Hello scalder, cannot help with the danceing, but have sayed at the Casino Park a few years ago. They used to put on a group most nights although I think it was the same one, from what I can remember they were pretty good with music for all ages.
It takes 10 to 15 minutes to get from the Monumental Lido to the Casino Park and the road is flat, but once past the Casino Park it is down hill to Funchal on the same side of the road as the Casino Park and just after the Casino there is a plesent park with a small lake/cafe and nice views over the Harbour. In the town its self there is a large park set out with lots of plants and trees.
If you go up the Mont on the cable car there is a Botanical Garden with plants / trees /cacti and wild orchids from all over the world.
Hope this is a bit of help,
Dave.

THANKS DAVE THATS A GREAT HELP.

im just trying to get as much info as i can and get things arranged for them at his end so they know what there doing once there - nothing worse than arriving in a resort and you spend the best part of your holiday looking for places and not knowing where your going (plus its only there 3rd time abroad ever!!)

ive been in touch with the casino park and they said they have dancing on after the stage shows and i have a list of what shows are on - so thats one task sorted - thanks for hints on gardens etc

Cheers
Sharon

Hello again scalder, you could have a look at these two sites both have good photo gallerys on them as well as lots of info.
The bottom one you will need to click on the English flag.
http://www.madeira-tourist.com

http://www.madeiratourism.org