Sensual Afro Latin Weekend Plus Chill Out - This holiday is no longer available -

AR Diamante Beach Spa (old)**** (Half Board) (Included) 

The AR Diamante Beach Spa is located on the Levante beach in the town of Calpe, a stunning location on the Costa Blanca in Spain’s Alicante province. The hotel’s unique style is characterised by its spectacular glass facade that lends an impressive source of natural illumination to the carefully designed interior.

There are no less than three outdoor pools, surrounded by attractive terraces dotted with palm trees and just a few steps from the seashore. The locally-renowned, modern Spa is one of the best on the Costa Blanca and has an additional indoor pool with water features as well as Turkish baths, sauna and an array of treatments. It has been totally renovated and opned to the public again in May 2013. There is also a gym and access to a nearby golf course.

Dining options include two a la carte restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a buffet restaurant, cafeteria and piano bar.

All 283 double rooms are attractively decorated and have large balconies, air conditioning, safe, wi-fi internet connection and private facilities and hairdryer. Note that there are no tea and coffee making facilities in the hotel.

In addition to the hotel rooms, we also have an exclusive arrangement with the AR Diamante Beach to use their attractive and spacious apartments (the Ambar Beach Apartments). Apartments are furnished to a high standard and offer one or two bedrooms, a large living area, balcony, kitchen facilities and bathroom (the two bedroom apartments have two bathrooms), as well as daily room service. Adjacent to the hotel and with their own pool, guests at the apartments can also use all of the hotel facilities. An ideal choice for families or groups of friends.

• Full pass to the three night Sensual Latin Weekend event, with a full schedule of classes and workshops
• 6 nights' half board accommodation at the four star Hotel AR Diamante Beach located on Levante Beach and with three swimming pools, gym, excellent spa and wellness centre and a choice of restaurants and bars
• Midweek Zouk classes with Joseph Koniak and Solange Dias
• Bilingual Club Dance Holidays Tour Host
• Floor shows and evening entertainment
• Pool parties 
• Beach parties
• Optional "Sparties" - exclusive dance parties in the hotel's luxury spa with Cava and chocolate (payable locally)
• Time to relax and enjoy the beach, pool and local sights
• Orientation pack on arrival & Welcome Drink

NB the price does not include a return flight which we are happy to buy for you if you would like us to. There will be a £20 admin fee.

Airport Coach Transfers: We have organised four coach departures on the arrival date, 6 June and five coach departures on the departure date, 16 June.

Please let us have your flight details so we can allocate you on the most suitable coach. Alternatively please let us know which coach times you would prefer.

Please allow an hour to clear customs on arrival at Alicante Airport on 6 June and allow 2 hours to check-in once you have arrived at Alicante Airport on 12 June.

06/06/14

Transfer Coach Departs Alicante Airport:

1030
1200
1600
1800

12/06/14

Transfer Coach leaves the hotel AR Diamante Beach:
0600
0800
1100
1500

If the above transfer times are unsuitable we can arrange a private transfer which will cost approximately 100€. An alternative is car hire. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange either.

Brand new for 2014, Mambo City's Sensual Latin Dance Weekend Plus Chill-Out offers a full schedule of Kizomba, Bachata and Zouk with a top teacher line-up including , Afro-Latin Connection, Miguel & Marlene, Joseph & Solange, EddyVents, Hugo Boss, Jonny & Julia, Xandy & Evelyn, Tulimar & Julian and Korke & Judith.

There will be a jam-packed schedule of weekend workshops in Zouk with Joseph Koniak and Solange Dias as well as Kizomba and Bachata with Afro-Latin Connection, EddyVents, Hugo Boss, Miguel & Marlene, Jonny & Julia and Korke and Judith plus party nights, pool parties, showcases and competitions. To recover from the weekend we include an extra three nights' accommodation with daily classes in Zouk (with Jonny & Julia) and time to chill by the pool or on the beach, sample Calpe's nightlife and relax as part of a fun, sociable group.

