Older couple dancing Arizona

Retired? Check Out These Ways to Fill Your Free Time!

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Older couple dancing in ArizonaLots of people look forward to retirement here in Arizona as well as around the world. After a lifetime of hard work, what’s wrong with wanting some well earned down time? But what do you do with yourself when the thrill of 24 hour relaxation wears off? The majority of retirees don’t want to spend the rest of their time watching television, so what about trying something that you may not have had time for in the past? From volunteering to trying ballroom dance lessons, here are a few fun suggestions for retirees.

Volunteer

You’ve done a lot in your life, and your community appreciates it. Just because you’re off the work force doesn’t mean you can’t keep giving back. Find a charity or a cause that you really care about and use your talents to help them out. If you love our furry friends, look into volunteering at a local shelter. Puppies and kittens needs people to walk them, play with them and more. Also, consider overseas volunteering. You aren’t tied down to a particular location once you hit retirement, so you can bring your gifts to other countries if that appeals to you, and explore some fun new places at the same time.

Outdoor Activities

Most of us spend our work hours indoors. Use retirement as an opportunity to make up for lost time! Some of the most popular retirement activities here in Arizona are fishing, bicycling, golfing, and hiking. All of these activities give you at least a mild workout – well, maybe not fishing – and they get you out in the vitamin D rich sun. Let the sun’s rays lift your spirits and take in some beautiful surroundings with fun outdoor activities. Great places to go biking or hiking include Sedona and Flagstaff, AZ.

Family Time

It can be very hard to make time for family when working a 9 to 5 job. Major careers can be even more time-consuming! Use your retirement years to visit your relatives and get to know them all over again. Your children (and grandchildren) have grown and have probably changed a bit since you knew them as kids. Get the know them as they are now and share your lives with them. They’ll appreciate the time and the stories you have to tell.

Travel

As mentioned earlier, you aren’t tied down to any one place. Explore the world! Some people are lucky enough to travel earlier in life, but it’s never too late. You’ve got time to spare, so visit new cultures and experience new adventures.

Hobbies

Hobbies are a great way to fill free time-without having to leave town. Take up knitting or learn to play an instrument or, better yet, learn to ballroom dance! Hobbies generally take some time to get the hang of, so use your newfound freedom to perfect a fun, new skill. If you want a hobby that’s a little more social and interactive, dance lessons in Country, Latin or even the spicy Argentine Tango can reignite some romance, or even help you to meet new people. The best part of social partner dancing is that it has incredible mental and physical health benefits, along with being just plain fun. is tons of fun.  If you’re looking to learn to dance, and you live in the East Valley of Phoenix, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. With dances styles ranging from Swing to Country to Latin, we can help keep you active and entertained. We offer private dance lessons and  group classes  for a little variety. Make your later years count with activities and hobbies that will keep you young at heart and in your mind. You’ve put in your time in the workplace, now it’s time to do something for you!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.

First dance lesson Mesa AZ

What to Expect From Your First Dance Lesson

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First dance lesson in Mesa, ArizonaSo you’re going to try dance. Great move (literally!)! You’ve never set foot in a studio, but you really want to learn to Country Two Step. Or maybe you’ve been watching those reality tv shows and you’re suddenly inspired to learn to Argentine Tango. No matter the reason, or the dance, walking into a dance studio for private lessons can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. To ease your mind, let’s talk about what you can look forward to when you take your very first partner dance lesson (at least a lesson at Dance FX Studios!).

Lots of Friendly Faces

From the front desk receptionist to the instructors to other students, you’ll meet lots of smiling faces on your first day! If you don’t remember our names, it’s okay. We still like you anyway. 🙂 Your instructor will take you on a tour of the studio so you don’t get lost and he/she will introduce you to anyone and everyone so you can be as comfortable as possible. Even though it’s a new place, a dance studio should always be comfortable. We’re a safe, judgement-free place of learning and fun. If you don’t feel at ease at your studio, it’s not the studio for you.

