With the, what seems to be, endless amount of Swing dance styles, it is sometimes hard to keep them all straight. Dances that can be referred to as Swing dancing include the Lindy Hop, Charleston, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Jive, Shag, and many other dances developed around the 1940’s. To help you identify some of the key identifiers of these dances, a few of the Swing dances will be discussed further.

You may recognize the first Swing dance, the Lindy Hop, by its basic move, the swingout. The swingout involves one partner pulling the other into a closed position from an open position. While doing so, they pivot 180 degrees, and then the other partner is swung back into the original position. The Lindy Hop also has characteristics similar to the Charleston because it was based off of it. Just as the Lindy Hop was developed from another dance, it helped to inspire the East Coast Swing, Balboa, Shag, and Boogie Woogie.

The next dance listed as Swing dancing is the Charleston. As stated previously, the Charleston was the inspiration for the Lindy Hop. However there were different styles of Charleston dances, the one from the 1920’s is quite different than the one in the 1930’s that the Lindy Hop is associated with. If you are wondering, the first one, the 1920’s Charleston, is the dance that became popular and associated with flappers. One key feature of the Charleston, apart from other Swing dances, is the swaying arms and quick foot movements that the dancers have that helps to spot this dance.

Another dance associated with the Lindy Hop is the West Coast Swing. This form of Swing dancing is distinguished by having an elastic feel to it. Dancers in West Coast Swing use an extension and compression partnership, which gives that elastic appearance. Additionally, West Coast Swing is more linear and slower than other Swing dances.

The last form of Swing dance we will cover is the East Coast Swing. To distinguish itself from the other forms of Swing dancing, especially the West Coast Swing from California, East Coast Swing was appropriately named. The East Coast Swing is going to have a little more bounce and pep to it than some of the other forms of Swing dances. It is also more standardized as it was originally developed for instructional purposes.

No matter what type of Swing dancing you choose, you are going to have a blast. Some may be easier to start out with than others, but Swing dancing is a great dance to learn for any occasion. To start your Swing dance lessons today, come into Dance FX Studios located in Mesa, Arizona. Dance FX Studios has Private Swing Dance Lessons and Group Swing Dance Classes. For more information, or to sign up today, visit http://dancefxstudios.com/private-dancing-lessons-mesa-az/swing-dancing-classes-mesa-az

Having a first dance as husband and wife during your reception or after the wedding celebrations is a popular practice among American and European people. The reason behind the first dance somewhat follows the traditions of a ball. The newly married couple is supposed to start with the first dance, as they are they guests of honor. It also signals the opening of the dance floor to all invited guests who would then take the floor shortly after the guests of honor were done dancing.

Traditionally, when people got married their first dance as husband and wife would be a waltz. However, today that is not the case. Recently, brides and grooms have mostly skipped this “bridal waltz” tradition and have elected to dance the Foxtrot, Merengue, Swing, or even slow dance together. Some wedding couples even decide to perform for the audience (their guests) for their first dance, and they do a humorous or shocking choreographed routine.

Whether you care to go the traditional route and do a Waltz, a more contemporary way and dance the Foxtrot, Merengue, or Swing, or even wow the crowd with a choreographed routine, do not overlook your first dance as husband and wife. It will be a moment that you will want to look back upon and cherish forever. If you are unsure of where to start or how to choreograph a wedding first dance, there are plenty of dance studios that offer wedding dance lessons and first dance choreography.

Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, is the perfect place for you to start working on your first dance! At Dance FX Studios we have an hour-long wedding dance consultation where we get to know you and your vision for your first dance and can help you with other details like song selection. Consultation appointments are available Monday through Friday from 12-8PM and on Saturdays from 12-5PM. For more information about our wedding dance consultation, please visit http://dancefxstudios.com/wedding-dance-lessons-mesa-arizona

There are several theories of how the Tango received its name. The theories range from a drum beat to various derivatives of words from different cultures. It seems like the drum theory is the most popular, but even with the drum beat theory there are several different versions of how the word Tango arose. Some say that it was years after the colonization of Argentina by Spain when a number of African slaves were being imported and used the word Tango as the name for the drum-based music and dance that they performed. Not too far off from this theory is the theory that some African descendants combined the name of their god of the drum with the Spanish word for drum to create the new word Tango.

Some of the other theories that describe how the word Tango came about are possibly true as well, or they could be grasping at thin air. You can be the judge of which are, perhaps, hasty conclusions and which are more realistic. Another theory is using derivatives of other words:

• Tambo- the slave traders’ name for a place where the slaves were kept
• Tangere- the Latin word meaning touch
• Tanga- festival or end of mourning ceremony
• Tangala- to walk heavily
• Taganana- to walk

As you can see there are various speculations upon where the word Tango came from. There are even more possible derivatives than listed above. Some facts even say that the Tango existed in Mexico in the 18th century, or that was developed in Brazil in the early 19th century, or was of Japanese descent, or originated as a gypsy dance. There are plenty of theories out there, but, for now, all we can be certain of is that there are a lot of theories and trust the ones that are believed to be the most accurate.