Your holiday, workshops and parties take place in the elegant four star Hotel AR Diamante Beach located on Levante Beach and with three swimming pools, gardens with terraces, fitness centre and spa and a choice of restaurants and bars.

Airport Coach Transfers: We have organised four coach departures on the arrival date, 6 June and five coach departures on the departure date, 16 June.

Please let us have your flight details so we can allocate you on the most suitable coach. Alternatively please let us know which coach times you would prefer.

Please allow an hour to clear customs on arrival at Alicante Airport on 6 June and allow 2 hours to check-in once you have arrived at Alicante Airport on 12 June.

06/06/14

Transfer Coach Departs Alicante Airport:

1030
1200
1600
1800

12/06/14

Transfer Coach leaves the hotel AR Diamante Beach:
0600
0800
1100
1500

If the above transfer times are unsuitable we can arrange a private transfer which will cost approximately 100€. An alternative is car hire. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange either.

Yes! This is the ULTIMATE dance holiday in the sunshine, a unique getaway for anyone who loves dance.  Not only is it THE dance  event of the year, it is the perfect opportunity for first-time dancers to experience a Club Dance Holiday. Catering to all dance abilities, from complete beginners to advanced, Robert and Jean White of Mambo City bring their expert hosting to the sun-drenched beaches of Calpe.

Friday

Arrive at the Hotel AR Diamante Beach & Spa for check-in and welcome drink followed by the Sensual Latin Weekend opening party night, with dancing until late. After "Sparty" at the hotel's spa, with Cava and chocolate (£25).

Saturday

Choose from a jam-packed dance schedule, with classes available all day long in Kizomba, Bachata and Zouk

Sensual Latin Weekend party night

Sunday

Choose from a jam-packed dance schedule, with classes available all day long in Kizomba, Bachata and Zouk

Sensual Latin Weekend party night

Monday

Morning Zouk classes (1.5 hours)

Afternoon pool party

Evening Zouk event with dancing and music until late

Tuesday

Morning Zouk classes (1.5 hours)

Afternoon pool party

Evening Zouk event with dancing and music until late

 Wednesday

Morning Zouk classes (1.5 hours)

Afternoon pool party

Evening Zouk event with dancing and music until late
 

Thursday

Return transfer to Alicante airport.

Robert and Jean White of Mambo City say about themselves - "Our first Salsa experience, was at a night club in Toronto Canada called Berlins, where the Salsa night was hosted by Josie Neglia, it wasn’t until we returned to London, that we decided to take lessons in 1992, with the first generation of UK Instructors, Xihomara Granados, Nelson Batiste, Ramiro Zapata and Zina. we were first introduced to cross body style dancing by Pedro Gomez and have since gone on to work with and learn different styles from, such salsa luminaries as Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores (Descarga Latina), Thomas Guerrero (SantoRico), Frankie Martínez and many others. Owing to these influences, we have experienced styles ranging from Columbian and Cuban Salsa, to the Cross Body styles "On 1" / "On 2" and Cha Cha Cha, It was in May 1999, on a visit to the first SalsaWeb Convention (which was hosted in Washington DC), that we really got inspired, the amount of talent there amazed us, this plus encouragement from Nelson Flores and some friends who wanted us to teach them, prompted us to start MamboCity, which we did in August 1999, our first class had about 15 of our friends and steadily grew, we held our first party in October of that year, which was a Halloween Fancy Dress/Mask Party, we like themes as it keeps the party atmosphere. The following month (November), we got involved in promoting a New York dance group who wanted to come to the UK, Luis Zegarra of Fuerza Latina and Ismael Otero of Caribean Soul, This happend by chance, due a promoter who was responsible for organising the event pulling out, Luis Zegarra persuaded us to go ahead with the promotion."
 

