cruise ship dance recital theme

100 Creative Themes for Your Studio Recital

Last year I wrote a post on the top ten studio recital themes for a memorable performance.

It’s been one of the most popular posts on the blog ever since, so I’ve decided to expand on the idea and give you even more themes to choose from.

Whether you love movie music, classical repertoire, or something totally unique, there’s something for everyone on this list!

1. A Night at the Opera

This is a fun way to introduce students and your audience to the world of opera music.

Suggested Repertoire: “Queen of the Night” aria from Mozart’s Magic Flute , Bizet’s Carmen overture, and the William Tell overture by Rossini.

2. A Night of Surprises

If you’re looking for a unique theme, this is it. Keep your audience guessing by only listing student names, not repertoire, in the recital program. Then surprise them with a unique mixture of the unexpected!

Suggested Repertoire: “Pop! Goes the Weasel”, Alice in Wonderland’ s “The Unbirthday Song”, and anything from Haydn’s Surprise Symphony .

3. A Walk in the Park

This would be great for a spring recital.

Suggested Repertoire: “Strolling Through the Park”, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”, and “The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down.”

4. Across the Stars

I have a lot of little Star Wars fans in my studio! If you do too, then this recital theme will be a hit.

Suggested Repertoire: “Star Wars Main Title”, “The Imperial March”, and “Cantina Band”.

5. Adventure Is Out There!

Apologies to Ellie and Carl from Up , but it’s true. You never know when an adventure (musical or otherwise) is waiting around the corner!

Suggested Repertoire: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, “Jolly Holiday”, and “Life Is a Highway”.

6. African American Music

What better way to teach kids about the musical heritage of African Americans than by choosing this recital theme?

Suggested Repertoire: “I’ve Got a Heart Full of Rhythm” by Louis Armstrong, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and Duke Ellington’s Black and Tan Fantasy .

7. All About Bach

Bach is my favorite composer , and I’ve often picked his music for recital repertoire. So why not go all the way and make it an official theme?

Suggested Repertoire: Prelude in C Major , Toccata and Fugue in D Minor , and any of his Inventions and Sinfonias .

8. All Things Celtic

Celtic music is a fun twist on the usual recital fare.

Suggested Repertoire: “Irish Washerwoman”, “Molly Malone”, and “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair”.

9. Allegro!

If your students love to play fast pieces, they will love this theme!

Suggested Repertoire: Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca , Lynn Freeman Olson’s “Rhythm Machine”, and Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky-Korsacov.

10. At the Fair

Fairs are a big part of life here in West Michigan. If they are in your area too, try this recital theme on for size.

Suggested Repertoire: “Scarborough Fair”, “The Ferris Wheel”, and “(Have I Stayed) Too Long at the Fair?”

11. Autumn in the Air

If you’re hosting an autumn recital, this theme is perfect.

Suggested Repertoire: “Autumn Leaves”, Autumn in New York”, and Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”.

12. Awesome Architecture

This unique theme focuses on the architectural elements we’re all familiar with.

Suggested Repertoire: “On the Bridge of Avignon”, “Underneath the Arches”, and “A House Is Not a Home”.

13. Big City Slickers

Celebrate city life with this fun theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “Meet Me In Saint Louis”, “The Sunny Side of the Street”, and “New York State of Mind”.

14. Brilliantly Baroque

Showcase the music of the Baroque period with this recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel, Trio Sonata in C by Vivaldi, and Bach’s Goldberg Variations .

15. Candy Shoppe

This is one for the students with a sweet tooth!

Suggested Repertoire: “On the Good Ship Lollipop”, “Cotton Candy Land”, and “The Candy Man” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory .

16. Celebrate

This fun theme is all about special celebrations!

Suggested Repertoire: “Celebrate Good Times”, “Happy Birthday to You”, and “We Are the Champions”.

17. Character Pieces

There are a ton of amazing character pieces from the Romantic period. Your students will have fun learning them!

Suggested Repertoire: Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Six Character Pieces for Piano and “The Wild Horseman” and “The Happy Farmer”, both by Robert Schumann.

18. Classical Collaboration

Enjoy the best of the Classical period with this engaging recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: Haydn’s Variations in F Minor , C.P.E Bach’s Sinfonia in G , and Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik by Mozart.

19. Classical Pieces You’ve Never Heard Before

If you feel like you’ve assigned Fur Elise to your students a hundred times, try this new and refreshing take on a classical recital.

Suggested Repertoire: Divertimento by Jane Mary Guest, Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, and Little Songs for Little Folks by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

20. Colorful Music

Assign each student a piece about a different color and watch the musical kaleidoscope come together at the recital!

Suggested Repertoire: “Red River Valley”, “The Pink Panther Theme Song”, and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”.

21. Creepy Crawlies

If you and your students are nature lovers then you might appreciate this unusual recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”, “Ants Fight Back” from the soundtrack of A Bug’s Life , and “Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me”.

22. Disney Extravaganza

It’s hard to beat a good old-fashioned Disney song!

Suggested Repertoire: “A Whole New World” from Aladdin , “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King , and “Beauty and the Beast” from, well, Beauty and the Beast .

23. Duets are the Best!

Most of my students love playing duets. If yours share the same enthusiasm then this recital will probably be a dream come true for them.

Suggested Repertoire: Virtually any piece can be arranged as a duet, but I’ll give a special shout-out to Dvorak’s Legends , “A Cover Is Not the Book” from Mary Poppins Returns , and the “Flower Duet” from Delibes’ Lakme .

24. Everybody Dance Now

There’s nothing like some dance music, old or new, to put everyone in a better mood.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Anniversary Waltz”, Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker , and “Dancing Queen”.

25. Farmhouse Fanfare

Those would be a great one for more rural areas. Celebrate the beauty of the countryside with this fun recital theme!

Suggested Repertoire: “Home On the Range”, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, and “Shine On, Harvest Moon”.

26. Favorite Folk Songs

A folk-themed recital is a fun twist on the usual classical repertoire.

Suggested Repertoire: “Billy Boy”, “Simple Gifts”, and “Home On the Range”.

27. Feeling Good

Happiness is contagious!

Suggested Repertoire: “Happy”, “Walking On Sunshine”, and “If You’re Happy and You Know It”.

28. Flower and Fauna

A great theme for nature lovers.

Suggested Repertoire: “My Wild Irish Rose”, “D-E-E-R Deer”, and Johann Strauss’s “Waltz of the Flowers”.

29. Happy Endings

Whether in story or song, everyone loves a happy ending.

Suggested Repertoire: “At Last”, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”, and “Auld Lang Syne”.

30. Haydn Seek

This one takes a little bit more preparation, but it would be a lot of fun! Arrange small sections of Joseph Haydn’s most famous pieces to be woven into the students’ pieces. (Haydn was a known prankster after all. I think he would approve!)

Suggested Repertoire: “Pomp and Circumstance” with Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser , Beethoven’s Shepherd’s Song with Theme from the Surprise Symphony , and “Give Me the Simple Life” with Fantasia in C Major .

31. Hymns and Gospel Songs

A beautiful tribute to the most beloved Christian songs in history.

Suggested Repertoire: “Amazing Grace”, “Nothing But the Blood”, and “It Is Well with My Soul”.

32. Improvising Fun

This would be a really fun recital theme for students and audience alike.

Suggested Repertoire: Any piece would work for this theme, but I would suggest picking well-known tunes and then having the students improvise on them and create their own variations. The more creative the better!

33. In Memorium

This would be a good theme for older students, or a Memorial Day performance. It’s a touching way to honor those we’ve lost or those who who were lost in the past and should be honored and remembered.

Suggested Repertoire: “Taps”, “Theme” from Schindler’s List , and “If You’re Reading This”.

34. Inspiring Impressionism

A fun way to explore the Impressionist style of music with your students!

Suggested Repertoire: Debussy’s La Mer and Clair de Lune and Fountains of Rome by Respighi.

35. Jazz Jam

A celebration of jazz music!

Suggested Repertoire: “Take the A Train”, “The Girl from Ipanema”, and “Fly Me to the Moon”.

36. Jungle Jamboree

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Your animal lovers will enjoy this one!

Suggested Repertoire: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, “The Three Little Bears”, and “Bare Necessities”.

37. Kids Corner

This recital theme celebrates all the songs that kids love most.

Suggested Repertoire: “Old MacDonald”, “The Muffin Man”, and “Baby Shark”.

38. Kings and Queens

A musical celebration of royalty (real and legendary).

Suggested Repertoire: “Good King Wenceslas”, “In the Hall of the Mountain King”, and “God Save the Queen”.

39. Lights! Camera! Action!

Bring the magic of the stage to your studio recital with this fun show tune theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl , “One Day More” from Les Miserables , and “Maria” from West Side Story .

40. Love Me Tender

What’s more fun than an Elvis-themed recital?

Suggested Repertoire: “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Hound Dog”, and “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.

41. Lullaby and Goodnight

This is a sweet recital theme for an evening performance, especially for younger students.

Suggested Repertoire: “Rock-A-Bye, Baby”, Brahm’s Lullaby, and “Hush, Little Baby”.

42. Man’s Best Friends

A recital theme to celebrate our beloved pets.

Suggested Repertoire: “Who Let the Dogs Out”, “I Had a Little Turtle”, and “The Siamese Cat Song” from Lady and the Tramp .

43. March through History

A chronological narration of history through music.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Virginia Company”, “Ashokan Farewell”, and “Over There”.

44. Masterpieces of Music

The most popular pieces of classical music have stood the test of time for a reason. Why not embrace them with this recital theme?

Suggested Repertoire: Fur Elise by Beethoven, Pachelbel’s Canon in D , and Air on the G String by J.S. Bach.

45. Medieval Matinee

Explore the world of Medieval music .

Suggested Repertoire: “Sumer Is Icumen In”, “Song of Roland”, and “Greensleeves”.

46. Meet the Great Composers

This fun theme combines repertoire from music’s most beloved composers with the students own original compositions.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah , Schubert’s “Gretchen am Spinradde”, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words , plus whichever pieces your students create themselves!

47. Merry and Bright

A bright and cheerful theme for a Christmas recital.

Suggested Repertoire: “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas”, “Joy to the World”, and “Jingle Bell Rock”.

48. Modern Mashup

Help your students discover the interesting world of Modern classical music with this theme.

Suggested Repertoire: Phrygian Gates by John Adams, Three Fantastic Dances by Shostakovich, and Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral .

49. Movie Night

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but a crowd-pleaser nonetheless.

Suggested Repertoire: “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz , “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca , and “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s .

50. Music Around the World

Around the world in a studio recital or less: celebrate the music of many nations!

Suggested Repertoire: “Sakura Sakura”, “Hava Nagila”, and “Scotland the Brave”.

51. Music by Women Composers

Most people have heard very few pieces by women composers. This theme is a fun way to change that!

Suggested Repertoire: Allegro Molto in C Minor by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel , Nocturne in B-flat by Maria Agata Szymanowska, and Prelude On an Old Folk Tune by Amy Beach.

52. Music Math

A numbers-based recital theme for the math lovers among us.

Suggested Repertoire: “Three Blind Mice”, “Beethoven’s Fifth”, and “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

53. Music of the Night

A good theme for an evening recital!

Suggested Repertoire: “All In This April Evening”, “I Could Have Danced All Night”, and any nocturne.

54. Music’s Greatest Hits

Explore the most popular pieces throughout music history!

Suggested Repertoire: Prelude in C Major by J.S. Bach, Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer , and Star Wars Main Title by John Williams.

55. Musical Extremes

A theme based around musical contrasts: fast, slow, loud, soft, legato, staccato , the options are endless!

Suggested Repertoire: Theme from Haydn’s Surprise Symphony , Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven , and John Adam’s Short Ride In a Fast Machine .

56. Musical Legends

A fun recital theme based around legendary figures.

Suggested Repertoire: “Yankee Doodle”, “The Magic Piper”, and “In the Hall of the Mountain King”.

57. Musical Mayhem

Embrace your crazy side with this fun theme!

Suggested Repertoire: “Scampering Squirrels”, “The Clown”, and “Three Wise Monkeys”.

58. My Favorite Composer

Let each student play a piece by their favorite composer.

Suggested Repertoire: Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory!

59. My Favorite Things

Have each student play a piece based on something they love!

Suggested Repertoire: “The Baseball Game”, “Music Box Dancer”, and “My Clever Pup”.

60. Nice Nocturnes

Nocturnes are lovely recital pieces, especially for older and more advanced students.

Suggested Repertoire: Nocturne in B-Flat Major by Maria Szymanowska, Nocturne in E-Flat Major by John Field, and Nocturne in B-Flat Minor by Frideric Chopin,

61. No Place Like Home

A musical celebration of the homes we love.

Suggested Repertoire: “Home On the Range”, “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays”, and “Home, Sweet Home”.

