Testimonials

Dear Richie and Club Med Staff,

From the 1st we heard of this Ballroom week-end, we were so excited. The thought of 4 days of classes, social dancing, and shows was unbelievable. We have now been to 2 of these and registered for the next one, Jan. 2010. Richie and the Club Med staff did an unbelievable job, so friendly, and helpful. All this and fun , fun, fun, good food, Zumba classes, the circus, pool, and golf to name a few….The grounds so beautiful and the views picturesque. The top professional teachers brought in to teach ( we learned so much) and to do shows in the evening… the many hours of social dancing. The new friends we made who enjoy Ballroom dancing….We could go on and on, so why not come and have a great time with all of us.

Veronica and Gary Andrews, Ocala , Florida

Dance with Champions at Club Med Sandpiper Village was one awesome weekend. After checking in Thursday we were treated to a huge buffet lunch, a cocktail party, then open bar then dancing all night. Tired, back to the bar, relax, visit with friends, meet new people, dance some more if you want. Next day, Buffet with new friends, then Pools, lakes, boats, more swimming, cocktails, lunch etc.
Now for the dance lessons. As a dance host I kind of know my way around the dance floor. I was thrilled with the level of workshops and the warmth and friendliness of the teachers. Every dance discipline was taught by the very best world reknowned teachers.
It’s OK if you don't know a particular dance. One evening a woman at the bar was explaining to us that she could not get West Coast Swing. Right there with us were two of the greatest teachers and performers of WCS. World champions. Wouldn't you know it they gave her a private lesson right there in the bar for almost an hour. That's a priceless experience for someone who dances. She, we all who were there will never forget that evening. One day, through popular request they structured an all day Argentine Tango workshop involving all the world champion teachers. Beginners, intermediates, advanced people all raved about that experience. It was wonderfull. Four days of intense dance workshops at a resort? what more could you want? I ate too much, I danced too much, I drank well a bit more than I would have if I were paying for it, but that's all included, as much as you want. So I hope to see you all in January 2010. Save me a dance.

Sincerely,
Ed Gottlieb - Your dance host.

Last June, 2009, my husband and I attended "Dancing with the Champions" at Club Med in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The dance program consisted of various levels of dance instruction (beginners, intermediate and advanced) by numerous world renown, competitive dancers and performances by them. They were not only outstanding dancers but wonderful dance instructors as well. They worked with us in groups of 10 to 20 and understood what each level needed for successful learning.

Gary and I are at best beginner/intermediate level dancers and we found the instruction to be appropriate, challenging and most of all enjoyable. It was amazing how these world class dancers had such patience and understanding while teaching us amateurs. It appeared that they were having as much fun as we were.

The organization and supervision of the program was also outstanding. There was dancing from 8 am to 12 midnight. Gina and Rich had all the activities well planned with appropriate changes when needed. They were present every day and always available for assistance.

With the combination of a Club Med vacation and the enjoyment world class dance instruction it made for a wonderful weekend with life long memories. Thanks to Rich and Gina for providing such great entertainment to Southern Florida.

Gary Cindy Jackson

Dance With the Champions is a simply Not-to-Miss event. When I participated last year, it was one of the most enjoyable and well-run dance events I have attended. The venue at Club Med was just perfect to accommodate a great choice of multiple group lessons in a variety of break-out rooms all at once, plus quick-and-easy bountiful buffet meals and room for outdoor and indoor cocktail hours and evening social dances. I especially appreciated the wide choice of dance lessons, and the fact that whenever two lessons I wanted to take were going on at the same time, the lessons were also repeated at other times so that I didn’t have to miss anything I really wanted to attend. By the end of the event, I left with improved dance skills, new friendships and wonderful memories.

Sincerely,
Elaine Fitzgerald

I just wanted to thank you for putting on these great events. My wife and I dabbled in dancing before coming to your first event at Club Med. Great teaching morning and afternoon for all levels, phenomenal accommodations, wonderful food (including the white chocolate bread), great shows and as much dancing as you can take, contributed to a truly magical week-end. We are now signed up for yours and our third Club Med experience and hope there will be more to come. We are truly addicted and you are to blame. !!!!
Thanks and Sincerely

Dave and Anette Levine

I'm looking forward to the next Dance Weekend at the end of January, which will be my 3rd time. I love the lessons all day, dancing at night, people are friendly and the food fantastic! I must add the show on Saturday night was superb..........what more can I ask for???!!!!
I must share with you that the first time attending your weekend, was the catalyst for me to continue taking lessons and dancing 3-4 nights a week. Dancing is now a passion of mine!
Thank you for all that you do to make a beautiful fun weekend at Club Med in tropical Florida!

Many Thanks!
Sheila Ramer

After undergoing a family tragedy, my spirits were quite low. One of the Dancing with Champions flyers advertising a week of dancing passed through my hands, and it sparked in me a desire to have some fun – something I had thought I’d lost altogether. After spending a weekend at the Club Med dance week and only focusing on trying to learn to dance ( I had no previous dance training) I found I was enjoying myself once again. The bonus was making new friendships I hope will last a lifetime. It changed me in a wonderful way at a time when I needed it the most. I can’t recommend this event highly enough.

Vickie Lovell

"Kudos to Richnik’s and Club Med for presenting the third "Dance with Champions" set for this coming January. These weekends are a veritable cornucopia of terpsichorean delights for all dancers; whether you dance for competition - or - like me, just for fun. The lessons are structured to add to any dancer's repertoire, from beginner to expert, And Club Med has myriad activities for anyone who, for some unfathomable reason, needs time off from dancing. The Club Med food (as always), is sensational but--not to worry--you'll dance off all those calories and probably lose a couple of pounds before you return home. I look forward to another fun event."

Prior to my enrollment I accepted that the club med instruction and dance schedule might be overwhelming. Also, how could the lessons possibly be recalled after the fifteenth class? What I experienced was that the consistent quality of staff involvement and structured optional activities were conducive to the relaxed application of acquired skills and further, to an unanticipated escalating elation which lasted beyond the vacation period. In attempt to address the limited recall issue, I intend to include a consistent hometown partner among fellow participants at the next event.

As a dance host for over a decade, I have danced around the world. Many of my cruises include five and six star ships like the Regent and those in service for Crystal Cruise Lines. These experiences allow me to lend my strong endorsement to the land-based dancing found at the Club Med resort. I believe Club Med offers some of the finest venues for ballroom, west coast swing, hustle and the Argentine tango that I have experienced over the last ten years.

My dance host responsibilities at sea and on land include participating in dance classes. Obviously, with my experience I have attended many classes in both my personal and professional life. The Club Med Dance classes have been the best in which I have participated. Classes are taught by champion dancers who not only excel in performing but also in dance class instruction. One example is that the classes are clearly leveled so that beginning to advanced dancers can have fun and improve with dancers in their same category. These varied opportunities maximize the progress and enjoyment for everyone.

Any high quality dance week requires the coordination of many variables. Club Med focuses on every detail. I am impressed with their musical selections. Whether DJ or live, the listening and dancing has been outstanding. The food and drink at Club Med match that on any of the exclusive cruise lines on which I have traveled. Most importantly, the people of Club Med work hard to ensure that your dance week will be the best dance event you will ever attend.

Richard G. Conti
Dance Host, Arlington, MA