Getting Married? Check Out These “First Dance” Tips

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Getting married? Congratulations! Put aside those invitations and centerpieces and give your friends and relatives a gift and memory that they will treasure forever on your special day…a one-of-a-kind first dance! Knock their socks off with a sassy salsa dance or a sweet swing, or try a more traditional first dance-wither way your guests will never forget that perfect first dance that you took the time to learn.

At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we have literally choreographed thousands of first wedding dances over the past 12 years. To give you a wedding dance that suits your personalities and style, we start with a wedding dance consultation for just $20. This one-hour meeting will give us a chance to gather as much relevant information as we need to customize the perfect first dance for you.

When coming in for a wedding dance lesson consultation, being prepared will save you both time and money.  Below are a few helpful tips from us to you so that your consultation will be a success. 🙂

  •         Have at least 3 songs pre-prepared (or at least an idea of the style of music you would like to dance to) for your wedding dance consultation.  Without music, where would dance be? Sit down with your fiancé and get some ideas together before your consultation. There are so many different routes that can be taken. You can choose something classic like a Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin, in which case you would be dancing to a ballroom Foxtrot. Are you a Country music lover perhaps? For all of you two-step dancers out there, there a endless fun and/or romantic Country first dance tunes.  For Latin lovers, how about a sexy salsa? Latin pop music is hot right now, giving you lots of options for just the right song. Have you considered something totally out of the box like a Hip Hop dance? The avenues are endless! If you are really not sure what you are looking for, bring in 3 songs that you like so your wedding dance consultant can get an idea of what you enjoy as a couple. From there, we can make suggestions based on your taste. Let’s say that neither of you can agree on any song choices before the consultation. No worries,this does sometimes happen. In this case, we suggest that each of you bring in your top 3 picks and we can get creative from there. The beauty of what we can do at Dance FX Studios is that we have the ability to fuse several songs together and create something completely original and special to each of you so everyone is happy and confident on your big day.
  •         Bring in a floor plan of the room that you will be dancing in. If you don’t have exact measurements, come in with an idea of how your reception room is set up so that we can plan accordingly. Please keep in mind where the dance floor is in relation to your guests and your band/ deejay. In order to make that first dance as husband and wife special, we want to know how your guests are being seated so they can get optimal viewing of you on the dance floor. If your room plans are not yet set in stone, let me recommend something. Seat your guests on as many sides of the dance floor as you can. No matter where someone is seated, they will get a great 360 view of you shining on the dance floor in your first dance.

Now let’s talk about the size of your dance floor. Make sure to get the dimensions of your floor BEFORE you come in. Your instructor wants to give you the best possible estimation as to what is realistic for your space. If you are looking for a first dance that is simple, slow and elegant, anything above a ten by ten will work. Let us say that you are looking for a little extra flair. I would go for no smaller than a fifteen by fifteen square feet of dancing space. For those of you who want to make your first dance a “Rock the Reception” routine and go full out, please try to get a twenty by twenty dance floor. We will need the space to show off your awesome dancing skills!

 

  •         Fashion anyone?  What the bride and groom wear is just as important as the dance and music itself. Let’s start with the groom and buzz through him because, let’s be honest, it is all about the bride. 🙂 Grooms, there are two things you want to be conscience of – footwear and your jacket. When it comes to shoes, go for a leather bottom so you can glide with ease across the dance floor and show off your bride in the brightest light. I highly suggest that the groom remove his jacket before the first dance or even incorporate the removal of the jacket as part of the choreography. Either the bride can take it off for him and toss it into the crowd or even he can take it off himself, twirl it around his head and pass it off to a groomsman. Whatever flavor “suits” you best, (Get it?)

Now, here comes the bride. Ladies, proper footwear is a must! Please try to keep your heel height below three to four inches. Your grooms need you to be balanced when they are showing you off. Also, platforms are not ideal because they create a sense of heaviness which no bride wants. As far as the dress goes, pretty much anything works. Beware of the huge princess ball gown as it has a tendency to get in the way of the feet. At the end of the day, as long as you, the bride, feel wonderful, beautiful and amazing, that matters.
Try out our Wedding Consultation for only $20! Dance FX Studios specializes in making brides shine and grooms feel confident on their wedding day. We are located on the South East corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rd. in Mesa, Arizona. We are on the border of Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler, so no matter where you live we are just a short drive away!

