 28th April 2019
5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport
Final 10 Bedrooms remaining – book soon.
Spend the weekend with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel.
Join; Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Giovanni Pernice & Luba Mushtuk, Ian Waite, British National & World Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce plus Argentine Tango stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani.
Enjoy 3 days of spectacular dance showcases as the stars perform up close & personal for a truly intimate experience unlike any other – learn to dance with them, plus hear all about their Strictly journeys.
Enjoy 5* luxury accommodation and seamless service at the Celtic Manor Resort hotel, recently named the UK’s Best Hotel 2017 at the prestigious Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards in London.
Host of the Ryder Cup, this award-winning resort is set in 2000 acres of parkland in Newport, South Wales. This world-class destination features the award-winning Forum Spa & Health Club, as well as 6 restaurants and 3 championship golf courses.
Just take a look what’s included in
Donahey’s Dancing with The Stars Weekend;
- Floor-side reserved table to enjoy three days of Breathtaking Dance Showcases from the stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the Dancing World – all up close & personal.
- 5 hours of Ballroom & Latin Dance classes with the stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the Dancing World – guaranteed for everyone and tailored specifically to your dancing ability.
- Fun Q&A sessions with the stars for everyone – find out the all the juicy Strictly gossip first hand from the stars, and maybe ask your burning questions.
- An additional 2 hours of dance classes with Donahey’s highly experienced dance teachers in our second ballroom – tailored specifically to your dancing ability.
- Two nights of dancing in the stunning, air conditioned, Caernarfon Suite Ballroom – featuring a fabulous selection of music to enjoy and dance the night away.
- Amazing 5,000sq ft pro championship sprung wooden dance floor – one of the largest dance floors in the UK.
- Saturday night Black Tie Ball starring The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Ballroom & Latin Big Band – you really can’t beat dancing to the fabulous sounds of live music.
- Exclusive ‘Red Carpet Strictly Photo Calls’ to grab those all-important souvenir photographs of the Strictly Celebrities.
- Spectacular Sunday afternoon Grand-Finale dance showcase.
Current Early Bird Booking Price
3 days, 2 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Only £539 per person if booked before 28th Feb ’19
£549pp thereafter.
Book your place now to avoid disappointment as these are hugely popular sell-out events.
Book today with just £100 per person deposit – the remaining balance is due 15th Feb 2019.
Meet the stars of your weekend break…
The nations favourite Ballroom Couple. Expect a breathtaking Ballroom Showcase from Anton & Erin, plus wonderful workshops – all of course hosted by TV personality Mr Anton Du Beke. Read More…
Reigning Strictly Come Dancing Champion Katya Jones & Neil Jones are British pro dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. Together they represent England and are currently British, European & World Latin American Champions. Katya & Neil have been dancing together for over 10 years and in the Professional Latin category are currently ranked No 1 in England. You can expect an amazing showcases and fiery Latin workshops from these two British Pro’s. Read More…
Giovanni Pernice & Luba Mushtuk
Giovanni Pernice is the hot Italian Champion pro dancer on Strictly Come Dancing – Giovanni reached the Strictly final in 2017 with partner Debbie McGee. Luba Mushtuk is one of the new Strictly Pro’s for 2018. Luba has been apart of the Strictly family for many years, performing in many of the group dances and assisiting with choreography. Luba is also the leading lady in Giovanni’s UK tours. Read More…
Strictly pro Ian Waite appears every Wednesday on BBC Two Strictly spin off ‘It Takes Two’. You can expect Ian’s usual high energy, inspiring, technical and fun workshops at Celtic Manor. Learn More…
British National & IDU World Ballroom Dance Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce are a Record 8 x reigning British National Professional Ballroom Champions. Warren & Kristi compete all over the world, representing England as one of the most in demand world class Ballroom couples. They are Carl Alan Award Winners for the Most Outstanding Professional Couple – prepare to be impressed with their breathtaking Ballroom showcase. Read More…
Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani
Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani are one of the UK’s most in demand Argentine Tango teachers and performers. They tour extensively around the world including, international congresses, festivals and theatre shows. Directors of the biggest Tango Academy in the UK, their long list of credentials include; BBC Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing On Ice, performing in West End shows, Midnight Tango, MTV plus Judges & Instructors at The International Tango Festival in Buenos Aires.