62. Old Blue Eyes

Celebrate the music of Frank Sinatra with this recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Way You Look Tonight”, “It Was a Very Good Year”, and “New York, New York”.

63. Old-Fashioned Spirituals

There are plenty of amazing African-American spirituals for this enjoyable recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, “There Is a Balm In Gilead”, and “Steal Away”.

64. Oldies But Goodies

I love oldies. If you do too, you’ll love this theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”, “Help Me Rhonda” and “What a Wonderful World”.

65. Once Upon a Time

A recital theme covering all the best fairy tales.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Cinderella Work Song”, “Sleeping Beauty Waltz”, and “Main Theme” from Peter Pan .

66. Over the Sea We Go

A seafaring musical adventure.

Suggested Repertoire: “I Saw Three Ships”, “Russian Sailor Dance”, and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”.

67. Piano Olympics

Have a blast with this Olympic-themed recital. You can even hand out medals for Best Performance, Best Stage Presence, Best Effort, etc.

Suggested Repertoire: “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” by John Williams, the Theme from Chariots of Fire , and your country’s national anthem.

68. Pixar Parade

I love Pixar movies! Your students will have a lot of fun with this one.

Suggested Repertoire: “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” from Toy Story , “Married Life” from Up , and Remember Me from Coco .

69. Planes and Trains

This recital is all about modes of transportation (I have a feeling some of the boys I teach would really enjoy this one).

Suggested Repertoire: “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “The Wheels On the Plane”, and Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train”.

70. Rags to Riches

A fun theme showcasing the most popular and best-selling pieces in ragtime history.

Suggested Repertoire: Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Thriller” by May Frances Auferheide.

71. Rally Round the Flag

This flag-themed recital will be a lot of fun for all.

Suggested Repertoire: “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, “Wavin’ Flag”, and “Rally ‘Round the Flag”.

72. Reading Rocks!

Fellow book lovers, this is your chance to shine! Your students will have a blast preparing pieces based on their favorite books.

Suggested Repertoire: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” (based upon Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet ), and “A Cover Is Not the Book” from Mary Poppins Returns , and Dr. Jean’s “Who Let the Letters Out?”.

73. Renaissance Fair

Embrace the music of the Renaissance !

Suggested Repertoire: “Sing Joyfully Unto God” by William Byrd, “With All Our Hearts” by Thomas Tallis, and John Downland’s Fantasia No. 7 .

74. Romantic Repertoire

This theme centers around pieces from the Romantic period .

Suggested Repertoire: Robert Schumann’s Carnaval , Brahm’s Piano Sonata No. 3 , and Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody .

75. Safari Night

A fun-filled night of music from the animal kingdom.

Suggested Repertoire: “The Zebra Song”, “Baby Elephant Walk” from Hatari , and “Never Smile At a Crocodile” from Peter Pan .

76. Silver and Gold

This fun theme about money (or lack thereof) is a unique twist on the typical musical recital.

Suggested Repertoire: “Counting Coins”, “At the End of the Day” from Les Miserables , and “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler On the Roof .

77. Spectacular Sonatas

So, this one is pretty self-explanatory: have each student play a sonata!

Suggested Repertoire: Beethoven’s Sonata in G Major , Ostersonate (Easter Sonata) by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, and Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 .

78. Studio Favorites

Turn your student’s favorite pieces into a fun and engaging theme.

Suggested Repertoire: This will be unique to every studio. For example, my students have a special fondness for “Carol of the Bells”, “Fur Elise”, and “Freight Train”.

79. Stuffed Animal Friends

If your students are anything like mine, they love their stuffed animal friends fiercely . Why not invite them to recital night, too?

Suggested Repertoire: Any piece that corresponds to the student’s favorite stuffies, such as “Little Green Frog”, “My Clever Pup”, and “All the Pretty Little Ponies”.

80. Suessical the Musical

Draw your recital inspiration from the soundtrack of this beloved musical .

Suggested Repertoire: “Oh the Thinks You Can Think”, “It’s Possible”, and “Chasing the Whos”.

81. Summer Serenade

Celebrate summertime!

Suggested Repertoire: George Gershwin’s “Summer Time”, “Surfin’ USA”, and ” ‘Tis the Last Rose of Summer”.

82. Surprise Symphony

Haydn’s masterpiece makes for a great recital theme. Pair it with other musical surprises for extra fun.

Suggested Repertoire: “A Surprise For You”, “Pop Goes the Weasel”, and, of course, Surprise Symphony by Joseph Haydn.

83. Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Sports enthusiasts will love this one!

Suggested Repertoire: “The Soccer Song”, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, and your university’s fight song!

84. Tchaikovsky’s Favorites

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote some of the most beloved classical music in history. Sounds like a great recital theme to me!

Suggested Repertoire: Theme from Swan Lake , “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker , and 1812 Overture .

85. The Four Seasons

Here in Michigan we get to experience the beauty of the four seasons. Why not incorporate them into a recital?

Suggested Repertoire: “Autumn in New York”, “Winter Wonderland”, and The Four Seasons by Vivaldi (or The Seasons by Tchaikovsky).

86. The Great Outdoors

If weather permits, it would be really cool to hold this recital outside!

Suggested Repertoire: “Sunrise and Sunset” from Fiddler On the Roof, “Autumn Leaves”, and “Let’s Plant a Tree”.

87. The Greatest Show On Earth

Kids will love this circus-themed recital.

Suggested Repertoire: “Entry of the Gladiators”, “The Man On the Flying Trapeze”, and “The Clown”.

88. The History of the Piano

Or the violin, or the clarinet, or whatever instrument you happen to teach.

Suggested Repertoire: Anything from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier , Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca , and First Interlude for Prepared Piano by John Cage.

89. The Nutcracker

Bring Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet to life this Christmas season.

Suggested Repertoire: “Waltz of the Flowers”, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, and “Waltz of the Snowflakes”.

90. This Will Cheer You Up

Sometimes you just need to chase the blues away with some happy music.

Suggested Repertoire: “What a Wonderful World”, “Smile”, and “The Sunny Side of the Street”.

91. Time Flies

A musical tribute to time.

Suggested Repertoire: “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca , “I’m Late” from Alice in Wonderland , and “Rock Around the Clock”.

92. Troublemakers

This fun theme has a mischievous bent. Perfect for your spirited music students!

Suggested Repertoire: “Runaway Rabbit”, “Trashin’ the Camp” from Tarzan , and “Maria” from The Sound of Music .

93. Under the Sea

Dive into the ocean (at least musically) for a fun and memorable recital.

Suggested Repertoire: “Baby Shark”, “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid , and, if you’re really brave, the Theme from Jaws .

94. Welcome Springtime!

Celebrate springtime with this fresh and enjoyable recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: Johann Strauss’s “Voices of Spring”, “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing”, and “April” from Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Das Jahr .

95. We Love Music!

Let your students play their favorite piece that they’ve learned in the past year.

Suggested Repertoire: Whatever your students love most!

96. We’ve Got the Blues

There are so many fun blues pieces for this one!

Suggested Repertoire: “Got Those Blues”, “Stormy Monday”, and “Memphis Blues”.

97. What’s in a Name?

Every name is unique, and there are a ton of them to be found in music.

Suggested Repertoire: “Liza Jane”, “Barbara Ann”, and “Linus and Lucy”.

98. Winter Wonderland

Embrace the snow and cold with this chilly recital theme.

Suggested Repertoire: “Frosty the Snowman”, “Sleigh Ride”, and Vivaldi’s “Winter” from The Four Seasons .

99. World Turned Upside Down

A recital theme about all things topsy-turvy.

Suggested Repertoire: “Topsy Turvy” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame , “Red Is Blue” from Hoodwinked , and “Masquerade” from The Phantom of the Opera .

100. You Are My Sunshine

Who doesn’t love a nice, sunny day?

Suggested Repertoire: “Sunny Today”, “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone”, and, of course, “You Are My Sunshine”.

What are your favorite recital theme ideas? Share them with us in the comments!

Morning Heidi! Rick Hess reporting in, from sunny (OK, cloudy, Bellevue). Really enjoy these newsletters – very well done. Many good themes given above! I’m just emailing to let you know of two recital ideas I did years ago. Both well-received. #1 – Matching – the students were listed down the left side of the program in performance order. The pieces, though, were not in performance order, listed down the right side of the program. As the recital was progressing the audience had to draw lines from the performer to the piece they guessed they were doing. After the recital I gave the answers and everyone could see how they did. There were probably 20-25 players, with many playing relatively early pieces, so there was a LOT of guessing. Great fun. #2 – The Recital Juke Box. The program listed the pieces and players, but not who was playing what. To begin the recital, I picked one of the parents, or siblings, or grandparents, etc. to ask what piece they’d like to hear. They said it out loud and the appropriate student marched up and played. Then I’d pick another family member, and so on. The audience loved it; the students all aged a couple of decades. It was a fun format.

That’s it – keep up the great work. Thanks very much – Rick.

Thanks for your reply, Rick! I love those recital theme ideas. My students love anything adventurous and/or surprising, so I will definitely have to try those sometime! I think they would be a hit.

I’m so glad you’re enjoying the newsletters also. I really enjoy putting them together.:)

P.S. It is cloudy here in Michigan, too! Must be October…

Music Cruises

At CruiseMapper's Music Cruise survey you will find departure dates, itineraries, and various "music and dance" theme cruise information and tips. We offer you a list of Classical music concerts and dance cruise specials on deals to visit the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia on a big cruise ship vacation. Caution - music cruises are super fun, generally promoting a lot of drinking and dancing activities. Cruise drinking and dancing fun generally involve big money spending. Very special are also all the music concert voyages on big riverboats in Europe.

For your convenience, the following link jumps down directly to CruiseMapper's music-cruises schedule , listing lines, ships, departure dates, and homeports. Follow Mardi Gras Carnival cruises visiting the US port cities New Orleans Louisiana, Galveston Texas, Tampa Florida, Long Beach (Los Angeles) California, NYC New York, Mobile Alabama, and of course - Rio De Janeiro (Brazil). This survey is integrated with our Themed Cruises .

"Dance and Music" themed cruises

Themed as "Music Cruises" deals are from the list of the industry's newest inventions. They are very similar to all the music concerts arranged at land-based facilities (music halls, theaters, stadiums, etc. And since modern cruise ships can accommodate from 2500 (on average) to more than 5000 people, these so special marine vessels become the perfect place for the mixed "music concert and party" cruise vacation the world has never seen before.

From what Wikipedia has said about music - it's the art form "whose medium is sound and silence". However, on cruise ships there's no such thing as silence - it's party time all the time! The word "music" derives from Greek "mousike" meaning the "art of the Muses". And what is better than a Muses-inspired vacation of several days at sea, right?

Dance-themed cruises

The dance cruise experience is a major part of the "Music Cruise" specials - especially when famous bands and singers are involved in these actions. And these "musical" deals suggest a hell of a lot dancing on the ship. Imagine you can enjoy (if fortunate enough) your super cool band's performance at sea. There are some truly unique sailings, which include huge crowd dancing parties featuring NKOTB (with the "New Kids On The Block" celebrities).

Christian-themed music cruises are another unique offer in this category. On those, you'll enjoy the company of hundreds and even thousands of like-minded folks sharing your ideas of God, right and wrong. And quite often, preachers there dance and enjoy the music more than the audience itself.

Popular musical genders on the specially themed music and dance cruises are Rock, Country, and Folk bands. And Classical music and Jazz themed cruises offer one truly sophisticated experience at sea. Often music-themed sailings are combined with specials from the category of Food and Wine cruises . These are usually Jazz- or Classic music-themed (often river cruise) deals, offering a gourmet voyage on some of Europe's biggest rivers, such as the Danube, or Rhone and Seine in France.

P&O Cruises UK ships offer each year several Music Cruises leaving from Southampton, and their Australia brand may offer such themed deals from Sydney, Australia. Most of them are Mediterranean cruises from Southampton, and Cruises To Nowhere from Sydney - i.e. without additional ports of call (which significantly lowers their cost by not including port charges).

How much do "Music Cruises" cost, what is included in prices?

Your dance/music cruise infrastructure is pretty much like a normal sailing - but it's not, ok? The cruise part as always, includes tanning, swimming, drinking, dining, sleeping (with the "repeat until" command) summarized as "easy big-time fun". Your "music cruise tickets" prices are inclusive of all meals on the boat and add to that the 24-hr room service onboard. This means all main dining rooms and the buffet dining, specialty restaurants charge extra (from ~$20 to $50 per meal). Alcohol, soda and soft drinks are not in the list of inclusions.

Beware - enjoying the music cruise fun in a not healthy and not cheap combination with lots of beverages could cost you way more than the ticket itself. Virtually all music and dance cruise deals are on round-trip departures from some of the world's biggest cruise ports - like Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, NYC New York, Boston MA, Los Angeles, Southampton UK, Sydney AU.

