dancing in the woods

Ballroom Dance Tips

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dancing in the woodsAll of our social ballroom dance instructors here at Dance FX Studios in Arizona are top notch. They go through rigorous training and receive ongoing education to learn even more technique so as to be as knowledgeable as possible for their students. Having been a leading social ballroom dance studio in Arizona for 13 years, Dance FX Studios has seen it all and we will turn any individual into a confident social dancer. Be it the Country Two Step, Jitterbug Swing, Salsa or the Argentine Tango… our instructors have got you covered with top notch quality dance lessons!

One aspect of our instructors off-the-floor planning is creating Teacher Tips. These tips are helpful tidbits of information related to social dancing that are created to help students about things that are helpful to know.

This week’s Teacher Tip comes from Bethany, one of Dance FX Studios’ top dance instructors. Bethany was only two years old the first time she set foot in a dance studio. Born a performer, she spent her youth singing, competing in gymnastics, and trying out many facets of the dance world with learning ballet, modern, jazz, tap, musical theatre dance, and partner dance. For the past eight years, Bethany has been singing, dancing, and acting on both professional and non-professional stages.

Originally from Texas, when Bethany moved to Arizona to attend ASU and earn a degree in Musical Theatre Performance, she discovered how much fun social dancing is. She fell in love with dancing Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin dances, and eventually branched out to other styles. With many years of experience dancing many styles of dance, Bethany definitely knows a thing or two about dancing. Here is her tip this week:

“Get your dancing shoes on! Learning how to dance is challenging enough as it is. Make your life SO much easier by investing in a pair of proper dance shoes – be it smooth ballroom, Latin, character, or even some jazz shoes. You wouldn’t go to the gym in flip flops, so don’t let the dance floor be different. You’ll be amazed at how much easier turns are when you change out of rubber soles and into leather or suede. Not only are dance shoes specifically built to make your dancing smoother, but they can also help you transition into a dancers mindset. So go out and make that investment in you and your dancing.”

Take it from Bethany and put your best dance-shoe-clad foot forward! Not sure which style is best for you? Ask your instructor during your next dance lesson for advice on which type of dance shoe is best for you. Not taking lessons? There’s no better time than now to come check us out with our private dance lesson Introductory Offer. Call us at the studio at 480.968.6177, send us an email at [email protected] , or come visit us during business hours from noon to 8 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. We look forward to meeting you and helping you to reach you dancing dreams!

latin dancing in mesa az

Latin Dance Lessons in Mesa, Arizona

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latin dancing in mesa azHave you been feeling a little bored and ho-hum lately? Do you think you need a new hobby? Does your love life need a little kick start? Try Latin ballroom dancing lessons! Unleash your sassy, spicy side with Latin dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We have been teaching couples and singles Latin dances like Salsa, Bachata, and Argentine Tango for 13 years. We specialize in teaching our students to become fearless, excited social dancers who are capable of dancing anywhere!

 

When you learn to Latin dance, you will learn to be the life of the party! Latin dances are known for being exciting and sassy, bringing out the sensual, passionate side of anyone who partakes. Salsa dancing is the most popular social Latin dance style in the world. From tapas bars and clubs in Spain to the streets of Latin America to the Salsa dance clubs here in Arizona, people all over the world LOVE Salsa dancing. Salsa is engaging and exhilarating, making it the perfect dance to learn if you want to spice things up and enjoy a change of pace.

Another popular social Latin dance is the Bachata – a dance from the Dominican Republic that will surely get you shimmying and shaking! Like the Salsa, Bachata is also fun and flirty and will let you express yourself like you never thought possible.

The Argentine Tango is a very special dance that is known for being romantic and sensual. When you learn to Tango, you will be introduced to a whole new world of movement and expression that you will fall in love with! You and your partner can explore this world together and enhance your communication skills while enjoying an intimate activity together. Latin dances bring out the inner flirt in everyone; you will be amazed at how you can open up and thoroughly enjoy yourself while dancing!