Even the added extras are all included – with no extra cost
- Personalised Colour Gift Certificate – received immediately on booking, featuring your favourite Strictly stars. Just perfect for presenting the dance weekend as a gift for any special occasion, plus a fab keepsake.
- Complimentary 16-page glossy souvenir programme – a perfect keepsake and great for showing off to all your friends & family after the event.
- Dance Weekend Transfer Flexibility – if you wish to change your booking, we’ll happily switch you to any of our 2019 Dancing with The Stars Weekends – subject to availability, available upto 10-weeks prior to your original break.
- Welcome souvenir dance bag – sponsored by Supadance, containing helpful & fun goodies.
- Seating at a reserved table in The Caernarfon Ballroom for the whole weekend – no need to change to different tables each day, no need to worry about getting there first and most importantly no need to pay extra!
- All tables front row, floor-side guaranteed – offering great up close & personal, uninterrupted views of all the showcases with no need to pay extra to upgrade.
- ‘Stars Of The Future‘ showcase – a superb way to start your weekend of shows. Enjoy a fab performance from some of the UK’s most talented dancers, who knows where you’ll see them next?
- ‘World Of Supadance‘ Dance Shoe Marketplace.
Donahey’s Adult only weekend breaks are truly inspirational and a great chance to learn to dance, improve your dancing, try new styles, learn new steps, develop your technique along with a fabulous opportunity to be taught by the actual stars of Strictly Come Dancing. Alternatively why not just sit back and soak up the fabulous atmosphere of this great weekend in this stunning resort. If you’re not sure what to expect, take a look at some of the fabulous testimonials we have received from the actual stars of Strictly & this years guests.
If you’ve never danced before this is a Strictly experience you’ll never forget; Amazing shows to see, live music to enjoy, beginner dance lessons with the stars to try, questions & answers sessions – and so much more all under one roof, who knows who you’ll bump into around the hotel! Plus of course you have all the facilities and actvities that Celtic Manor 5* Resort has to offer you.
Celtic Manor’s stunning Air Conditioned Caernarfon Suite Ballroom, at nearly 9,000sq ft, will offer us an amazing 5,000sq ft pro championship sprung wooden dance floor – one of the largest dance floors in the country.
Plus, our second 4,500sq ft Ballroom will offer guests a beautiful second daytime Workshop venue, this impressive venue is just perfect to host our weekend breaks with the Stars of Strictly Come Dancing.
Dance workshops will be offered for all levels in; Ballroom, Latin American, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Swing, American Smooth & more. Unlike other dance holidays where you are restricted to just two 45min workshops, we guarantee you a minimum of 7-hours workshops with the actual stars and your Donahey’s team – you don’t have to take part in any of them though if you don’t want!
What the Strictly stars have to say about Donahey’s Dance Weekends…..
‘Paul, you’re such a Superstar for organising such a fabulous event’ Anton Du Beke
‘Is it me or do Donahey’s run the best dance weekends in the country….Kevin Clifton
‘What an amazing weekend! Thank you so much for inviting us, we are so happy to be part of your beautiful event. A clear 10 from me!’ Aljaz Skorjanec
‘I know we say this every year, but this really is the best dance weekend in the UK. So well organised and so much dancing. We love working with Donahey’s, you always know you’ll get such a professionally run event. Thank you to Donahey’s for organising such wonderful events’Ian Waite
‘Our 3rd year at a Donaheys dance weekend. Thank you for letting Kevin and I be part of this fabulous event. Lots of love x’ Karen Hauer
‘Donaheys organise the number 1 dance event in the country. We really look forward to Donahey’s dance weekends; they’re so well organised, great venues and a fabulous audience. Thank you so much Paul.’Natalie Lowe
‘What a FAB-U-LOUS event to attend. A real feel good weekend, cannot wait to be back’ Janette Manrara
‘What an incredible event, we loved every second of it. So much on offer from all the Strictly couples & classes, we love being part of it. Kevin Clifton
‘Thank you to Donahey’s, in our opinion Donahey’s are one of the best-organised events we attend, they always look after you the guest and us the artist – thank you’ Vincent Simone
‘Congratulations to the Donahey’s for finding the most amazing venue. How brilliant is Alton Towers – a diamond in the country. We love working with the Donahey’s – you always know you’ll get such a professionally run event’ Ian Waite
“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
‘Alton Towers is a great venue, we love it here’ ‘We’ve had great feedback from a lot of people about your event at Alton towers it was a fantastic weekend’ Darren Bennett & Lilia Kopylova
‘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
‘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
Dancing With The Stars Weekends supported by Supadance Shoes.