Music Cruises 2023-2024 schedule

Most of the following voyages are themed on Classic, Folk, Country, Rock, or Jazz music.

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) redirecting to the ship’s itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy rates).

Mardi Gras carnival cruises

Mardi Gras cruises are music and dance-themed voyages with itineraries that visit the US port cities New Orleans Louisiana , Galveston Texas , Tampa Florida , Long Beach (Los Angeles) California , NYC New York , Mobile Alabama , and of course, Rio De Janeiro Brazil .

Mardi Gras Carnival

The Mardi Gras carnival aka "Carnival season" (the name literally means "Fat Tuesday" in French) is a Catholic festival celebrated in the countries of Anglican nations. The celebrations start on Epiphany (or "the feast day" on January 6th) and culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday (called "Fat Tuesday" and "Mardi Gras Day" - positioned exactly 46 days before Easter).

When is the Mardi Gras carnival day?

Because day's timing is set according to Easter, it varies by year - between February 3 and March 9. Follows a list with the Mardi Gras dates in the next couple of years (all dates will be on Tuesdays, though - no matter the year).

The Mardi Gras dates are:

in 2020 on February 25
in 2021 on February 16
in 2022 on March 1
in 2023 on February 21
in 2024 on February 13
in 2025 on March 4
in 2026 on February 17
in 2027 on February 9

To find your "Mardi Gras cruise ship", just pick departure port ( New Orleans , Galveston , Tampa , Los Angeles , New York , Mobile , Rio De Janeiro ). In the port's schedule, you'll find listed ships leaving from or going to that seaport. Then choose itineraries that include the year's carnival day.

Mardi Gras New Orleans is second only to the "Rio Carnival" in Brazil. According to Wikipedia, the Rio Carnival draws record numbers of day tourists to Brazil - 2,2 million for the Carnival Day in 2012. Add to this more than 5 million people for the whole week (around 70% of all annual guests to Rio De Janeiro), with over 400,000 foreigners participating in the week-long day and night music and dancing, and boozing.

"Mardi Gras booze cruise" inclusions

Most Mardi Gras themed cruise deals are offered by independent resellers and for larger groups with discounted cabin rates. Group booking ("Hosted Group Cruise"), besides great pricing, is also among travel agencies' special deals.

Included by the agency are at least one Private Group cocktail party, all gratuities (depending on ship/itinerary these can be up to $100 PP), group departure, daily and nightly group gatherings, group dining (reserved tables), and, of course, your "Mask Party".
Included by the ship (for the duration of the trip) are all meals (excepting alternative restaurants), accommodations and entertainment, 24-hour room service.
Not-included (optional) are group shore excursions (again at discount prices), alcoholic beverages (optional all-inclusive drink packages are offered), gift shop purchases, spa services, gambling (casino / bingo), airfare (optional fly-cruise packages are offered from USA and UK), port charges, Government taxes, local transfers to the departure port. Remember that for US citizens a passport or certified birth certificate is always required.
All Mardi Gras themed cruises offer special dining menu and carnival-themed shipboard activities - good music, exotic masquerade, booze packages, and promos.

Mardi Gras cruising experiences

In 2017, the UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Line offered the company's first-ever Mardi Gras cruise as part of an epic travel adventure to ports in the Caribbean, North and Central America leaving roundtrip from the UK.

From Southampton England, Fred Olsen’s ship MS Balmoral offered in February 2017 a 46-night itinerary as an adults-only cruise visiting 18 ports of call and featuring 3 full days and 2 overnights in NOLA ( New Orleans ) allowing plenty of time to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
This unique themed cruise (46-night itinerary, code L1703, the theme "Central America and the Mardi Gras" left Southampton on February 4, 2017. Prices started from GBP 3450 pp (based on double-occupancy twin-bed Superior Interior cabin). Pricing included accommodation, all onboard meals, and entertainment, plus port taxes.
The list of cruise ports of call included: Southampton – Funchal Madeira – Bridgetown Barbados – Castries St. Lucia – St John’s Antigua – Road Town Tortola BVI – Falmouth Jamaica – Trujillo Honduras – Belize City – Cozumel Mexico – New Orleans LA (2-nights) – Tampa FL – Key West FL – Miami FL – Port Canaveral FL – Jacksonville FL – Charleston SC – Hamilton Bermuda – Ponta Delgada Azores – Southampton.
The 2-night stay in NOLA allowed cruise tourists to enjoy the festivities at this fabulously extravagant festival. Passengers were also provided with the opportunity to attend the "Orpheuscapade Black Tie Ball" in New Orleans – something rarely experienced by tourists. This formal event was held in the city's Convention Centre, featuring live music, dancing, and the chance to get up close to the gigantic carnival floats, as a local celebrity leads the parade directly through the Centre.

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If you have the necessary talent, temperament, and stamina and comport yourself professionally, you can go far.

Versatility is Key: What It's Like Dancing on a Cruise Ship

Professional Tips

Now that cruise lines are returning to “full steam ahead” perhaps it is time to reconsider a dance job at sea. Opportunity awaits those with the talent it takes to land a job at sea. But is it safe in light of the pandemic that seems to be lingering on?

If you intend to pursue this dream, you will want to research the specific Covid-19 protocols of the companies you will audition for and give the matter careful consideration before you sign your contract. Be advised, the guidelines may mean limited offshore time and learning a whole new set of dance tracks in case fellow cast members come down with the virus. But the truth is, performing in any field of entertainment at this time involves a new normal of precautions and practices. The impressive Celebrity X Cruises Health & Safety protocols exemplify what all of the major cruise lines have in place now. These guidelines appear to be as stringent as humanly possible. It just may be safer than venturing into your local supermarket! This is only one of the many items to research before you embark on this career path.

If you are curious about what a dancer’s life at sea is like, you have come to the right place.

When it comes to dancing on a cruise ship, you have to be multi-talented. You will likely perform in a wide variety of genres: ballroom, Latin dance, theater dance, hip-hop, ballet (perhaps en pointe), tap, contemporary – you name it. While the more versatile you are the better, Mary Roberts, Production Show Supervisor for Norwegian Cruise Line, emphasizes jazz dance as the primary technique in which you need to be well trained because counts and reproducing choreography exactly as taught are crucial in rehearsals and performances alike (not to mention that it will help you audition successfully in the first place ).

Cruise line dance experience will serve you well in finding future performance work.

Besides the featured production shows, presented in huge venues, ranging from edgy Rock ‘n Roll shows to Broadway Musicals, there are many other types of cruise ship entertainment you may be involved in. Themed shows are smaller scale performances centered around a specific theme - such as the 60’s. These typically take place in themed party or event settings and may be followed by interactions with guests. Another type of performance, “Bumpers”, as they are called on Norwegian Cruise Line, are shorter, pop-up entertainment numbers (5 to 8 minutes long) that can be performed in different areas of the ship, such as poolside. On Royal Caribbean International, you will perform in parades. If this sounds surprising, remember you are essentially working in a floating city. Every cruise line has its own vision and types of performances, so it is difficult to generalize except to say: “Expect the unexpected!” You may find yourself in some extraordinary situations.

You might be asked to learn and perform aerial skills even if you have no prior experience in that realm. You might be asked to sing although your audition didn’t include singing, or perhaps to lip sync as a back-up singer or chorus member in a Broadway style show. Darren Pitre, a former dancer with Celebrity Cruises (2016 – 2017), advises: “If you are afraid of heights….you better overcome it. If your singing abilities aren’t up to par, go take lessons ”. It may not apply to all cruise lines, but with Celebrity Cruises, dancers need to be prepared for the possibility of aerial work – on their audition form you will be asked if you are willing to be trained to do aerial work as much as 30 feet off the ground. If you always wanted to learn aerial dance, this could be your opportunity!

As you would expect, you will perform the same material over and over with the same cast members. For all the dancers I spoke with this is perceived as a plus. Darren emphasized the benefits of dancing with the same cast members for months on end. “We got to have very strong, easy-going shows as we became a family on stage. Show after show it would only get better.” Dancer Bryant Henderson agrees. “Once you’re a couple of weeks into the contract and everyone has found their groove, you are able to become less concerned about remembering all of the choreography and relish the time sharing the stage with friends and entertaining the guests.”

Another aspect of working on a cruise ship that might surprise you, is that while rehearsals on land will be arduous and the installation of the productions on the ship will be intense, once this process is complete you may have a lot more time off than you expected. I asked Kristen Moranetz, Celebrity Cruises dancer, about the workload dancers should be prepared for. “This depends on the length of the cruise. If a cruise length is 7 days, we will do 3 or 4 production shows and then 3 theme shows and have one full day off. However, my last ship had 15-day cruises, so during those 15 days, we would perform 3 or 4 production shows, and do the 3 theme shows, leaving at least 7 full days off during that cruise.” Kristen describes this as “a blessing and a curse because it is easy to get lazy and we have to work extra hard to keep our fitness level up and keep improving as dancers.”

On the other hand, on a shorter cruise you will be performing daily. Mary comments that “longer cruises will give you a better quality of life.” After your first contract you may be able to request a specific vessel to travel to the places you desire with the length of cruises you prefer. But for your first contract, you will not have a choice.

Speaking of contracts…they will typically vary in length from 6 to 8 months and generally during that time period you are not going to get a break to go home… but there are exceptions. For example, on Royal Caribbean International, Maria Tucker, Rehearsal Choreographer/Director, shared that sometimes performers are granted “compassionate leave” for circumstances such as a sickness or death in the immediate family and sometimes even get time off for “short-term gigs that have been pre-approved.” But, “normally dancers may only leave a contract due to illness or injury.” She added that “in some instances, a performer can be pulled off a contract if the company chooses to place them on another ship”. If you are hired as a replacement dancer , you will have a shorter contract than usual and would join the cast mid-contract. Due to maritime law, the maximum length of time you can work onboard ships without breaks is 10 months.

Darren Pitre in a crouch position while performing on a cruise ship

Right about now you may be wondering – how much will I be paid for dancing on a cruise ship? You can anticipate $500 to $800 per week on your first contract (but this varies from line to line). With subsequent contracts you can negotiate for higher pay. The good news is there are perks. You are not paying rent, not paying for food (unless you choose to eat in special restaurants rather than the crew mess), you have access to the gym, medical care is provided - you get the idea. If you play your cards right, you will be able to save money (which may be helpful for any break between this contract and your next job.) Oh and let us not forget, you are getting to travel the world for free!

Besides dancing in the various types of performances aboard your vessel, as a dancer working on a cruise ship, additional jobs such as Dance Captain or Wardrobe Captain could mean private quarters and additional pay. These roles can be a route to a more comfortable life onboard ship, but may or may not be an option for you. Mary explained that “After several contracts and an interview process, one dancer will be deemed dance captain.”

Kristen and Darren both taught dance lessons on their respective vessels. Kristen acts as Wardrobe Keeper (sometimes referred to as Wardrobe Captain). On other cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Wardrobe Keeper is a dedicated position i.e. not available to dancers. On Royal Caribbean International, Maria shared that dancers crew the ice shows and the skaters crew the dance shows. While additional jobs and duties for the entertainment crew represent another area that varies from one line to another, on all ocean liners there will be various safety duties . On some cruise liners, there are additional random duties you may be asked to perform, but don’t worry, you won’t be swabbing the decks.

One of the downsides of life on a cruise ship is that your personal freedom of expression off stage will be restricted. For example, restrictions on what you can wear when you are not on stage may be imposed by the Cruise Director such as (true story) mid-cruise you may be told you cannot wear open-toed shoes or something else that may seem silly to you. Besides that, you will have less freedom than usual with your appearance in general. More diversity of body types is embraced by cruise lines now than in the past, but nonetheless you are hired for your look, whatever that is. Mary emphasized that once you are hired, you will be agreeing not to change your look or to gain or lose weight, dye your hair, and so forth. Some dancers find giving up their freedom in this manner frustrating, but you are filling a need for specific roles in specific productions – so be prepared to surrender the ability to alter your appearance during your contract just as you would for a Broadway Show or most commercial dance jobs.

How you perform throughout your contract may determine whether you are offered another automatically, but for some cruise lines, you will have to re-audition for your next contract. In any case, according to Kristen, there are “amazing performers who aren’t offered a contract because of behavioral issues” so it isn’t just about being a great dancer. If you have the necessary talent, temperament, and stamina and comport yourself professionally, you can go far. And once you are ready to move on, cruise line dance experience will serve you well in finding future performance work. There are also non-entertainment staff opportunities available - for example both Mary and Maria transitioned into jobs on the creative staff in the studio after working as dancers.

While a life at sea isn’t for everyone and the pros and cons of working on a cruise ship are all worth considering, you will be hard-pressed to find a dance job that will give you the breadth of performance experience you will gain from dancing on a cruise ship.

