Salsa Splash Spain - This holiday is no longer available -

• The 6 night Salsa Splash Spain event, choreographed by Robert White of Mambo City and his team of Salseros
• Return shuttle transfer from Alicante Airport
• 6 nights' half board accommodation at the 4 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
• Daily midweek classes with Mauricio Reyes, Miguel & Mayana, Robert & Jean and more
• Full pass to the Weekend Salsa Splash event, with additional teachers and 24 hours of master classes to choose from
• Floor shows and evening entertainment
• Special salsa course for beginners
• Pool parties every afternoon
• Optional "Sparties" (parties in the hotel spa) with Cava and chocolate (optional extra)
• Midweek visits to salsa clubs (some of these clubs will have free entrance where possible)
• Beach party on Friday
• 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 but we're happy to arrange for you if you wish (£20 admin fee)

Airport Coach Transfers: We'll have 4 coach departures on the arrival date (10 June) and 4 coach departures on the departure date (16 June).

So we can allocate you on the most suitable coach, please provide us with your flight details and which coach times you'd prefer.

Allow an hour to clear customs on arrival at Alicante Airport (10 June) and allow 2 hours to check-in once you have arrived at Alicante Airport (16 June).

10/06/14

Transfer Coach Departs Alicante Airport:
1030
1200
1600
1800

16/06/14
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. Feel free to contact us if you would like us to arrange either.
 

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 Salsa Splash Spain is a non-stop dance explosion in the sun offering fantastic, high energy workshops and unforgettable parties at night with competitions, great music and dance shows, pool parties and even soca aerobics! Join Mauricio Reyes, Miguel & Mayana, Wyn Morris, Emsley Sherman, Tulimar & Julian and Robert & Jean for classes in Salsa On 1, Salsa On 2, Cuban Salsa, Rueda, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Kizomba and more. 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, 10 June and four coach departures on the departure date, 16 June.

Call now on 0207 099 04816

Salsa Splash Spain has something for everyone. Not only is it THE Salsa in the Sun event of the year, it is the perfect opportunity for first-time Salseros and Salseras to experience salsa with Club Dance Holidays. Catering to all dance abilities, from complete beginners to advanced, Robert and Jean White of Mambo City bring their expert teaching and hosting to the sun-drenched beaches of Calpe. And all for the amazing-value price of just £479!

Tuesday 
Arrival and transfer to the Hotel AR Diamante Beach for dinner, welcome party and drink, followed by an Ice Breaker dance session at one of Calpe's top nightspots.

Wednesday
After breakfast enjoy two hours of salsa classes followed by a stroll along the beach to Algass Beach Bar for a sun, sangria and afternoon pool party with buffet and drinks included (payable locally).

After a sociable dinner at the hotel we depart for one of Calpe's top nightclubs for a salsa night to remember.

Thursday 
Morning salsa classes followed by time to enjoy the splendid hotel facilities (three swimming pools, health spa and massage, stroll on the beach or take and a dip in the sea).

Dinner at the hotel followed by an evening Salsa party in one of Calpe's top venues.

Friday 
After breakfast enjoy a two hour salsa classes with the team followed by time to enjoy the splendid hotel facilities (three swimming pools, health spa and massage, stroll on the beach or take and a dip in the sea). Take a break for lunch and await the arrival of our weekend guests.

Afternoon Salsa and Sangria pool party with informal dancing in the sun.

Dinner at the hotel followed by one of Mambo City's legendary Beach Parties - a fantastic evening dancing Salsa and socialising with good friends while the sun sets over the stunning Mediterranean sea. Kick off the 24 hour weekend Salsa Splash event and welcome the weekend attendees in style, on Calpe's beautiful Levante Beach. The party will continue late into the night, with dancing in the hotel and the option to join the "Sparty" - a party in the hotel's spa with Cava and chocolate.

Saturday 
Day 1 of our Salsa Splash Weekend workshop program with over 12 hours of classes to choose from with Mambo City's impressive teaching team including Salsa On1, On2, Cuban Salsa, Rueda, Rumba, Soca Dance and Street Dance.

Dinner at the hotel followed by another legendary Salsa Splash party night. Theme: All White and Cool Shades.

Sunday
Day 2 of our Salsa Splash Weekend workshop program with another 12 hours of classes to choose from with Mambo City's expert teacher line up and including Salsa On1, On2, Cuban Salsa, Rueda, Rumba, Soca Dance and Street Dance.

