Pontins

We are the original UK Salsa weekender, established 1997! For a few years Pontin’s was the only  UK weekender, attacting 2000 dancers at a time! All our weekenders take place at Pontin’s Holiday Parks around the UK. Everything is under one roof & prices include accommodation, dance classes, shows, dancing. The events are planned by organised by Cressida Childs, who herself is a long established Salsa teacher. It has always been a part of our ethos to offer a variety of dance styles at the weekend We have approx. 80 workshops & 50 hours of dancing! See BOOKING page for extra details.

Cressida Childs has been dancing for most of her life! Prior to becoming a salsa instructor and organiser she taught dance in secondary school & later to adults (including jazz, contemporary, international folk, leroc, lambada & aerobics. Having  been introduced to salsa about 15 years (still very new to the UK & no sign of the cross body style!) she embarked on setting up classes in Bristol. For some years she was Bristol’s only teacher!
Pontin’s In 1997 Cressida organised a residential dance event for her students at Butlin’s in Minehead. What  was envisaged as a weekend away for about 20 students, ended up attracting more than double. The programme included Salsa, Lambada, Leroc & Cajun dance as Cressida felt strongly that students would enjoy trying something new. On the strength of this success she approached Pontin’s at Brean Sands, who were happy to host this fledgling event at their site, hence was born the 1st Pontin’s weekender! Cressida has gone on to organise around 50 weekenders for Pontin’s at different sites in the UK, & won several awards for services to the UK salsa industry. At it’s height, and being the only UK weekender, Pontin’s had nearly 2000 attendees! Many new teachers then are today’s “A” listers. Pontin’s concept is still about being a well rounded, friendly, fun weekend where people also have the chance to try out different dance styles.
 

Adrian Harris is been Club Cubana’s technical director & is invaluable at the events. He started dancing himself at Cressida’s class in Bristol but now dj’s & runs his own salsa events - namely in the South West, and dj’s. He is based in Trowbridge.
James Perez is our regular compere at Pontin’s and has also filmed many of the events, making the dvd’s. His relaxed & friendly manner make him a popular teacher too (James teaches Cuban style).

Sharon Kelly Stage Director & PA. Sharon has been to all the Pontin’s events, and having started as a stage manager, has moved up the ranks to be director. She is Cressida’s right hand person and an invaluable member of the team.

Mark Douglas Assistant Stage Director. Mark has helped out for many years and is a fun member of the team.

Lee Hazeldine Assistant Stage Director. Lee is also a teaching assistant at Cressida’s Bristol class.

Barbara (Cressida’a mother) mans the information table at Pontin’s & also helps behind the scenes. She is good at match-making, so if you need a dance partner at the event, see her!!!!!

EX CLUB CUBANA

Rohan’s last event was Dec. 2009. He was involved in the weekend for many year’s & will always be appreciated & respected for his contribution. Rohan is now very involved in his own business - Salsa Fever which is the UK’s main site for salsa merchandise (music, dance dvd’s, holidays).

Stage Directors   THANKS to: Doctor Salsa, Sandra Quinn & Anna Trant for previous involvement!