Dancing With The Stars Weekend at 5* Celtic Manor Resort – May 2018 Photo’s
5* Celtic Manor Resort Ballroom 360 tour
Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport, South Wales
Enjoy 5* luxury accommodation and seamless service at the Celtic Manor Resort hotel in Newport, South Wales.
Beautifully appointed bedrooms and luxury suites enjoy spectacular views over pristine golf courses and the surrounding Usk Valley. Award-winning dining and an array of world-class golf and spa facilities provide the finishing touch for a stay in complete luxury at one of Europe’s finest resorts.
The soaring atrium, distinctive design and traditional luxury of the Resort Hotel combine to create a feeling of understated glamour that is both impressively opulent, yet comfortably relaxed.
Ultimate relaxation and indulgence for body and soul are yours at The Forum Health Club & Spa – Winner of 6 Spa Traveller Awards 2015, including Best UK Hotel Spa. Indulge yourself with personalised face & body treatments or visit Rhys Giles Hair Salon or the Nailbar.
The Resort Hotel is home to flagship 3 AA rosette fine dining restaurant Epicure Experience by Richard Davies, award winning Steak on Six, The Olive Tree, Forum Café and Merlins Bar.
Merlins Bar is a great place to meet friends and enjoy morning coffee, an afternoon snack or evening drinks in glorious surroundings with its comfortable sofas, conservatory and inviting sun terrace overlooking the Rooftop Garden.
Merlins is a fantastic bar at the heart of the Resort, featuring all day dining, live music & late night snack menu, Merlins was recently awarded The Welsh Hospitality Awards for 2016 for Best Bar.
Voted Europe’s Best Golf Hotel 2015 in the World Golf Awards, Celtic Manor is one of Europe’s finest golfing destinations offering three world-class championship courses, including The Twenty Ten Course – built specifically to stage The 2010 Ryder Cup, a golf academy featuring a floodlit driving range; plus two luxurious golf clubhouses.
Guest bedrooms are beautifully appointed and decorated with distinctive design and traditional luxury to create a calm and relaxing environment. All bedrooms feature;
- Luxury toiletries, hairdryer, iron and board
- Laundry, pressing and dry cleaning service
- Complimentary telephone calls to national landlines
- Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access
- Speakerphone with voicemail service
- Large writing desk with reading light
- Secure, electronic locking in-room safe
- Satellite TV
- Minibar
- 24-hour room service and an ice-maker on each floor
- Air-conditioning with personal room controls
- Heated towel rail
- Safety deposit box service
- Complimentary tea/coffee facilities
- 110 volt shaver sockets
Located just 15mins from The Severn Bridge in Bristol, The Celtic Manor Resort is easy to reach and has fabulous event facilities, just perfect to host our 5* Dancing With The Stars Weekend.
With award winning Spa’s and championship Golf Courses, you may want to extend your break to include Sunday evening – just so you can take in the amazing facilities and stunning surroundings of this venue.
Download the official Celtic Manor Resort Brochure Here
Please be advised, car parking charges apply for all residents across The Celtic Manor Resort. At the time of writing parking charges are; Outdoor Car Park, a few minutes walk, £5 per 24 hours; Underground Car Park, located underneath the resort hotel, £15 per 24 hours – payment is required upon exit.
Celtic Manor Resort scoops Best UK Hotel award again!
The Celtic Manor Resort has been named the UK’s Best Hotel 2017 at the prestigious Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards in London.
The five-star venue in South Wales retained the Gold Award and has now been voted the UK’s Best Hotel six times in the last seven years.
As well as winning the hotel award, Celtic Manor was also a finalist in the Best UK Conference Venue category. Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Ian Edwards said:
Celtic Manor Resort Hotel Video Tour
The Signature Collection
Situated on the sixth floor, Celtic Manor’s stylish new Signature Lounge, rooms and suites come with a host of ‘Little Luxuries’ and added services to ensure you relax and unwind from the moment you arrive.
