Country dancing in Arizona

All About Country Dancing in Arizona

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Country dancing in ArizonaCountry dancing-it’s HUGE here in Arizona, and has been for a few years now! From the Country Swing to the Two Step, Waltz, Line Dancing and Nite Club slow dance, Country dancing in Arizona is here to stay. And why shouldn’t it stick around for a while? We’ve got the Cowboys (and Cowgirls). We’ve got amazing Country bars and great Country bands in almost every major city of Phoenix. The only thing most Arizonans need to learn now is how to Country dance so everyone can enjoy the dance floor safely and have a blast Two Stepping into the night.

Sitting on the sidelines can one day be a thing of the past with Country dance lessons.  Most everyone who goes to Country bars wants to join in the fun, but many simply haven’t been taught well enough to get out there with confidence. Here’s what you need to know about Country dancing in Arizona.

1. You can’t learn to dance just by watching someone else. While many people are visual learners, there is a lot to knowing how to Country dance well. For instance, how to lead and follow (communicate the moves that you want her to do), how to stay within a reasonable amount of space to be mindful of others, and, the biggie, how to dance on time with the music (we’ll get to that one in a second). Partner dancing is a skill that does not revolve around memorizing steps and patterns. Guys and gals… get a few Country dance lessons under your belt, even if they are semi-private dance lessons to keep the cost down, so that you can learn great dancing tips on how to be successful in the bars. The fun tricks seem cool at the time with a few drinks in your system, but at the end of the day, they are not safe or respectful of others out socially.

2. There IS a way to stay on time with Country music. Knowing which dance to do to which rhythm is critical. Each dance has a particular count to it that, if adhered to, makes you a dancer that can move to the the music, rather than being all over the place and off beat. County Swing is a bit faster than Country Two Step, for example, so knowing when to apply each dance to the songs that are being played are an essential part of the process of learning to dance.

3. Versatility is key. Avoid being a “one-trick pony” by doing the same dance steps to the same tempo to every song. With Country dance lessons, you can learn some cool moves to use when the music quiets and different ones to use when it builds. Having an arsenal of moves in your tool belt makes you a versatile and unpredictable dancer. If you couple that with a great lead, guys, you will be very much in demand. wink.

Social Country dancing is indeed a wonderful hobby with so many benefits to offer once you know how to do it well. From health benefits to keeping a smile on your face, dancing can lift your spirits in so many ways. For East Valley Phoenix residents, come try out Dance FX Studios’ New Student Offer for Country dance lessons. We will teach you how to move around those crowded dance floors with ease while staying on time to the music and having FUN! Contact us today by calling 480-968-6177 or filling out the form below. We hope to see YOU on the dance floor soon!

 

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

salsa dance lessons Arizona

Must-Know Dances For Those Holiday Parties

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salsa dance lessons in ArizonaYes! With Halloween at the end of this week, we are officially in the 2014 holiday season. Once Thanksgiving comes and goes, all of those holiday parties for work and pleasure will be filling up your weekend evenings. Unlike the past years, meet this season with confidence and learn to social dance! Not only will social ballroom dancing get you through the holidays, but dancing is a hobby that you can use year-round. Think Valentine’s Day, her birthday, your anniversary, that first date, etc… So the question is, with limited time until the holidays hit, what dances should I learn first? Here are our recommendations:

Line Dancing! Line dancing is hot, hot, hot right now, and it has been for a decade or more. With Country dancing also being wildly popular in recent years, Line dancing is a must-have to get you through those holiday parties. The most popular Line dances that we suggest you learn include Wobble Baby, Copperhead Road and the Electric Slide. The Cupid Shuffle is also key to have for those upcoming weddings, nights at the Country bars and seasonal events. What’s so great about Line dancing? Well, it’s easy, fun, and you don’t need a partner to get out there and play! If you’re on the shy side, but you still want to bust a move, go straight to the middle of the pack so all eyes won’t be on you as you let the crowd fill in around you. Line Dancing classes can be found in local Country bars, but if you live in Phoenix, Arizona, come learn from the pros at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We will get you moving in no time!

Swing Dancing! Swing dancing is an essential dance to know any time of year. Why? Swing dance music is versatile and covers many genres from Country to Big Band, Rock and Roll and even Disco! So, if you want to get out and shake your groove thing to your favorite tunes, learn to Swing dance! We also love Swing dancing because it’s upbeat, exciting and playful. Swing dancing increases your heart rate and can keep off those holiday pounds that creep up on us while we’re snuggling on the couch watching another day of “A Christmas Story” re-runs. Keep active this holiday season with Swing dance lessons. You’ll tick off the need to lose 10 pounds come January and have a skill that you can use for a lifetime.

