Dance – A NEW New Year’s Resolution

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According to several statistics, about 45% of Americans make a resolution to change something about their lives when the New Year rolls around. A slim percent of these Americans stick to the resolutions they make, like losing weight, falling in love, enjoying life to the fullest, learning something new, staying fit and quitting smoking. A lot of the time people who call it quits on keeping a resolution can blame a lack of motivation, attempting change alone, and poor time management for falling through. Whether you realized it or not, social ballroom dance lessons in the Country Two Step, Swing or Salsa dancing can actually support many of the most popular resolutions that we make. In fact, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ has helped thousands of people discover the fun and satisfaction that dancing is. We can keep you motivated with our enthusiastic instructors and stimulating lesson plans and help you manage time with regular, constructive lessons. Losing weight, enjoying life, learning new skills, staying fit and maybe even falling in love can be done when you join us! With over 12 years of experience in the dance business, we can help you make that resolution obtainable and help you stay on track this year!

 

#1 Lose Weight/Stay Fit

Dancing is an excellent form of exercise, as we have discussed in our blogs before. But what makes it such a great way to keep a resolution is that it continues to challenge you and keeps you motivated because it’s interesting and enjoyable. If you are not a gym rat or don’t find jogging on sidewalks to be your cup of tea, chances are dance lessons will stimulate your body and your mind, keeping you motivated. Not only will you exercise your muscles and coordination, you will also work your brain. Learning new steps and movements is a great way to get fit and challenge your mind!

#2 Enjoying Life

At Dance FX Studios, we can help you obtain skills that will apply to the “real world” and various social settings. See yourself dancing the Salsa at a wedding in 2014? Shaking your groove thing with the Country Two Step on nights out that you deserve? Dancing the Tango with a Latin lover in a land far away? You can make these dreams come true while enjoying yourself and learning the abilities you will use in these situations. It is a two birds, one stone situation that is sure to add some joy to your life!

#3 Learning New Skills

When you take dance lessons, you will learn so much more than just dance moves. We can teach you how to connect with your partner while dancing, be it a spouse or someone new at a bar or club. You can also learn how to lead or follow and how to navigate a crowded dance floor. The dance moves themselves will prove very rewarding when you get them down and become confident in yourself and your newfound abilities.

#4 Falling in Love

Okay, so we can’t promise that Mr. Right or Mrs. Wonderful will magically appear on the dance floor when you start taking dance lessons, but we can be sure that you will gain new social skills that can help you in your search! You will find yourself more confident and open when you take dance lessons, which will help you to connect and communicate when meeting new people. The ability to dance is something that will stay with you and you can take these new skills to a whole new spectrum of social places. Guys, girls love it when they meet a man who knows how to dance and can show them a good time. It’s not girly, we promise! Ladies, who hasn’t dreamt of literally being swept off their feet to a romantic tune?

With so many great holiday specials right now, including a 5-hour private lesson program for just $199 special and our unique $40 Introductory Offer, there’s no reason a resolution can’t come true and stay true all through 2014! Your dreams for 2014 can be obtainable with our help at Dance FX Studios. A few ways that are known to help in keeping resolutions are to be specific and to be held accountable. We lay out everything for you and regular lessons with our great instructors will help you stick to your plan! Call us today at 480.968.6177, visit our website and check out our specials, or stop in today and set yourself up for a great new year!

Happy Holidays…Dance into 2014 With Us!

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Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that person who has everything? Trying to think of a unique, thoughtful gift for your special someone? Need a cool “secret Santa” or “White Elephant” gift for a Christmas party? Look no further! Dance FX Studios has great Holiday Specials to make your gift giving easy and exciting this Holiday season! Situated in the East Phoenix Valley in Mesa, Arizona, we are a social ballroom dance studio with 12 years in business teaching our students dance steps, dance frame, how to lead or follow, how to navigate a busy dance floor, and more. Most importantly, our students have fun and enjoy themselves while taking lessons in Argentine Tango, Country Swing, Salsa, and more! We can help you spread dancing cheer with our great Holiday Specials:

We offer gift cards in increments of $15, $25, $50, $75 and $100. We also offer $40 gift cards, which give the gift of an Introductory Lesson. Our Introductory Lessons include an hour of discovering what dance styles suit your tastes and lifestyle, learning dance basics like proper frame and leading or following, and some tips on how to dance in a social setting. For every $100 in gift cards you purchase, you will receive a $20 credit on your account, which you can use to treat yourself to lessons, Zumba classes, and more!

