What to Bring to Your Wedding Consultation

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Congratulations on your engagement! Let the planning and business of creating your perfect day begin! One really important aspect of your wedding day will be your first dance and the dancing that will follow it. At Dance FX Studios in the East Phoenix Valley, we have prepared countless couples for their wedding receptions. Some couples want a romantic first dance to put them as a couple in the spotlight. Others want the whole bridal party to be involved in a surprise reception-opening dance. Brides and grooms have brought their mothers and fathers to the studio as well, getting them ready for father-daughter and mother-son dances. Any idea that you have for your reception, we can help you! Your first step is to schedule a Wedding Consultation. This is an hour-long visit that includes discussion of your plans and visions and includes dancing! Read on to find out what to bring to your first lesson to get the most out of it.

Prior to your consultation, please prepare a list of possible song options that may be of interest to you. You may bring in your favorite songs on a CD, iPod, iPhone or flash drive for us to hear. We also have Spotify here at the studio, giving you access to more song options if need be. When choosing the right song for you, the sky is the limit! Gone are the days where you must dance to a slow, sappy love song on your wedding day. If you can’t decide or need some suggestions, your Instructor can guide you and offer up some popular song choices. Be creative, we can choreograph to almost anything! Believe us, we have!  Whether you like Salsa, Country, Rock, Pop or Argentine Tango music, we can give you the first dance of your dreams.

Pictures of the bride’s dress, dance shoes and dance floor dimensions are very helpful as well. This way, we can deliver a first dance that is appropriate for you and your surroundings. The fit, length and style of the bride’s dress effects what kind of dance moves will be most practical, as do her shoes. Information on what the groom will be wearing is also a part of the planning. Location and layout of the reception area are important for planning and spacing choreography.

Lastly, wear comfortable clothing and bring shoes as similar to those that you will be dancing in as possible for the dancing portion of the consultation. Again, the Consultation includes dancing and we want you to get started off on the right foot right away!

Dance FX Studios has so many lesson and class options for whatever you dream of on your wedding day. We thoroughly enjoy being a part of the most important day of your and your fiancee’s life! Call the studio or stop in for more information on how to make your wedding an event to remember.

Fun Couples’ Dances to Enhance Your Relationship

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Dancing is a personal, intimate activity that you and your partner can share and experience together. Each type of dance, like the sexy Tango, playful Swing dancing and the romantic Waltz, evokes different emotions and moods. We have been teaching couples to dance for over twelve years at Dance FX Studios. As one of Arizona’s best social ballroom dance studios, couples come to us to learn to dance for weddings, special events and for social activities. Our studio is located in Mesa, Arizona, near several cities in the Phoenix East Valley. Being in such a big metropolitan area, we have had students from areas all over Arizona take lessons with us. We also have great deals on lesson packages. With Valentine’s Day just a few weeks away, we have three great specials going on now that are perfect gifts for your Valentine!

Latin dances are known for being flirtatious and sexy. With the Argentine Tango and Salsa, partners can express their sensual, intimate sides. Dances like these are a sure fire way to spice up your love life and create a deeper connection with your partner. The Tango and Salsa involve partners dancing more closely and require more communication and connection through dancers’ bodies. Oftentimes, Tango dancers’ faces are touching, maximizing the intimacy of the dance. The Cha Cha is lively and flirtatious dance that is full of passion and energy. It will liven you and your partner up and get you excited about each other! Country Western dances like the Country Two Step and Country Swing are more playful and lighthearted. Dances like these are great for going out to Country bars with friends or as a date and blowing off some steam while having fun as a couple. Elegant dances like the Waltz will have you and your partner enjoying each other’s company while moving gracefully round the dance floor. Our instructors are capable of teaching you and your partner any dance like these and turning you both into dancers!

Our Valentine’s Specials are here! You can do something great for your relationship, learning to dance, with any of our great deals. One popular option is our Sweetheart Sampler; for just $40, you and your partner will learn basic dance form, how to handle a busy dance floor and how to connect while you dance in a full 50 minute lesson. With the Be Mine package, you will save almost $100 off of five private lessons! The two of you can learn together and explore how fun and exciting dancing together really is. At the discounted price of $199 (five lessons is usually $295), you and your loved one can pick which dances you would like to know and learn them at a great price. Last but definitely not least is our The Total Package offer. With this package, you get both the Sweetheart Sampler and Be Mine offers in one for another discount! At $215, you save about $120 off of six lessons total. This package will surely prepare you both to have some fun on the dance floor together and hooked on a new activity for just the two of you.

Treat yourself and your partner to dance lessons and you will definitely discover how beneficial dance lessons are for your relationship. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to do something for and with your loved one! Our holiday deals are the perfect opportunity to save some money without sacrificing your experience at all. Our Gift Cards page has all the details about our current specials, or you can call us, email us, or visit the studio today!

