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Travelers inspired by the recent spate of dance
shows on TV can learn to rumba or cha cha on a number of cruise ships, the Cruise Lines International Association reports.
The ABC reality show "Dancing with the Stars" was a surprise hit with TV viewers, so Fox came up with its own dance show,
"So You Think You Can Dance," which searches for the nation's best dancer. Ballroom dancing was also showcased in the acclaimed
documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom."
"Cruise ships offer endless opportunities for guests
to strut their stuff," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. Some ships feature special evenings set aside for romantic
dancing on deck under the stars, while others offer Big Band and Jazz theme cruises featuring dance parties and lessons, plus
top-name performers. "Popular music and dance have long been entertainment staples aboard cruise ships, and today's feature-filled
vessels continue that tradition," said Dale. Dance aficionados from age seven to 70 will also find an array of dance lessons
and classes aboard today's ships, including ballroom, country-western, salsa, foxtrot, rumba, tango, cha cha, swing and tap.
In addition, several cruise lines feature
gentlemen social hosts: single men, typically in their late 40s through early 70s, who serve as dance partners and friendly
companions for unescorted female passengers, or for those ladies whose partners have two left feet.
Celebrity Cruises presents Latin dance classes,
while Big Band music can be heard on every Crystal Cruises voyage. On Royal Caribbean International ships, classes are offered
fleetwide in swing, salsa and hip hop, while select ships offer ballroom and even belly-dancing lessons. Seabourn Cruise Line
offers dancing on deck when weather permits, while Silversea Cruises offers ballroom classes as well as occasional flamenco
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