Our 5 for $199 Private Lesson Package is a steal! If you’ve never taken lessons with us (or your gift recipient hasn’t) you or your gift receiver have the opportunity to enjoy Private Lessons at nearly 2/3 the regular price! That’s a savings of $100! You can learn up to four dances of your choice in this package. We offer everything from the sultry Argentine Tango to lively Swing dancing; if you know someone who loves to dance or wants to learn, we can teach them! (We can teach you, too, if you’re treating yourself to lessons!)

Zumba Fitness classes are very popular and are an exciting way to get a tremendous workout AND have fun! They are challenging and energetic and sure to keep your recipient (or you!) on their toes. One of our popular Holiday Zumba Packages includes 10 Zumba classes for $85, which is discounted from their original $100! We also offer a 5 for $25 package for newcomers, which makes a great stocking stuffer or party gift exchange. Who doesn’t love the gift of dancing and self-improvement? –Wasn’t 100% on this, thoughts?–

Starting back up in January are our Group Dance Classes for Couples! They will be new and improved, and we have a special rate for them right now! They are only $10 a class, and we have Salsa, Jitterbug, Country Two Step and Country Swing classes. This would be a great gift for your special someone; it’s the gift of date night (and cheaper than movie tickets… but we won’t tell!), so stock up and impress your partner!

With our unique teaching style, personable instructors and beautiful studio, we’re sure you and your friends and family will feel comfortable and enthused with us at Dance FX Studios this Holiday Season, and throughout the year! You can visit our Gift Cards page to purchase these bargains and get all the details, visit our studio, or give us a call at 480.968.6177. Give a different, stimulating, thoughtful gift this year; give the gift of dance!

Couple’s Dance Classes in 2014!

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You have been thinking about learning to dance, but are just not sure how to get started or which type of dancing you would like to learn. To be able to dance at any social occasion, your best bet is social ballroom dances like the Salsa, Country Two Step or the Swing. Social dance lessons will get you ready for those upcoming holiday parties, weddings and even nights out around town.  The most efficient way to learn to dance is with private dance lessons, so that you can receive one-on-one dance lessons with your instructor. However, if you have a tight schedule or maybe you’re not sure which type of dances you want to learn and would like to try a variety, then you may want to consider taking group dance classes.

 

If you live in the Phoenix East Valley area, beginning in January 2014, couples group dance classes are returning to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona after a short hiatus for the holidays! We have been teaching group dance classes for years and this time will be offering a variety of weekly, drop-in classes for beginners.  From Country to Salsa to Jitterbug, these 45 minute couples classes will be held Monday – Thursday evenings at 7:00. What’s great about this is that you don’t have to commit to a series of classes. Whatever your schedule allows, just come on in and join in the fun!

 

Group dance classes are an easy, affordable way to begin to learn some of the basics of whichever dance you choose. As the leading social dance studio for adults in Arizona, you have the chance to learn dance steps that you can use in any social dance situation. We will provide you with the tools needed to dance in the real world. And, since each class is held just once a week, it’s an ideal way to fit dancing into your busy life.

 

For some, focusing on a specific dance just once a week within a group may be better suited to their goals. However, if you can’t decide which dance to attempt first for only $15 per couple, per class, why not try a variety? Maybe one week, try the Salsa, the following week, give the Country Two Step a shot! Try a couple of different dances each week- whatever works best for you and your partner! Learning several dances will allow you to be able to dance to a variety of music, so you become a more well-rounded dancer. This way, you won’t be limited to just one type of dancing and will be ready for almost anything!

 

At Dance FX Studios, group dance classes for adults are an excellent way for couples to meet new people and explore new dance styles. Who knows- you may even make friends with other couples and all go out dancing together!  It is also a perfect way for you and your partner to spend some time together each week learning a new interest.  With both of your schedules being so busy every week, it may be hard to find the time for the two of you to just get away from it all and have a good time. What a perfect opportunity to reconnect with each other! Wouldn’t it be nice to spend some time together doing something that is so beneficial and acquiring skills you will use anywhere?

 

So, grab a partner and come join other Phoenix couples in Dance FX Studios Group Dance Classes for a fun-filled night of dancing! See you in 2014!