Kristen Moranetz in an arched back position during a performance

Working on a Cruise Ship: A day in the life of a dancer courtesy of Kristen Moranetz

This is what a typical show day on Celebrity Cruises looks like (keep in mind, different Covid safety protocols may affect this schedule, based on your cruise line):

8:45 a.m. Run to the crew mess just before it closes at 9:00 for a quick bite of breakfast.

9:00 a.m. Go to the gym for a bit of a workout before our tech call time.

10:00 a.m. Call time. We are required to do a tech run every show day, so we will warm up as a cast, do mic check, our stage manager will check the moving stage parts, and the dancers and aerialists will do aerial checks to ensure everything is working properly and safely.

10:45 a.m. Get notes from our captains - dance, vocal, and aerial - if we need a reblock we will do this now.

11:30 a.m. Tech run!

12:30 p.m. We eat a light lunch and then head our own way until our call time at 6:00 p.m.

Afternoon : I usually get a coffee and watch one of the ship’s venue musicians who play throughout the day. If it is a nice day, I also like to walk along an open deck and enjoy the views and get some fresh air. The theater is used in the afternoons for lectures and matinee shows, so if something interesting is on, I might go watch that.

5:00 p.m. Time to get ready! I do my hair and makeup either backstage or in my cabin. Then, right before call, I usually just grab a light bite of something so I have enough energy to last for the performances.

6:00 p.m. Call time. Once I am backstage, I preset my costumes and double check everything is set correctly. The last 30 minutes or so I use to warm up.

7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Shows! All our shows are about one hour long so we have an hour break in between to rest and preset.

10:00 p.m. Wrap up. After the second show, everyone puts away their costumes and they are done! My day continues however since I am the Wardrobe Keeper so I am in charge of washing the costumes. Luckily, the laundry room is next to our staff bar where the cast usually gathers after shows for food, drinks, and mingling with our friends from other departments.

12:00 a.m. Once I finish up, I head straight to bed so I am ready for whatever adventures await the next day!

A special thanks to the generous sources for this article: Christy McNeil Chand, Bryant Henderson, Kristen Moranetz, Darren Pitre, Mary Roberts & Maria Tucker.

The Best Tax Deductions for Dancers: How to Save Your Cash

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Lara Branen

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Lara Branen (aka Elle) is the Artistic Director of the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop (BJDW) and its resident company Interweave Dance Theatre (IDT). She received her Masters in Dance from the University of Colorado in Boulder where she also taught jazz dance. Since then she has taught primarily at Santa Rosa Junior College in Northern California. She has also choreographed and directed extensively through IDT and SRJC. In 2018 Lara received the prestigious Legends of Dance in Colorado award for her work with the BJDW. She has always loved to write and is excited for the opportunity to write for DancePlug.

Theme Cruises

Best ships for dancing

By joyoftravel , June 8, 2010 in Theme Cruises

joyoftravel

If you're a ballroom dancer, which ships have the best dancefloors/orchestras?

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2 weeks later...

See http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1127 for recent article on this very subject.

I personally cruise almost entirely on Crystal these days, and both ships have excellent dance floors and live music There are gentleman hosts on every cruise to dance with the solo ladies. Crystal has recently added ballroom theme content, usually in conjunction with big band theme. In 2010 and 2011 this will be on Serenity's Lisbon-Miami transatlantic in December - band will be Glenn Miller in 2010..

There is a dance team on every Crystal cruise and they all are excellent performers and instructors. A second team is added for the ballroom theme cruises. For more information on Crystal see thread Dancing at Sea on Crystal on the Crystal Boards, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1061757&page=1, and Crystal's website.

Quite a few other lines, including Celebrity, have dropped gentleman hosts, and HAL now only has them on a few long cruises. HAL used to do several big band cruises per year, but dropped them a couple of years ago. My '08 TA on Zuiderdam was one of the last.

The best dance floors at sea are generally agreed to be the Queen's Rooms on Cunard, which are true ballrooms. I haven't sailed with Cunard recently, but have seen some complaints about orchestras not maintaining strict tempo. As good as Cunard's dance floors are, I probably won't sail with them again - ships are too big and the worst service I ever had on a ship was on QM2 when she was new. They are also very singles unfriendly, with 75 to 100% single supplements vs. Crystal's 25 to 30%. As the old Sophi Tucker song said, "Never Let The Same Dog Bite You Twice." There is a dance thread on the Cunard boards.

My only other ballroom experience was on MSC Lirica - they feature the Les DeMerle big band quite often, but at least on Lirica the dance floors are very small. I've heard, however, that the newer ships are better. At least on Lirica , the entertainment staff members - I think they call them animators or some such nonsense - showed up at the big band dance sessions but didn't have a hint about ballroom dancing; that didn't keep them off the floors where they flailed about doing what passes as dancing these days completely eliminating any possibility of a proper line of dance or common dance floor etiquette

Unfortunately, the bigger ships that HAL builds, the smaller the dance floors seem to be. Floors on the Vista Class ships' Ocean Bars, a popular spot for before-dinner dancing, are really crowded with more than 6 or 8 couples - this on ships with 1,700 passengers.

4 weeks later...

onboardtampa

We have found that it is hit or miss on every cruise. Sometimes the band is perfect and we can dance everynight and sometimes even have a choice of two bands that play dance music. Alas, at other times - like the last 2 week cruise we were on - NONE of the bands (except the show band) had any idea what ballroom was. They offered ballroom classes as part of the daily activities which we made sure to take just to get some dancing in :)

The best dancing you will find anywhere is on Costa. Their floors are as large or larger than Cunard and the music generally very responsive to what passengers want. That's the main lounge; on their larger ships, they have 3 other lounges which are as large as the main floor on most ships. Cunard rates an honourable mention; with the right musicians, the music is excellent, but they're inconsistent.

NHBob tried to talk me into going on Crystal; after some research, I decided it is completely unsuitable for serious dancers, not to mention outrageously expensive.

The best dancing you will find anywhere is on Costa.... NHBob tried to talk me into going on Crystal; after some research, I decided it is completely unsuitable for serious dancers, not to mention outrageously expensive.

Well, since I've never cruised with Costa, I won't turn this into a Crystal vs. Costa debate. If Costa meets DancerBob's needs, I certainly wouldn't and didn't intend to try to talk him into going elsewhere.

On the other hand, perhaps because I've been cruising for 25 years but only dancing for six, dancing is just one aspect of the total cruise experience I continue to enjoy on Crystal after 14 cruises with them.

I could, if I let myself, get upset with terms like "completely unsuitable for serious dancers" and "outrageously expensive" but will let it pass. After all, some might consider a Mercedes to be outrageously expensive, since a VW will get you where you're going just as efficiently!

One point on which I do agree with DancerBob: dancers at all levels, from beginner to expert, should avoid HAL like the plague. It's almost as if in the mid 90's they initiated a deliberate effort to discourage dancers. But that's a discussion best left to another time and place.

As a ballroom dancer with "serious training" for over 20 years (although I certainly don't feel serious when dancing) and nearly that number of cruises on many lines, I can attest to the excellence of Crystal and the dance floor on the QM2 (whose dance band was mediocre, but not lacking strict tempo when I was aboard-rather the playing was colorless and too low in volume; also, the sambas were played far too fast.) However, my husband and I and our dancing friends have had a wonderful time on certain other, more moderately priced, ships, whose floors were adequate to the number of dancers and whose musicians were superb. The Caribbean Princess was probably the best. The Tahitian Princess of 2008, now renamed, had excellent musicians who played in an inspiring manner. And we just danced up a storm on a jazz cruise on the Oosterdam last month. The only ship that was a total disappointment, because the ballroom dance floor was a postage stamp with room for two couples, was Celebrity's Horizon.

My experience on Oosterdam was totally different. The music, which was provided by HAL and the musicians had to play, was dull, dreary, dismal. I think the musicians were just as bored with it as we were (I was with a dance group, I refused to go unless we took our own music for the breaks. Good decision, and I saw the band playing the air-guitar to our music a couple of times.) Not to mention- I was just about the only passenger awake after 11 PM.

But what made it completely unacceptable- the ship put nonskid, sticky gunk on the floor! It was like walking on adhesive tape- you could hear your shoes pulling loose. Your ankles and knees were at great risk.

The only music I really know much about is dance music, but I thought one of the characteristics of jazz, is a complete lack of strict tempo?

Haven't been on the QM2 recently, but I hear they have improved a little.

My experience on Oosterdam was totally different. The music, which was provided by HAL and the musicians had to play, was dull, dreary, dismal. I think the musicians were just as bored with it as we were (I was with a dance group, I refused to go unless we took our own music for the breaks. Good decision, and I saw the band playing the air-guitar to our music a couple of times.) Not to mention- I was just about the only passenger awake after 11 PM. But what made it completely unacceptable- the ship put nonskid, sticky gunk on the floor! It was like walking on adhesive tape- you could hear your shoes pulling loose. Your ankles and knees were at great risk. The only music I really know much about is dance music, but I thought one of the characteristics of jazz, is a complete lack of strict tempo? Haven't been on the QM2 recently, but I hear they have improved a little.

Yes, the large forward dance floor was dangerously sticky the first night, but someone must have complained because the next night it had been cleaned and was safe for double + spins. Because there were three guest bands on board (in addition to the ship ensembles), the quality of the music was superb. Most of the dancing to these bands was jive, West Coast swing, or Balboa, with a sprinkling of waltz and nightclub two-step. During breaks we would get our ballroom fix in the lounges with the ship's trio, but I agree that the their music was not particularly inspired.

The OP asked about dance floors and dance music. To discuss good service for dancers would be questions like “how much dance music does the CD schedule”, “when the band goes on break, are alternatives are provided” and “if moving against LOD is a problem, does the professional couple teach a floorcraft class”.

But from the “Dancing on Crystal” thread, some people are considering dancing an entertainment like Dancing With The Stars or Strictly Come Dancing, where you watch professional couples scampering around the floor, wiggling their cute young butts. NHBob mentioned “whipped off her skirt” as an example of, for Crystal, wild excitement. Not my style, and I'm guessing that's not what the OP wanted.

If you're a New York banker or corporate-jet CEO spending your mega-million bonus, I suppose a $5000 price premium is trivial, but nobody I've met in dancing can afford that without careful consideration.

As one of the first to say “don't trust a review if you don't know the reviewer”, I can only say “mea culpa” if I misunderstood what the OP wanted to know.

The dance floor on the QM2 was one of the largest we have seen and the band was very good when we cruised with them. Costa Magica has a wonderful dance floor and a good band, but unfortunately the food on Costa is very low end and not very good. We just cruised on the NCL Epic and the Manhattan Room has a wonderful dance floor and a great dance band playing the likes of Sinatra nightly - it is set up like a NYC supper club. Princess Wheelhouse Lounges usually have a nice dance band and the floor is not large but adequate. Of course, every once and a while we are disappointed with the bands onboard.

NHBob mentioned “whipped off her skirt” as an example of, for Crystal, wild excitement.

If you had bothered to check your facts, Dancer Bob, you would know that:

This wasn't posted by me, but by somebody else.
It had nothing to do with Crystal, as it was describing a performance ashore in Bournemouth, England.

So please don't put words in my mouth to support your opinions about something you haven't experienced.

Thank you for bringing the error to my attention.

1 month later...

Merry Cerena

I am currently searching for two cruises to take during the next 5 months. The main activity we seek on board is ballroom or swing dancing. I was hoping to find some direction about which ships to choose. I agree with previous posts:

QM 2 has lovely floor but very disappointing dance band. The singer was excellent but band tempo irregular. The show band was excellent but only played for 1 tea dance. Overall it is still the best because you can attempt to dance every night.

Celebrity Solstice had no true dance venue-just a "floor" in the middle of a walkway and a band that performed the same disco songs upstairs every night from about 10-11 or 12. The ship had a lovely floor upstairs but it was used for games most of the evening.

Royal Caribbean Solstice offers nothing but a steady diet of Merengue that doesn't even include Cha-Cha.

Costa Magica offers at least two dance bands on different locations but the food is average at best.

I have heard that some of the older RC or Holland ships still have decent dance opportunities. Can anyone suggest specific ships? Unfortunately, Crystal is out of our price range.

Thanks, Merry

3 months later...

We just had a great time dancing on Celebrity's Millennium. Kathy and the Saints played a good mix of ballroom music both before and after dinner in the Rendezvous Lounge on Deck 4, there was a very good Latin band as well most nights, a party band that played mostly in the Disco, Cosmos, upstairs, and a big band that played once. There are only two dance floors, compared to the three on the other ships we have been on, but at least there was plenty of good music, and some very inspired, multi-talented musicians.

