Dancing holidays

If you've been inspired to dance by shows like Strictly, or just wondering how you can get back into the swing of it, then consider these dance-themed holidays. Whether you’re keen to learn to dance, improve your technique, or simply watch others take centre stage. Here we look at ideas for fans of ballroom, latin, ballet, jive and more.

Ballroom

If you love ballroom dancing, there’s really only one place to go – Blackpool Tower Ballroom. With its impressive sprung dance floor, stunning crystal chandeliers and a history dating back to 1894, no wonder dancing here is a highlight for Strictly contestants.

Dance enthusiasts from around the world flock to Blackpool to see the iconic ballroom, and dancing holidays in the famous seaside resort are popular. Saga offers ballroom breaks – with the chance to enjoy a bit of Latin American too – in Blackpool and on the south coast in Bournemouth. Both holidays include dance tuition sessions, as well as social dancing evenings.

Related: Experience a ballroom dancing experience with Saga.

If you fancy going further afield to learn to dance or brush up your skills, then Saga also offers a dancing holiday in Cyprus. Staying in a dance-themed hotel, you’ll be worthy of a ‘10 from Len’ in no time!

Related: Enjoy ballroom dancing in Cyprus.

Latin

Strictly fans relish seeing the celebrity couples perform latin dances, and not just because everyone loves hearing Craig Revel Horwood pronounce ‘cha-cha-cha’. 

The lively salsa and sensual rumba both have their roots in the Caribbean island of Cuba, and on a holiday there you’ll stumble upon locals dancing to music in the streets. Watch and learn, then have a go yourself – there are no judges giving you a score.

Related: Discover the history of Latin dancing on a Saga holiday to Cuba.

Closer to home, HF Holidays offer short breaks for all levels of dancers who like latin dancing (and a bit of ballroom) – complete beginners as well as those can confidently shake their stuff. Holidays are available in the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales and South Devon.

Argentine tango

When it comes to dancing the Argentine tango, no one does it better than former Strictly professionals Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone. Stars of the show for over six years, they wowed viewers with their passionate dance routines complete with dynamic locks, kicks and flicks.

Originating at the end of the 19^th century in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, lovers of the tango may want to learn more about the dance in Argentina’s capital, and Dehouche offer a tango experience in the city. Holidays to Argentina are also available from Saga.

If your holiday budget won’t stretch that far, you can still enjoy the tango in the UK. A host of classes and events take place around the country. To find out your nearest venue, see Dance Near You.

Related: Discover the routes of the Argentine Tango on a holiday to Argentina.

Jive

The jive is a dance style that emerged in the late 1920s in the southern states of America and was very popular with younger dancers at the time. Perhaps that was down to the fact you needed plenty of stamina – in competitions it’s danced at a speed of 176 beats per minute.

There’s no need for you to move quite so fast if you get the chance to take to the dance floor on a holiday in America’s south. Saga’s Taste of the Deep South tour takes you to Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis, where music plays night and day. Pack comfortable dance shoes. You’ll be tapping your toes too on Saga’s Rhythms of the Deep South trip. Highlights include a visit to Graceland, the Johnny Cash Museum, a live blues performance, and if you time it right, you’ll catch the Jazz Fest.

Jive Addiction also organises holidays for jive fans in the UK, including weekend breaks in Hemsby, Norfolk, and week-long holidays to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura.

Ballet

Although the great British ballerina Darcey Bussell sits on the judging panel on Strictly, sadly we don’t see contestants perform pirouettes or fouettés on the show of Strictly Come Dancing. Then again, with ballet it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals. Dancers from the Russian State Ballet and Opera House are visiting the UK this November, and Saga are offering ballet fans the chance to enjoy not one but two ballet classics – Swan Lake and The Nutcracker – in Llandudno, Wales. Talks prior to the performances are also included.

Related: Experience a Saga ballet break.

Or perhaps you would like to visit Russia itself, and try to attend a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

Related: Saga offers holidays to various destinations in Russia.

Paso doble

This fast-paced dance that emulates the drama of a bullfight. Paso doble means double step in Spanish, and the tempo is brisk throughout until the theatrical climax.

While you may not want to witness an actual bullfight, bullrings are a common sight in many Spanish cities today, including Seville, Granada and Malaga, and are often beautiful interesting buildings. On a holiday to Andalusia, it’s worth taking time to make a detour on a walk and take a look.

On Saga’s Magic of Andalusia tour, you’ll also get the chance to attend a flamenco show in the caves at Sacromonte, Granada.

Related: Discover Saga’s Magic of Andalusia tour.

And for the ultimate Strictly fan…

If you just can’t get enough of Strictly Come Dancing and feel at a loss when the show is over for another year, don’t worry, you can go on a Strictly Come Dancing themed cruise, arranged by P&O Cruises. With four departure dates to choose from, and different routes, you’ll be able to dance to your heart’s content, and rub sequinned shoulders with some Strictly stars.

Saga has a range of dance related holidays available. Find out more today.