Evening Gala dinner at the hotel and farewell party with spectacular floor shows by our invited performers. Continue the with dancing to music by DJ Cruz.

The party theme is Dress to Impress.

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

You'll enjoy classes each morning leading up to the weekend where you will be immersed in 24 hours of workshops catered for all levels. Midweek classes will be with Mauricio Reyes, Miguel & Mayana, Robert & Jean White, with more teachers joining in for the weekend programme.

All workshops begin on day one where the teachers check out your salsa moves to decide which level you're at. Smaller groups are then formed (usually 2)  intermediate/advanced and beginner/improver to ensure everyone gets the most from the classes.

The workshops will be theme based  which can include:

Salsa - Cross Body Style
 A sample programme can include:
Improvers
Focus on connection with partner, Shines, Turn Patterns, Rhythm & Musicality

Intermediate
Better connection in partner work, more advance partner work

Advanced
Dynamics in motion, difficult sequences, variations

Shines
Footwork origination for swing, tap and jazz dance, now used in salsa dancing

Partner work / Turn patterns
 
Cross Body Style
There are 3 distinct style of Crossbody dancing, 1-LA, 2-New York On2, 3-New York On1

Los Angeles style
Basic step for LA-style
L.A. style is danced on 1, in a slot, with a measure of easiness and adaptability to it. It is strongly influenced by the Mambo, Swing, Argentine Tango and Latin Ballroom L.A. style places strong emphasis on sensuousness, theatricality, aerobics, and musicality. The lifts, stunts and aerial works of today's salsa shows are derived mostly from L.A. Style forms with origins in Latin Ballroom and Ballet lifts.
The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic as described above and the cross-body lead. In this pattern, the leader steps forward on 1, steps to the right on 2-3 while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left), leaving the slot open. The follower then steps straight forward on 5-6 and turns on 7-8, while the leader makes another 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slightly forward, coming back into the slot. After these 8 counts, the leader and follower have exchanged their positions.

New York style On2
Like LA-style salsa, New York style is danced in a line. However, unlike LA style, it is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2"), and the follower steps forward on the first measure of the music, not the leader. The etiquette of New York Style is strict about remaining in the "slot" and avoiding traveling dancing in a sandbox area with a lot of spins, turns and styling. There is greater emphasis on performing "shines" in which dancers separate themselves and dance solo with intricate footwork and styling for a time—suspected origins from Swing and New York Tap.
Though he did not create New York style salsa, Eddie Torres is credited with popularizing it, and for having the follower step forward on the second beat of the first measure.
There are two distinct developments of New York Salsa as a music and dance genre:
1. Primary original evolution from Mambo era when Cuban music was introduced to New York due to influx of migrating Cuban dissidents and Latin migrants during Pre/Post Cuban Revolution in the 1950s and 1960s. This era is known as the "Palladium Era". At this time, the music and dance was called "Mambo" or "Rhumba" -- connoting the general term without being specific.
2. Secondary evolution during the late 1970s, Latin migrants, particularly Puerto Ricans, contributed to the New York Salsa development during the "NuYorican" era of Hector Lavoe which greatly popularized salsa as a term and modern Latin music throughout the world. Salsa superstars were "discovered" during the era, such as Ray Baretto ("The Godfather") and Celia Cruz ("The Queen of Salsa"). There are also salsa artists that transcend both periods, notably the legendary Puerto Rican Tito Puente ("The Mambo King").
These two developments create a fusion of a new salsa music and dance genre, different than its Latin American and L.A. Style counterparts.
New York style salsa emphasizes harmony with the percussive instruments in salsa music, such as the congas, timbales, and clave, since many or all of those instruments often mark the second beat in the music

New York style On1
In the mid 1990's a group of dancers headed to New York to learn Crossbody dancing, MamboCity was one of these groups, the style there teach is an adaptation of New York On2 taught On1,

Cuban Style
Cuban style, also known as Casino, Casino traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban Son dancing, and its rhythmic body motions from Afro-Cuban Rumba heritage. Son is considered an older version and ancestor to Salsa, it is danced in a circular motion, where the follower travels around their partner.
Son is danced on delay measure upbeat (contra-tiempo) following the 2-3 clave (Son Clave) whereas Casino is usually danced on the downbeat break of 1 or 3 (a-tiempo). Musically, the beats 1, 3, 5 and 7 are considered downbeats; whereas 2, 4, 6 and 8 are considered upbeats. Casino was popularized in the late 1950s as the Cuban Son received upbeat and quicker arrangements by musicians. Casino has a very independent development, free from external influences such as Puerto Rican and North American dances partly due to the effect of the Cuban Embargo