 

Give Yourself a Break with Dance Lessons

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Who can believe that the bulk of January has already flown past us? The daily grind might be back and in full swing, but don’t let it get you down! Taking dance lessons can significantly improve your stress level, give you a mental break from your work and personal life challenges and improve your mental health. At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, our instructors will make you feel right at home and cater your lessons to your own specific needs. This personalization makes it easy for you to come to lessons prepared to learn and enjoy yourself, leaving the planning to us and you reaping the benefits of dance! Situated at the corner of Dobson and Guadalupe in Mesa, we are near many cities in the Phoenix East Valley. With our great location and special dance lesson structures, we make it easier for you to do something for yourself! Whether you are interested in learning to Two Step Country style, Tango with your partner and spice up your life, or Swing dance your nights away, we have got you covered!

If you want to learn any dance from the Two Step to the Tango, you will benefit from the mental and emotional perks that manifest while learning to dance. Perhaps the dance benefit with the biggest impact is stress relief. Dancing is considered a moderate form of exercise. Exercise has been proven time and again to not only reduce stress levels of individuals, but increase their resilience to stress and better equip to react to stressful events and situations in a positive, problem-solving way. Each type of dance has a varying amount of calories its burns, as the intensity and movements of each type of dance are a bit different. Not only will  your fitness and flexibility improve while dancing, you will also notice how some of your tension will be relieved.

Stress relief is not only important for releasing tension in your body, it is also vital for your mental health. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and mood problems can all be helped by dancing. In fact, numerous studies have proved that individuals improved these conditions and experience a boost in overall mood, positivity and happiness while dancing. That’s something to smile about! Our students have also gained self confidence and bettered their self esteem while taking lessons. Conquering the challenges presented in dance lessons trickles to all areas of life (social, professional, self) and gives students the feeling that they can accomplish anything. We actually strive for our clients to get more out of lessons than simply learning the steps. We want them to experience every benefit of dance and carry what they learn and experience over to all aspects of their lives. We also want them to go out in the “real world” and show the world their dance moves, which in itself enhances confidence and lets them blow off some steam. Learning different foot patterns and body movements also requires your brain to make new connections and strengthens certain areas of your brain. You will work your body, your brain, AND have fun! Learning to dance requires your full attention, taking your mind off of those things you do not need or want to be thinking about all the time. This is another facet of stress relief and challenging your mind and body. You will benefit from a mental break because you are relieving your stress, learning something new and challenging yourself.

For the sake of your mental well-being and stress levels, dancing is a great thing to do for yourself! We have many types of social ballroom dances for you to learn and many ways you can do so. Group Classes provide the benefit on a budget, Zumba classes with get you moving and your blood pumping, and our Introductory Offer is sure to get you hooked on dancing! Call us at 480.968.6177 or stop in today for any questions you may have. See you soon!

Getting Married? Mark Your Calendars for a Special Event!

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Is 2014 the year that you say “I do”? If so, and you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, we have an event that you won’t want to miss! Save the date for February, 22, 2014 from 11 am to 3 pm for an afternoon that will get any bride and groom ready for their big day. Dance FX Studios’ Wedding Workshop in Mesa, Arizona will be your one-stop-shop for your wedding day to-do’s. On this special afternoon, you will meet vendors that are experts in what they do best. From flower arranging to photography to finding that perfect gown, we will have it all for you! Let us share the details of this exciting day with you…

11 am: Show up promptly to reserve one of several services offered throughout the day. Services include updo’s and mini makeovers by Hair Ink Salon in Mesa, Arizona, a trunk show (and opportunity to try on) of the newest gowns from La Bella Bridal and a mini wedding dance lesson by Dance FX Studios.

11:30: Enter yourself and your fiance into a drawing to win a rhinestone and pearl bridal headpiece by La Bella Bridal, a family photography package by Julius Photography, a video editing package by RJ Digital Media, a gift card to SugarLips Cakery, Swarovski jewelry (custom one-of-a-kind pieces designed by Michelle Stallkamp), a wedding bouquet from Bobbie’s Flowers and more!

Exclusive event vendor shopping and services will be held throughout the day, along with cupcakes by SugarLips Cakery, champagne and appetizers by Special Moments Catering. Reservations for this unique expo will be taken online and by phone at 480.968.6177. Space will be limited to 40 couples and reservations will be first come, first served. Now is the time to save a space for yourself or someone who you know that may be getting married soon.

About Dance FX Studios: Dance FX Studios has offering wedding dance lessons to Arizona residents since 2001. We offer customized wedding dance choreography to brides and grooms, their wedding parties and their parents (honor dances).  Arizona couples will learn exciting, personalized routines when they take private dance lessons with us in dances ranging from Salsa to Argentine Tango to Swing, Waltz and beyond.