If you are feeling a little apprehensive about learning to dance, don’t worry! Dance FX Studios’ Latin Private Dance Introductory Offer is perfect for dipping your toes in the proverbial waters of dance. Your instructor will get a feel for how you learn and will discover what you want to get out of dancing, allowing them to create a lesson plan that’s just right for you. You will get out on the dance floor and learn some of the basics of dance, like who leads and who follows, dance frame, and more! For more information about what we offer, give us a call at the studio from noon to 8 pm at 480-968-6177 on weekdays and 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays, or stop by during business hours. There’s no need to wait any longer, come learn a fiery Latin dance today!

couple dancing

Country Dancing in Mesa, Arizona

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couple dancingCountry dancing is a blast, and is very popular here in Arizona. Arizonans and visitors alike enjoy many variations of Country dancing – Country Two Step, Nite Club Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, and more! There are several places across the Phoenix Valley that serve as great settings for going out and kicking up your boots. Three most popular and highly recommended places are Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill, Cactus Moon, and Denim and Diamonds, all for various reasons.

 

Cactus Moon is right across the walkway from Toby Keith’s in Mesa, Arizona, and is always busy. They have delicious appetizers and a few pool tables, but their large dance floor is the kicker for us. The crowd is always diverse -being so close to Tempe and Arizona State University, and here you have space to move! They even have a specific night dedicated to Country dancing.

 

Toby Keith’s is also a great place to go, but for different reasons. Popular Country bands frequent the stage there, and typically they get a good turn out for Country Two Step and Country Swing dancing. Their dance floor is a little smaller and more crowded than Cactus Moon’s, making it important to be courteous of others around you. On the other hand, they only play Country music and the atmosphere is always fun and exciting.

 

Denim and Diamonds in East Mesa, AZ is fun also for locals. They have an amazing Ladies Night Out on Wednesdays with awesome drink specials, and the largest dance floor out of the three. Wednesday is the best day to go because of how many people come to Country dance, making it the perfect hump day hangout!

 

Country dancing is all the rage here in AZ, and you can enjoy it too! With Country Two Step and Swing dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ you can become a confident and capable Country dancer. Not only will you learn the steps and form to look great on the dance floor, but we also incorporate useful social dancing tips and tools into our unique, personalized dance lessons. You will learn how to keep you and your partner safe and comfortable on a crowded dance floor, how to connect with your partner while dancing, how to lead and follow, and so much more!

 

You can get a feel for how great our Instructors and methods of teaching are and see how fun learning to dance can be with our Private Country Dance Lesson Introductory Offer. This offer is just $40 for an entire hour of learning. We will explore why you want to learn to dance, what you want to get out of lessons, and help you to get out on the floor and starting the learning process! For more information or to schedule your first Country dance lesson, visit our website or call us today at 480.968.6177. Happy Country dancing!

happy couple dancing

Visit Dance FX Studios in AZ for Social Ballroom Dance Lessons

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happy couple dancingDance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona has been one of THE leading social ballroom dance studios in Arizona for over a decade. Located right off the 101 Freeway, on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe, Dance FX Studios is accessible and close to people all over the Phoenix East Valley. What sets Dance FX Studios apart from other ballroom dance studios in Arizona? We focus purely on social dancing for our students. You won’t find Dancing With The Stars competitive-style ballroom dancing here. Instead, you will receive practical social dance lessons at Dance FX Studios that you can take out on any crowded dance floor. From the Country Two Step to the Salsa to Swing dancing, you will become a confident dancer in no time with private dance lessons from us. Our approach to social dancing? Very good question! We focus on giving our singles and couples the tools that they need to conquer any social dancer with ease. Let’s explore the many facets of social dancing and just what it means to take social dancing lessons.