Salsa or Swing Dance Your Way To Happiness!

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Have you ever thought of salsa dancing to put a smile on your face or two-stepping to tackle that bad day at the office? How about swinging away your relationship blues on the dance floor? The advantages of social dancing are endless! Whether you are single or you want to learn to dance as a couple, dancing can vastly improve the quality of your life and your relationships. Let us explore  just a few of the numerous way that tango or bachata dancing can brighten your day…

  • Many of the faster-paced social dances including swing, salsa, merengue and cha cha are great for those singles and couples who want to get fit without hitting the gym. Did you know that an average woman of average height can burn almost 300 calories by simply swing dancing for an hour? How great is that?! In addition to being a super-fun new hobby, you can shed extra weight simply by swing dancing!  If you are looking to tone up those muscles, try the Argentine tango. This beautiful and passionate dance will have you begging for more not simply because of the strength and endurance that you can gain by learning to tango, but because of of its sensuality, and diversity challenging aspects. (It is truly a dance like no other.) Other strength-building dances include the Country waltz (because of the “rise and fall” factor) as well as the West Coast swing (due to its earthy nature). Overall, social dancing is a workout in disguise. It is a fun and exciting way to get that body kickin’ into high gear all year ’round!
  • Dancing is an aphrodisiac. Re-kindle your relationship or create new sparks on the dance floor by getting that heart racing, those endorphins pumping and that body moving and grooving to your favorite tunes. Country two step your way into his or her heart with dance lessons for couples. Nothing is more fun and romantic, not to mention a great means of connecting with each other, more than dancing lessons for two. Social ballroom dancing gives you an opportunity to move together as one and work together as a team. Romance at its finest! For new couples, or singles who may be dancing together for the first time, salsa or swing dancing is a great way to assess how well you communicate as a leader and follower. This may reveal how well you fit together off the dance floor. For example, are you respecting each other’s roles on the dance floor? Do you let him be the leader that he needs to be? Are you taking control so that she can relax and enjoy her time on the dance floor? Partner dancing takes communication skills to the next level so that you can develop a true and deeper connection both off and on the dance floor.
  • Social dancing is healing for your spirit. How often do we hear, “Relax, unwind, let it go..”? The dance floor is a wonderful place to release all of your troubles and daily stresses. Shimmy away your fears and let loose as you begin to see your spirit soar. Get in the mood by checking out a Latin club and seeing how happy everyone looks when they’re out there salsa dancing. Or frequent a Country bar and watch how much fun it is for those guys and gals to get down with Country two step and swing.

You can begin your exciting journey of learning to dance right here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona! We have an amazing introductory lesson for couples and singles that will show you how dancing can improve your life, with or without a dance partner. Dance FX Studios is near Tempe and Chandler, Arizona. We offer social dance lessons in all of the most popular dances that you will use in the real world including salsa, swing, Country two step and Argentine tango.

Country Two Step is Here to Stay!

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The Country two step has risen to become one of the most popular dances here in Arizona over the last decade. But that was not always the case. With its original pairing and development based on the ballroom waltz, the dance did not thrive at first. Not at all, in fact.

Digging deeper into the history of the Country two step was quite revealing. It appears that in the 1920’s, the two step was originally named “valse a’deux temps” which translates to the “waltz of two beats”. It was not a dance that people warmed up to mainly due to its jerky appearance, especially as compared to the fluid and elegant  look of the waltz.

You can say that the two step was “shelved” until it resurfaced with a new look and name several years later. The Country two step was reborn as the “deux pas” (two step) and was paired with the tempo of the foxtrot, giving it a more casual appearance. Gone was the look and comparison to the waltz as it evolved into a more bouncy and loose social dance.

Fortunately, thanks to hit movies such as Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta, the Country Two Step gained recognition. The choreographers of the Urban Cowboy took the two step and mixed it with it’s ballroom “cousin”, the foxtrot, as mentioned above, to create a similar dance with a Country flair. From that point  on, the two step grew in approval and adoration to become a staple in small towns and big cities alike across America.