Staying Fit for the Holidays with Social Ballroom Dance Lessons

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Stuffing, pies, candies, roasts, rolls and so many more holiday dishes tempt us throughout the holiday season. No matter what holidays you and your loved ones celebrate, chances are there are a few traditional dishes that you look forward to every year. Sometimes, the holidays serve as an excuse to eat absurd amounts of food and satisfy our sedentary side by relaxing with friends and family. Exercising and routines fall to the wayside this time of year when traditions, traveling, and feasting take over. By the time the New Year rolls around, we might find ourselves swearing off the lifestyle we’ve embraced of less than ideal diet and exercise routines. This year, join us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona and you won’t be regretful of what you eat. Yes, you can break the cycle and take ballroom dance lessons as a couple or just for you! The only fitness resolution for the new year that you’ll be making is to stick with dance lessons all year long. Whether you see yourself dancing the sensual Argentine Tango with your partner, doing the Country Two Step at a local Phoenix Country bar, or Swing dancing to your favorite oldies, stay active this holiday season and ring in the New Year with a new hobby – social ballroom dancing! If you’ve never taken a lesson with us before, take advantage of our $40 introductory lesson offer in which you can learn a few basics of dancing and sample some styles if you’re not sure which dance(s) you’re interested in.

Ballroom dancing with us at Dance FX Studios here in Phoenix can enhance your life in so many ways – by boosting your self-confidence, improving your balance and coordination, relieving stress and more! One of the most important benefits of dancing (at least this time of year) is the great exercise it provides. Treadmills can be boring, cycling can get intense and lifting weights at the gym might not be very appealing, but dancing is a challenging, FUN way to get moving! Chances are your body is not used to moving in the many directions and ways that dancing requires it to. Moving backwards, side stepping, leading your partner in many directions – they’re all advantageous for your body! You will work muscles you didn’t know you had, or maybe ones you just haven’t used since before Halloween!

In addition to the toning dance lessons can provide, you can break a sweat and burn off the holiday cookies you’ve been indulging in! Each type of dance offers different movements and tempos and, therefore, burns a certain range of calories. For example, Salsa dancing for an hour can burn up to 480 calories! Country Western styles like the Country Swing and Country Waltz can get you moving and use between 290 to 420 calories, depending on the speed and difficulty of the moves. In every hour-long lesson of learning to dance the Cha Cha, anywhere from 260 to 530 calories can be burned- yeah to Latin dancing!. Zumba fitness classes are specifically geared for exercise and can use up to 650 calories! That’s definitely a few cookies’ worth.

While one lesson alone won’t lead to a fit you, regular lessons will definitely exhibit results! With our Holiday Savings Event, Introductory Offer and Zumba membership deals, we can help you kick up your heels this holiday season while reaping the many benefits of dance. Find yourself dancing into 2014 with joy!

More on the History of Argentine Tango…

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The true birth of the Argentine Tango is a bit of a mystery, but it is certain that the dance is an emotional, intimate one that came from a unique cluster of people. One generally accepted theory of the Argentine Tango and its origins is that it was brought to Argentina in the mid-1800s by African slaves and their descendants. Africans picked up the dance on slave ships and it began to influence local culture by 1853. At this time, Argentina had banned slavery and African slaves and free Africans would gather to dance.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Argentina was experiencing a major influx of people. The population went from 180,000 people in 1869 to 1.5 million people by 1914. Most of these immigrants were single men dreaming of finding fortune to take back to their homeland or to bring their families to their new home. They were mostly poor and desperate, longing for success and missing their families and homelands. This desperation was expressed through dance and is seen in the evolution of the Tango. Spanish, Italian, Russian, Polish, African, British, and native-born Argentine inhabitants created a melting pot of people and their cultures. They lent dances and music between their groups and new styles were being created.

At one point, a group of young men called compadritos frequented the African-Argentine venues where the basic dances of the Tango were being danced. These compadritos were mostly native born, poor, and of mixed immigrant ancestry. They took the dance to different districts of Buenos Aires and ignited the dance’s popularity in infamous places like dance halls, bars, and brothels. In these places, the Argentine milonga music fused with African percussion and rhythms, leading to new steps and ultimately creating the Tango as its own form of dance. The exact time and place of its creation are unclear, but it is clear that the Tango was known as a dance stemming from poverty-ridden neighborhoods.