Joseph Koniak and Solange Dias Joseph and Solange are quite simply UK dance Royalty. Having won the UK World Salsa championships three years in a row, and winning the World Lambada Championships in Brazil in Port Seguro, they always provide show stopping dance routines at every congress they attend. As a professional dancer Joseph has performed, and choreographed all over the world in musical Theatre, solo dance productions, and television. He currently teaches weekly classes at the legendary Pineapple Dance Studios in central London. Joseph has worked with Gareth Gates, Enrique Iglesias, Touch and Go, Fats and Small, and many others. Joseph most recognisably choreographed and appears in the BBC1 I dent as the Salsa teacher shown regularly on BBC. In 2005, Joseph Koniak was the audition Choreographer, Judge and coach for the hit series "Strictly Dance Fever" presented by Graham Norton.

Afrolatin Connection Paula Loureiro & Ricardo Sousa are two of the most sought after Kizomba teachers. Paula and Ricardo have been dancing together as partners since 2000 and they are the artistic directors, choreographers and dancers of this Afrolatin Connection Dance Company based in Porto, Portugal. Their dance school, Muxima, is a fine example of a professional dance school. They are also official judges of the international kizomba competition “Africadançar”. and have performed and taught at many salsa and kizomba congresses worldwide. Their classes are always full of fun, positive energy and inspiration.

Eddyvents " I was born in Guinea- Bissau and grew up in Portugal. Throughout my life I always felt electrified by Kizomba so when growing up, Kizomba has always been around me. As a result of my immense love for Kizomba, I devoted 15 years of my life, learning about the theory and history between the different forms of Lusophone music. I moved to England in October 2009 in order to look for innovative and stimulating prospects. I take great pleasure in teaching where I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and love for Kizomba. The foundation of my teaching is Kizomba history and musicality as I believe that this is fundamental for a top quality dancer. I started my teaching career in March 2010 and since then I have the opportunity to teach in numerous congresses such as Mambo City 5 Star, Pontins, Fitness Weakender, Kent Salsa Festival, Swimming Festival and Salsa Splash".

Hugo Boss Born in Mozambique and raised in Portugal, Hugo Boss is one of the UK's top Kizomba DJ’s and has rocked the party at many top Kizomba Events up and down the UK and abroad. He has played not only at some of the best parties and clubs across the country but also in some top Congresses in Europe.

Miguel and Marlene Originally from Portugal, Miguel grew up in Lisbon where he started to develop an interest for Afro Cuban style dance. At the age of 13 he found his talent and started taking his hobby more seriously. He started by learning contemporary jazz, Latin rhythm and Salsa and later moved onto more sensual styles such as Kizomba. Miguel teaches various styles over the world including LA Cross Body on 1, New York Mambo on 2, Puerto Rican style, Cuban style, Cha cha cha, Bachata and Kizomba.Miguel has taught and currently teaches for all the major promoters in the UK. Marlene has been involved in salsa, hip hop and belly dancing as well as Kizomba. Marlene has been dancing Kizomba for the last 7 years and has been partnering with Miguel for the last 2 years, teaching dancing and performing show. Marlene spends most of her time teaching Kizomba as well as being a gym (fitness instructor). She specialises in ladies body movement and styling and provides specialised workshops for ladies that want to improve their own styling and movement. Miguel and Marlene have performed at different congresses and events all over the country including Mambo City, Latin Motion and Salsa Explosion.

Korke and Judith Korke and Judith are of Spanish origin and have been working together professionally for four years. Korke started in the salsa circuit 12 years ago and has spent the last ten years dancing and teaching bachata, being recognized as the creator and main precursor of the style, known as “bachata sensual”. Judith, just 22 years old, is a well known as dancer. Her origins are in ballet and rhythmic gymnastics. Seven years ago she decided to devote herself to the Latin world. She is renowned for her sensual style and musicality. Both are renowned by instructors and teachers of many schools and international events. They have conducted shows and workshops all over Europe including Spain, France, Portugal, England, Germany, Poland, Italy, as well as India, South America etc.
 

International cuisine:  Calpe offers a  choice of restaurants offering locally caught fresh seafood as well as international cuisine including modern and traditional Spanish, Italian, Chinese and much more.