Now, with the current demand of Country crossover music by pop stars like Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton, the Country two step can be danced almost anywhere. No need to find your local Country bar to enjoy the ease and excitement of this dance. In fact, because Country music is so hot right now, the two step is a must-have dance almost anywhere you live.

Don’t like Country music? That’s OK, this is a dance that you can apply to other genres once you know the basics. What is so wonderful about the two step is its sheer versatility. You can use this must-have dance on a crowded dance floor or one that allows you to travel. You will make HIM happy in this dance because it is very easy to learn. SHE will love this dance because of all of the fun spins and dips that will sweep her off of her feet. It’s a win/win!

You too can enjoy Country dancing with private dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios here in Mesa, AZ. With over a decade in business in the Phoenix East valley, we have taught thousands of singles and couples with no dance experience at all to become confident Country dancers. What’s our secret? We teach the everyday person the tips and tools to become great leaders or followers on the dance floor, not tricks. Within a short period of time, you will see how dancing is not as mysterious and intimidating as you may have thought it to be all of these years. From us, you will learn practical and useful steps that you can use with anyone-not choreography that you can only do with your dance partner.

Check out our introductory offer to see how to get started with Country dance lessons at Dance FX Studios. We are within minutes from Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ for your convenience. We are less that 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Conquer that dance floor once and for all and get out and kick up your heels with us at Dance FX Studios for quality social dance lessons in the Country two step and so much more!

Argentine Tango Dancing Tonight!

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Have you ever visited Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona for our monthly Argentine tango Milonga? If not, tonight is your chance to dance with many of the Phoenix valley’s best tango dancers at our beautiful location. Enjoy our amazing sprung maple wood dance floor (great cushioning for the back, knees and joints), warm and welcoming atmosphere and spread of yummy treats at Dance FX Studios tonight, Saturday, April 27th, 2013! If you are a Phoenix Milonga “regular”, you may be wondering who will be deeejaying our event tonight. We welcome Kevin Smith as our “music maker” this evening for Dance FX Studios’ Milonga. Kevin is a featured deejay in the Phoenix Argentine tango dance community and we are fortunate that he will be preparing our playlist for tonight.

Come to our Milonga tonight with an appetite as we will have a nice spread of appetizers including an edamame blend, fresh fruit, cheese cubes and delicious meats. Save a little extra space for desserts like brownies, mini cinnamon rolls and more… Light, non-alcoholic refreshments including lemonade, diet coke and sprite will also be available. Guests may bring their own bottle of wine.

The cover charge for tonight’s tango Milonga at Dance FX Studios is $10 a person. Join us from 9 pm to midnight for an evening of fun and dance with your host Rachel.

Don’t dance Argentine tango? It’s never too late to learn! The Argentine tango is amongst the most romantic and sensual of all of the partner dances. It is a dance where two become one for a brief moment in time.

Explore the passion of the Argentine tango with us at Dance FX Studios. For the fastest results in preparation for becoming a confident tango dancer, we recommend private Argentine tango dance lessons for singles or couples. In Dance FX Studios’ hour-long introductory private dance lesson, you will begin your journey in the unique world of tango dancing. We will show you how to properly hold your dance partner, how to begin to move as one on the dance floor and what tango dancing is all about. To get started with private tango dance lessons, we are available Monday through Friday from noon to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm by appointment. A beginner tango lesson is $40 for either a couple or a single.

Dance FX Studios is located on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Roads in Mesa on the border or Tempe and Chandler, Arizona. We are just off the 101 highway and are just minutes from Scottsdale and Gilbert for your convenience. Join us tonight for our Saturday Milonga and/or in the future for tango dance lessons. You’ll be glad you did!

New Summer Singles Dance Classes!

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Dance FX Studios’ 4-Week Singles dance classes are back for the Summer of 2013! That’s right, now you can decide if you want to bring a partner or come solo to our upcoming group dance classes including the Country Swing and Two Step, Salsa and Bachata and Jitterbug Swing! What is the benefit of coming to a singles dance class versus a couples dance class for adults? Let us share with you the difference of each type of class for you to decide what works best for you.