Over the years, we have worked exclusively with a variety of wedding vendors to ensure the perfect wedding day for our brides and grooms. This, along with the perfect first dance, is what we do best! Dance FX Studios is located at 1859 West Guadalupe Rd. Suite #105 Mesa, Arizona. We are just off the 101 highway on the borders of Tempe and Chandler, AZ. We hope to see you at our 2014 Wedding Workshop for an afternoon of fun!

Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona Helps Couples and Singles Learn to Dance

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Taking dance lessons is truly a wonderful thing to do for yourself and your partner in so many ways. As a couple, you can help your relationship grow stronger and try something new together while learning a new hobby together. If you are single, learning to dance gives you not only dancing skills, but also a sense of confidence and a fresh array of settings to meet new people. Located in Mesa, Arizona, Dance FX Studios serves people from all over the Phoenix metropolitan area. We offer both singles and couples dance lessons in Country dancing, Swing dancing, Tango dancing and other social ballroom dances.

With over 12 years of experience, Dance FX Studios is the best place you can go for dance lessons, whether you want to learn by yourself or with a partner. Our Introductory Offer is an hour long and only $40 for either a couple or one person. In this first hour with Dance FX Studios, you will learn dance basics including form, how to navigate around a crowded dance floor, how to connect with your dance partner and a few steps that are useful in whatever setting you see yourself dancing in. Your instructor will also discuss why you want to learn to dance and where you want to take your dancing abilities as you develop them. Our focus at Dance FX Studios is social ballroom dancing; we want you to be capable and confident to take what you learn in the studio out to places like Country bars, Salsa clubs, Tango milongas and weddings. This is what sets us apart from many studios in the area and excites our students.

As a single man or woman, dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios will prove to be a great asset. Having the ability to dance in any social setting is something that will stick with you for the rest of your life! It may not come overnight, but the challenge and satisfaction of gaining these new skills will prove useful over the years when you find that you can dance in any social setting. Challenging yourself to learn something new will boost your confidence and give you a spring in your step. This manifests not only on the dance floor, but also in your work and personal life. Your new poise and spirit will prepare you to tackle projects and demands at your workplace with more assurance than before. When you go out with friends or by yourself, you will be able to enjoy yourself on the dance floor and potentially meet a new dance partner. Who knew that Salsa dance lessons could give you all of that and more?

Our students who take lessons as a couple reap many benefits together as well as individually. Individually, each half of the couple is challenging themselves and developing their own skills and confidence; an awesome thing to do for oneself no matter the venue or situation. Together, the couple learns to work together and help each other in lessons and practicing on their own. When dancing, the man leads and the woman follows, which improves communication and trust within the pair. Swing, Salsa or Two Step dancing is a hobby a couple can take anywhere. Imagine the new possibilities for date nights! Frequently the couples that take lessons at Dance FX Studios make a date of the nights they have lessons. They work out their schedules so they can go to dinner after their lesson and enjoy each other all evening. We also offer Couples Group Classes, which are a great way to learn or practice Country Two Step, Jitterbug, Salsa, and Country Swing dancing and meet other couples learning to dance.

Taking dance lessons at Dance FX Studios will prove to be a great decision for you and/or your partner. With our Introductory Offer, Couples Group Classes and dance parties with live music, chances are there is a dance opportunity that will work for you, your schedule and your budget. Check out our website or call us today to find out more about how you can add excitement in your life and relationships with dance lessons!

Learn Social Ballroom Dancing in Arizona 2014

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Interested in learning to ballroom dance for your upcoming social events? Swing, Latin and even Country Western dancing is a wonderful activity that benefits people of all ages. Whether you have always wanted to learn to Tango with that special someone or just have fun with a variety of partners at a club, there are numerous benefits to integrating social ballroom dancing into your life. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona come explore some of the cool aspects of knowing how to dance with us at Dance FX Studios!

Did you know that social dancing isn’t just about learning the steps and listening to the music? It is truly a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, emotional well-being and mental stimulation.

Let’s start with the fact that dancing is a great fitness activity. Swing or Salsa dancing is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that uses countless major muscular groups, even those that do not often get used enough. With turns, quick steps, arm movements, and spins, ballroom dancing makes for a great workout that is a lot more fun than running on a treadmill! And, as you continue to dance on a regular basis, it also helps you to lose weight and stay fit. Dancing is an enjoyable activity, so you won’t be looking at the clock to see how much longer until you can bolt out the door.

Talk about relieving stress! Ballroom dancing is similar to meditation when you just relax and let yourself go, so there is no time to think about your troubles. As you enjoy dancing, your body releases endorphins, which produce positive feelings similar to a runner’s “high”. Just one vigorous dance session can eliminate stress more than a challenging exercise routine or even listening to upbeat music. Some consider it a holistic healing method since it focuses on the connection between the mind, body and spirit.