Princess (Caribbean and Grande) were decent as well. Jazz cruises often can be a good compromise on an otherwise mediocre ship. I am referring to traditional jazz, played for dancers. My friends and I enjoy going together and switching partners occasionally for variety, because between the ship's band offerings and the theme parties, there are between 5 and 6 hours of dancing daily on these.

Strict tempo jazz music? I admit I don't know much music theory, but I thought they were opposites. Can someone enlighten me?

Does sound like something of an oxymoron, but anyway...

Anybody have experience booking a dance cruise specifically? My partner / fiancee booked a trip through a ballroom dance company. We'll have lessons during the day, but I'm not clear on what to expect at night.

What ship are you booked on? When I was on Costa few people went to the dance company's evening event, because Costa does such a good job on dancing.

Crown Princess. We're mainly American style ballroom, although we do some club, and we're not opposed to learning more Standard.

What kind of room did your dance company reserve for evenings?

Not familiar with Crown Princess. The company was set up on the pool deck (not as bad as it sounds) but Costa's music in all the lounges, not just the main one, was good enough most people braved the crowds of civilians.

Although I do International, most people were American.

Not familiar with Crown Princess. The company was set up on the pool deck (not as bad as it sounds) but Costa's music in all the lounges, not just the main one, was good enough most people braved the crowds of civilians. Although I do International, most people were American.

Just to be clear, did they play a lot of ballroom in the lounges on Costa? I was under the impression most cruise lines played mainly disco and Latin club and a lounge with ballroom and Latin / rhythm was very rare.

Heh. We have a very popular venue here at which the civilians have absolutely no clue what LOD is. Frustrating but can be good for floorcraft practice...

Costa plays from 6:30 til 01:30 in the main lounge. During busy times, expect to hear what the crowd wants, which could be bachatta or mazurka, but during slow times, the groups have been good about playing requests. When actual dance groups are on, I've found they make a real effort to play dance music. The other lounges often have theme nights or specialty groups, sometimes good, sometimes not. On the Serena, there were 7 live music choices.

You are correct, most cruise lines are utterly gawdawful. Cunard has good floors, but the music is woefully unreliable (there are a number of dancing threads on the Cunard board). I refuse to go back on Holland America because they were so afraid of the old geezers falling down, they put sticky gunk on the dance floor. Some other ships I've been on have nice floors, but the CD didn't schedule any music.

3 weeks later...

lovetocruisenow

As you know, the dancing availability really differs from ship to ship -- even within the same cruise line. I agree -- we are a group that is rapidly growing in number and we need to make our presence known. I think we need to have a sub-group within Cruise Critic to promote the availability of ballroom dancing on all ships. How do we go about doing it?

We've had very mixed experiences on most lines. Princess USUALLY has a danceable group in the Wheelhouse but that's the smallest floor. They also USUALLY have the orchestra play some in a larger venue. The bad thing is it all depends on the cruise director, etc. and is not predictable. How can we unite and further our musical cause?

As you know, the dancing availability really differs from ship to ship -- even within the same cruise line. I agree -- we are a group that is rapidly growing in number and we need to make our presence known. I think we need to have a sub-group within Cruise Critic to promote the availability of ballroom dancing on all ships. How do we go about doing it? [...] How can we unite and further our musical cause? debby

Haven't visited this sub-forum for awhile...

Dunno, I'd guess the cruise lines would provide what the majority of guests want, which I suspect is NOT ballroom. And I suspect that a sub-forum would not get much traffic. However, if there's an opportunity to provide feedback to the cruise lines via postcard or Web or whatever, I'd certainly ask for BR music onboard.

Aside: we booked with a ballroom dance group, so there will be 60, give or take, of us onboard. Not sure if we'll have "private" venues or if we'll have to mix with the other passengers for dancing.

Dance friends were an Alaskan (non-dance) cruise and they said the band played whatever they requested because they were the "stars" of the dancefloor - other passengers came to watch them dance. I'd prefer not to be a floorshow, but if it works to my advantage... Heh heh heh...

ok...thought id contribute....

in brief, im a former world and european professional ballroom finalist and british champion and own the uk's largest ballroom and latin chain of dance studios and i also own cruiseanddance.co.uk which is a company specializing in dancing holidays on cruise ships....ive also worked on many ships as a guest entertainer so i know a lot about dancing on cruise ships.

in my view....cunard is overall the best for dancing as the floors are rectangular and the largest. the ballroom also has the best feel for dancing as the room and decor all suits. the band is very hit and miss with its tempos and ive found that on all of the cunard ships- this is because they are playing mainly american tempos which are not the same as the rest of the world dance to....everyone else dances international style and the tempos are different. so although i get complaints about the tempos not being right on 50% of what they play, my groups still feel its overall worth it as they still get some good dancing on a good floor. ive found the service ok on cunard.

Costa does not have dance floors that are 'as big or even bigger' - this simply isnt true although they do have some that are very decent...but round! They tend to play a mix of music....latin, a bit of ballroom, jazz, and a whole lot of weird stuff....like german leg slapping hoe downs! But they have a good atmosphere and are lively but do tend to be full of Italians....many of whom can be too noisy and pushy for other nationalities.

Crystal i love....plenty of dancing and IS suitable for serious dancers but round floors again but of a decent size....just expensive compared to the mainstream....then again...you get what you pay for!

Ive found the dance floors too small on Celebrity for ballroom.

Norwegian Epic has a nice floor...have been on for a ship visit but cant see how it would work as its situated in the middle of the restaurant....do you dance between courses ...a quick jive and then wolf down the beef wellington?....will be needing anti acid tablets and sick bags on the tables! or do you come in and dance during the other sitting...and provide the entertainment for the diners (im thinking about tables of kids and possible rowdy familes s******ing as you samba past their Turkey breast!) Not sure about that....maybe someone can enlighten me as to how it works?...but the floor looks good.

Another option ive found that works well is the Radiance class of ships on Royal Caribbean - they have an oval floor and quite a bit of general dancing at night...again, its not perfect but not bad at all.

I havnt found Princess to be that good for dancing as the floors arnt really big enough but P&O have 2 ships that are good for dancing.....Oriana and Aurora both have nice dance floors...Oriana has a rectangular floor and Aurora has a round floor (but its a good size) and both cater very well to ballroom and latin. Im about to take a group on Azura....looks ok on the webcam and the measurements seem to indicated it will work.....but im only taking about 60 on this one which is a manageable amount (i split the group up for dance classes into smaller sections) ....ill see how it goes!

One of the main problems though is size of floor....its ok for a low level social dancer to just shuffle around on a smaller floor but if its a more serious ballroom dancer they want a bigger space so i think it depends on the level of the person who makes the comment as to whether its a good ship for dancing or not.

hope this helps and gives an unbiased view of it all.

I will be on Costa Atlantica in December, QV in January; I will take a tape measure with me this time. I'm convinced the floors are almost identical, except QV's has that awkward curved end. Costa's round floors are on the larger, Fortuna class ships.

Most of Cunard's music is just plain off-tempo, by any standard, more like 90%. Costa's musicians were always willing to play requests during quiet times; Cunard's have a set playlist and won't until long after you've left the room. However, QV did have excellent recorded music last time I was on and the Caribbean band played decent contemporary Latin when they tried.

Norwegian Epic- yes, would be a nice floor, if it wasn't covered with tables, leaving maybe 15' x 20'. Some people do like to dance between courses; the band does take breaks, for a leisurely beef wellington. It's open sitting, you can stay til the band finishes. The Atrium had a nice floor but abysmal music when I was on.

RC Adventure of the Seas from San Juan had a very popular salsa lounge, but not much else. Vision had a reasonable floor but no music worthy of the name.

I am very interested in comments about P&O. I've heard good things but P&O does no marketing in North America and my agent here gets no cooperation dealing with them.

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Sea Cruise Dance Recital Music

Sea Cruise Themed Dance Recital Music compiled by Kim Yarborough My Tutu Sense

celebrating three decades of cruise performance memories!

Free Dance Recital Ideas

Free ideas and themes for your next dance recital, including music suggestions, costumes, scenery, and easy tips for you and your dancers.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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21 Best Cruise Songs: The Ultimate Cruise Playlist

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21 Top Cruise Songs to Get You in the Mood for Cruising

Do you have a particular song that plays in your head when you think of cruising? Maybe you even have more than one, like a Cruise Playlist.

I don’t know about you, but as my cruise approaches, I get “prepared” in a couple of ways.

1. The practical

I’m all about the packing lists, shore excursion planning (plus some pre-cruise shopping).

2. The psychological/emotional

I’m serious about this one. I get myself (and my family) in the mood by having a fun attitude and playing some cruise music.

Sometimes I even sing, although not well, so I won’t be entering any cruise karaoke contests.

Favorite Cruise Inspired Songs

It got me thinking, so many cruisers have a cruise playlist of favorite cruise inspired songs. They can be great to listen to before your cruise, as you travel to your cruise ship, or even during times you’re not cruising if you’ve got a little bit of the post-cruise blues .

If you’re creating a cruise vacation video, you may want to use some cruise songs to go along with your fabulous photos, videos and cruise memories.

After scouring the internet and cruise message boards, I’ve put together a cruise playlist. It includes some popular current songs, as well as some cruising classics. Plus, I’ve included my favorites too!

Top 21 Favorite Cruising Songs

1. cruising together.

By: Huey Lewis and Gweneth Paltrow

This is my very favorite cruise song that I listen to when I’m thinking about cruising (which could be anytime). It’s sweet, it’s romantic, and I love it. Corny and all.

“Music is played for love, cruisin’ is made for love. I love it when we’re cruisin’ together…”

2. The Love Boat

By: Jack Jones

Did you know that there is a long version of The Love Boat Theme Song as well as a short version? Oh, and there’s more than that.

If you look this one up on YouTube, you’ll be able to find many of the show openings, where the guest stars appear. It’s pretty fun to go down memory lane like this.

“The Love Boat, soon will be making another run…”

3. Cupid Shuffle

If you’ve cruised in the last 10-15 years, you’ve definitely heard this one!

The Cupid Shuffle is the ultimate cruise line dancing song at Embarkation Day Sailaway Parties. I have to admit, if I hear it, I’m on the dance floor!

“They got a brand new dance, you’ve got to move your muscle. They’ve got a brand new dance, it’s called the Cupid Shuffle…”

4. Cha Cha Slide

By: Mr. C. The Slide Man

I actually just came off an 11 day Celebrity Cruise, and even danced to this there as part of the sea day pool activities .

For real, I’m not a great dancer and not super coordinated, but I can follow directions ;-).

Sing it with me now “Freeze – everybody clap your hands! ”

The Best Cruise Songs for Your Playlist PIN image

5. Come Sail Away

How can you not get wistful when you hear Come Sail Away?

“I look to the sea, reflections in the ways, spark my memories. Some happy, some sad. I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had…”

The Best Cruise Songs for Your Playlist PIN

6. My Heart Will Go On

By: Celine Dion

I have a confession. It took me years to finally see The Titanic. But when I did, it was better than I thought it would be!

That moment, Jack and Rose at the bow of the ship. Chills.

“Near far, wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on…”

*Bonus Cruise Fact

Did you know that the Titanic movie is integral to the origin story of today’s Cunard Line?

Micky Arison (chairman of Carnival Corporation) was convinced by his daughter, after she saw Titanic, that people wanted and craved the nostalgia of old world cruising.

Take a look at this video below and listen to Micky tell the story better than I can:

7. Margaritaville

By: Jimmy Buffet

If you’ve cruised the Caribbean, you know that Jimmy Buffett IS the Caribbean.

I think of Jimmy Buffet every time I have a frozen cocktail at 11 am on a cruise. Seriously, it’s 5 O’clock somewhere , right?

“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville, Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt…”

By: The Beach Boys

If you love the beach, crystal clear waters and a good time, I know you love this song!

How many places have you been?

“Aruba, Jamaica, oooh I wanna take ya. Bermuda, Bahamas, come on pretty mama…”

9. Soak Up the Sun

By: Sheryl Crow

A light summer song, Soak Up the Sun makes me think of sea days by the pool and gorgeous days on the beach.

Does life get better than that?

“I’m gonna’ soak up the sun, gonna tell everyone to lighten up…”

10. (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay

By: Otis Redding

Oh, I love this. What a classic! “Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the tide roll away…”

The Dock of the Bay has be remade several times, by several artists, and I love the original by Otis Redding.

However, I thought I’d share one of my favorite versions in video by Playing for Change. It’s interesting to see and hear from different musicians all over the world.

11. Sailing

By: Rod Stewart

Sailing by Rod Stewart is a must-listen for anyone who loves to cruise and sail. It’s a pretty one.

“I am sailing, I am sailing, home again across the sea…”

12. Under the Sea

By: The Little Mermaid (Walt Disney Records)

This one’s for the kids, (or anyone who feels like a kid sometimes and still loves it).

