Sensual Latin Dance Weekend - This holiday is no longer available -

• Full pass to the three night Sensual Latin Weekend event, with a full schedule of classes and workshops
• 3 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
• Bilingual Club Dance Holidays Tour Host
• Floor shows and evening entertainment
• Pool 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
• Airport transfers on the start date
• 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.

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.

Mambo City's Sensual Latin Dance Weekend offers a full schedule of Kizomba, Bachata and Zouk Lambada with a top teacher line-up including  Jonny & Julia, Robert & Jean White and more to be announced - watch this space!

The Sensual Latin Dance Weekend is the beginning of the 10-night Salsa Splash Spain holiday which takes place from 12 - 22 June.

Your holiday, workshops and parties take place in the elegant 4* 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.

Yes! This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the sexiest sensual Latin dance in the sizzling Spanish sunshine!  Not only is it part of THE dance  event of the year, it is the perfect opportunity for first-time dancers to experience a dance festival. Catering to all dance abilities, from complete beginners to advanced, Robert and Jean White of Mambo City bring their expert teaching team 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 followed by the opportunity to join our "Sparty" or exclusive party in the hotel's spa with Cava and chocolate.

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
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay with extra nights in Calpe (please ask us for details).
 

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

Zouk Lambada
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.

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."

 

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 so you'll be spoilt for choice!

To ensure you get the best from your holiday we also offer you a variety of optional extras to make your holiday even richer and add some local colour.  These can be purchased at the welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday where we ask you to fill out a form and make a payment in cash.  

Beach Bar afternoon party and buffet - £18 per person. Includes a running buffet with drinks and freestyle dancing at a venue near the hotel.

Sparty - £25 per person. An exclusive dance party in the hotel's luxury spa. From 1am until 3am there will be music and dancing, the chance to dip in the pool and even Cava and chocolates - a really luxury late night party. Numbers are limited so don't delay.

You'll receive a detailed itinerary and details of any optional extras on arrival along with 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 obtain euros is by using a credit card at a cashpoint which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel. You can take out 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.

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 in this respect. By all means, outside of the itinerary, do mix with other holidaymakers staying in the hotel.

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. Weekend party themes will be announced soon. On Sunday night we Dress to Impress.

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. Return transfers are not included in your holiday price but we can arrange a private transfer for you on request; please call us for details.

Please let us have your flight details so we can allocate you on the most suitable coach on 06 June. 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
1800

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/

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: It's good to know estimations in prices before you go abroad. Here are some guidelines to help you do your own calculations. Please refer to the optional extra section of the fact sheet for the prices of any 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. If you do have any concerns please do feel free to contact the team on 0207 099 4816.

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

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

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 comfortable and supportive 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. Lightweight cotton socks are reccommended to avoid sweaty and blistered feet, and comfortable loose clothing for the classes are also advised.  We expect the Salsa Nights to be quite dressy so feel free to bring some glam gear with you for the evenings!

Useful Things to Bring
Camera - so you can snap up those exciting memories
Swimmwear and suntan lotion
Summer/Autumn clothing for day
Jacket for evenings
Travel docs - this factsheet, Joining Instructions, Passport, money, plane ticket etc