Another great benefit of social dancing is flexibility. This is an important part of being healthy. Ballroom and Latin dances like the Foxtrot or Cha Cha and require a good amount of flexibility. When dancing, you use a full range of motion for your major muscle groups. The greater the span of motion, the more your muscles will flex and extend. Most forms of dance require you to perform moves that involve bending and stretching, so dancers naturally become more flexible by simply dancing.

Now here is an advantage of social ballroom dancing that you may not have thought about- gaining confidence. When you learn how to dance, your whole outlook takes on a renewed sense of energy, motivation, and creativity. This confidence will begin to blossom after your first lesson, just by overcoming your fears and doubts by taking action to improve yourself. As you progress, so will your level of confidence in what you can do! This new self-confidence in your dancing ability will transfer to other aspects of your life as well, which may help to explain why dancers tend to possess self-confidence and an ability to enjoy themselves more in social situations.

And speaking of social situations, dancing is a wonderful way to socialize! Meet new friends and potential dance partners with confidence once you have skills on the dance floor. There’s nothing more attractive than a new friend with a cool hobby like knowing how to Salsa dance or do the Argentine Tango.

Improve your life in so many ways by learning to social dance. Before long, you will have the physique you have always wanted with the self-assurance to match. Private dance lessons in Country, Latin or Swing dancing are a great gift to yourself or those you love. It’s a new year and time to have some fun, so give us a call at Dance FX Studios in Arizona to begin your exciting transformation today.

The Sensual Styles of Argentine Tango

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Alluring, sensual and intimate are just a few of the words you may use when talking about the Argentine tango. A dance of romance and passion, it is one of the most well-known dances all over the world and is currently enjoying a considerable revival throughout much of Europe, the United States and South America. Many people just love the appeal and closeness that arises from this dance, which is why so many couples are excited to learn this spicy dance. Wouldn’t you like to reignite those flames of desire with your partner?


 

Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ, is the perfect place to learn a variety of social ballroom dances with private dance lessons ranging from the Argentine tango to Country dancing.  Learning to dance is an ideal way to learn a new skill or hobby that you will utilize throughout your life, no matter the occasion. It can be difficult to find time to spend with your significant other, so learning to dance together allows you to make the time each week doing something enjoyable and beneficial for both of you. What a welcome change that would be! Also, the Argentine tango is a great way to really connect with that special partner on a very intimate level.


 

Now, let’s talk about some of the styles of Argentine tango. There are various influences on the many styles of this dance, ranging from the tempo and type of music that accompanies the dance, to the space available on the dance floor in any particular venue. Nearly all the styles are danced in either the open embrace position where couples have space between their bodies or in the close embrace where they connect chest-to-chest. Let’s see which style best suits your personality!


 

We will start with Salon style tango which was the most popular style of tango danced up through the Golden Era of the 1950’s when milongas (tango parties) were held in large dance venues with tango orchestras performing. It regained popularity again in the early 1980’s and is still prevalent today. Salon tango is typified by slow, deliberate, and smoothly implemented moves. The emphasis is on precision, evenness, and musicality. Couples embrace closely but the embrace is flexible, opening slightly to make room for various figures and closing again for support and poise. The walk is the most important element, with dancers usually walking about half to three-quarters of the time during a song. So if you can walk, this dance should be a breeze for you to learn.

 

The Milonguero style of tango is characteristically danced with a slight leaning posture that usually connects at the shoulders of the dancers. In most cases it is danced in a close embrace with the woman’s head and body very close to her partner and her left hand placed far behind her partner’s neck. Sounds quite cozy, doesn’t it? The couple maintains a constant upper body contact and often does not loosen their embrace to accommodate turns.

Next is the Orillero style tango,  a style of dance that developed away from the cities, in the outskirts and suburbs where there was more freedom to move since there was usually more available space on the dance floor. This style allows both dancers to take additional steps outside the embrace. It is danced in an upright position and uses various accompaniments, such as swift foot moves and kicksand can be danced in both open and close embraces. Can you see you and your partner kicking up your heels to this dance?

And last, but certainly not least is Tango Nuevo, which is a dancing and teaching style. As a teaching style it emphasizes a fundamental exploration of the dance.This variation is mostly a methodical approach that looks at the structure of the dance to find new combinations of steps and moves. It is danced in an open and loose embrace in an upright posture with much of the emphasis being placed on each dancer to maintain their own alignment. From this teaching style, developed a new and unique style of dancing we now call, you guessed it- Tango Nuevo.

 

As you can see there are many variations to the Argentine tango and today, we covered a few of these styles. Learning this dance can be a lot of fun and easy to learn at Dance FX Studios. Why not give it a try? You and your partner will be glad you did!