As with many forms and types of dance initially, high society looked down on the Tango and its dancers, but some people of upper classes snuck away to mingle with the lower classes and dance. The Tango gained popularity and became a well-known and established form of dance and of music by the early 1900s. It trickled out of Buenos Aires into other Argentine towns and hopped the River Plate to Uruguay. It came to know the same fame in this new place as it did in Buenos Aires.

Parisian society was also excited by this new dance that wealthy Argentine men were bringing, and by 1913 the Tango had spread to Paris, London, and New York. The upper classes of Argentina were reluctantly accepting the dance as a form of national pride and it spread worldwide in the 1920s and 1930s. Not before long, the tango reached movie screens and Tango singers took the music around the world. The world of Tango was part of the flourishing culture of the Golden Age of Argentina from the 30s to the 50s. With the declining economy of Argentina after the Golden Age, the Tango was forced underground with its political expression and the ban of large gatherings at the time.  It survived nonetheless, and rose up again in the mid-1980s when the Tango Argentino opened in Paris. The Argentine Tango was ignited once again and thrives in the current revival it exists in today.

Are you prepared to learn this most exciting and passionate dance? If so, and you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, join us at Dance FX Studios for Argentine Tango dance lessons. We are located close to Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert in the East Valley of Phoenix in Mesa, AZ for your convenience. Private Tango lessons begin with our introductory offer for either singles or couples. We would love the opportunity at Dance FX Studios to share our love of the tango with you.

More on Salsa Dancing…

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Would you like to add some spice to your life or current relationship? Maybe you’re looking for a way to release that playful and passionate side of yourself that you keep reserved. We have the perfect idea- what about learning to  Salsa dance to come out of your shell? Salsa dancing is one of the most popular social Latin dance styles all over the world.  So many people thoroughly enjoy the vitality, passion and party-like experience of this dance. Salsa dancing is exciting and engaging to almost anyone looking for a fun and exhilarating change of pace!

Don’t know where to go to learn to dance? No worries- in the Phoenix East Valley area, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ can help you to become a saucy Salsa social dancer with private dance lessons. Private lessons are the quickest and most effective way to become a skilled dancer, whether it’s one of the Latin dances, Country or Swing dancing. For over 12 years, students have been taking private dance lessons with us and many have started out a little apprehensive about learning to dance. It seems that in no time, not only do they achieve their goals but also have a great time doing so!

You may be wondering what makes Salsa dancing so popular. It opens you up to discover a sassier side of your personality, providing an opportunity for self-expression and a freedom that is not obtainable with other interests. Salsa dancing is quite sensual and offers the chance to intimately connect with your partner on the dance floor. The provocative movements that are associated with this dance will become apparent in your performance. It will bring out the hot-blooded side of you and once you’re out on the dance floor it’s amazing at how this really affects your dancing. Makes you want to get there and start dancing, doesn’t it?

When dancing Salsa, typically the man leads and the woman follows. The lead’s role is to decide what move the couple will perform next and communicate this to the follower through subtle hand gestures. There are a variety of moves that can be incorporated into your dance routine, and it is completely up to the lead to make those decisions. So ladies, don’t fight it- let him move you around the dance floor and sweep you off your feet!

There are many variations of styles in Salsa dancing ranging from classic Cuban rhythms, to slow Jazz numbers to fast-paced alternatives on modern tunes. Salsa features a series of hip movements, twirls, and other dance moves. How fun! While other dancing styles require you to move in a certain way, there are various ways to Salsa dance. So, no matter your mood or taste, you can be assured that anytime dancing Salsa will be packed with excitement and diversity.

Keep in mind, Salsa dancing is not always fast and intense- it’s also an ideal way to add some romance to your relationship. Since the moves are so seductive, with you and your partner moving together as one, it’s hard not to feel amorous! These days, we get so wrapped up in taking care of business with work, family, and home we tend to forget how important it is to make the time to spend together. Taking time each week for each other learning this sultry dance is the perfect way to bring back those loving feelings that may have been overlooked for awhile.