The spacious Signature Collection rooms are designed to the highest standard with a calming, light and modern feel. Designed for adults only, each room features a 6ft king-size double bed, sitting area, marble bathroom with a large vanity unit, bath and a separate shower with a host of Elemis amenities and balcony with stunning views out over the golf course.
Signature guests have unlimited access to the exclusive adults-only* Signature Lounge, situated on the sixth floor, where throughout the day you can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, newspapers and magazines.
Signature Collection guests also enjoy further premium services:
- Exclusive Signature check-in service situated on the sixth floor
- Guaranteed check-in from 3pm
- Evening turn-down service
- Complimentary bottle of wine and chocolate selection on arrival
- Exclusive Breakfast in Celtic Manor’s new 6th floor restaurant
Following a restful night’s sleep, Signature Collection guests will be served breakfast in the exclusive surroundings of Celtic Manor’s new sixth floor restaurant, overlooking beautiful Welsh woodlands.
Breakfast is served in the Signature restaurant from 7.00am to 10.30am daily, for adults only. We recommend that you book in advance with our Reservations Team to ensure a relaxing breakfast experience.
Signature bedrooms are available with a £60pp upgrade supplement.
Your Programme
What do our amazing weekends truly have in store for you?
Here you can download one of our previous Dancing With The Stars Weekend souvenir programmes – see for yourselves how fabulous our weekends are. This example is our May 2018 Celtic Manor weekend….enjoy!
Guest Reviews
‘What a fantastic weekend we had at Alton Towers. Can’t wait for next year. Thank you very much’
David and Barbara‘Thanks to all at Donahey’s for putting together another amazing weekend. This was our third one, and we are hooked! All the workshops and professional shows were brilliant, as was the Tony Greenwood 15 piece band. Looking forward to the next one’
Ruth & John‘Dear Paul & Team, I just wanted to send you all a big thank you for last weekend, you have an amazing team and provide a fantastic few days, I just wish it was longer!! This was my first year but I have watched all of Strictly and been to the tour shows, but to see the pros perform up close, is just something else!! You really create a warm and fun atmosphere, along with a seamless programme. See you next March‘
Sian‘Dear Paul, Thank you for an excellent weekend and yes we have already booked for next year. The weekend exceeded our expectations and it was a real pleasure to meet and talk to your mother and some of your team. You make an excellent team and I know that things only run smoothly with a team who work hard and plan well. Thank you again.’
Andy & Alicja‘A brilliant weekend thank you Donaheys’
Jo‘Paul, we’ve had a few great weekends with you both at Alton Towers and in the past in Blackpool; but this one was FAB U LOUS!!! That show on Saturday night moved us to tears and was breathtaking!!! Needless to say we’ve booked for next year! Thanks for listening to clients and continuing to strive to improve. All your hard work was appreciated.’
Christine & Steven‘The whole weekend was stunning; Thank you for an unforgettable weekend’
Pippa & Kevin‘We’re looking forward to next year already. Thanks to everyone involved for making a super enjoyable and special weekend’
Simon & Alice‘Hi Paul, Danny and I just wanted to drop you a note to say how much we enjoyed the weekend. You and your staff never cease to amaze us with how organised you all are and how seamlessly things run. Every year we have enjoyed our weekenders but this year you all surpassed yourselves and it went to a new level. Having a showcase on the Sunday was just the icing on the cake and a fantastic way to end the weekend on a total high. We look forward to joining you on another weekender soon.‘
Brenda & Danny
‘Wanted to say a big thank you for a wonderful weekend. Paul, it was great’
Stephanie & PhilHi Paul, Thanks for a fantastic weekend – its the first time we’ve been to anything like it, and we both had a wonderful time. We’ve just booked for Alton Towers 2015. Thanks,
Clare & Alan‘Congratulations on a fantastic event again!’