What are optional extras?  In addition to your holiday we also offer you a variety of optional extras to make your holiday even richer and add some local colour.  You can buy your optional extras at the welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday.  We will ask you to pay in cash and fill out a form.  

Sparty - Late night party in the hotel spa with Cava and chocolate - £25 per person
 

Half day excursion to Calpe and Altea - £20
 

On Arrival: You will receive a detailed itinerary and details of any optional extras. We also include information on the local sights, recommended restaurants and other helpful tips.

Tour Host: Over the week you will have a tour host who will be available to help you with any questions that you may have. They are present from the pickup at the airport until you go home, and also actively participate in the social events. Whilst it should be noted that tour hosts cannot be present at every moment (as they sometimes must prepare other activities for your holiday), their role is to facilitate as much as possible that you have an unforgettable holiday. They normally go to bed at around 1’o clock in the morning and you should continue to enjoy your evening.

Overview of the Week and Welcome Drink: At the beginning of the week there is an Overview of the Week where your tour host will tell you about all details of your holiday. At the Overview of the Week you can buy your optional extras (see below). Also at the start of the week, Dance Holidays will invite you to be our guest to a drink.

Getting Around: You are responsible for making your own way to the dance classes and meeting points on the itinerary. We will point out those times when it is sensible to take a taxi.

Free time: We encourage you to explore the local area and make use of the excellent hotel facilities. This can be done when you please around the activities and dance classes that we have organized for you. Your tour host will be on hand for any queries you may have about the local area.

Banks and Money: The easiest way to buy obtain euros is by using a credit card at the cashpoints which are located at five minutes walking distance from the hotel. You can buy small amounts, as often as you like, at any time, without queuing. You will need to know your P.I.N. Bank opening hours are normally 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Banks will change cash, travellers cheques and will sell you currency on your credit card providing the lines are open. You will always need to show your passport at a bank.

Tipping is generally not that common in Spain. There is no need to tip taxis but it is usual to leave a 5 - 10% tip at a restaurant if you are particularly pleased with your dinner/lunch.

We feel our tour hosts work hard to give you an exceptional holiday and sometimes you may find that they add some special touches which are beyond the call of duty. If you agree with us, you might wish to show your appreciation by way of a tip. You can do this by putting money in an envelope on your own or by getting together with other guests. This evidently is entirely at your discretion.

Making friends with the Locals and people not on the holiday: The dance classes and dance evening events in the hotel at night are exclusive to Dance Holidays clients. Generally, we discourage people who are not on the holiday from joining our activities and we ask for your discretion is this respect. By all means, outside of the itinerary, do mix with other holidaymakers staying in the hotel.

The Sensual Latin Dance Weekend will include a full schedule of workshops in Bachata, Kizomba and Zouk and the schedule will be announced soon.

Zouk
Partner Dance
Teaching you the principal techniques of leading and following, and how to create and maintain a connection with your partner so that the dance can flow effortlessly.

Styling classes
Zouk Styling classes allow you to practice and perfect the movements which you will need for the partner dance classes, and to develop skills which will make you a stronger and more sensual dancer.
As well as body isolations, spins, hip, head, arm and torso movements. Each movement has different elements, which can be learned at an elementary level, or make it more difficult by adding arms, head etc. So there is something for all dance abilities.

Kizomba
Kizomba emphasizes a very smooth way of dancing with influences of Tango steps, but one of the main differences is that the lower body, the hip, does forward/backwards and circle movements. People dance on the tempo, as well as playing on the off beat and only sometimes using syncopation steps.

Dancing kizomba is a unique experience – standing really close together, partners move in sensual wavy movement, where leading and being led finds a new dimension. As a dance that is fun but also teaches the basic steps to other related rhythms, kizomba is all about “connecting people".

Bachata
Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic and is danced widely all over the world but not identically. The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap including a hip movement on the 4th beat. The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. Generally, most of the dancer's movement is in the lower body up to the hips, and the upper body moves much less.