1. Rotating Dance Partners: For those of you who are coming to Dance FX Studios’ 4-week dance classes to become great leaders and followers, rotating dance partners will make you a better dancer faster. Learning how to adjust your lead and follow to accommodate anyone will help you to enjoy dancing with anyone anytime instead of limiting yourself to one dance partner. You never know if or when there may be a time where you will want to hit the dance floor and your partner may not be available. Why wait to dance? Learn to lead or follow anyone and your confidence, as well as your skill level, will improve dramatically, making dancing that much more enjoyable.

Many couples, especially the men within the pair, do not wish to rotate dance partners out of fear that they will not be able to lead someone new. They prefer the security of dancing with the partner that they signed up for class with and would rather not try to get comfortable with new ladies each time the song changes. This requires more work and effort. Most of the time couples also think that they will only ever dance with each other, but the fun of partner dancing, again, is to be able to dance with anyone. Couples, if you would prefer to Two Step or Swing with your significant other only, sign up for our couples dance classes. We will not rotate partners and you will have the chance to dance with your honey for 4 weeks of class without being asked to change partners. Everyone else, including couples who wish to receive the benefits of rotating dance partners, give our singles dance classes a try. You’ll love the tips you’ll receive by dancing with all different body types and sizes.

2. Learn Multiple Dances: In our NEW singles dance classes, you can learn several dance styles within the same genre! For example, in our Country dance class, you can learn to Two Step and do the Country Swing! You may even learn to go from the Two step into the Country Swing within the same song. How cool is that!? Likewise, our Latin dance lovers will learn two of the most popular social Latin dances: Salsa and Bachata! While these dances are generally not interchangeable in the same song, you will definitely use both of them every time you hit the Latin clubs around the Phoenix metro area. Salsa, the fast paced saucy dance staple for Latin music lovers is offset by the Bachata, the slow and sensual Latin dance for lovers. These two must-have dances will now be offered to you in one 4-week group dance class at Dance FX Studios. For those of you who would like a little variety in their group dancing experience at Dance FX Studios, check out our Summer singles dance classes.

3. Meet New People: You love to dance and you want to meet others who have the same interest. Our singles dance classes are a wonderful way to do just that! Enjoy time with new friends as you learn your new hobby of learning to dance!

Dance FX Studios’ Summer dance classes begin in the first week of May 2013. Our singles dance classes are $50 per person for all 4 weeks total and our couples dance classes are $75 for all 4 weeks total! We are located in the East Valley of Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona near Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale for your convenience. If you are looking to become a confident social dancer, join us this Summer in our group dance classes.

Give the Gift of Dance This Mother’s Day!

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Forget about flowers that last just for a few days, or that box of chocolates that she’ll hate you for getting for her just before bikini season. This year, get your special girl the gift that keeps on giving…couple’s dance lessons! Dance lessons are a romantic and thoughtful way to say “I love you” over and over again.

Imagine how big of a smile she will have with every spin and turn you lead her through in the Country Two Step or the sexy Salsa. Keep the flame glowing, or re-ignite that spark, with private dance lessons for two. Within a few lessons, you can clear out the  furniture for a romantic dance by the fire or on the patio-just for you and your sweetheart.

Social dancing, like the passionate Argentine Tango or even the playful Swing, brings couples together in new and exciting ways. Not only do dance lessons for couples assist in better communication between two people, but learning to dance together also allows for a new hobby to replace those boring “let’s go see (yet) another movie this Friday” date nights. Social dance lessons for couples, most importantly, will add more intimacy to any relationship.

You may be wondering, “Why haven’t I thought of couple’s dance lessons as ‘the perfect’ gift for Mother’s Day before?” Chances are, you don’t feel that comfortable with the idea of going to a Salsa club or a Country bar and “winging it” on the dance floor. That’s where we come in. With private couple’s dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we will make you that guy that can lead your lady with confidence. We will give you the tips and tools that will her allow her to relax and enjoy being guided by you. It’s a win/win! Then, you will both LOVE to go out dancing around town rather than you being dragged out to places with music where you have to sit on the sidelines and watch her have fun with her friends, or, even worse, dance with other guys.