Social dancing is extremely versatile and can be taken virtually anywhere. You can take what you learn in social dancing to many different places and events. A good percentage of our students take dance lessons with us because they have a wedding or special event that they are attending. They want to learn to dance and become confident enough to enjoy themselves on the dance floor throughout the entire reception of their friend or family member’s wedding or at a club. Some students have a trip or a cruise coming up that they want to prepare for. We’ve had students who are going abroad to Latin American countries and want to become proficient in the language of Latin dance so they can “go native” when they get there. Other couples come in wanting to learn to Swing or Salsa or Tango dance together and enjoy a fun, stress-relieving hobby that will add some romance to their relationship. Singles who want to learn to dance to become more confident and meet new people come and discover just how great dance lessons are for many other areas of their life, from improving their health to unwinding after a long week. After discussing what YOU want to learn and where you see yourself dancing, you can choose up to four dances to learn in one of our personalized dance programs and take your dancing wherever you go!

 

Dance FX Studios ensures that each student becomes a proficient social dancer. Not only will you learn the moves and form necessary to look good on the dance floor, but we will also equip you with social dancing tips, tricks and tools to make you shine on every dance floor.

When you go out social dancing, you will come across dance venues and situations that may be awkward or unsafe, more commonly when dancers mix too much alcohol with their dancing. We prepare all of our students for situations like this. Crowded dance floors are a common occurrence, and we make sure our students know how to lead and follow correctly and how to navigate around a dance floor that might be packed with people. This keeps our students and their dance partners safe and comfortable on the dance floor, avoiding collisions or awkward close calls.

One fun part about social dancing is meeting new people. With us, you can learn how to connect with any dance partner and how to enjoy yourself all night long. There are various other tips that will keep you popular on the dance floor, like attire, hygiene, and social tips that you can learn from us too!

Do social dancing lessons sound like something you would love to try out? You should! With our $40 Private Dance Lesson Introductory Offer, you can see just how fun and all-inclusive dance lessons at Dance FX Studios are. Call us today to make an appointment for your first dance lesson and let the fun begin!

ballroom dance lessons for couples mesa az

Group Ballroom Dance Classes for Couples in Mesa, AZ

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Learning to dance is SUCH a great time. As it urns out, social ballroom dancing has countless benefits from getting into shape to relieving stress to becoming more flexible, and even improving your mental health. These benefits can be enjoyed with any type of ballroom dance, be it Jitterbug, Salsa, or Country Two Step. Perhaps you love dancing and want to enjoy dance lessons but can’t afford to invest in private lessons. Lucky for you, Dance FX Studios in Arizona has group dance classes that are tons of fun, and very affordable!

You can enjoy dancing and its many benefits at an affordable rate with group couple’s classes with us! Our studio is located in Mesa on the corner of Dobson and Guadalupe, just off the 101 freeway, making us accessible and close to Arizonans residing in Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and more! We offer group classes four nights a week, with Country Two Step on Mondays, Salsa on Tuesday, Country Swing on Wednesdays, and Jitterbug Swing on Thursdays. Each class begins at 7 pm and lasts for an hour.

What makes our group classes different from other group classes is that we specialize in social dancing lessons. Not only do our students learn steps and proper frame, they also learn things that are important for being comfortable and confident on any social dance floor, like how to navigate a busy dance floor, how to connect with your partner, and how to be a great leader or follower. Our group classes are limited in size to ensure that each couple gets personal instruction and pointers. With smaller class sizes, each couple gets the most of the progressive course as possible. Our group classes do require pre-registration because the size is limited, so make sure to schedule as soon as you can. No matter which dance you choose to learn, you will get the benefit of these smaller class sizes and become a great social dancer in no time!

Dance FX Studios’ group class instructors implement a progressive class curriculum, meaning that each week the class will build on the previous week’s instruction and progressively add more to the lessons. The instructors also incorporate new material every month, making sure that couples get the most out of their lessons. In our 4-week progressive classes, you build on your dance moves, combinations, and techniques each week for 4 consecutive weeks with the same group of couples.

If you want to learn Salsa, Two Step, Jitterbug, or Country Swing in our group classes, sign up today! You can get the most out of your lessons with our instructors and the progressive curriculum that the classes follow. If you have questions or are interested in purchasing and registering for the group classes, call us today! The new 4 week set of classes begins the week of May 5th, so call or visit our website today and you will be a confident, capable dancer in no time.