Trish‘Just wanted to thank you and your great team for a brilliant weekend at Alton Towers. I’m sure it is very hard work putting it all together so well done. See you next year’
Steve & Marina‘I had an absolutely fab weekend dancing at Alton Towers Many thanks’
Evelyn‘Well lots of best bits! Kevin and Karen’s Paso and Jive were unforgettable and I will never forget watching him put his socks on! The final dance from Warren and family was beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed the Jive, Salsa and Rumba workshops. Alijaz and Janette were great teachers and danced beautifully together. Finally not forgetting seeing Ian and Natalie’ s stunning showcase. So all in all a great weekend!’
Kathryn & Marcia‘Hi there Paul, Firstly i would like to say thank you to you and all Donaheys staff for such a fantastic weekend at Alton Towers. The stars are so wonderfully friendly and down to earth and genuinely seem to have fun with us. Wasn’t Kevin hilarious and Ian Waite is wonderful as is the beautiful Natalie. Warren and Kristi are both so charming and gracious, a lovely couple. Aljaz and Janette were perfect and Tony Bennett is also a very funny man, great fun. I just can’t fault the weekend and i have such happy memories, the only frustration i had all weekend was that i just can’t dance as well as i’d like to! My old bones just won’t move fast enough but just to be there having a go was a dream. Obviously we have rebooked for Alton Towers next year, once again, many thanks’
Anna & Andrew‘Paul, What an amazing weekend! Wow. I am keen to get practicing for next year!’
James & Coral‘Hi Paul, Firstly I would just like to say what a brilliant weekend me and my husband had
this was a great event and was by far the next best thing to being in the audience on the actual show of Strictly, I am still on cloud nine and buzzing about it when asked how did it go.’
Elaine & Benjamin
‘Hi, Just to say thank you for a wonderful weekend at Alton Towers, your staff and the dancing professionals where absolutely great. My husband has never danced before the weekend, but he joined in every dance sessions and thoroughly enjoyed the beginners dancing, so much so I think he will be going for lessons.’
Margaret & Nigel‘Hi Paul, Thank you for a fabulous well organised (yet again!) weekend, you have an amazing support team behind you, Amy & Shirley that I know makes all the difference to how the weekend runs but I know that the initial hard work is yours. I couldn’t praise Kevin & Karen’s showcase enough, their Paso certainly was jaw dropping and so emotional, I have never cried at a Paso Doble before!! it was brilliant to see their choreography and really appreciated the amount of effort that went into choreographing to a whole song! I don’t wish to take away from the other showcases as well, as we thoroughly enjoyed those as well. We’re delighted we have the videos to go back over what we learnt a great idea; we’re looking forward to checking them out. Thank you very much’
Jo and Louise.‘Brilliant weekend and being able to see the dances when you get home is just great. No missing steps now. Thanks to all of your team for a great weekend.’
Myra & Charlie‘Wonderful weekend at Alton Towers – Bring on 2015!’
‘Hi Paul, just wanted to say thank you for such a great weekend and we would like to book for Alton Towers next year please.’
Terry & Coleen‘Thanks for a spectacular weekend at Alton Towers. Superb showcases and tuition, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Kevin & Karen’s showcase was phenomenal – so much passion and emotion!!! Looking forward to next year!’
Robin & Joyce‘Many thanks to you all for another fantastic memorable weekend’
Dave & Jane
Your Donahey’s Dance Holiday Team
Throughout your dance weekend you will have the services of Donahey’s dedicated on-site team of Dance Teachers; Dancers; Helpers & Assistants including Paul, Shirley & Amy Donahey who are all there to ensure your dance weekend runs smoothly and is full of the right kind of memories.
2019 Dance Weekend Transfer Flexibility
During 2019 we’re pleased to be offering 5 fab-u-lous Dancing With The Stars Weekends at stunning venues across the UK. Whichever dance weekend you initially book with us we are happy to offer you the flexibility to switch your booking between any of our 2019 Dancing With The Stars Weekends.
This added benefit provides you with peace of mind should a personal engagement crop up, or indeed your favourite must-see Strictly star appear at one of our weekends…..
8th – 10th March 2019 Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
5th – 7th April 2019 Beaumont Estate Hotel, Berkshire
26th – 28th April 2019 Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport
14th – 16th June 2019 Beaumont Estate Hotel, Berkshire
5th – 7th July 2019 Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport
There is absolutely no administration charge for transfering upto 31st Oct 2018, after which point there is a small administration charge of £25 per person. Subject to availability and no later than 10 weeks prior to your original dance weekend booking. The prevailing selling rate at the time of transfer will apply to your new weekend, therefore a rate difference, either up or down, may apply.
