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If you enjoy competitive dance you have no doubt heard of Blackpool, England, the host for 83 years of what many believe is the most prestigious dance competition in the world. Based on the reviews from our 2007 travelers the competition is even better than what you might imagine! In May 2007, 22 avid dancers and dance fans form across the U.S. and Canada traveled with Huron Valley Travel to watch the competition and it was dance nirvana!
1,827 couples representing 62 countries (many you have never even heard of) competed in 12 events, from 2:00 pm until 1:00 am, in the magnificent Winter Gardens Ballroom to a 12-piece live orchestra organized to the minute.
And if that's not enough, all the dance vendors with the multitude of incredible dresses, jewelry, dance instruction books and tapes, and unbelievable shoes in dozens of booths at the festival as well as in our hotel, the best in Blackpool, and the same hotel for many of the judges and dancers, the Imperial.
The 7-day trip is much less expensive than you might believe considering everything that is included, and completely organized by experienced tour professionals, the trip is sure to sell out early. If you are passionate about ballroom dancing this trip is for you!
Best regards,
John A. Kosta
~ Depart from your hometown this afternoon or evening for Manchester, England.
~ Arrive Manchester Airport and transfer with guide and private motorcoach to Blackpool and our 5-star hotel, The Imperial (winner of Hotel of the Year 2005). Before arriving at the hotel we’ll enjoy a short visit in Lancashire to Hoghton Tower, a 16th century mansion with gracious rooms, gardens and a pleasant café. After check-in and a chance to relax at the hotel, we’ll gather for a beverage and welcome dinner in the delightful Palm Court Restaurant in the hotel. D
~ Dance is in the air and after enjoying the Imperial’s fabulous breakfast we’ll start off with a private dance lesson with one of the Blackpool instructors. Learn the basics of several dances as you enjoy getting to know your traveling companions. After a little break to freshen up we’ll continue to the absolutely gorgeous ballroom in the Tower. Here we’ll enjoy a lovely English high tea with sandwiches, scones and clotted cream and also have the opportunity to dance! Just for our group we have invited some fine male dancers who will stay with us the entire three hours. After tea, we’ve arranged for a short city tour with a local guide to give you some of the history of Blackpool and orient you to the main areas and attractions in the city. We’ll end back at the Tower where you can re-enter to enjoy the ballroom and music, or stop at Winter Gardens where the Amateur Latin and Under 21 years Ballroom competition is on (you will need to order another ticket), or return to the hotel. B,T
~ Today is the fantastic Professional Latin competition (308 couples competed in 2007 which was won by Bryan Watson and Carmen, who then announced their retirement!) but first we repeat one of the highlights of the 2007 trip; a private lecture from one of the past British Champions, now with 24-years experience judging the Blackpool competition. You will enjoy his “behind-the-scenes” stories as well as have ample time for questions and answers. B
~ Enjoy these days at Winter Gardens easily reached by the local tram (included). Thursday is Amateur Ballroom followed by Professional Ballroom on Friday. Dancing lasts until 1:00 am and you’ll have an opportunity to dance, if you choose, during the open dance sessions. Feel free to come and go as you desire. Within three blocks of the Gardens there are many budget to deluxe restaurants and we will supply you with our past traveler’s recommendations. B
~ A completely free day to enjoy the many shops in the town, explore the lovely gardens in Stanley Park, or head to the beach and walk the three piers overflowing with “Atlantic city boardwalk” festivities. Or, enjoy our optional tour to the charming city of Chester. Chester, a walled city, was founded by the Romans in 79 A.D. and is the entrance to Wales. It overflows with superb architecture, interesting museums, and the Rows; two tiers of stores with antiques, jewelry and unusual offerings. This evening we will bid farewell to our wonderful week and our traveling companions with a most lovely Farewell Party in the hotel. B,D
~ Depart Blackpool with your guide by private motorcoach to the Manchester Airport for our flights home. But having experiences and memories most dancers would die for! B
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based on double occupancy (single add $319). If you do not need airfare a $400 credit will apply. Air taxes are additional. Travel Insurance is recommended and available through Huron Valley Travel. Space is limited so don't delay!
To reserve, call or email Shelly or Melissa at Huron Valley Travel email@huronvalleytravel.com or 800-392-6689 with your $750 per person deposit.
• Airfare from Chicago to Manchester, England
• Three full days of admission to the Blackpool Dance Festival (Wednesday & Friday include admission plus reserved seats – a refund will be given if reserved seats cannot be secured)
• Official Dance Festival program
• Private group dance lesson
• Lecture with Q&A by a former British Champion and Blackpool Judge
• High Tea and admission to the Blackpool Tower and Ballroom
• Many opportunities to dance! (Male dance partners provided at Tower)
• Locally guided Blackpool city orientation
• 6 night’s accommodation at the beautiful Imperial Hotel in Blackpool (including baggage handling)
• Daily breakfast in the Palm Court restaurant facing the Irish Sea
• 2 dinners: A welcome dinner and Farewell party
• Free time to explore Blackpool on your own
• Private motorcoach transfers to and from the airport (included with HVT air)
• Unlimited use tram tickets for your stay
• A Huron Valley Travel Escort for the entire trip
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| Inside the beautiful tower ballroom |
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| Blackpools famous tower |
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