 

swing dance classes mesa az

Give the Gift of Dance Lessons in Arizona This Mother’s Day, 2014

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swing dance classes mesa azSpring has sprung, which means Mother’s Day is right around the corner. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the wonderful mothers you know, let us help you. What would any mom LOVE this Mother’s Day? Private Salsa, Swing or Country dance lessons, of course!

That’s where we come in. Dance FX Studios is a leading ballroom dance studio in the Phoenix area. We focus on social dancing, teaching students dance steps and combinations that are useful in social settings like weddings, cruises, bars and clubs, and more! We also incorporate tips and skills like how to be a great leader or follower, how to navigate a dance floor when it is crowded, and how to make a great connection with your dance partner. We can prepare anyone to be a confident, capable social dancer!

 

Dancing is a great hobby to have because of its countless benefits. Treat any mother to the gift of dancing and she will experience them in no time! Dancing is a great form of exercise and stress relief. It gets you up and moving and helps you to focus on something positive and self-focused. The outlet of expression that dance lessons provides allows for anyone to express emotions and become more in tune with their body and feelings.

With dancing comes great music, and who doesn’t love great music? Studies have shown that music AND dancing have alleviated and even improved symptoms of emotional and mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Any type of music you like, we can teach you dances to enjoy to your favorite music! Like Latin tracks and saucy Salsa music? We teach a variety of Latin dances like Salsa, Cha Cha, and Bolero. More of a Country fan? You can learn to Country Two Step and Swing in no time! If you like Big Band and Oldies music, maybe a variety of Swing would be perfect for you!

 

Show your mom, wife, or other loved one how much they are appreciated this Mother’s Day, May 11th, with one of our great packages! Here they are:

 

“Mini Sampler”

 

Make her smile with this 50 minute Introductory lesson offer, only $40! She can learn some basic steps and see how much fun learning to dance is!

 

“She Rocks”

 

Show her she ROCKS and save $100 with this great offer! 5 Private hour long dance lessons for her and a partner if she likes, at a bargain. She chooses up to 4 dances she would like to learn, and we will personalize a lesson plan just for her!

 

“The Total Package”

 

Moms make the world go ‘round, so treat her to The Total Package! This package is $215, saving you $120. It includes the Introductory lesson AND 5 private lessons, so she can pick dances based on preferences and Instructors’ suggestions and really enjoy herself!

 

“4 Week Group Class”

 

Mom and a partner of her choice can enjoy a 4 week progressive couples’ dance class in Country Two Step, Salsa, Country Swing, or Jitterbug Swing! This offer is $75 for all four weeks of classes per couple. Preregistration is required.

 

All of these specials will be available starting May 5th and ending on Mother’s Day, 2014. Gift cards include gift wrapping. If you have questions, comments, or would like to purchase any of these great packages, call the studio at 480.968.6177 or visit our website today!

couple dancing

Learn to Social Dance in Arizona

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couple dancingIf you have been taking Salsa, Swing or Country dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios here in Arizona, you are probably familiar with what we know it takes to become a confident social dancer: practice, practice, practice. Whether it be at home in your living room or out socially, practicing what you have learned in your private dance lessons is key, of course as long as the practice is done correctly. Whether you’re learning Latin, Swing , or Country dancing, here are a few tips from us at Dance FX Studios when it comes to reviewing what you have learned:

 

1. Take Time to Count the Music

 

Counting music is an incredibly important aspect of dancing. If you aren’t a natural at hearing beats of music, private dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios are a great asset. Your instructor can give you the tools to help you to find the beat in multiple types of music from Salsa to Swing and Tango to Two Step. Once you get the key tips from us that you need, try to count any music you hear anywhere from in your car, at the grocery store, to the gym, wherever! With enough time, instruction and effort, hearing the beat and internalizing music will become second nature. Then, applying your cool dance moves to the beat will make you look that much more natural.