Your Weekend Dancing Holiday
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.
Our Dancing With The Stars Weekend is a wonderful, relaxed social weekend and would NOT be suitable for competitive dancers – simply come along and enjoy yourselves! Enjoy seeing BBC Strictly Come Dancing Stars performing live up close and personal
Friday 26th – Sunday 28th April 2019
Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport, NP18 1HQ
Take advantage of the great offers we have available if you book early.
Current Early Bird Booking Price for 3 days,2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast
Only £539 per person if booked before 28th Feb ’19
£549pp thereafter.
Pay just £100pp deposit to reserve your place, with the remaining balance not due until 15th Feb 2019.
I’ve never danced before, is it for me..….
Throughout the weekend you can enjoy over 7 hours of dedicated beginners dance classes especially designed for guests who have never danced before or maybe have taken a few classes and want to build their confidence on the dance-floor.
The great news is you will be taught your first dance steps by the stars of Strictly…wow, what better way to learn to dance? You’ll enjoy 4 hours of beginners dance classes with the stars of the weekend, plus 3 hours of beginner’s lessons with your Donahey’s team.
We’ve listened to customer feedback and are pleased to offer a special beginners refresher hour early Saturday evening – before the main Black Tie Ball begins. Here we’ll go over some of the dances you’ve learnt over the weekend – a perfect re-cap for you. Plus, we always teach a fun & easy dance during both Friday & Saturday evening.
So as well as sitting back and enjoying the spectacular shows and the fabulous live music, you’ll be able to learn to dance with the stars of TV, and of course enjoy the stunning setting of our fabulous venue and all the facilities it has to offer.
It truly will be a weekend made of great memories
I’ve danced before…
This will be an amazing opportunity for you to enhance your dancing and be taught by some of the world’s finest dancers.
You’ll learn tailored new choreography in Ballroom & Latin dances, developing your technique & style, most of all though you’ll actually be taught by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing – what better way to learn?
We offer you either 7 hours of dedicated Improver/Intermediate dance lessons, or 7 hours of Advanced dance lessons. You’ll enjoy 4 hours of dance lessons with the stars of the weekend, plus 3 hours of lessons with your Donahey’s team, all you need do is let us know which level of lessons you would like to take.
Plus as well as Friday & Saturday evening’s social dancing, we host afternoon practice sessions where you can come along and practice what you’ve learnt.
You really will take away so much from the weekend, just take a look below at what previous guests had to say…
Celtic Manor Resort Hotel Spa
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 award-winning Forum Spa, book a hair salon or nail bar appointment, or choose your very own custom spa treatment?
Questions & Answers
Firstly, tell me about Donahey’s?
The Donahey’s family have been organising spectacular dance events and teaching children & adults across Manchester & South Devon to dance for over 49 years. We pride ourselves on the quality of all our classes and events. Our hugely successful ‘Dancing with The Stars Weekend’s’ are now in their 10th year – we thoroughly enjoy them and we go out of our way to ensure our customers do too.
Donahey’s is recommended by, and affiliated to the world’s largest dance teacher’s organisation, the IDTA – rest assured Donahey’s have worked hard to establish a name you can trust along with an exceptional reputation in the Dancing world.
Who teaches the workshops?
The professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing will teach 4 of your workshops. 3 hours of additional workshops will be offered by your highly experienced Donahey’s team – and there’s no need to pre-book these workshops.
I’ve never danced before is this weekend suitable?
Absolutely, this is a Strictly experience you’ll never forget; Amazing shows to see, live music to enjoy, beginner dance lessons with the stars to try, questions & answers sessions – and so much more all under one roof. Plus of course you have all the facilities that the fabulous hotel has to offer you.
Our weekend is designed for enjoyment for all, whether you’ve never stepped foot on a dance floor before and want to sit back and enjoy the shows, 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!
What level of ability will the workshops be?
Workshops will be offered throughout the days aimed at mixed levels from beginners through to experienced. Styles of workshops include; Ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango & more.
How many hours dance workshops are included?
