Ballroom Dance Classes

Donahey's has been teaching people to dance for over 55 years. Founded in 1968 by Patrick and Shirley Donahey, the school is now run by mother-and-son team Shirley and Paul Donahey. Based in South Devon, they offer weekly ballroom and Latin dance classes for beginners and improvers at venues in Plymouth and Kingsbridge, plus one-day intensive experiences at various locations across the UK.

The beginner classes focus on teaching you to dance in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Over a 3–4 week period, you'll focus on learning two dance types: one ballroom and one Latin. Once you complete a block, you move on to two new styles. The school teaches Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Jive, Argentine Tango and more. Lessons are 1 hour in duration. All venues are chosen for their large, spacious ballrooms. Classes run at multiple levels: Beginners, Improvers 1, Improvers 2, and Intermediate.

You don't need a partner to attend. The instructors rotate partners around the group every few minutes to prevent bad habits and to emphasize the social nature of the lesson. Solo dancers are welcome and will be partnered by one of the experienced dance teachers and assistants throughout the class. Between lessons, you have the opportunity to learn a line dance or two.

Donahey's also runs "Learn To Dance In A Day" experiences at spacious venues in Manchester, West Midlands, and Berkshire. These intensive half-day sessions (11am–3.30pm) teach Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha and Jive. Course notes are included, and practice-at-home DVDs and online lessons are available to purchase. The school is recommended by and affiliated to The International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), a modern, progressive association that conducts examinations qualifying teachers of dancing based on detailed knowledge of dance techniques.

Reviews consistently highlight the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the patience of the instructors. Beginners report feeling at ease despite never having danced before. Many students mention that social nights provide a fantastic opportunity to practice the routines they've learned and to socialize with friends made in the classes.

In your first class, you'll be welcomed into a relaxed and friendly environment. The instructor will teach the steps solo first so you can learn both lead and follow positions, then you'll partner up with other dancers—the instructors rotate partners around the group to help everyone progress. If you're attending alone, you'll be partnered by a teacher or assistant. Classes are 1 hour long, with a free social afterwards at some locations where you can practice what you've learned.

Freda was praised as a clear and precise teacher, and there are multiple experienced instructors and assistants present at every class.

Classes are explicitly designed for absolute beginners, with expert instructors who explain everything clearly and make you feel welcome even if you've never danced before.