 

2. Walk Through Your Moves

 

Is that underarm turn giving you a hard time? Go through the steps over and over until you no longer have to think about it. Repetition is the key to success here, so walk take time off the social dance floor to walk through your footwork until it feels natural. Just remember to take nice, small steps while you’re practicing. You can also take video of steps and combinations that are challenging you in your private dance lessons to view and practice on your own.

 

3. Shadow Dance

 

It’s difficult to practice lead and follow without a partner, but you can get serious benefits from practicing solo. You can focus on maintaining a solid frame and leading moves on your own when you pretend you have a partner in front of you. Hold your dance frame as you would with a partner and pretend that you are leading or following. We use a big exercise ball here at the studio, give that a try!

 

4. Dance With a Comfortable Partner

 

The best way to practice is ultimately with another person. If you have a go-to partner, be it a significant other, friend, or other person, practice together in a comfortable environment. This is the time to try out any new moves or techniques you want to work on without feeling intimidated. During practice time, try not to help “remind” each other of the other person’s parts. Focus on making your own parts great and let your dance instructor help you to fill in any holes with things that don’t feel right. Taking notes while practicing will help to remind you of what needs to be worked on.

 

5. Dance With a NEW Partner

 

The true test of your lead or follow is to give it a whirl with someone you don’t know. The goal is to be comfortable and able to dance with anyone, right? Once you’re pretty comfortable with your moves, it’s time to dance with a new partner. So grab a friendly looking stranger at that Salsa club or in the Country bar and give it a shot.

 

Dancing is so much more than just fancy footwork, but the steps are the basics of dance. The sooner you feel comfortable with those feet, the sooner we can show you all of the cool stuff that you can do with your body. From turns to wraps, you can truly enjoy social dancing here in Arizona once your feet are on auto-pilot and you can focus on leading or following. That’s when the fun really begins and you can make the dance all your own!

 

Private dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona will give you the tools and confidence you need to become a proficient social ballroom dancer. Once you have those tools, practicing is very important, so be sure to do it regularly and correctly. If you live in the greater Phoenix area, come check us out! We are located in Mesa, Arizona, near Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Phoenix. Take advantage of our $40 Intro Lesson Offer and you, too can be on the fast track to becoming a great Salsa, Two Step, or Swing dancer!

married couple dancing

Learn to Dance for Your Wedding in AZ

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married couple dancingSo you’re engaged… Congratulations! This new chapter of your life will be full of novel adventures and a world of enjoyment, so why not get started off on the right foot? A choreographed first dance is the perfect way to show your wedding guests exactly who you are as a couple and start off your married life in a unique and special way. Brides and grooms from all over Arizona have been coming to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona for their perfect first wedding dance since 2001. If you want to rock your wedding reception and really make an impression on your guests, wedding dance lessons at Dance FX Studios are exactly what you are looking for.

 

To get started, we offer a Wedding Dance Consultation for just $20! This hour-long consultation is the perfect opportunity for one of our wedding dance consultants to get to know you and your fiancée and discover what your vision is for your first dance. Your consultant will work with you to gather information about your wedding and the first dance; whether you want something simple and elegant for a romantic slow song or a “Rock Your Reception” dance routine with choreography for a medley of songs. She will also gather key information about your wedding dress, venue, and reception details to make sure that your first dance is in alignment with the overall vision of your big day. All of the information gathered at your consultation will be implemented into your customized wedding dance choreography for you and your fiancée. No matter what you have in mind and what your personality is, we can help you create the perfect first dance to make you shine on your wedding day!

 

If you want to take dance lessons for your wedding but you have never danced or are worried about being a terrible dancer, the fear stops here! During your wedding dance consultation and throughout your private dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios, our staff will pay attention to your rate and style of learning, so that you get the most out of your investment. Whether you want to learn Salsa to dance to Latin music at your wedding reception, want to Two Step to a fun, playful Country song, or want to Waltz your way into married life, you can learn it here at Dance FX Studios!

 

If you have been dreaming about a dazzling first dance at your upcoming wedding, Dance FX Studios is here to help. We specialize in creating first dances for brides and grooms, tailoring their dance to their personality, wedding plans, and vision. Call us at 480-968-6177 to sign up for you consultation today! With our many years of experience and always putting you first, Dance FX Studios is the perfect studio for you.

