Caribbean Country Dance Cruise 2013 – Nancy Hays And Guest Instructors Delight Guests

We are just back from hosting our 7th Caribbean Country Dance Cruise. The 2013 edition featured the singer of one of the most popular country line dances in the world, 'Come Dance With Me,' Nancy Hays.Highlights of the cruise included guest instructors Rosalee Musgrave from Texas, Michelle Jackson from Boston, and Ellie Halterman from California. In addition to dancers from the areas listed above, a mix of cruisers joined us from Virginia, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and England for a week of fun in the sun. Over 20 plus hours of Country Dance parties and classes were complimented by four Broadway styles shows, including a Country Music musical titled '8 More Seconds.' In addition to all the perks of a cruise- no laundry, no dishes, no cooking, no cleaning, and no driving- guests enjoyed all styles of music and comedy shows nightly, unlimited food, warm sunshine, and lots of time in the pool and Jacuzzis.

Most all on board agree that The Nancy Hays concert was the highlight of the cruise. Hays, from Chicago, presented some of her biggest international line dance hits while the floor overflowed for songs and dances like 'Get In Line' 'Put On Your Dancin' Boots' 'Caribbean Two Step Tango' 'Dad' and 'Come Dance With Me.' In addition to tributes to her musical heroes with songs like 'Coal Miner's Daughter' and 'Stand By Your Man,' Hays delighted the crowd with stories about her career, some new songs that are quite popular in England ('Heart Like A Train' and 'True Love') and fan favorites from her catalog of albums ('Sentimental Ole You' and 'Someday Soon').

Highlights from the Country Dance Lessons included Ellie Halterman's 'Good Directions' to Billy Currington's song of the same name and 'Island Bob' to Zac Brown Band's 'Island Song.' Rosalee Musgrave entertained with a fun dance called 'Next Door To An Angel' to Hays' version of 'Sentimental Ole You' and a waltz to George Strait's 'It Was Me.' Michelle Jackson pleased the crowd by teaching the Jo Thompson classic 'Come Dance With Me' and a very challenging dance to Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill's new song 'Don't Rush.' Sean Flaherty from New York taught the popular dances to 'Cruise' from Florida-Georgia Line and 'Beer Money' by Kip Moore. Of course, I also jumped in to teach Darius Ruckers' 'Wagon Wheel,' Lady Antebellum's 'Downtown,' and Carrie Underwood's 'Two Black Cadillacs.'

We hope you'll consider joining us for future Country Dance Workshops, Cruises and Trips. We are lucky to have so many great people- dancers and non-dancers- who enjoy partying, dancing, and listening to Country Music. Visit www.kevinrichards.com for the latest events.

Here's a small part of our group dancing to 'Come Dance With Me' in the ship's lobby