Lots of Talking

One of the best parts of taking private dances lessons is the fact that it is all customizable. Everyone learns differently and processes learning to dance in their own way. So, even though you’re here to dance, plan on having a lot of conversation with your new teacher! If we don’t know you, we can’t teach you. I’m not saying we have to know the name of your childhood cat, but your life, hobbies, and work tell us a whole lot about how you handle new information and situations. We also have to talk to you to understand what exactly you’re looking for. If you need a place to relax and dance, we’ll give that to you. If you want to challenge yourself mentally and physically, we’ll give you that, too. But we can’t do ANY of that if you don’t tell us. Come with a goal in mind and we’ll get you there.

Lots of Walking

It sounds silly, but dance is just glorified walking. You’re taking walking steps and applying a shape and rhythm to those steps, which happens to make it look really cool. So when we first start out, we actually do something called a connection exercise. As a studio that is based in true lead and follow techniques, we use lots of walking to teach you how to communicate with your partner as well how to use different dance frames. Don’t be fooled -you’re learning some really crucial dance skills while walking around.

Lots of Dances

When you walk into a dance studio, you may not necessarily know what you want to learn. Just knowing you want to learn to Country dance doesn’t tell us which Country dances you want to learn, be it Two Step, Waltz or the well-known and ever-popular Country Swing. We use the intro to give you a smorgasbord of options to pick and choose from. You won’t learn anything too incredibly challenging because, let’s be real, it’s your first day of dance. You’ll learn the basics of multiple dances while getting a good idea of what each dance looks and feels like so you know exactly what you want to stick with. Even if you walk in without a clue of what dances you want to learn, your instructor can give you an idea of what fits you best based on your musical interests and other hobbies (see: lots of talking to get to know you…).

Lots of Planning

At the end of the lesson, your instructor will sit you down to help you plan your social ballroom dance journey. Is Latin dancing the best place to start, or would it be easier for you to begin with another style of dance? Your first introductory dance lesson is only the beginning, after all! During your time on the dance floor, your teacher is actually assessing your rate of learning and learning style. This doesn’t mean we are judging you in the slightest, by the way. We just need to figure out the best way to help you achieve your end goal: to dance. Listen to what your instructor has to say. No matter how well or poorly you think you did, your teacher is a trained professional. We have a much better idea of standard learning curves and where you lie on said curve. The end decision is always yours, but really listen to your teacher’s assessment so you can make an informed decision.

That’s it! Your first lesson should be full of smiles, laughter, and dance. Remember, if you aren’t comfortable, it isn’t the studio for you. Not every studio fits every student, so keep an open mind. If you live in the greater Phoenix area and want to check us out, swing by Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona or give us a call! Our mission? To create confident social dancers! We love new students and are always available to help you meet your dancing goals. Dance FX Studios is just off the 101 and the 60 highways in the Phoenix East valley, so we are easy to get to from pretty much anywhere. Come dance with us for a guaranteed great time!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.

Man teaching girl how to dance

Make Your Wedding One to Remember with A Dance Class!

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Man teaching girl how to dance in Mesa, AZThemed weddings and unique weddings have become all the rage this season. It’s practically a competition to see who can have the most one-of-a-kind wedding in the world. From an outrageous first wedding dance to a special destination wedding, couples are getting more and more creative when it comes to giving their guests a day to remember.

How can you take your wedding to the next level without breaking the bank? For a fun and interactive treat for your friends and family, offer a group dance lesson to your guests! Not only is it a totally cool and different activity that everyone can participate in, but it can make your wedding better on so many levels! Here are just a few ways:

Have a Wedding Theme? Enhance It!

Country themed weddings have been popular for years. If your dream wedding is filled with Cowboy boots and hay bales, why not kick it up a notch with a Country Two Step or Country Swing dance lesson? It’ll help your guests have a clue on the dance floor of what to do when their favorite Country tunes come on during the reception. If you’re having a Latin themed wedding, think about a Salsa or Bachata dancing lesson. Nothing will compliment a salsa bar quite like a salsa dance lesson.

Guaranteed Participation on the Dance Floor.