Plus, there are some wise words… “The seaweed is always greener, in somebody else’s lake…”

13. 3 Little Birds

By: Bob Marley

Close your eyes and imagine the pool band playing…

“Singing don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing’s gonna be all right…”

14. La Isla Bonita

By: Madonna

This is where my “eighties girl” really shows through. I love some old school Madonna including Holiday (right?) and Cherish, but La Isla Bonita seems to be a favorite of many cruise fans.

That beat…

“Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free. This is where I long to be, la Isla Bonita.”

15. Somewhere over the Rainbow

By: Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole

This is a beautiful and version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, with a tropical sound.

Sadly, Israel has passed away, but he’s left his music, voice and hopeful message for us to enjoy.

“Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly. and that the dreams that you dream of, dreams really do come true…”

16. Escape – The Pina Colada Song

By: Rupert Holmes

This fun song with possibly controversial lyrics is a cheesy favorite of mine.

It got me at “If you like Pina Coladas”. Yup! Anyone else?

17. Sailing

By: Christopher Cross

Imagine sitting at the back of your cruise ship staring into the wake. Doesn’t this song just say it all?

“Sailing takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be…” The rest of the song is pure poetry!

18. Voyage Voyage

by: Desireless

This French song just gets me. While it’s not exclusively about cruising, it talks of the adventure of travel and has a fun eighties sound that totally sticks in my head.

If you don’t know it, give it a listen.

“Voyage, voyage. Plus loin que la nuit et le jour…”

Translation: “ Travel, travel. Further than the night and the day…”

19. Sea Cruise

By: Frankie Ford

An oldie but a goodie. Sea Cruise by Frankie topped the charts in 1959!

“Oo-ey, oo-ey, baby, oo-ey, oo-ey baby… won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise.”

20. Toes (in the Water)

By: Zac Brown Band

Here’s one for Country Music fans!

Confession: I have NEVER heard this song before. However, this is definitely a favorite cruise playlist song for many! I’ve got to say, I could get into this!

“Got my toes in the water, a** in the sand. Not a worry in a world of cold beer in my hand. Life is good today.”

21. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems

By: Kenny Chesney

Does this make you think of a relaxed beach day and some time at the beach bar? Sounds like a great vacation day ahead!

“The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand…”

Recap: 21 Best Cruise Songs: The Ultimate Cruise Playlist

I hope that some of these songs inspire you to think about cruising and vacations and all the happy memories that come along with this!

What are you favorite cruise songs, that bring thoughts of sailing, cruising and happy times? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you’ve found this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it on Facebook or save it for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top of the post). Thank you!

Dancing on a cruise ship – Everything you need to know!

She’s Irish, she’s sarcastic, been to every single continent in the world, worked 6 cruise ship contracts , toured China, taught at Millennium in Shanghai & Beijing, danced for Taylor Swift, lived in France, currently signed to MSA in Los Angeles, managed BASE-studios in London and the list goes on and on… my point is: she knows what she’s talking about, alright.

She’s a dear friend of mine, who will tell you things straight to your face over a Texas Sized Mango Margarita, so get ready for a chat about all the inside information you need on what it’s really like to dance on a cruise ship.

Introducing: Sarah McGinley. Instagram ( @sarah.mc.ginley )

Take it away, Sarah!

When I was at full time training in our final graduating year of college at Performers College UK in London, they allowed us to audition for jobs. There were 3 jobs that everybody wanted:

1. To dance on X Factor

2. To dance on West End Show

3. To book a world cruise ship.

How did you book a cruise ship job?

There was only one way to book that job: Through a cattle call…sorry “live audition”. You would patiently wait in a line outside Pineapple Dance Studios in London. The line was longer than The Great Wall of China.

We all looked and dressed the same and knew what to expect. 5-600 girls all dressed in high waisted pants, fishnets, a colorful crop top and a red lip. (Always a red lip) .

The audition choreography – which styles are required?

You would learn an audition choreography that would consist of every dance style possible to mankind. 4×8 counts of ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap and ballroom.

Later I understood why, because the shows really are all so different on the ship. Therefore they need dancers that can execute all styles.

An 8 hour audition process

Each time you made it through a round of cuts, another style would be given, and most of the time some simple partner work.

I have been to some auditions that lasted 8 hours so I guess what im tryna say is pack some snacks.

However, I have been to some auditions where they are mainly looking for showgirls/cabaret jazz girls. At these auditions they will simply ask you to do jazz walks from the corner and a double pirouette on each leg, then they make a massive cut leaving only a few dancers.

We like those quick auditions….more of those please.

Your nationality doesn’t matter – paper work and visas

Working on a cruise ship, it doesn’t matter what country you are from because you will now be working at sea – which is “maritime laws”.

Your visa is simply a “seafarer visa” called C12, but the ship look after everything for you. They make the visas for you and provide all information you need.

You just need a full medical test done to prove you are mentally and physically well.

( Maybe you’ll also like: “How to get an american artist work visa” here )

The rehearsal process

I took a job with Princess cruises, and our rehearsals were 4 weeks long in Santa Clarita, California. This was honestly the most fun process, and the apartments and studios provided were incredible.

In those 4 weeks we learned five one-hour long shows , all different styles and genres. They also had a costume warehouse, where they’d fit us for wigs, hairpieces, tights, and shoes. In my opinion the most fun days were the days trying on wigs.

“The Install” – The first days on board

After you finish 4 weeks at the Princess mothership in California, you board your ship for what is called “The Install”. This is where the cast from the last ship are still onboard and you spend 2-3 days doing a handover. You watch the shows performed by the cast already onboard and you meet who’s track you will be filling.

I met the dancer whose role I will be replacing and she talked me through where my place was in the dressing room, where I would need to pre-set my costumes and props for the quickest changes, and lastly introduce you to your dresser (the person that dresses you side stage) .

For many numbers you have 30 seconds to change shoes, wig, costume and get to the other side of the stage (a gal needs help) – enter the amazing dressers.

You have to look like the dancer you’re replacing

Costume designers will also be with you during the first days on the ship to alter any costumes that are needed, but generally you are very similar to the dancer you are replacing.

Please bear this fact in mind when auditioning. 99% of the time they need someone to fill a track i.e. fit the costume, so you could be the most fabulous wonderful dancer but maybe too tall, so it’s really not personal.

Most trained dancers are capable of performing these shows and doing this job.

Rehearsing on a moving boat?

When the handover is over the theatre goes dark and we begin to practise the shows on stage with the set we didn’t have in rehearsals ( in one show there was a moving cadillac on stage so it’s needed). There are also a lot of trap doors and floor parts that move down, up and out in shows and it takes a lot of getting used – whilst also on a moving boat.

On big liners you cannot feel the boats motions…on smaller liners you definitely can.

Are you doing the same show every single night on a cruise?

The rule thumb is a show cannot repeat on a cruise, so for example if a cruise is 10 days they will see all five shows every second evening of their cruise. During ten days you will work 5 nights and all of those nights are nights at sea so you never “miss out” on seeing a new part of the world.

On a show night you perform the same show 3 times in order for all passengers to have an opportunity to see the show. That is a really nice feeling! The theatre capacity is 2,000 people.

Every month we would record our shows and send them back to the head office and they would tell us if it needed to be cleaned or rehearsed, but I always had great casts who kept it clean so we were only really in rehearsals if somebody was injured or sick.

Did you ever change the shows? Did you ever get bored of the repetition?

After 3 months a choreographer would join us onboard and teach us 5 new shows for our next ship. The contracts were 4-5 months. I would take a 6 week holiday after a contract ended and go to a new ship afterwards, so I never got bored of the shows.

Let’s talk about socializing – do you want to kill everyone after a week?

On my ship dancers shared a cabin with another dancer, you live in a bunk bed, and singers had their own room. However 9 out of 10 dancers would fall temporarily in love with an officer and move to a new cabin with a balcony and a hot tub, so rarely were there 2 dancers sharing.

I loved my roommates so much though, you build a bond like a sister and get to know people in a truly different way. In such small confinements there is nothing to hide. Your whole self is on show and you cannot choose what mask you would like to wear that day.

Did you have a romance… or a “showmance” yourself?

I “fell in love” many times onboard but I wholeheartedly preferred when I was in my bunk bed with my roomie chatting until 3am.

The perks of living on a cruise ship

Food and drink on the ship are 24 hours,
On the top deck there is “movie under the stars”
Pizza bar & candy stall
Buffet and a bar
A swimming pool as to your access
As you’re mincing around, passengers are telling you how much they loved the show.

The downsides – spill the tea, please

Bad sides of living on board:

Paying $20 dollars for 60 minutes of WiFi can grind on you
There is a lot of ship politics and drama that no matter how much you say your going to stay out of it you are in some way sucked in.

Do you actually get to see the world outside the cruise ship?

You really do get to see the world . Most places you revisit 7-8 times and there are some places I could walk you around blindfolded now.

Sometimes the ship would dock and stay there for 2-3 nights, so that would be really exciting when you got to stay overnight in a city.

However the con of travelling on a ship is that you don’t get to mix as much with the people of that country which is something I feel is important to truly soak in a culture.

How much time do you spend on/off the cruise ship?

There are 2 typical days on board:

A typical Sea day / performing day:

Wake up drink coffee on the top deck for ages it was my favourite thing to do
Watch the sea, it makes you feel so small.
Go to the gym for an hour
Eat a really big lunch to set me up for that evening
Go to the dressing room about 4pm do my make up and pre set my costumes
Warm up on stage, and go through the show I was performing that night mentally. There was a lot of partner work so i liked to run through my lifts with my partner once before the show.
Then the marathon would begin you would repeat the show 3 times
At 10pm my cast and I would all go for dinner together and most likely wine because it was tax free and only 6 dollars for a bottle of champagne.

A port day / adventure day:

Wake up at 7am
Get off the boat and just spend the day exploring.

I always went on excursions and tours planned by the ship so that I could see everything, luckily the dancers could do this for free. The passengers paid $2-300 per excursion so we were super lucky.

Be careful with who you work for – Know your worth

I don’t want to glorify my experience because like everything, there are good and bad companies.

Some hungry, graduated dancers just want their first job, and just want experience. I understand that but know your worth.

I have close friends that have told me close to horror stories of their ship experiences with mainly Italian cruise liners (Costa, MSC) where they worked dancing in the show and also had to work in other areas of the ship like the library? teaching in the gym …ect. they were called “cruise duties”….almost like chores I guess?

They weren’t allowed to eat anywhere else except the crew mess (rice and fish heads no thanks) and their pay check was not cute.

Let’s talk about the money – You can make $3-5000 per month

Now let’s get to the good part and the reason most dancers like working on cruise ships: the money.

As an artist it’s hard to find financial security in a dance job but a ship is a great way of doing that. Many of my friends have bought houses with their ship money or invested in property/businesses to secure a future.

It is a great way to save money. With a good company you should expect to make $3-5000 per month. Normally you will start on $3500 per month and your wage will increase every time you take a new contract to incentivise you to stay with the same company.

It’s normally capped at $5000 per month however you receive a bonus of about $4000 every time you complete 3 contracts.

( Read the blog post “How much a professional dancer make” here )

You can also have the opportunity to work in different parts of the company as a skeleton cast for a new show, a swing, an install overseer of shows, a teacher of shows, and/or quality control of shows. Many dancers on ships I know have spent 5-10 years with the same company – loyalty is rewarded and encouraged with this gig!

Any expenses?

All your food on board is provided so my only expenses were wifi and phone cards(that ain’t cheap) so forget instagram scrolling, because the reception is terrible, you will simply have to actually TALK to people… imagine that.

(Read “24 Easy Ways To Save Money As A Dancer here )

Companies you’ll reccommend for dancers?

Princess/Carnival Cruises Now the same company have a variety of shows in MT/Commercial and Contemporary styles.
Disney Cruises , NCL Especially if you are interested in learning cirque work.
Crystal cruises Very high pay! more geared towards showgirls so for all my tallies.
Royal Caribbean Most of these ships also offer some ships that have Broadway musicals on them, all the same choreographers/directors and producers, so there are some wonderful opportunities.
Grayboy Cruises An australian based company. Go to their website and contact their entertainment departments directly. In general: Try not to take these jobs through an agent. It is not necessary. All ships cast their own entertainment; they do not hire an outside party, and youll get more coin. you’re welcome.

(Read about Dance Agencies in LA & How To Get Signed here )

Finish this sentence: Dancing on a cruise ship is for you if….

… you want to use the world like a travel brochure, save money, have a dance, fall in love with someone instantly for 6 weeks that youll never talk to again. If that’s you, get yourself on a ship!

Finish this sentence: Dancing on a cruise ship is not for you if…

… you value WiFi and privacy and cannot follow rules…..If that’s you, you will struggle but you will learn a lot about yourself. I was one of those people and I don’t regret a thing. I learned more about myself in that time then I did about anything else.

