Dance Afloat is a renowned dance school based in Ipswich, New Zealand, founded and led by Debbie Snashall, a qualified professional Ballroom, Latin American, and Line Dancing teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. Born and raised in Ipswich, Suffolk, Debbie's love for dance began at a young age, and she competed as an amateur, winning numerous trophies. Determined to make dancing her career, she turned professional at the age of 18.
Debbie's journey with Dance Afloat started when she and her late husband Kevin, who was also her dance partner and fellow teacher, were offered a life-changing opportunity in 1999. They were invited to travel the world, teaching dance and performing in cabaret on a cruise ship. Seeing the potential in this experience, they established Dance Afloat in March 2001, leveraging their extensive knowledge of dance and cruising to recruit Gentlemen Dance Hosts and fellow Dance Instructors for the cruise industry.
Tragically, Kevin fell ill in 2003 and, despite a brave battle, lost his life to cancer in October 2005 at the young age of 42. Determined to continue Kevin's legacy and grow Dance Afloat in his memory, Debbie expanded the business beyond supplying dance hosts and instructors to cruise lines. Today, Dance Afloat offers a range of services, including dance workshops, experience days, and group events, with a focus on promoting wellbeing through dance.
Debbie's wealth of experience and passion for bringing the “Joy of Dance” to others is evident in the success of Dance Afloat. The school continues to supply dance hosts and instructors to various cruise lines while simultaneously offering a holistic approach to dance. Debbie takes pride in providing an exceptional experience for her clients, ensuring they feel supported and encouraged throughout their dance journey.
Customer feedback is a testament to the quality of service provided by Dance Afloat. Guests have expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the dance hosts and instructors, highlighting their energy, charisma, and talent. The school's dance instructors have been commended for their polite and courteous demeanour, as well as their ability to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all dancers.
Dance Afloat has also received positive feedback from clients who have participated in their events and workshops. Many have praised the professionalism and friendliness of the dance hosts, who have gone above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome and supported. One guest specifically mentioned how the dance hosts encouraged her to rediscover her passion for dance and were highly tolerant of any mistakes she made, ultimately enhancing her overall cruise experience.
With its commitment to excellence in dance instruction and its focus on promoting wellbeing, Dance Afloat has established itself as a leading dance school in Ipswich. Its founder and CEO, Debbie Snashall, continues to inspire and bring joy through dance, both on land and at sea.