If this has spiked your interest in the Tango, Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, Arizona, offers Private Argentine Tango Dance Lessons and Group Argentine Tango Dance Classes. Dance FX Studios also offers other social dance classes for adults; to see more information about our Tango classes and other dance lessons, please visit http://dancefxstudios.com/

Compared to some other dances, Hip Hop is relatively new. Starting sometime in the late 1960’s, Hip Hop dance styles were made popular in the 1970’s by dance crews in the United States. Hip Hop dance styles were not solely in one part of the country, but both coasts had different types of styles developing. In New York it was breaking, and on the west coast, in California, it was funk styles. As these urban street styles were emerging, social Hip Hop dancing was also becoming popular. Some of these social Hip Hop moves that you might recognize include the Cabbage Patch, the Worm, and the Running Man. Even today you may have participated in some social Hip Hop dances like the Soulja Boy and the Dougie.

By the 1980’s with the aid of television shows and films, Hip Hop was given a mainstream exposure. The shows and films that helped Hip Hop along that you may be familiar with include Soul Train, Beat Street, Breakin’, and Wild Style. This mainstream exposure of Hip Hop was a great spotlight on Hip Hop but it created some confusion to where popping and locking originated. It actually was not from breakdancing like many assumed, but from the west coast funk movement. As the Hip Hop style of dancing gained popularity, dance studios even developed a studio version of Hip Hop. This newer version, which was used to create choreography from street Hip Hop, was called new style or jazz-funk. Just as the dance studio version of Hip Hop sprang up, it is still constantly evolving as people come up with new moves in the streets, clubs, or wherever they may be.

Unlike many of those dance studios that taught the new style of Hip Hop, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, offers social adult Hip Hop dancing lessons. If you are wondering what social dancing is, it is what you would do in a club, on a cruise, or other social situations. Because we teach social dancing, we can help you with moves that you would perform in the club with our Private Hip Hop Dance Lessons and Group Hip Hop Dance Classes.

If you are new to our studio, we have an Introductory Offer that consists of $40 for 2 thirty-minute, or 1 hour-long, Private Hip Hop Dance Lessons. More information about our Private Lessons can be found at http://dancefxstudios.com/private-dancing-lessons-mesa-az/hip-hop-dance-classes-mesa-az

On the other hand, if you are interested in our group lessons, our Group Hip Hop Dance Classes are 1 hour each week for four consecutive weeks. Material from each class will build upon the previous week’s class. More information regarding our Group Hip Hop Dance Classes can be seen at http://dancefxstudios.com/dancing-classes-and-dance-studios-mesa-az/beginners-hip-hop-classes-for-adults

Most likely you have heard the term Ballroom dance, but did you know that not all dances fall into the category of Ballroom dancing? There is even a World Dance Council that determines what is and what isn’t part of a certain Ballroom dance classification. Categories that are used to classify dances include International Standard or International Ballroom, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm.

Usually Ballroom dancing refers to those dances within the International Standard/Ballroom and International Latin groups. International Standard/Ballroom includes the Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. Those that are included in the International Latin category consist of Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Samba. However, in the United States of America and in Canada, there exists another style, the American Style of dance. This consists of American Smooth dances and American Rhythm. In the American Smooth group you will find The Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. In the American Rhythm category, the dances include Bolero, Cha Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, and Rumba.

As you see there are many similarities in the Ballroom dance classifications, they even use similar techniques for both International and American styles. However, International Standard/Ballroom only allows closed dance positions while American Smooth allows both closed and open movements, and even separated dance movements. Every once in a while a dance will get added or removed as Ballroom dance is scrutinized. Some of those dances that are sometimes referred to as Ballroom dances include Hustle, Lindy Hop, Merengue, Nightclub Two Step, Salsa, and West Coast Swing.

If you are interested in learning more about Ballroom dancing and even taking a Ballroom dance class or two, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, offers Adult Private Ballroom Dance Lessons and a variety of Group Dance Classes. Try out our introductory offer of $40 for 2 thirty-minute, or 1 hour-long, Private Ballroom Dance Lessons. If you would like to find out more information about this offer and other dance classes we have available, please visit http://dancefxstudios.com/private-dancing-lessons-mesa-az/ballroom-dance-classes-mesa-az

Arizona is definitely a western state as we have plenty of Country Western restaurants, bars, and nightlife. If you are new to the Phoenix area or just want to try your hand out with some Country Western Dancing, here is a list of spots around the valley where you can get a taste of Country Dancing.