Every wedding has that group of people who don’t feel up to joining in on the dance floor. To be completely honest, most of those wall flowers don’t get on the floor because they don’t want to make a fool of themselves or look silly. Providing a group dance class can help ease some of those worries by teaching everyone a few basic steps to a popular dance style. It may not get everyone up on every song, but some of the people you least expect to dance might be able to build up the courage after a class.

Break the Ice!

Weddings can be difficult sometimes when relatives haven’t met yet. A lot of dance instructors use classes as an opportunity to allow people to dance with multiple partners. This lets both sides of the newly formed family mingle with ease. After the class, they’re more likely to ask the partners they learned with to dance with a little confidence under their belts, so your entire family can continue to get to know one another throughout the whole of the night.

It’s the Wedding Favor That Keeps on Giving.

Most gifts from the bride and groom to their wedding guests involve trinkets with the bridal couples’ initials and/or picture. The picture frames, candles, bookmarks, etc. tend to end up in the trash eventually. Giving your guests a dance lesson isn’t tangible, but it’s something they can (and hopefully will!) use after your wedding day. If anything, it’s definitely a wedding favor they will never forget.

If you’re looking to teach your guests how to dance, check out Swango Styles. Currently based out of Phoenix, Arizona, and spreading quickly to a city near you, Swango certifies instructors to teach at bars, studios, weddings and more! Some of the best instructors in the Phoenix valley are at your fingertips to give your guests the experience of a lifetime! P.S….for those Phoenix brides and grooms out there, wedding dance lessons are a great way to also show your guests what they can look like with a little effort and a few more dance classes. 🙂

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.

Group of Dancing Couples

The Perfect Girl’s Night Out

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Group of Dancing Couples in ArizonaHow often do you get together with your girlfriends? Once or twice a month? With the craziness of today’s world, it can be difficult to dedicate real time to your favorite people, but you should. Spending time with your best friends at least once every week or two not only helps keep you sane, but it can help break up the monotony of day-to-day life. If you’re seeking out some great new ways to bond with your girls, try some of the ideas below. From home wine tasting to a sassy Salsa dance lesson, here are some of our favorite ways to have fun with your girls.

Home Spa

You know your best friend is better at painting your nails than you are. Pick out some fresh, funky colors, and give each other relaxing manicures and pedicures. If you’re up for the challenge, you can even attempt some cool nail designs! Cuticle oil and hand lotion isn’t too hard to come by, so you can really get the full experience without making an appointment at a salon. Don’t limit yourself to just your nails, either! There are tons of home hair treatments and face masks that you’ve been dying to try. Find a few favorites and give yourselves a relaxing, beautifying experience at home. Cucumber slices optional.

Crafting

Bring out your inner craft goddess! Pinterest is full of amazing craft ideas, but sometimes you just need a little extra motivation to give it a try. Grab some mason jars, burlap, and whatever your craft calls for and go crazy! Not only will you get some good bonding time with your girls, but you’ll also end up with some pretty cool new decorations for your house. Even if your projects don’t turn our perfect, you’re guaranteed a laugh or two and some great memories.

Home Wine Tasting

Who says you have to travel far out of your way to have a wine tasting? Plan a get together where each of your friends brings a bottle of wine or two that they want to try.  To keep it interesting, put a price limit on the bottles of wine. Finding a good, cheap wine is just as exciting as finding an expensive one! From there, it’s pretty self-explanatory. Get the flights of wine going! If you’re hosting, consider making cute score cards so everyone can rank each wine. That way, even if you don’t remember each wine specifically the next day, you’ll at least know which ones you liked and which ones you didn’t.

Go to a Concert

It’s a guarantee that if your favorite group is coming to town, your group of friends has probably been planning on attending for months now. But what about the unknowns? Support local music while having an awesome time with your ladies! There are plenty of incredibly talented unknown bands throughout the country who would love your patronage. With everything ranging from country, to jazz, to ska funk, there’s a band for everyone. You may even find a new favorite group who you can actually meet after the show.