Dance FX Studios is offering great dance lesson packages for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2013. For new dancers to Dance FX Studios, you can save $100 by taking advantage of our 4-hour foundation program for two for just $199. In this mini dance program for couples, you can learn several dances and several basic steps within each of those dances that will give you a solid foundation to build off of in the future.

For guys with wives or girlfriends that are addicted to Zumba Fitness classes, you can get her a smokin’ deal that includes 5 Zumba Fitness classes for just $25! You can even purchase two of these packages for her so she can come to 10 classes at a deep discount.

Current Dance FX Studios’ students are never left out of our Mother’s Day offers. This year, current students will have several dance package options to choose from that will include complimentary dance lessons. We love that you’re dancing so enjoy these offers at this special time of year from us to you.

For those of you who have not stumbled across our studio yet, Dance FX Studios is the only social dance studio in the Phoenix metro area. We are located in the East Valley in Mesa, neighboring Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona. For your convenience, we are just off the 101 and 60 highways. Join us this year for dance lessons for two this Mother’s Day and see how dancing can make a difference in your lives.

 

“Giddy Up” For A Night With Two-bit Shotgun

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Do you love Country music as much as we do? Come listen to one of Phoenix valley’s top Country Western bands play right here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona next Saturday evening, April 13th! That’s right, Two-bit Shotgun are making their third appearance at Dance FX Studios after two successful nights of Country dancing and fun!

How does the night work for those of you who have not been to one of our dance parties with live music? We will kick off next Saturday night, April 13th, 2013 with a beginner two step class so that everyone can learn the basics to one of Country’s most popular dance styles. In the group two step class for beginners, you will learn a turn or two plus, and most importantly, how to navigate around a crowded dance floor with ease. This concept is our main focus at Dance FX Studios as social dancing in Arizona is what we are known for and what we do best! Get some great pointers on how to lead and follow the two step as well as how to hold your dance partner in a proper dance frame. What you won’t learn (for you die hard AZ Country dancers) is flips and tricks on the night of our Country dance party. We at Dance FX Studios want to show you how to be safe Country dancers with exciting moves that will make your partner comfortable and relaxed.

After our two step class for beginners, you will enjoy amazing music by Two-bit Shotgun! Two-bit Shotgun plays around the Phoenix valley as well as out of state on the southwest. They play a lot of crossover Country rock as well as a few oldies for those that enjoy traditional Country music. We have found them to be the perfect choice for our Country dances as they play tons of Country swing, Country two step, nite club two step, Country waltz and West Coast swings. Two-bit Shotgun are a great fusion of old and new and they seem to appeal to all ages.

Dance FX Studios’ Country dance party is from 8- 11 pm. We will be offering light snacks (chips, veggies etc.) and desserts for you to enjoy in between dances. Cover charge for this event is $15 per person for advanced tickets and $20 at the door per person. Tickets can be purchased by phone, on our website or in person for your convenience. As always, our live music events are open to the public. Bring your friends and meet new ones as you listen to great music and dance!

By the way, Dance FX Studios instructors will be present at this event. If you have questions on how to do a certain step, feel free to ask, that’s what we are here for! 🙂

If you are looking to squeeze in a few private Country dance lessons in prior to next Saturday night’s dance, it’s not too late! Private dance lessons with us, the only strictly social dance studio in Phoenix, are scheduled by appointment Monday through Friday from noon to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm.

Dance FX Studios is on the south east corner of Dobson and Guadalupe in Mesa, Arizona. We are minutes from Gilbert, Chandler, downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona. Come meet the staff of Dance FX Studios and see how much fun it is to Country dance on Saturday, April 13th!

Top Three Most Useful Dances in Arizona

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Get ready to have some fun with dance lessons in three of the most popular social dances in Arizona! “What are those dances that no AZ resident should live without?”, you may ask. Three must-have dances for couples or singles who live in Arizona include: Salsa, Swing and the Country Two Step. Yes, it’s true, gone are the days where ballroom dancing, like the Foxtrot or Waltz are in style simply because they can make you feel elegant or debonaire. Today, social dancing is all about having fun, fitting in with the local cultures and enjoying what you know by taking it to parties, weddings or even on cruises! Let’s explore these three key social dances and why YOU should learn them to have a great time dancing anywhere in Arizona.