1. Buffalo Chip. Located at 6811 E. Cave Creek Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331, Buffalo Chip’s has live music and dancing 7 nights a week. Find out more about this venue at http://www.buffalochipsaloon.com/

2. Graham Central Station. They are located at 7850 South Priest Drive Tempe, AZ 85284. Graham Central Station is open Wednesday 7PM-2AM, Thursday 6PM-2AM, Friday 6PM-2AM, and Saturday from 7PM-2AM. They have four different areas/rooms in this nightclub with different types of music playing in each, country being in one room. Find more information on their website at http://www.grahamcentralstationtempe.com/

3. Greasewood Flat. They are located at 27375 N. Alma School Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85262. They have live entertainment from September through June from 6PM-10PM Thursdays, 7PM-11PM Fridays, 2:30PM-11PM Saturdays, and 2PM-10:30PM Sundays. See their website for additional info: http://greasewoodflat.net/

4. Reata Pass. Located right by Greasewood Flat at 27500 N. Alma School Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85262. They are Scottsdale’s most historic and iconic western bar and restaurant and they have live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 5PM-9PM. http://www.reatapass.net/

5. Rustler’s Rooste. Located at 8383 South 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044, Rustler’s Rooste has live Country Western music 7 nights a week. Get more info at http://www.rustlersrooste.com/

6. San Tan Flat. They are located at 6185 West Hunt Highway Queen Creek, AZ 85142. They have live music every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Find out more about San Tan Flat at http://www.santanflat.com/

There are many other places around the Phoenix valley to go Country dancing, but this is merely a few of them. Find one nearby your house or plan to visit them all! If you are interested in taking some Country Dance Classes come into Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We have Private Country Western Dance Lessons and Group Country Two Step Dance Classes available. Sign up today at http://dancefxstudios.com/ !

Did you know that the dance called “salsa” might not be what you think it is? It is actually a particular style of Latin dance that was developed in New York by Puerto Rican and Cuban immigrants in the 1960’s and 1070’s. The original dance that the Salsa was inspired by was the Cuban Son. Son, a Spanish word meaning sound, was from the 1940’s and also referred to a particular type of Cuban music style. Like the population of Cuba, this type of music was to combine influences of its mixed culture. That is probably why the Salsa has strong African influences as well as Cuban.

Similar to how Salsa was born from the Cuban Son when it came to New York; different versions of Salsa emerged as it traveled through different places and countries. Changes in the dance could range, but it usually was just slight variations in timing that would be the only changes made to the dance. Some of the different styles of Salsa dancing include Columbian or Cali Style, Cuban or Casino Style, Miami Style Casino, Salsa Rueda or Rueda de Casino, Los Angeles Style, and New York Style. As you see, the Salsa traveled across Latin America and North America, but it also made its way around Europe, Australia, and even parts of Asia and the Middle East.

As interesting as the history of Salsa is, it is much more enjoyable if you learn how to dance the Salsa. Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, has Private Latin Dance Lessons and Group Salsa Dance Classes. If you are interested in Private Latin Dance Lessons, we have an offer of $40 for 2 thirty-minute, or 1 hour-long, Private Dance Lessons. More information about this offer and our Private Latin Dance Lessons can be found at http://dancefxstudios.com/private-dancing-lessons-mesa-az/salsa-dancing-classes-mesa-az

If you are a social butterfly and would rather attend the group setting, our Group Salsa Dance Classes are one hour each week for four consecutive weeks. A new set of Group Dance Classes starts up again on April 30, 2012, and will last for 4 weeks long. Additional information about our Group Salsa Dance Classes can be found at http://dancefxstudios.com/dancing-classes-and-dance-studios-mesa-az/salsa-dance-lessons-tempe

The Jitterbug is a fun and easy dance to learn if you are just starting to learn how to dance. It is fun for all ages and is a great way to relieve stress. In the next couple paragraphs we will cover some of the dance steps for the Jitterbug just to give you an idea of what it is like.

The Jitterbug can be danced in either an open or closed dance position. An open dance position is where you are primarily connected to the other dancer at the hands. The closed dance position is where you hold your partner’s hand in one hand and have your other hand around their shoulder blade or shoulder. This depends on if you are the leader (usually male) or follower (usually female).

Surely you have heard of dance steps referred to as slow and quick steps. In the Jitterbug the steps are as follows: slow, slow, quick, quick. The first step uses two beats of the music and has men stepping with the left foot and women stepping with their right foot. This first move is going to be done with your feet about shoulder width apart and you will be stepping onto that first foot in place. The second step will also be in place, men with their right and women with their left. This step will also take two beats to the music. The third step is where it gets fun. Men are going to take their left foot and step backwards, the placement should almost be in line with the back of their right heel. Women will do the same with the right foot and place it in back of their left heel. It does not have to be touching the other foot, but place it comfortably behind the other foot. The final basic step is to step in place with the right foot, for men, and left foot, for women. Both of the last two steps, the step back and the step in place, take up one beat of music each, so it is rather quick.

