More on the History of Argentine Tango…

/in /by

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…

/in /by

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

/in /by

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.