Rueda de Casino (Rueda, Casino Rueda, Salsa Rueda) is a particular type of round dancing of Salsa. It was developed in Havana, Cuba in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the group Guaracheros de Regla and one of its main choreographers and creators was Jorge Alfaro from San Miguel del Padrón, a soloist of a comparsa.
Pairs of dancers form a circle, with dance moves called out by one person, a caller (or "líder" or "cantante" in Spanish). Many moves have hand signs to complement the calls; these are useful in noisy venues, where spoken calls might not be easily heard. Many moves involve the swapping of partners.
The names of the moves are mostly in Spanish, some in English (or Spanglish; e.g., "un fly"). Some names are known in slightly different versions, easily recognizable by Spanish-speaking dancers, but may be confusing to the rest.

 

Robert and Jean White of Mambo City "Our first Salsa experience, was at a night club in Toronto Canada in 1992, where the Salsa night was hosted by Josie Neglia but it wasn’t until we returned to London that we decided to take lessons 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 salsa luminaries including Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores (Descarga Latina), Thomas Guerrero (SantoRico), Frankie Martínez and more. 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 became inspired to launch Mambo City. Our first class was attended by about 15 of our friends and steadily grew. The following month (November) we got involved in promoting a New York dance group who wanted to come to the UK, led by 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 and this saw the beginning of our work as salsa promoters. We have since organised and promoted numerous events both in the UK and abroad and our salsa congresses attract up to 1000 people".

Mauricio Reyes Originally from Latin America but based in Birmingham (UK), Mauricio Reyes is the founder of Latin Motion, the biggest salsa outfit in the Midlands since it was established in the early 1990's. Mauricio has been dancing and listening to salsa all of his life and has been teaching salsa dance since the tender age of 17. As a DJ he is guaranteed to read the crowd, spinning a broad range of top salsa, from NY to LA, Colombian to Cuban playing and teaching regularly all over the Midlands, the UK and abroad. He is a regular DJ at some of the UKs biggest salsa events, and has been awarded 'Top UK Salsa DJ', 'Top Regional Promoters' & 'Services to Salsa' awards at repeatedly over the years. As a dedicated salsa DJ, dance instructor and promoter for well over two decades, he has introduced & inspired a huge number of people to Salsa, including many other Salsa dance teachers around UK and abroad.

Miguel and Mayana. Miguel Corona Salsa Champion 2001, Scala Latina Salsa Champion 2003, UKA Salsa Champion 2006-2007, UK Professional Salsa Champion 2007. These are just some of his rewards and achievements since he started this amazing journey 12 years ago. Miguel’s music interpretation is a gift from his musician parents, this knowledge and experience makes him stand out in his performances and freestyle. His personality and love of Salsa is contagious.

Mayana: Mayana’s love for dance started at an early age. She followed her heart and went to one of the best Russian Dance Academies in the country, where she studied different dance styles from traditional dance through to contemporary. Mayana went on to teach various dance styles until she found Salsa. In 2007 she became a UK Professional London Salsa Champion. What really makes her unique is her dance style. She combines all her knowledge of various dances; this creates her own signature which portrays her as an elegant and stylish dancer.

Wyn Morris Wyn has been dancing salsa for 16 years and has been teaching for 12 years. Wyn dances the following styles: Cuban, NY On2, Colombian, Rueda de Casino and Kizomba. Wyn has been with the Mambo City team for 12 years, where he teaches Salsa on 1 Cuban Salsa and Rueda de Casino at Mambo City classes and weekend events. Wyn has attended dance courses in Cuba and Colombia and taught and performed in Sweden and Miami.

Julian Summers is a regular DJs at Bravo Bravo Fridays and and ULU Saturdays monthly events, he also plays at other MamboCity events. The relative newcomer has quickly gained an enthusiastic following and was voted top DJ for the South-East region in the 2010 UK Salsa Awards. You can also catch him at other gigs around the country and abroad – during the past year he has played in Latvia, New Jersey, Ireland and Croatia.

Tulimar Colmenares, AKA DJ Tuli, is originally from Venezuela and has been spinning Salsa, Cha-Cha and Bachata tunes in London and its surroundings since 2009; She is a resident DJ for one of the best salsa event organisers in the UK: Mambo City (Organisers of the 5 star London Salsa Congress & winners of the LUKAS awards -2012 & 2013) & Incognito Dance.
 