SYNOPSIS: get your red lipstick on and practise your high kicks!

Follow Sarah McGinley on Instagram to see what adventure she’s up to next or for any questions you may have! IG: ( @sarah.mc.ginley )

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The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

If you are looking to add some fun and excitement to your cruise vacation, then cruise ship theme parties are the way to go. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these parties offer a unique and enjoyable experience for all. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with practical tips and recommendations to help you plan and throw the perfect cruise ship theme party. From choosing the right theme to incorporating captivating decor and entertainment, we’ve got you covered. So get ready to set sail on a memorable adventure of themed festivities and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Understanding Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise ship theme parties are special events or nights organized onboard a cruise ship that revolve around a specific theme. These parties are a fun and exciting way to enhance your cruise experience and add some flair to your journey. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, participating in theme parties can be a highlight of your cruise vacation.

Theme parties on cruise ships are important because they provide a unique and memorable experience for passengers. These parties create a festive atmosphere, allowing people to let loose, socialize, and have fun. They also help passengers connect with the onboard community by providing a shared interest or theme to bond over.

Common theme party activities include costume contests, live performances, dance-offs, themed food and drinks, and interactive games. These activities are designed to immerse passengers in the theme and create a vibrant and engaging environment for everyone onboard.

Popular Types of Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Formal theme parties.

Formal theme parties are a common occurrence on cruise ships. These parties often take place on elegant nights, where passengers are encouraged to dress up in formal attire. The theme could range from a classic black and white ball to a masquerade party. Formal theme parties provide an opportunity for passengers to showcase their style and elegance while enjoying a sophisticated evening of music and dancing.

Cultural Theme Parties

Cultural theme parties celebrate different cultures from around the world. Passengers can experience the vibrant traditions, music, and cuisine of various countries, immersing themselves in a multicultural atmosphere. Whether it’s a Caribbean Night or a Mexican Fiesta, cultural theme parties allow passengers to broaden their horizons and appreciate the diversity of the destinations they are visiting.

Decade or Era Based Parties

Decade or era based parties take passengers back in time to relive the excitement and fashion of a particular period. From the roaring 20s to the disco era of the 70s, these parties are a blast from the past. Passengers can get creative with their outfits and enjoy the nostalgia of a bygone era. Decade or era based parties are a hit among cruisers who love to dress up and transport themselves to a different time.

Colour or Costume Theme Parties

Colour or costume theme parties encourage passengers to dress up in specific colours or costumes related to the theme. Examples include White Out Night, Tropical Paradise Party, or Superhero Night. These parties allow passengers to showcase their creativity and have fun with their outfits. Costume theme parties often lead to lively conversations and interactions among fellow passengers who share a similar interest or favourite character.

Holiday Theme Parties

Holiday theme parties are especially popular during festive seasons such as Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Passengers can celebrate these holidays onboard the cruise ship, complete with decorations, themed music, and special menus. Holiday theme parties create a joyous atmosphere and bring people together to celebrate in a unique and memorable way.

The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Steps to Planning for Cruise Ship Theme Parties

To make the most of cruise ship theme parties, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some steps to help you get ready for the festivities.

Understanding Theme Party Schedule

Check the cruise ship’s daily newsletter or online portal to find out the schedule of theme parties during your voyage. Note down the dates, times, and themes of each party. This will help you plan your outfits and activities accordingly.

Planning Your Outfits

Once you know the themes of the parties, start brainstorming ideas for your outfits. Research online for inspiration and get creative with your costume choices. Make sure to pack all the necessary items, including accessories and props, to fully immerse yourself in the theme.

Participating in Activities

Take part in the activities and games organized during the theme parties. Whether it’s a dance-off, trivia quiz, or a talent show, these activities are designed to engage passengers and add to the overall fun and entertainment. Don’t be shy and join in the excitement – you might even win a prize or make new friends along the way.

How to Choose A Suitable Outfit for A Theme Party

Choosing the right outfit for a cruise ship theme party is crucial to fully enjoy and participate in the festivities. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect attire for any theme party.

Adhering to Theme and Dress Code

Make sure your outfit aligns with the theme of the party. For example, if it’s a Hawaiian Luau party, opt for a floral shirt or a grass skirt. Also, check if there are any specific dress code requirements for the party. Some parties may have formal or semi-formal dress codes, while others may require more casual or costume-like attire.

Comfortable and Appropriate Clothing

While it’s important to dress according to the theme, always prioritize comfort and appropriateness. Consider the weather, the type of activities involved, and the comfort level of your outfit. You don’t want to be in an uncomfortable costume all night or risk being underdressed in inappropriate clothing.

Accessorizing for a Theme Party

Accessories can take your theme party outfit to the next level. Choose accessories that complement your costume and enhance the overall look. Wigs, hats, jewelry, and props can add that extra touch of authenticity and fun to your ensemble. However, make sure your accessories are safe and won’t obstruct movement or cause any inconvenience during the party.

Maximizing Fun at Cruise Ship Theme Parties

To fully enjoy cruise ship theme parties, it’s important to immerse yourself in the party spirit and engage with fellow cruisers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these festivities.

Getting In the Party Spirit

Before attending a theme party, get yourself in the party mood. Listen to music related to the theme, watch movies or shows that align with the party theme, or even read books or articles to familiarize yourself with the party’s cultural or historical references. This will help you feel more connected to the theme and enhance your overall experience.

Engaging with Fellow Cruisers

Cruise ship theme parties provide an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Strike up conversations with fellow cruisers who are also enthusiastic about the theme. Compliment their outfits, share your excitement about the party, and exchange stories or experiences related to the theme. Engaging with others will not only make the party more enjoyable but also create lasting memories and friendships.

Taking Part in Games and Theme Activities

Don’t be a wallflower at theme parties; actively participate in the games and activities organized. Whether it’s a dance competition, costume contest, or trivia quiz, take part and have fun. These activities are designed to bring people together and create a lively and interactive atmosphere. Even if you’re not the most outgoing person, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the opportunity to have a great time.

Tips for Family Friendly Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise ship theme parties are not just for adults – they can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to ensure that theme parties are family-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.

Choosing Family Appropriate Themes

When selecting theme parties to attend as a family, make sure the themes are suitable for all ages. Avoid parties that may have adult-oriented themes or activities. Look for themes like pirate night, superhero party, or Disney character night that cater to different age groups and interests.

Dressing Children for Theme Parties

Involve your children in choosing their outfits for theme parties. Let them express their creativity and imagination when selecting costumes. Make sure their outfits are comfortable and safe for them to move around in. Additionally, consider practicality – choose costumes that are easy to put on and take off, especially for younger children who may need to use the restroom more frequently.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort for Kids

While attending theme parties, ensure the safety and comfort of your children. Keep an eye on them during crowded events and make sure they stay within your sight. Dress them in breathable fabrics and provide appropriate footwear to prevent discomfort or potential injuries. Remember to bring any necessary items such as snacks, water, or entertainment to keep them occupied during the party.

Cruise Ship Theme Parties for Couples and Singles

Cruise ship theme parties provide unique opportunities for both couples and singles to have a fantastic time. Here are some suggestions for making the most of theme parties based on your relationship status.

Romantic Theme Parties for Couples

Couples can embrace the romantic atmosphere of cruise ship theme parties by dressing up in matching or complementary outfits. Take advantage of the dance floor and enjoy slow dances or lively dances together. Participate in couple-oriented activities like couple trivia contests, love song karaoke, or photo booths. Use theme parties as a chance to create special memories with your partner while having a great time.

Fun Ideas for Singles at Theme Parties

Singles can make the most of theme parties by embracing their individuality and enjoying the freedom that comes with it. Dress up as your favourite character or in a creative costume that reflects your personality. Use theme parties as an opportunity to meet new people and strike up conversations with fellow cruisers who share similar interests or outfits. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and have a blast on the dance floor or at the party games.

Mix and Mingle Opportunities

Cruise ship theme parties often include mix and mingle events where passengers can meet and socialize with others. Take advantage of these opportunities to make connections, whether it’s for friendship or romance. Engage in conversations, participate in ice-breaking activities, and exchange contact information if you feel a connection. Theme parties create a relaxed and fun-filled environment that encourages socialization and interaction among passengers.

Unique Cruise Ship Theme Party Ideas

While there are common types of cruise ship theme parties, some cruise lines and ships offer unique and creative party ideas. Here are a few examples of these unique theme parties that can add excitement to your cruise experience:

Musical Theme Parties

Musical theme parties are all about celebrating a specific genre or era of music. From rock and roll to disco, passengers can dance the night away to their favourite tunes. These parties often feature live performances, DJs, and themed decorations to create an immersive music experience onboard.

Sci-Fi or Fantasy Based Themes

Sci-fi or fantasy based theme parties transport passengers into the realm of their favourite movies, TV shows, or books. Whether it’s Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones, these parties allow cruisers to dress up as their beloved characters and engage in activities related to the chosen theme. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to celebrate their fandom in a lively and entertaining setting.

Parties Based on Popular Cultures or Fandoms

Cruise ships may organize theme parties that celebrate popular cultures or fandoms. From comic book heroes to popular video game franchises, these parties cater to fans of all kinds. Passengers can engage in discussions, showcase their fan art or memorabilia, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for a specific culture or fandom.

Customizing Your Cruise Experience with Theme Parties

Cruise lines often offer passengers the chance to participate in theme party planning and provide valuable input for future parties. Here are some ways you can get involved and contribute to the customization of your cruise experience.

Participating in Theme Party Planning

Some cruise lines invite passengers to join focus groups or provide feedback on potential theme party ideas. Take advantage of these opportunities and share your thoughts and suggestions. This way, you can have a direct impact on the types of theme parties that are planned onboard. Your input can help shape the future of theme parties and ensure that they align with the preferences and expectations of passengers.

Contributing Ideas for Future Parties

If you have unique and creative ideas for theme parties, don’t hesitate to share them with the cruise line. Write to them, participate in online forums, or submit suggestions through onboard feedback forms. Cruise lines are often open to new ideas and appreciate input from passengers. Your ideas could inspire exciting and innovative theme parties that enhance the overall cruise experience for everyone.

Sharing Experiences and Suggestions

After participating in a theme party, share your experiences and suggestions with the cruise line or fellow passengers. Write reviews, share photos on social media, or participate in online forums dedicated to cruise experiences. By sharing your thoughts and recommendations, you can help others make informed decisions and create a community of cruisers who can exchange ideas and tips for future theme parties.

Troubleshooting Common Theme Party Issues

While cruise ship theme parties are generally enjoyable, issues can arise that may require troubleshooting. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dealing with Unplanned Situations

In the event of a sudden change in schedule or cancellation of a theme party, stay calm and flexible. Cruise lines may have valid reasons for making changes, such as weather conditions or technical difficulties. Look for alternative activities or parties that are still taking place and embrace the opportunity to try something different. Remember, the cruise line’s priority is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers.

Addressing Dress Code Difficulties

If you encounter difficulties with the dress code for a theme party, seek assistance from the cruise ship’s staff. They can provide guidance on appropriate attire or offer alternatives if you don’t have the necessary clothing. It’s important to respect the dress code to maintain the integrity of the theme party and create a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.

Solving Socialization Concerns at Parties

If you’re feeling apprehensive about socializing at theme parties, remember that most passengers are in the same boat. Start by observing what others are doing, join group activities or games, or strike up conversations with people who seem friendly or approachable. Chances are, many fellow cruisers are also looking to make connections and have a good time. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the party to the fullest.

In conclusion, cruise ship theme parties are a fantastic way to enhance your cruise experience and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a formal ball, a cultural celebration, or a holiday extravaganza, these parties offer something for everyone. By planning ahead, choosing suitable outfits, and actively participating in the festivities, you can maximize the fun and enjoyment of cruise ship theme parties. Families, couples, and singles alike can find opportunities for excitement and engagement, while unique and creative theme party ideas add an extra touch of excitement to your cruise. Get involved in the customization of your cruise experience and troubleshoot any issues that may arise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable theme party experience.

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Booking Performance Groups and Personal Cruises since 1993

Dancin' at sea®.

The DANCIN’ AT SEA® Cruise Program began in 1993. Since its inception, countless studios from the USA and Canada have come “aboard” to further enhance their dance performance experience. This program offers elite and innovative dance studios the opportunity to perform their own 20-25-minute prepared show on a Carnival Cruise Line ship in the Main Show Lounge.

This along with a family and friends' vacation makes this a once in a lifetime experience.

Owner and operator, Noel McKee, was a dancer and performed with the second dance group that ever sailed with DANCIN’ AT SEA®.

She has been on over forty Carnival cruises and has worked with DANCIN’ AT SEA® since 2013.

