Wales-born dance instructor Gemma Bailey. Credit: Gemma Bailey Facebook
Wales-born dance instructor Gemma Bailey, who has lived in Spain for 15 years, is inviting residents and visitors to discover the joy of line dancing at her weekly sessions across Benidorm and Alfaz del Pi. Her classes have also become a popular meeting place for expats from a wide range of nationalities living along the Costa Blanca, offering a warm, welcoming environment where newcomers can socialise, connect and make friends.
A growing community hub for expats on the Costa Blanca
“Line dancing is not only great fun, it helps you stay active, boost your memory and reduce stress,” she said to Euro Weekly News. “It can really enhance your social life and offer a unique sense of escapism and fulfilment.” Many participants say the classes provide a vibrant community hub—an ideal space for expats to share experiences and enjoy a shared hobby regardless of language or background.
Line dance is a form of choreographed group dancing where participants follow a sequence of steps arranged in lines or rows, all moving in unison. Unlike partner dances, each dancer performs the routine individually while still being part of a coordinated group. The steps are usually repeated throughout the song, making it accessible for beginners while still offering variety and challenge for more experienced dancers.
A lifetime dedicated to dance
With more than three decades of experience, Gemma has travelled the world through her passion for dance, competing in top-tier championships and earning multiple titles, including British Champion. She previously co-owned a dance school with her brother, where she trained the renowned “Dragon Dancers” competition team to championship success. She has also choreographed specialist routines for both groups and solo performers.
In recent years, Gemma has transformed her lifelong love of line dancing into her full-time profession. She now runs several weekly classes for all ability levels, helping people discover the social, physical and mental benefits of dance.
Line dance weekly classes on the Costa Blanca
Camping VillaMar, Benidorm
Ctra. Albir, 0,300, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante
Mondays, 14:00–15:00 – Absolute Beginners
Camping Almafra, Alfaz del Pi
Partida Cabut, 25, 03503 Alfaz del Pi, Alicante
Tuesdays, 14:00–16:00 – Beginners
Fridays, 11:00–13:00 – Improvers
Special events coming in 2026
Speak with Gemma about upcoming special events such as: On 8 and 9 May 2026, The Welsh Cowboy Andrew Hayes will join her to co-host the Country Line Dance Festival at Camping Almafra in Albir. The event will feature live music from Thilly Frank and Marnie, as well as a special appearance by award-winning Norwegian choreographer Raymond Sarlemijn.
Over the years, line dance has evolved far beyond its country and western roots, embracing a wide range of musical genres such as pop, rock, Latin and contemporary hits. It is enjoyed worldwide for its social atmosphere, its ability to improve coordination and memory, and the strong sense of community it creates. Whether danced at festivals, classes or informal gatherings, line dance remains a fun, energising and inclusive activity for people of all ages and ability levels.