 

History of Ballroom Dancing

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Did You Know…

Did you know that Ballroom dancing can be used as a weapon for anti-aging? Specific results that you may see from Ballroom dancing include stronger bones, a slower heart rate, an increase in stamina and agility, improved posture and a sharper mind. In fact, there is growing evidence that dancing can assist in warding off Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia!

In a 21-year study of people aged 75 and older led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, frequent dancing was the MAIN physical activity that aided in the prevention of dementia. Surprisingly, dancing even outscored activities such as reading books and crossword puzzles. Here is a portion of they found:

• Reading- 35% reduced risk of dementia
• Biking or swimming- O%
• Doing crossword puzzles at least 4 days/week- 47%
• Playing golf- 0%
• DANCING OFTEN- 76%!

Ballroom dancing combines the physical, mental and spiritual creating the perfect recipe for a long, healthy life. So if you’re looking to stay young and live life to the fullest, just dance!

A Brief History of Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing comes from the word “ballare” meaning “to dance”? A ballroom, therefore, is known as a place to dance.

Ballroom dancing spawned from folk dances like the Minuet and the Polonaise in the late 16th century. Once shunned for being inappropriate because of the “closed hold” between dancers, ballroom dancing soon became popular among the privileged, leaving behind its folk dancing roots for the lower classes.

In the early 20th century, modern ballroom dancing evolved with the onset of jazz music. Popular dances including the Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz and Cha Cha Cha were created between 1910 and 1930. Each of these dances are still used today both socially and in ballroom dance competitions.

Modern day ballroom dancing encompasses a variety of partner dance styles. Used as an umbrella term for partner dancing in general, “ballroom” dancing includes Latin and swing.

Ballroom dancing has earned positive recognition most recently through television shows like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. Everyday onlookers can now appreciate the efforts it takes to become a great dancer through these kinds of programs. Ballroom dancing has received such recognition as a sport in fact, that it is being considered for the Olympics in the future.

couple dancing in dancefx studio

A Brief History of Country Dancing

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couple dancing in dancefx studioA Brief History of Country Dancing

Country dancing can be traced back to a popular ballroom dance, the Foxtrot, as well as the Swing. Using similar variations derived from the Foxtrot, the Two Step is also known as the “country cousin” to the Foxtrot. Country dancing as a whole includes many dances including the Country Waltz, the Texas Two Step and the Country Swing, with new country dances and offshoots being created often.

The Two Step received its Country traits and name back to the 1940’s when it reached the square dancing community. Some people say the Two Step also has roots dating back to European and Mexican dance history. In the 1800’s it was said to have appeared in Germany and Hungary and it is connected to Mexican dancing by an influence of the Mexican fandangos.

Did You Know…

Did you know that there is a form of the Country Two Step that is done almost exclusively in Arizona? “Arizona” or “Rhythm” Two Step, as it is also called, is a common variation that stays mostly stationary. Generally, other styles of Two Step dancing, like the Texas Two Step, travel around the dance floor counter-clockwise. This counter-clockwise direction is commonly referred to as the “line of dance” amongst dancers, signifying the flow of traffic, so to speak, on the dance floor.

We teach many forms of the Country Two Step at Dance FX Studios, however the Arizona Two Step is most popular here. What’s great about the AZ Two Step is that it can be done in a very small, crowded space which is perfect for social dancing! Another plus with the AZ Two Step is that you can interchange it with the Country Swing within the same song adding more variety to your dancing.

Grab a pair of your favorite cowboy boots and let’s hit the dance floor! You’ll be twisting, turning, and twirling in no time with the Country Two Step!
Country dance lessons at Dance FX Studios are by appointment 6 days/week. We are located in the East Valley of Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona on Dobson Rd. and Guadalupe, near Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert, AZ. We serve all residents of Phoenix and outside areas including Sedona, Flagstaff and Prescott, AZ.