1. Salsa Dancing: Because we live in the southwest, Latin influence is prevalent in more than just the food in Arizona. Salsa dance lessons are a great way to burn off those yummy tapas and enjoy a sexy and passionate hobby! Along with Salsa dancing in AZ, you must learn to dance Bachata, Merengue and Cha Cha for the full Latin effect. Then, you will be prepared for any Latin club with confidence.

Latin dance lessons are great for couples to spice up the romance, but singles, do not shy away from learn to Latin dance. Salsa, and the other Latin dances mentioned above, are not only a great workout, but they are amazing for exploring a different side of your personality. There is an inner diva or Latin lover in there somewhere just waiting to come out. Give yourself a chance to get those hips moving the right way and watch your confidence, and social calendar, improve by the minute!

2. Swing Dancing: Swing dancing in Phoenix, AZ is another must-have dance. What we love about the swing is its versatility. Learn to Swing dance and enjoy all fast-paced music in style from Country to Rock and Roll, Big Band and other classic and fun oldies. After a few Swing dance lessons, you will be able to hit any dance floor with fun and impressive turns that will keep you on the dance floor all night long.

As if you needed more reasons to learn to Swing dance, keep in mind that you can burn over 400 calories an hour while Swing dancing. It is a high-energy aerobic blast that will keep you smiling as your endorphins soar. Give yourself a boost of energy and excitement with Swing dance lessons.

3. Country Two Step Dancing: Need we say more? In the land of the cowboy here in Arizona, Country Two Stepping is essential to know if you plan to wrangle the cowgirl of your dreams. Country dance venues are popping up on every corner around in the Phoenix metro area, so no need to wait on this fun and popular dance with Country dance lessons today. (By the way, check out Spurs Saloon in Chandler, a new Country dance bar that recently opened. They offer a nice dance floor and live music for your Country dance pleasures.)

If you haven’t learned to Salsa, Swing or Two Step in AZ yet, it’s never too late. For dance lessons as a couple or a single in any of these popular dances and more, give Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona a try. We offer both group dance classes and private dance lessons to Phoenix adults who want to learn to dance. For the last 12 years, we have created thousands of amazing social dancers– you can be next!  Conveniently, we are located just off the 101 highway minutes from Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ. Make the drive and come check us out, you’ll be happy that you did!

 

Three Unique Styles of Swing Dancing

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Did you know that there are 24 variations of Swing dancing? It’s true! Most of the Swing dances used today spawned from Lindy Hop, the “original” Swing dance from the 1920’s, which gained popularity in the 1920’s in Harlem, New York. Let’s explore just three of the many styles of Swing dances that are popular social dances today…

1. West Coast Swing: West Coast Swing is a versatile, slower (and quite sultry) version of the Swing that can be danced to many genres of music from Country to Hip Hop. West Coast Swing dancing is done on a “slot”, like a diving board, that gives it a more linear look as compared to its predecessor, the Lindy Hop, which is more circular. We at Dance FX Studios like to call the West Coast Swing the “adults” version of the Swing because it can be very sexy with the right styling and music. West coast Swing also has a bit of Latin flavor in the dance as there is a swag or a bit of hip shaking that makes the dance even more sassy. For a dance that is a fun and exciting challenge, but well worth it, give West Coast Swing dance lessons a try. You won’t be disappointed with the end result after knowing this commonly used dance. As mentioned earlier, you will be able to have fun with the West Coast Swing everywhere from a Country bar to a social dance event.

2. East Coast Swing: Like the Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing dancing is circular, taking up less space and providing a hybrid of West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. East Coast Swing is a medium to fast tempo version of the Swing that has lots of turns, side by side opportunities and other playful variations, making it another useful and versatile option for any social dancer. An example of East Coast Swing music would be “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel. Take a listen to this song to gain a better understanding of the general tempo of the music that accompanies East Coast Swing as a dance. East Coast Swing can also be danced to everything from Country to Rock and Roll and Big Band music, like the West Coast Swing.