In partnering, the lead can decide whether to perform in open or closed position. Dance moves, or step variety, during performance strongly depends on the music (such as the rhythms played by the different instruments), setting, mood, and interpretation. Unlike Salsa, Bachata dance does not usually include complex turn patterns but they are used more and more as the dance evolves. The leading is done just like in most other social dances, with a “pushing and pulling” hand and arm communication. Hand and arm communication is better conveyed when most of the movement is performed by the lower body (from waist down); i.e. hips and footwork.

Sensual Latin Weekend offers you nightly entertainment including legendary party nights with dancing and shows in the company of some of the best names in the dance world.  In addition to music from top DJs in their field there will be showcase performances.   On Saturday night the party theme is All White and Cool Shades.   On Sunday night we Dress to Impress.   During the three chill-out days after the weekend, there will be nightly parties and the chance to explore some of Calpe's lively bars.

This holiday is suitable for dancers of all levels. There will be classes for beginners up to advanced and although we recommend that you try a few classes before you go, an intensive schedule of dance will allow you to improve your skills.

Flights: The standard price advertised does not include a return flight out to the event.  We suggest flying to Alicante airport (approx. forty minutes from the hotel in Calpe).

Airport Coach Transfers: We have organised four coach departures on the arrival date, 06 June and four coach departures on the departure date, 12 June.

Please let us have your flight details so we can allocate you on the most suitable coach. Alternatively please let us know which coach times you would prefer.

Please allow an hour to clear customs on arrival at Alicante Airport on 06 June.

06/06/14

Transfer Coach Departs Alicante Airport:

1030
1200
1600
1830

12/06/14

Transfer Coach Departs Calpe:
0600
0800
1100
1500

If the above transfer times are unsuitable we can arrange a private transfer which will cost approximately 100€. An alternative is car hire. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange either.

Making Your Own Way to Your Hotel in Calpe:  Should you not want to take our shuttle transfer from Alicante Airport or if you are flying in to an alternate airport you can reach your hotel in the following ways:

Taxi from Alicante Airport: Take a taxi from for approximately 100€.

Public Transport from Alicante Airport:  Take a bus from the airport terminal to Benidorm bus station. From here, you can catch a direct bus to Calpe. For timetables and fares please go to: http://www.alsa.es/en/

Books on Spain: It may be worth your while reading up on your destination before you go. Penelope Casas writes beautifully on Spain, such as "The Blue Guide" or "The Foods and Wines of Spain." Ian Gibson’s "The Fire in the Blood" is one of the most fascinating insights into Spanish Culture.
 
Budgeting for your holiday: Here are some guidelines on prices, to help you do your own calculations. Please refer to the optional extra section of the fact sheet for the prices of the optional extras.
Three course meal including drinks in the centre of town:  25 - 30 euros
An evening of tapas and drinks: 15 euros
Rum and coke: 6 euros
Beer:  3 euros
Coffee: 2 euros

Health and Fitness: There are no particular health requirements for a dance holiday. However you should be able to dance for at least two hours a day in order to be able to enjoy the workshop/socials.

Insurance, Visa and Passport Requirements: Refer to the brochure for full details. In brief, Insurance is a condition of booking. Visas may be required for non EU citizens. British nationals need a full passport to travel to Spain.

Travel Documents: You receive these 10 days prior to departure. 

Weather:
Calpe is located on the Costa Blanca and so the climate is always mild and nearly always sunny. 

Average temperatures:

What to wear for dancing:  We recommend that you bring shoes with a leather sole for the dance classes and the evenings.  You might also want to bring blochs dance trainers with you as well. Your shoes should be comfortable and supportive. Wear lightweight cotton socks to avoid sweaty and blistered feet!  Wear comfortable loose clothing for the classes.  We expect the Salsa Nights to be quite dressy so bring some glam gear with you for the evenings!

Useful Things to Bring
Camera
Swimming costume and suntan lotion
Summer/Autumn clothing for day
Jacket for evenings
This fact sheet and Joining Instructions
Passport, money, plane ticket.