Dance FX Studios is close to Tempe and Chandler, AZ. We suggest starting with our Introductory Offer- a one hour private dance lesson for only $40 (per couple or single).  You will be introduced to our unique system of teaching and learn about partner connection and communication. We know that in this one hour lesson we will be able to show you just how exciting and easy it is to learn to dance. No need to wait- give us a call, 480.968.6177, so we can help you to learn the fiery Salsa!

The Evolution of Country Western Dancing

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Country Western dancing has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. It is widely known as a form of social dancing and encompasses many forms and styles of dance. There are several subtypes of Country dancing, including Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, Nite Club 2 Step, West Coast Swing, Country Cha Cha, Line dancing, and more, each having multiple versions themselves. Western dancing can be done in a couple or as a group, with Line dancing. Not only can we teach you these types of dances here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we will also give tips on leading and following and dance floor etiquette so as to be comfortable when you go out social dancing.

Now for a history lesson in the interesting story of how Country Western dancing came to be. From the earliest days, dances and music arrived in the United States by way of immigrants. People from widely varying cultures brought their native dances with them when they settled in America. Finding common ground through dancing, diverse peoples came together and demonstrated and shared their cultures on the dance floor. With Westward expansion, the pioneers brought their families and ideologies from the East. Dancing was actually frowned upon in this era, and when not banned altogether, “safe” dances were favored, like polka and pattern dances. The pioneers organized cowboy balls, barn dances, and get-togethers. Those who heard of these events usually came to dance. All these varieties of people and their cultures joined with the ideologies and trends of the time and formed hybrids of all types of dances. These dances stem from those of Polish, German, Jewish, French, Scandinavian, Czech, Russian, and Irish immigrants who joined together at these events.

People danced anywhere they could; in barns, on ranches, even under the stars! A dance that was uniquely “western” grew from those varied roots and became a solid part of the lives of many Americans. People also danced in houses. These house parties were very popular in the 1920s when country music was commercialized. Fiddlers and bands played in the main rooms of the houses and party-goers paid the band every time they took to the floor. We even have “house parties” at Dance FX Studios here in Phoenix, Arizona! With music and dancing just like the pioneers, our events are great way to get social and meet other Country dancers and enjoy time with your partner.

Country Western dancing went more public in the 1930s to the 50s by spreading to roadhouses, dance halls, and county fairs. Dance academies were opening and people were requesting Western music. Western Swing bands like Bob Wills and Texas Play Boys were playing frequently and crowds at dance halls and academies were growing. The Western styling was favored over the Eastern way of dancing because it was smoother and mellower. World War II brought armed forces to the West coast, who grew to love the Country Western routines just as their pioneer predecessors did. Jazz and be-bop were also prominent, and dancers experimented with Western dance styles to the new tunes. Worker migrations and movements of the troops caused country music and dance to trickle throughout the United States and even to countries abroad. Beginning in the 1920s, radio delivered music nationwide. Chicago radio station WLS began broadcasting the “National Barn Dance” in 1924. Various types of music continued to become popular and to spread in the following decades, including rock and roll in the 50s and disco in the 70s. Most of these faded out and made way for Country Western to emerge yet again.

These days, Country Western dancing is as celebrated as ever. Especially here in Arizona, there are venues for Country dancing everywhere. If you just like Country music or are a frequent attendee of the Country bars and want to take your night life to the next level, come take Country dance lessons with us! You will learn the dances that Americans are known for and become a part of the Country craze. You’ll also become aware of how to connect with your dance partner and how to lead or follow correctly. Not only will you become a part of history, your self-confidence will sky rocket! Your social skills will experience a boost, letting you meet more people who share your interests and love of Country. If you already know a gaggle of Country folks, consider yourself the new life of the party.

Cool Tips for Beginner Ballroom Dancers

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So, you want to learn to dance? Many of you have seen ballroom dancing on shows like the ever-popular Dancing with the Stars, which is entertaining to watch, but not practical in the real world. Most people who want to learn to dance prefer to learn a skill that they will use for any occasion, anywhere, anytime. That’s where social ballroom dancing comes into play!

Here at Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, Arizona, located in the Phoenix East Valley, we can help you to become a great social dancer with private ballroom dance lessons in all of the most popular dance styles from the Country Two Step to the Swing to the Argentine Tango. Private dance lessons are the most efficient way to become an awesome social dancer, since you are working one-on-one with an instructor on personalized lessons created just for you. This way, you learn the dances that you are interested in based on the type of music you like and where you see yourself going out dancing.