You’ll be offered over 7-hours of dance workshops, evenly spread across your whole dance weekend. 4 hours of Ballroom & Latin Dance classes with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing & Champions of the Dancing World – guaranteed for everyone and tailored specifically to your dancing ability. Plus an additional 3 hours of dance classes with Donahey’s highly experienced dance teachers in our second stunning ballroom – again tailored specifically to your dancing ability.
We’ll also offer a fun warm-up workshop Saturday morning, such as Latin Line – just to get you started nice & fresh. Remember you can take part in as many or as few of theses workshops as you like – it’s all upto you.
Do i need to pre-book any of my workshops?
There’s absolutely no need to worry about pre-booking any of your workshops, we’ll reserve you places in all the workshops for your dance level – so all you need to do is come along and enjoy.
I’m experienced in Ballroom & Latin, but not the other styles
– how do you sort the workshops for the other styles?
Each of our workshops are tailored to the dancing ability of your group.
A group of experienced dancers in whatever form, we find pick-up new steps & rhythm much easier than say a group of absolute beginners. So the overall progress in improver or advanced groups can be more rapid and therefore we can add more content & choreography for you in those workshops.
Don’t worry, we don’t anticipate everyone in the group will be Improver or Intermediate in those ‘additional workshop’ styles – just that they are dancers and able to follow and learn within a dance class easier than say absolute beginners.
What shall I wear?
The daytime is casual; the evenings will be smart look your best for some fab pictures! 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. Suitable footwear with a non-slip sole MUST be worn at all times whilst on the dance floor. Regular sports trainers are not advised for dancing as they tend to stick to the floor. Strictly no steel, overly high or thin stiletto heels, steel toecaps, flip-flops, wedges or sandals to be worn on the dance floor and no bare-feet, socks or tights.
What kinds of age group attend?
Our Dancing With The Stars Weekend is designed for enjoyment by adults only and regularly attracts a mix of all ages so you can be sure of a fun time – some families bring along 3 generations!
Please note our minimum age is 18.
What is included in the price?
2 nights en-suite accommodation; Friday & Saturday 3-course evening meal; Saturday & Sunday morning Full English Breakfasts; Dancing Friday & Saturday evening from 8pm till midnight; Workshops Friday evening, Saturday daytime & Sunday until around 1pm; Dance showcases Friday & Saturday evening plus our grand finale showcase Sunday lunchtime, Black Tie Ball Saturday evening.
What happens at lunchtime?
Your hotel will have food, drinks & snack offerings available to purchase at various bars and restaurants across the hotel each day – so you can choose exactly what you would like such as a light healthy snack or something more filling.
Drinks & Lunch are not included in your package price.
What standard of accommodation are the hotels?
All the hotel’s Donahey’s chooses for our events are a minimum of 4 star standard. For more information on each of our hotels, visit the dedicated webpage;
Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport, South Wales
Can we make special room requests at our hotel?
Of course, 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 simply contact the hotel direct. Contact No’s will be highlighted in your confirmation letters
What happens in the evenings?
There will be fabulous showcases from the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, dancing for everyone plus on Saturday there will be live music with our 15-piece Big Band.
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 seating at the same table in the ballroom!
Your Ballroom Table
You will be reserved seating at a floor-side table in the Main Ballroom for the whole weekend.
The Weekender Programme
You will receive your complimentary 16-page souvenir programme upon registration with all the details of what we have to offer you over the weekend. I’m afraid due to production & printing deadlines we are unable to offer programmes in advance of the weekend.
Download one of our previous Dancing With The Stars Weekend souvenir programmes here and see what our weekends typically have in store for you. This example was our 2018 weekend….enjoy!
What time does the weekend begin on the Friday?
You are welcome to check-in to your hotel from 3pm onwards, 4pm at Celtic Manor. Dinner will be offered in the hotels main restaurant from 4.45pm – 7.30pm, our welcome dance commences in the main Ballroom from 8pm, the shows commence from 9.30pm.
On the Friday you will also be offered a one-hour workshop with the Strictly stars between 5pm – 8pm, timings are usually; Beginners 5pm, Social Dancers 6pm, Experienced Dancers 7pm.
What time does the weekend finish on the Sunday?