Dancing

There are plenty of places here in Arizona to go Country and Latin dancing. What about signing up for a few group Salsa or Two Step classes with just your friends to kick off the night! Try a Country dance lesson, then head off to Denim and Diamonds or San Tan Flat, two popular East Valley Country bars. How about an hour of learning to Salsa dance before hitting the Latin clubs in Scottsdale or Phoenix? Not a bad idea, right? Of course there are an abundance of night clubs to get your dance on, but to truly enjoy the night, dance lessons with your girls beforehand will really set the tone. You can skip the bumping and grinding with some of those not-so-hot guys out there and head out to some local social dance places that will help you find more of a gentleman. You know what they say about guys that can dance….In fact, partner dancing, from Swing to Tango, is getting so popular here in Arizona, that bars are even starting to offer free group dance classes if you get there early enough. This way, you can get acquainted with potential dance partners while learning a new skill.

If you’re in the Phoenix area, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ also offers group dance classes for you to check out before heading to the bars. If partner dancing isn’t your thing, check out our Line Dancing classes every Friday night at 6 pm. You can learn some of the most popular dances out there to make your night with your besties really exciting and unique.

Dance FX Studios offers semi-private dance lessons in everything ranging from Country to Latin to Swing and even Argentine Tango. Grab your friends and make your weekly dance lesson a date night with those friends that matter most.

Country Wedding

Ways to Enhance Your Country Wedding

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Country Wedding | Two-Step Lessons | DanceFx StudiosSo you’re having a Country themed wedding. You’re already planning on the Cowboy boots and a full Country Western playlist, but how can you really get into the Country party mode? Country themed weddings are incredibly popular in Arizona, so we’ve put together a list of a few fun ideas to play up your big day!

Centerpieces

Centerpieces are a great way to tap into your wedding’s theme without being too overpowering. If you’re planning on having floral arrangements on each table, try adding a little hay to each piece. This is a playful way of bringing in your Country vibe while maintaining a bit of class. Or, you can introduce your theme into cool planters. Miniature barrels, branded wood boxes, boots, mason jars, watering cans – the options are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, barbed wire makes a great addition to any centerpiece.

Decor

Aside from the centerpieces, there are plenty of places to let your Country style shine through. Old whiskey or wine barrels make the best tables for that authentic Country flair. They can either be mini-tables on their own, or you can use 2 or 3 to make the base of a homemade table. If barrels aren’t your thing, consider making use of old wooden picnic tables and benches with throw pillows. You can keep the rustic feel with the tables, while adding an element of comfort of pillows for your guests.

Favors

I doubt you want to hand out free boots to everyone who walks in, but you can still stick with your theme when it comes to your wedding party favors. Make homemade jam for all of your guests. It seems like a daunting task, but it’s pretty manageable if you do it in bulk. If you aren’t interested in making your favor, consider giving out small plants. It fits the outdoorsy theme while giving your guests a new house plant!

S’mores bar

Who doesn’t love a good s’more? Country weddings are all about the great outdoors, and nothing says outdoor life quite like a s’more. Stock up on graham crackers, marshmallows, and lots of chocolate so your guests can make these sweet treats at your receptions! You can either have a huge bon fire for people to gather around, or build your own fire bar. Just fill a case with glass or stone pebbles, then place cans of sterno in a line in the pebbles. That way you can enjoy these delicious treats inside or outside!

First Dance

A first wedding dance can be pretty scary, especially if you don’t want to look silly by just doing the 8th-grade sway. Make your first dance something upbeat by learning to Country Two-Step or Country Swing. Then, your first dance can be a part of your wedding to look forward to, not dread. You’ll look good, feel good, and have an awesome new dance to take with you the rest of your life. If you’re in the Phoenix area, check out Dance FX Studios in the East Valley when you decide it’s time to learn. As the only non-competition studio in Arizona, we focus solely on teaching you dances that ou can actually use in the real world. We’ve also choreographed thousands of wedding dances, so we definitely know what we’re doing. Whether you want to Two-Step, Swing, or go for a slow Nite Club, we will help you to shine at your Country themed wedding!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.