Those are the four basic steps that make up the Jitterbug basic. They are going to be the foundation of your dance and will repeat often. Other moves will be added in, but these four are the basics. After you have completed all four steps, when you go to repeat your first step again you will have to move the left foot (men) or right foot (women) back under you from the rock step to the position where your feet are about shoulder width apart.

This is merely the beginning of the Jitterbug, if you would like to learn all of the tricks, spins, and dips you will need to take a dance class. After all that is what makes the dance really fun. Learn about signing up for a Jitterbug dance class at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, on our website: http://dancefxstudios.com/

When you hear the word Tango, you probably think of a seductive dance. Many people are familiar with the Ballroom Tango, a precise dance with very little to no room for improvisation. You may recognize it for its staccato movements and quick head snaps. Another form of Tango, which you may not recognize as easily, is the Argentine Tango. It is a little more difficult to recognize because there is a lot of variety and improvisation to this dance. However, if you are accustomed to watching different types of dancing, you may notice the difference in the dancers’ frame.

When you look at the dancers’ fame in the Ballroom Tango, they are going to be close at the hip, while keeping their upper bodies separate from one another. On the other hand, Argentine Tango is going to be more relaxed and have closer contact with the upper body instead of the lower body like with the Ballroom Tango. There are also many embrace options to choose from when it comes to the Argentine Tango.

Some of the embraces or styles of frames include the close embrace, open embrace, square close embrace, and reverse embrace. The close embrace is where the dancers’ chests are closer together than their lower body, even having a possibility of their heads touching as well. In open embrace, the dancers can have as much space as they would like, but arms have all the contact. The connection in the arms enables the dancers to still communicate between each other. The next embrace is the square close embrace. This embrace is where both chests touch each other as the dancers lean in toward each other. Finally is the reverse embrace, which is when both dancers dance in the same direction, facing the same way.

If the Argentine Tango has peaked your interest, come into Dance FX Studios and learn how to dance the Argentine Tango today! Dance FX Studios has Private Argentine Tango Dance Lessons and Group Argentine Tango Dance Classes. More about our Private Argentine Tango Dance Lessons can be found at http://dancefxstudios.com/private-dancing-lessons-mesa-az/argentine-tango-dancing-classes-mesa-az Additional information about the Group Tango Dance Class can be viewed at http://dancefxstudios.com/dancing-classes-and-dance-studios-mesa-az/argentine-tango-for-beginners

Have you been anxious about taking your first Ballroom Dance Lesson? Well don’t get too worked up before you have even tried it. Here are a few tips to help prepare yourself if you are planning to take a Ballroom Dance Class or have just started taking one.

1. Be Comfortable. Don’t think just because it is a Ballroom dance class that you have to come into class in your Sunday’s finest. You should wear clothes that are comfortable for you and allow movement. However, when it comes to shoes you may not want to be too comfortable. The rubber soles of tennis shoes tend to grip the floor, which is not ideal for dancing. Other shoes that are not ideal for the dance floor are flip-flops and sandals. Since a lot of movements in Ballroom require backwards movements, you can easily lose your shoe, trip, or even fall. You should be comfortable, but not risk injury.

2. Be on Time. Make sure you arrive a few minutes before your dance lesson starts. This gives you time to mingle with other classmates, get your proper footwear ready, and get settled before the dance class starts. Late arrivals usually miss the first couple of steps, which can cause them to be thrown off until they are able to catch up again. It is also somewhat of a distraction to the students and teacher who have already begun the lesson.

3. Practice. Everybody knows that practice makes perfect, well this applies to Ballroom dancing as well. It will help immensely if you practice right after your dance class or later on within the same day. If you have issues with remembering, then you can even take some shorthand notes to help you remember. But if you are a visual learner, that may not work for you. In this case you can have someone film you while you practice the moves you just learned right after the class, just make sure you have the instructors approval to stay later to do so. Another way to help you remember your dance steps is to teach it to someone. Whatever your preference, just make sure you get those moves down and don’t forget to practice.

4. Have Fun. This is probably the reason why you wanted to sign up for Ballroom Dancing Lessons in the first place. Just remember to have fun. Take a deep breath if you have to, but don’t be reluctant to shake things off. In time you will be able to get the dance steps, but until then relax and enjoy.

If you need to sign up for that first Ballroom Dance Lesson, come into Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Dance FX Studios offers Private Ballroom Dancing Lessons and Group Dance Classes. For more information, please visit http://dancefxstudios.com/