Private dance lessons give you the opportunity to choose the amount of dances and dance styles you want to learn. You may decide you want to focus on just Latin dances, like the Bachata or the Salsa, since you know that you will only be going out to the Latin dance clubs around Phoenix. Maybe Swing dancing is more to your style. Not sure which dance is best for your needs? No worries! You have the option to learn 3-4 different types of dances within your private dance lessons so that you can dance anywhere, anytime!

To begin with private ballroom dance lessons, Dance FX Studios offers an Introductory Special for only $40 (per couple or single). This one-hour private dance lesson is an ideal, low cost way to check out our studio and our exclusive methods of teaching. It also lets your instructor determine your rate of learning, what you want to learn, and what your goals are for learning to dance. And, you can also see how much fun and how easy it is to learn from us!

Now we know that many times, once someone has decided to learn to dance, they want it to happen NOW! Keep in mind- this is a journey, sort of like learning a language. If you were to learn a new language, do you think you will be fluent in the language after only a handful of lessons? Of course not. You may learn some new words, maybe put a few sentences together, but you certainly will not be fluent. The same is true with learning to dance. Be patient with yourself and your dance partner, be consistent with your lessons, and before you know it, you will become an accomplished dancer.

While in the beginning stages of your private dance lessons, we do have a few tips that may help:

1.     Don’t practice! We know that this doesn’t sound right- doesn’t practice make perfect? Yes it does, once you know what you’re doing. If you try practicing on your own at this point, you may do it incorrectly, which will then affect your lessons. So, take a break for the time being- you’ll have plenty of chances later on to practice.

2.     Keep your initial lessons close together. If you spread out your beginning dance lessons, each time you come in for the next one, you’ll be spending half the time reviewing from the last time. It’s best to come in as often as possible in the early stages of learning to dance so you’re able to retain what you’re learning and apply it to each forthcoming lesson.

3.     Stick to dances that you will actually use. When determining which type of dances you want to learn, remind yourself of what type of music you like and where you want to go dancing. You don’t want to spend valuable lesson time learning the Country Swing if you plan only to go to Latin clubs. Think of how much better you’ll be and how much more enjoyable your lessons will be when you’re doing the dances you will use in your everyday life.

Are you ready to begin this exciting new venture into learning to dance? Excellent! Dance FX Studios is waiting for you! We have been teaching students social ballroom dancing for over 12 years and we would love the opportunity to do the same for you. Come and see how exciting, rewarding and beneficial dancing can be for everyone.

Halloween Dance Party!

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Can you believe it’s almost Halloween? This is a great time of year- the weather is cooling down, we’re getting into the holiday season, and it’s time for some treats! Halloween is the perfect excuse to step outside of yourself and become that secret person inside (a super hero or villain, perhaps?). Don’t have a party to go to? No worries, have we got next Saturday, October 19th, booked for you!

Dance FX Studios, known throughout the East Valley region as the leading ballroom social dance studio for Latin, Swing, Country, and Argentine tango private dance lessons and group classes, will be hosting our annual Halloween Costume Dance Party, on Saturday, October 19th, from 8-11 pm. And what a blast this is going to be for everyone who attends! Our students love the chance to get dressed up, dance with each other and our instructors, and participate in our amusing activities. Not a current or previous student? That’s OK- our Halloween bash is for all adults who would like to join in the festivities. For only $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door, this is an inexpensive way to cut loose and be creative this Halloween!

This year, Dance FX Studios is offering the DJ styles of “Kenchel” who will be playing all of your favorite genres of dancing tunes, as well as some classic Halloween favorites! Don’t dance? That’s where we come in to play. Beginner dancers, as well as those who have never danced at all are always welcome. To kick off the party we’re going to have a mini group class to teach you Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance routine. What a blast this will be for everyone! After the Halloween party, you may want to follow up with private dance lessons or group dance classes, focusing on your favorite dances. More holiday parties are around the corner so now is the perfect time to learn to dance.

We will also feature some interactive games to play throughout the night and a Best Costume contest, along with prizes. Costumes are not required, but sure are a lot of fun and, who knows, you may even end up being the winner! Why not just let yourself go and dress up as your favorite movie or television character, something scary, eccentric, or whatever you desire. And, we’ll be providing some spooky treats and chilling refreshments, so if you want a little something to drink or munch on, we’ve got you covered!

At Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, AZ, we know that ballroom social dancing is not an activity that you will use only during the holidays. Many people now realize that they can use their dancing abilities year-round for any occasion. From the ever-popular Country bars to Salsa dance clubs to weddings, knowing how to social dance is a skill that will open up many doors for the everyday person. For couples, dancing gives you something active and romantic to do together, instead of the usual dinner and a movie. For singles, dancing provides an opportunity to meet others in a non-threatening and enjoyable setting. It also gives the guys out there a romantic edge that will set them apart from most of the men out there. Isn’t that a motivating advantage?

So, get your costume together and come join us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona next Saturday night, October 19th, 2013 for our Halloween Costume Dance Party and a night of daunting dancing, mysterious mingling, ghostly games, and all around eerie excitement. We look forward to seeing you at our Halloween party!

Let’s Swing!

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You have been thinking about learning to Swing dance, but it seems that something always comes up. You never seem to have the time, or maybe you’re just not sure how to get started. In addition, there are so many styles of Swing dances that you just aren’t sure which dance you would like to learn.  To get started with Swing dance lessons, we recommend that you give the Jitterbug a try.  This is a ballroom Swing dance that is very versatile and which many people enjoy.

When Swing dancing, you just can’t help smiling and having a great time! With over 24 variations of the Swing to choose from, it can be confusing as to which style is right for you. We suggest beginning with East Coast/Jitterbug Swing dance lessons for several reasons. First, you can dance the Jitterbug Swing to Rock and Roll, Country and Big Band music. How cool is that! Also, it’s the easiest of all of the Swing dance variations because it has fewer steps when compared to other styles.

 

Swing dancing is exciting, energetic, and because there are so many Swing dance tempos and styles, it is used everywhere from weddings to bars. The rhythm of the dance, as mentioned above, lends itself well to a large number of musical styles from Jazz to Big Band, Country, Blues, Rock and Roll and oldies, making Swing a must-have dance! While each style has its own features, in general it is the ideal dance for any social occasion. Swing dancing is quite popular and can encourage even non-dancers to tap their feet and move to the music.

 

Whether you learn to Jitterbug, Jive, West Coast or Lindy Hop, they all fall under the general term of Swing dancing. Swing is a fun-loving dance that makes people happy! It is truly an American dance that has world-wide appeal. Swing dancing originated in the 1920’s with Jazz and Swing bands. At the time, was considered rebellious. Every generation has produced a new revival in Swing of some kind because it is so much fun! Originally used as an outlet for pent-up energy, this dance has continued to draw enthusiasts from around the world. If you enjoy dancing then Swing dancing is sure to lift your spirits.

These are just a few of the variations of Swing:

 

Single Time Swing/Jitterbug – is best suited for music like Big Band, Country, and Rock and Roll. The footwork is very simple. It’s a lot like learning to drive an automatic instead of a stick shift because once you get moving, it’s smooth sailing. This dance style is nothing but fun, fun, fun!

 

Triple Time Swing – works well with Jazz, Rock and Pop music and is very popular, especially in ballroom dance studios. Modern music is much slower than the old Big Band tunes so this variation is much more commonly taught in general. The style is very free and easy.

 

Lindy Hop Swing – is a popular version of Swing dancing because of the fun kicks and lifts associated with it. Lindy can also be cool and sophisticated. The most important aspect of it is that you enjoy it! 

West Coast Swing – goes well with Jazz, Rock, Country and even Hip Hop music. It is often danced to more sultry music and tends to have a jazzier, sexier feel than the East Coast Swing and this is reflected in the styling.

 

Are you ready to get Swinging? Dance FX Studios, near Tempe and Chandler, is located in Mesa. We are here to get you going on this new venture with private ballroom dance lessons and prepare you to be able to dance anywhere for any occasion. Dance FX Studios We have helped thousands of students become proficient dancers in Swing dancing and beyond. You can begin with Swing dance lessons for yourself or you and a partner with our Introductory Special of only $40! This one hour private Swing dance lesson is a great way to check out our studio and to be introduced to our exclusive method of teaching. One hour is all it takes to show you how easy and exciting learning to dance can be for anyone! From there, we will show you fun turns and twists to keep you on the dance floor all night long! What are you waiting for? It’s time to dance!