As Strictly Come Dancing continues to beat X Factor in the ratings battle, dancing holiday providers have noted a surge in bookings for its 2016 breaks.
Donahey’s Dance School, which offers devoted Strictly fans the chance to meet the stars of the show at 4* weekend breaks around the UK, has recorded a huge boost in bookings for its 2016 dance breaks. There are already 1,000 guests booked onto Donahey’s Dancing with the Stars weekends, which has been attributed to the TV show’s successful start to the series.
Strictly Come Dancing has continually had more viewers than ITV’s rival The X Factor, but last weekend the two weekend entertainment shows had their first clash of the season. The growing popularity of Strictly couldn’t be contained, as it pulled in almost 10 million viewers compared to X Factor’s 6.35 million.
It’s this surge in viewers which has contributed to the increased take up of ballroom dance breaks, says Paul Donahey of Donahey’s. “Our Dancing with the Stars weekends have always been popular, but this is the first time we’ve had a thousand people booked in by October for breaks the following year. Ballroom dancing is making a comeback, as people of all ages are tuning into Strictly each weekend and becoming enchanted with the costumes, the dance styles, the romance of it. It seems that a social dancing holiday is a very popular Christmas present this year!”
The Dancing with the Stars breaks organised by Donahey’s Dance School include two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast in a 4* hotel, dance showcases and entertainment each night from the professional dancers of the show and a variety of interactive dance sessions. Guests can enjoy a unique dance break in spring next year in stunning venues across the country including Berkshire, Manchester, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
The three-day dance spectacular gives guests the opportunity to see Strictly’s professional dancers perform up close and personal, and even learn the moves from the stars themselves. The current line-up includes favourites such as Anton de Beke, Erin Boag, Newlyweds Karen & Kevin Clifton, plus Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite. Dancing couple Alijaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara, who is currently partnering Peter Andre on the show, will also make an appearance. The fantastic breaks include dance showcases from the stars and other world dancing champions, classes with the dancers and a black tie ball with live music where guests can show off what they’ve learnt.
The Dancing with the Stars breaks are suitable for dance enthusiasts, novice dancers or fans of Strictly who have never stepped foot on a dancefloor before. The dance classes are inclusive of all levels and all activities are optional.
With one weekend break already sold out, Donahey’s is urging ballroom buffs to book quickly before all places are gone.
To find out more about Donahey’s Dancing with the Stars weekends and to book checkout our Weekend Break page here