Our last workshop on Sunday should finish around 1pm, our grand finale showcase should finish around 2.30pm.
Photographs
Make sure you bring your camera for our exclusive ‘Photo Calls’ with the stars of the show, your chance to take some fabulous souvenir photographs of the stars.
I’ve booked my places – how can i make my final balancing payment?
To make a cheque payment, simply post your cheque, payable to ‘DONAHEY’S EVENTS LTD’, and tear off payment slip from your booking confirmation letter to; Donaheys Events Ltd, PO Box 126, Kingsbridge, TQ7 9BB.
To make a Direct Bank Transfer, our bank details are; Lloyds, Sort Code; 30-98-12, Account No; 14712860, Account Name; DONAHEY’S EVENTS LTD. Please ensure you quote the lead passenger surname & your booking code.
Once you have made a bank transfer, please simply return the tear off payment slip from your booking confirmation letter stating that you have made the BACS payment and stating the date the payment was made, many thanks.
Please allow us upto 10 days from posting payments/slips to receiving your confirmation receipt email, many thanks.
Can i pay in instalments?
Sure, to help spread the cost of your dancing weekend we are pleased to offer you the option of paying in 3 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 payment slip from your booking confirmation letter the amount you would like to pay off, and following the notes above.
My partner/friends don’t dance can I take part in the classes?
Absolutely.
My partner/friends dance at a different level to myself, can we each take the workshops appropriate for our own dancing ability?
Sure, It’s absolutely fine for you to split for the dance lessons/workshops, no problem at all – just let us know on your booking form – we do get some do that. Naturally, you’ll be sat together in the ballroom for the evening’s dancing and shows, and of course in the restaurant for your meals – we just find it best to offer guests the options of splitting for workshops if you so wish?
If you choose to split for workshops please be aware we are unable to offer you partners in the workshops. If you choose to take part in all the workshops you are offered, due to the packed workshop schedule spread across 2 ballrooms, you should expect to spend most of the daytimes seperate from each other.
So we don’t overcrowd workshops though, we wouldn’t be able to accommodate both of you taking each others lessons as well – that wouldn’t be fair on everyone else.
Can we book as two ladies?
Absolutely, many do. We often-welcome groups of friends, or family members to our dance weekends; Mother & Daughter, Sisters, Best Friends etc – we have a large allocation of Twin bedrooms available on all our weekends.
In terms of the dance lessons; You can book to take part in the same level classes or different level classes it’s completely upto you. If you split we can’t guarantee you a partner, if you stay together though in the same level often ladies will learn/dance together so they can practice & enjoy some of the dances learnt during the fabulous evenings.
I am a lady without a partner – can I come along?
Of course, we openly welcome ladies without a dance partner, however we are unable to provide dance partners over the weekend. Donahey’s does not have a policy of offering male dance partners to ladies 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 for ladies, or that you will be dancing with the stars themselves, thank you.
Unfortunately, we have no single rooms or places available. Large comfortable Twin rooms are available for two-person occupancy, but not for single occupancy – sorry absolutely no single places or rooms now available.
Can i just purchase tickets for the dancing/workshops/show?
In terms of non-residential, or day passes, unfortunately it’s not an option we offer I’m afraid. We don’t sell day passes so you won’t have different people dropping in and out of your weekend.
It creates a much nicer atmosphere when everyone is residential for the entire weekend. Mainly because you don’t have different people dropping in and out across the weekend for certain classes or just evening shows.
Once guests arrive Friday afternoon, guests are shown to their table in the Ballroom, this is your table then for the entire weekend. We try and ensure all the guests on each table are in the same group for their dance classes, and that they have the same evening dining times – it really helps bond everyone, helping create a friendly atmosphere and an enjoyable experience for all our guests.
We’ve always run our dance weekends along these lines, and receive really positive feedback about this approach – people often book again requesting that they sit with their ‘new weekend friends.’
Is the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel connected in any way with the dance workshops & shows offered?
All the shows & workshops are organised by Donahey’s – the dance experts. Celtic Manor has no contractual responsibility towards guests in relation to the delivery of any workshops & shows.
Is our dance holiday associated with the BBC in any way?
No.
Donahey’s is the trading style of Donahey’s Events LTD
– Company No 4673588, registered in England & Wales.