Noel is excited about continuing the legacy of the program and its future.

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The cruise fare, port charges, taxes, on board gratuities to service personnel,

expenses for stage hands, light and sound technicians, rehearsal and performances, dance workshops,

welcome and farewell receptions are included in your price.

Most important, ALL groups are accompanied by a DANCIN’ AT SEA® staff member to ensure a flawless and worry-free experience. The staff’s knowledge of the cruise line industry and dance world enables them to provide you with unsurpassed service.

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Cruise Ship Dance Classes: Move To The Rhythm At Sea

Cruise ships are the perfect place to get your groove on and dance the night away. Whether you’re looking for a way to let loose after a long day of sightseeing or just want to try something new and exciting, dance classes at sea offer a unique way to have fun and get your body moving.

On most cruise ships, you’ll find dance classes in a variety of styles, including salsa, swing, ballroom and more. The classes are usually held in the ship’s theater or lounge, and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and inviting. Some classes are even hosted by professional dancers who can give you tips and advice on how to perfect your moves.

No matter what your skill level is, there’s something for everyone. Beginner classes will teach the basics of the dance style and provide a great introduction to the world of dance. More experienced dancers can attend intermediate or advanced classes that focus on more complicated steps and routines.

In addition to learning how to dance, you’ll also get to enjoy the music that accompanies each style of dance. From Latin rhythms to jazz and blues, you’ll find something that appeals to all tastes.

Not only will you have an amazing time learning new moves and mastering old ones, but you’ll also get to take in the beautiful surroundings of the cruise ship. With the ocean view, the bright lights and the music, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for your dance classes.

So if you’re looking for a fun way to exercise and explore a new activity, take a cruise and sign up for some dance classes. With the right instruction and the right atmosphere, the dance floor can become your own personal paradise. So don’t wait any longer – move to the rhythm at sea!

Exploring the Benefits of Cruise Ship Dance Classes

Cruise ship dance classes are an enjoyable and unique way to stay active while on vacation. Not only do they provide an opportunity to learn a new skill, but they also offer a fun, stress-free way to get exercise without having to leave the comfort of the cruise ship. Here, we explore the many benefits of cruise ship dance classes.

First, cruise ship dance classes offer something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, there is a class for you. Classes are designed to suit all ages and skill levels, making them a great option for families and couples. Furthermore, many cruise lines offer specialized classes such as salsa, tango, and hip-hop, allowing you to explore different styles of dance.

Second, taking dance classes on the cruise ship is a great way to get some exercise while having fun. Dance classes are a great way to burn calories and tone your body without feeling like you're working out. Furthermore, the fact that classes are taught on the ship means that you don't have to leave your vacation spot to get some exercise.

Third, dance classes are a great way to make new friends. As the classes are held on the ship, you'll be surrounded by people who are looking to have a good time and make new connections. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests and to make some new friends while on vacation.

Finally, cruise ship dance classes are a great way to relax and unwind. The classes offer a safe and supportive environment in which to practice and learn new skills. Additionally, the music and movement of the classes can help to reduce stress and make you feel relaxed and energized.

In conclusion, cruise ship dance classes offer many benefits. Not only do they provide the opportunity to learn a new skill, but they are also an enjoyable way to get some exercise and make new friends. What's more, the classes provide a relaxing environment in which to practice and unwind. For all of these reasons, cruise ship dance classes are a great way to make the most of your vacation.

Dancing On Board: The Best Way to Enjoy a Cruise

Cruising is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel, and it provides a unique opportunity to dance on board. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, you’ll find plenty of chances to take advantage of the ship’s offerings and make the most of your cruise.

The best way to enjoy dancing on board is to take classes. Most cruise ships offer a variety of dance classes, from beginner to advanced, and it’s a great opportunity to learn a new dance style or perfect your moves. In addition to formal classes, many cruise ships also offer informal dance lessons or workshops that allow you to practice and perfect your skills.

In addition to taking classes, you can also join in on the fun at the ship’s onboard bars and lounges. The music is often upbeat and the atmosphere is lively, making it the perfect place to dance the night away. You can also take advantage of the ship’s discos and nightclubs, which are designed specifically for dancing.

If you’re more of a solo dancer, you can still have fun on board. Many cruise ships have designated areas for solo dancing, such as the ship’s theater or pool deck. You can also take advantage of the ship’s karaoke bars, which are a great way to practice your moves in a safe and fun atmosphere.

No matter what type of dancer you are, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your cruise. Whether you prefer to take classes or just let loose on the dance floor, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to show off your moves and have a great time on board. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie on board!

Learning to Dance on Cruise Ships: Classes for All Levels

Learning to dance on a cruise ship is a great way to have fun, socialize, and stay active during your vacation. There are classes available for all levels, from beginner to advanced. With the help of an experienced teacher, you can learn the basics of partner dancing in no time. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

When it comes to dancing on a cruise ship, the best way to get started is to find a class that suits your level. Most ships offer different dance classes, from beginner to advanced. These classes usually focus on a specific style, such as salsa, tango, or swing. The classes are usually held in the ship’s ballroom or lounge, and they typically last one or two hours.

Before you sign up for a class, it’s important to ensure that the instructor is qualified to teach the style you’re interested in. Ask the cruise line for references or reviews from previous students. Once you’ve found the right teacher, you can begin learning the basics.

In a beginner class, you’ll learn the basics of partner dancing. This includes the fundamental steps, timing, and partnering techniques. You’ll also learn basic musicality, which is the ability to match your movements to the music.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced classes. These classes focus on more intricate moves, such as turns, dips, and spins. You’ll also learn more about musicality and how to lead and follow your partner.

Learning to dance on a cruise ship can be a great way to make the most of your vacation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, there are classes available to accommodate all levels. With the help of an experienced instructor, you can learn the basics of partner dancing and have a great time while at it.

'She Killed It!': Amazing Dancer Shows Younger Cruise Ship Passengers How It's Done

Posted: March 6, 2024 | Last updated: March 6, 2024

A woman who “said she couldn’t dance” really wowed a crowd of her fellow passengers during a cruise ship dance-off recently, after she broke out some amazing moves. Bradley Sriro recorded as the senior lady, whose name he gave as Joanne, got down to business. “She said she couldn’t dance […] I think she killed it,” he wrote on TikTok. “Glad I got to see Joanne live! She was the life of the boat,” one user commented. Sriro said he recorded the video aboard the Carnival Magic liner on February 24 as they were setting off from Miami. The crowed went “wild” for Joanne, he said. Credit: Bradley Sriro via Storyful

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COMMENTS

Swing and Salsa Cruises and Other Dance-Themed Sailings
Ballroom and Latin dance -- particularly swing and salsa -- are typically the highlights of the most popular dance theme cruises, though smaller square dance cruises do regularly take to the seas.
100 Creative Themes for Your Studio Recital
A recital theme covering all the best fairy tales. Suggested Repertoire: "The Cinderella Work Song", "Sleeping Beauty Waltz", and "Main Theme" from Peter Pan. 66. Over the Sea We Go. A seafaring musical adventure. Suggested Repertoire: "I Saw Three Ships", "Russian Sailor Dance", and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". 67. Piano ...
Music and Dance Themed Cruises 2023-2024
Music Cruises 2023-2024 schedule. Most of the following voyages are themed on Classic, Folk, Country, Rock, or Jazz music. Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) redirecting to the ship's itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy rates). Companies / Ships.
Editor's Picks: Best Dancing at Sea
Playlist Productions shows "Motor City" (R&B themed), "Latin Nights" and "Studio VIP" (think '70s-inspired Studio 54) morph into all-out dance parties at the end of the shows -- available on nine ...
PDF "Sea Cruise" Dance Recital Music
"Sea Cruise" Dance Recital Music ©My TuTu Sense, 2019 www.mytutusense.com Bonus #1: 1. Below are links to some beautiful backdrops that can be rented for your "Sea Cruise" theme. If you choose to rent a backdrop, plan to make your reservation as early as possible to ensure you get the exact size and style that you most prefer.
47 Best Cruise Songs For Your Playlist
17. Beyond The Sea by Bobby Darin. As you relax on board your cruise ship, sailing along the waters, your thoughts will no doubt turn toward what might lie beyond the sea. Therefore, this swingin' hit from crooner Bobby Darin is one of the very best cruising songs for your playlist. 18.
Royal Caribbean Theme Nights 2024: Schedule for All Ships!
Leo. February 20, 2024. Theme nights are a must on every cruise and Royal Caribbean has them too! Every different night offers the chance to dive into different eras and moods. From the retro vibes of the '70s and '80s party to the elegance of a formal night, there's something for everyone.
Versatility is Key: What It's Like Dancing on a Cruise Ship
Working on a Cruise Ship: A day in the life of a dancer courtesy of Kristen Moranetz. This is what a typical show day on Celebrity Cruises looks like (keep in mind, different Covid safety protocols may affect this schedule, based on your cruise line): 8:45 a.m. Run to the crew mess just before it closes at 9:00 for a quick bite of breakfast. 9: ...
Best ships for dancing
There are only two dance floors, compared to the three on the other ships we have been on, but at least there was plenty of good music, and some very inspired, multi-talented musicians. Princess (Caribbean and Grande) were decent as well. Jazz cruises often can be a good compromise on an otherwise mediocre ship.
Sea Cruise Dance Recital Music
My first dance class at the age of 8 was "love at first step." From dancing with a regional ballet company to owning a dance school, I've been involved in every aspect of dance. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with so many students, from whom I feel I've learned more than I've taught.
Stars At Sea
Allow Stars at Sea to make that a reality! Our program offers aspiring dancers and musicians the opportunity to feel like true professionals and explore future career paths. Secure your performance date now for either 2025 or 2026 and watch your students shine like the stars they truly are. Performance Request. Visit Us On YouTube.
Free Dance Recital Ideas: Sea Cruise
The dance is to represent the nightlife for the mature passengers on the cruise ship. Choose an upbeat jazz routine such as Cup of Life by Ricky Martin. Raining Men- This dance furthers the nightlife idea and is for again older dancers. Have a solo dancer or a trio dance to Raining Men by the Weather Girls. Scene II.
21 Best Cruise Songs: The Ultimate Cruise Playlist
The Cupid Shuffle is the ultimate cruise line dancing song at Embarkation Day Sailaway Parties. I have to admit, if I hear it, I'm on the dance floor! "They got a brand new dance, you've got to move your muscle. They've got a brand new dance, it's called the Cupid Shuffle…". 4. Cha Cha Slide. By: Mr. C.
Dancing on a cruise ship
Now let's get to the good part and the reason most dancers like working on cruise ships: the money. As an artist it's hard to find financial security in a dance job but a ship is a great way of doing that. Many of my friends have bought houses with their ship money or invested in property/businesses to secure a future.
The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these parties offer a unique and enjoyable experience for all. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with practical tips and recommendations to help you plan and throw the perfect cruise ship theme party. From choosing the right theme to incorporating captivating decor and ...
DANCIN' AT SEA
Since its inception, countless studios from the USA and Canada have come "aboard" to further enhance their dance performance experience. This program offers elite and innovative dance studios the opportunity to perform their own 20-25-minute prepared show on a Carnival Cruise Line ship in the Main Show Lounge.
Popular Cruise Dances: A How-To Guide
Before cutting a rug at the next sail away or themed party, we've created a guide on how to practice popular cruise dances at home. So get up, slide to the left, cha-cha to the right, and create a lido deck party in your own living room. 1. Cupid Shuffle. Get in sync with the party the next time your Cruise Director leads this dance song ...
What Is a Cruise Dance Host?
They're proficient in basic ballroom dances like fox-trot, waltz, swing, rumba and cha-cha. They might also pull off a cool tango and move passably to Beyonce. In return for their dance and social ...
Cruise Ship Dance Classes: Move To The Rhythm At Sea
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Singers and Dancers
Singers And Dancers. A production show on a cruise ship is an exhilarating and captivating live performance that combines the elements of theater, music, dance, and visual effects to create an unforgettable experience for passengers. These shows are meticulously crafted and professionally choreographed to showcase the immense talent of the ...
Party Music and Dance On a Cruise Ship
Watch these cruise ship passengers have a great time dancing to fast and furious party music poolside on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas!
'She Killed It!': Amazing Dancer Shows Younger Cruise Ship ...
Buck Fighting Wild Dogs & Hippos Gets Caught by Crocodile. A woman who "said she couldn't dance" really wowed a crowd of her fellow passengers during a cruise ship dance-off recently, after ...
Dance Backdrops
Winter Wonderland 4. An extensive selection of unique Dance theme backdrops available for rental and sale. Backdrops include dance and dance recital backdrops, Dance Stars and Dance Awards backdrops, Broadway backdrops, Musical and Stage Show backdrops, Competition, Talent show and pageant backdrops, scenic backdrop rentals for dance shows.