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.

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.  These are the optional extras that we anticipate running – actual details and prices will be confirmed on arrival. Some may require minimum numbers.

Sparty (Friday) 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. £25 per person. 

Half day excursion to Calpe and Altea - £20 per person. Altea is a typically Spanish village with beautiful beaches and surrounded by the Sierra de Bernia mountain range. Our coach (complete with a guide) will depart the hotel after morning classes so you'll reach Altea in time for lunch (at leisure) in one of the village's harbour-side restaurants before free time to explore. There will also be time for a stroll around the centre of Calpe. We'll return to the hotel in time for dinner.

On Arrival: You'll receive a detailed itinerary and details of any optional extras along with information on the local sights, recommended restaurants and other helpful tips to ensure you get the most of your trip.

Tour Host: Our tour host will be around to help you with any questions or problems. They're present from the pickup at the airport until you go home, and are also actively participate in the social events. Their role is to facilitate as much as possible that you have an unforgettable holiday.

Overview of the Week and Welcome Drink: There'll be an Overview of the Week at the beginning of your trip where your tour host will tell you about all details of your holiday. Here you can buy your optional extras and will also be invited to the Club Dance Holidays welcome drink.

Getting Around: You'll be responsible for making your own way to the dance classes and meeting points on the itinerary. We'll 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 the cashpoints which are located at five minutes walking distance 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 and there is no need to tip taxis. It is usual to leave a 5 - 10% tip at a restaurant but 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 in this respect. By all means, outside of the itinerary, do mix with other holidaymakers staying in the hotel.

Salsa Splash Spain offers you nightly entertainment including 3 legendary party nights with dancing and shows (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) in the company of some of the best names in the salsa world.  In addition to music from DJ Cruz, there will be salsa showcase performances. For the four nights leading up to the weekend event there will be informal salsa evenings and fun Mambo City style with Robert and Jean White in the hotel and at outside venues in Calpe. Saturday night's party theme will be announced soon. On Sunday night we Dress to Impress.

Immerse yourself in 24 hours of workshops catered for all levels with Mauricio Reyes, Miguel & Mayana, Robert & Jean White and many more!

All workshops start on day one where the teachers check out your salsa moves to decide which level you're at. Smaller groups are then formed (usually 2) intermediate/advanced and beginner/improver to ensure you get the best from your classes.

Each of the workshops are theme based which can include:

Salsa - Cross Body Style
A sample programme can include:
Improvers
Focus on connection with partner, Shines, Turn Patterns, Rhythm & Musicality

Intermediate
Better connection in partner work, more advance partner work

Advanced
Dynamics in motion, difficult sequences, variations

Shines
Footwork origination for swing, tap and jazz dance, now used in salsa dancing

Partner work / Turn patterns
 

Flights: The standard price advertised does not include a return flight out to the event.  We suggest flying to Alicante airport (approx. 40 minutes from the hotel in Calpe).

Airport Coach Transfers: There'll be 4 coach departures on the arrival date (10 June) and 4 coach departures on the departure date (16 June). Please provide your flight details so we can allocate you on the most suitable coach. Alternatively please let us know which coach times you would prefer.

Allow an hour to clear customs on arrival at Alicante Airport (10 June) and (2 hours) to check-in once you have arrived at Alicante Airport (16 June).

10 June 2014

Transfer Coach Departs Alicante Airport:
1030
1200
1600
1800

16 June 2014

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.

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: You can take a taxi from Alicante Airport which usually costs approximately 100€.

Public Transport from Alicante Airport:  Or you could travel by 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: You may like to read 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 always good to have an idea of costs on food and drink before you arrive at your destination. 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 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: 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:

Jan       10C               Apr       14C             Jul              25C              Oct            18C
Feb       13C              May      16C             Aug             25C              Nov           16C
Mar       13C              Jun       21C             Sep            22C                Dec           12C

We recommend that you bring shoes with a leather sole for the dance classes and the evenings.  You may also want to bring blochs dance trainers with you as well. Your shoes should be comfortable and supportive. Lightweight cotton socks are advisable if you want to avoid sweaty and blistered feet!  Comfortable loose clothing for the classes are also recommended.  We expect the Salsa Nights to be quite dressy so bring some glam gear with you for the evenings!

Useful Things to Bring
Camera
Swim wear and sunscreen
Summer/Autumn clothing for day
Jacket for evenings
This fact sheet and Joining Instructions
Travel documents - inc passport, money, plane ticket.