3. Country Swing: Until very recently, and depending on where you live, Country Swing has not been considered as a separate and unique dance on its own within the Swing dance family. At a Country Western dance venue, you may see several variations of what they call “Country Swing”, which seems to be more like a whole lot of yanking and throwing of the lady while the man stands in one spot on the dance floor. Since the music is quite fast, it is common to see the guy flinging her around like a rag doll at the Country bars. Unfortunately, there seems to be no official timing or rhythm that these dancers use to stay in-beat with the music. “If the song is fast, toss her around” appears to be the trend. Thank goodness Dance FX Studios is here in the Phoenix metro area to show you how you can execute this exciting dance ON TIME with the music and in a way that keeps her arms in their sockets. Country Swing is genre-specific and great fun- when you handle your partner with care.

Come explore the diversity of the Swing with private Swing dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Sample out our teaching style and what we have to offer in our introductory offer for just $40. See how to become a confident social dancer in no time with private Swing couples or singles dance lessons at Dance FX Studios!

For a great supplement to your private Swing lessons, join in our Swing dance classes on Monday evenings at 7pm! They are a great way to learn to Swing dance for a nominal fee and with a group of other people.

Dance FX Studios is located just minutes from Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert in Phoenix, AZ. Visit our website today for more information on what makes us a one-of-a-kind ballroom dance studio in Arizona.

Country Two Step Dance Tips for Tonight’s Night Out

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Tonight’s the night! Are you ready for an evening of Country Two Step and Country Swing dancing? What about a little Country Waltz or Nite Club 2 Step? It’s not too late to come and join in the action with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ for our Country Night Out on the town at Spurs Saloon in Chandler, AZ. For some of you, tonight will be a milestone as it will mark you first night taking your dancing out of the studio and into the “real world”. No need to panic, the instructors of Dance FX Studios’ will be by your side as you venture out onto a new dance floor for the first time. Plus, as you may already know, your Night Out does include a pre-event Country Two Step and Country Swing class to freshen up your memory and even teach you something new!

For you beginner Country dancers who may still be a bit anxious about your first Night Out, here are a few last minute tips to make tonight a success…

1. Breathe: Seems like it would just come natural, but breathing is one of those things we tend to forget to do when we are nervous. As you prepare for tonight, realize that each and every one of us has had a first time out Country dancing. That is the beauty of the Night’s Out with Dance FX Studios! You will be surrounded by beginner, intermediate and advanced Country dancers so you can see others at your level, to know that you are not alone, as well as have something to strive for in your own Country dancing as you progress. No one is stopping to watch you, so take a deep breathe and try your best. It may be scary, but we will all be with you on your first go around.

2. Stick to the basics: Again, the beauty of social dancing is that it is not a competition. You do not have to out-do the guy dancing next to you to enjoy your night at your level. Give only those moves that you feel confident with a try first. Play around with mixing and matching 2 or 3 moves and see how that works for you. From there, if you are feeling like you can go further and explore a more challenging step that you have learned, give that a whirl and see what happens. What’s the worst that can happen? At the end of the day, you can at least say that you got out on the dance floor and gave things a go. You’ll be one step closer to building your confidence each and every time.

3. Follow the flow: Leaders, take a few songs to observe before getting out on the dance floor. See what you’re working with before jumping in. Are other dancers mindful of the directional flow in the Country Two Step or is everyone just flinging their partner around in a chaotic manner? Knowing the general feel of what you about to get into is key to fitting in and doing great. Once you have an idea, protect your partner by avoiding the “wild horses” on the dance floor (as I like to call them) and staying within a space that is comfortable for you to move freely. If the dance floor is crowded, use you navigational tools that you learned in your Country dance lessons at the studio to help you get through each dance with ease.

There’s still room for you to join us tonight at Spurs Saloon in Chandler, AZ. Dance FX Studios’ Country dance Night Out includes a group dance class, your first drink at the bar and dancing until 11 pm with us. Beginners, don’t let being new to dance hold you back. Use the tips above, plus what you may have learned in your private Country dance lessons and get out there for a fun Night Out that we are sure will be your first of many to come!