Salsa Dancing! Who doesn’t wish they knew how to Salsa dance?! It’s sexy, fun and provocative-great for couples who want to reignite that flame, and for singles who are ready to mingle! Learning to dance Salsa is actually quite easy too! What makes it a bit tricky is getting into character as you transform into a Latin lover. 🙂 In the meantime, get ready for your holiday parties with Salsa dance lessons. You’ll be able to dance Salsa to Hip Hop music and popular Latin beats. Salsa dancing is also great for shedding inevitable holiday weight and staying fit through the season.

Phoenix residents, join us at Dance FX Studios and discover the benefits of social dancing! We will keep you sane through the holidays with dance lessons for couples and singles. You’re going to need a way to relieve stress and take care of yourself, and dancing is the recipe for both. Enjoy our Newcomer’s Offer, discounted holiday dance packages and other dance deals and gift card promotions from now through December 2014. We will help you to stay healthy, fit and trim during the holidays as well as relaxed. Get started today! You deserve it!

 

couple salsa dancing AZ

Swing Into The Holidays With Dance Lessons!

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couple salsa dancing in ArizonaIn just two short months, your calendar will surely be filled with one holiday party after another! How are you going to even keep up with all of the functions you have, from work parties to that cousin’s wedding to neighborhood gatherings?! It’s a daunting time of the year for many of us. So what do you need to get you through these most stressful times? Why, social ballroom dance lessons, of course! Think of how cool it would be to actually know how to Salsa, Swing or Country Two Step by New Year’s Eve. Wouldn’t that open up lots more fun activities to do with friends or your special someone, rather than hanging out at a bar drinking? Social ballroom dancing offers up more just fun during these next few months.

Believe it or not, the holidays can be a depressing time for people. It could trigger memories of loved ones lost, or even a sense of loneliness. Don’t let the holiday blues take over your life this year. Gain control of what you do to keep yourself in a happy place mentally. While watching movies with a bowl of popcorn does always sound relaxing, social dancing can take you away from those inner thoughts that can weigh you down. While on the dance floor in your private dance lessons, you can get caught up enjoying your new hobby, not on times past that may get you down. Dance away those negative thoughts and give back to yourself in a way that is healthy both mentally and physically.

Speaking of staying physical during the holidays, Latin, Swing and Ballroom dance lessons will keep you moving all season long! That equals more calories burned and less worrying about gaining those unwanted holiday pounds. Now you can sneak that extra cookie without feeling guilty (who has time for guilt!?). Dancing will keep your muscles toned and your body warm and toasty during the cool winter months. How great is that! Plus, an active body in combination with a distracted mind, makes dancing perfect for an emotionally balanced YOU during the holidays.

Being emotionally prepared for the holidays is key. With relatives visiting for extended stays in your guest room and holiday gift shopping to do, things can get overwhelming. A retreat to a dance lesson could be exactly what you need to maintain your sanity! Finding creative ways to unwind during this busy season will make all the difference to your own peace of mind and for those around you. No one likes a grumpy mom at Thanksgiving dinner. Sneaking away for a fun Swing dance lesson will also help you to stay connected with your sweetie when the house is being overrun by grandma and grandpa.

For those of you who live in Phoenix, Arizona, we have you covered this holiday season at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Give our Newcomers Offer for Private Dance Lessons a try to see how we can keep you in shape mentally, physically and emotionally this winter season. You can find us in the Phoenix East Valley on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rd. Don’t wait for the holiday blues to kick in. Give us a call today and we’ll make this season a blast for you!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

romantic ballroom dance

Slow Dancing: The Key to Her Heart

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romantic ballroom dance coupleThe music quiets, the lights dim. Suddenly, it’s time to slow down on the dance floor and hold your sweetie tight. But wait! All you know how to do is the 7th grade prom sway. Now what?

Slow dancing is often overlooked as something that “we can just fake our way through”. When it comes down to it, though, dancing slowly to your favorite romantic jams can be quite fun-especially if you know what you’re doing. Think of such sexy and passionate dances as the Argentine Tango, Foxtrot, or the Bolero. Yes. There are different types of slow dances appropriate for different music or venues. Conveniently, some slow dances such as the Bolero are extremely versatile and can be danced to a variety of songs! How cool would it be to know how to dance these cool and popular social dances? Imagine how your love life will improve with more chances to be intimate on (and off) the dance floor.

Sadly, many people don’t realize the value of slow dancing. Besides the romantic factor, dancing the Tango, Waltz and other slow ballroom dances offers a multitude of benefits from improved balance and coordination, to confidence and stress relief. Both couples and singles can reap the rewards of these elegant and detailed dances, making them must-haves in your dancing tool belt. While it’s great to know upbeat dances like the Country Two Step, Swing and Salsa, diversity is the key to keeping her interested in staying on the dance floor with her man. Fast dancing is fun, but slow dancing leaves time for a cozy connection.

The first step to knowing these helpful and intriguing dances is to sign up for private dance lessons at your local ballroom dance studio. Depending on what kind of dancers you ultimately want to become (social versus competitive), try out an Introductory Dance Lesson at a studio or two in your area. Phoenix, Arizona residents can visit us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa for our New Student Offer: 2-thirty minute private social dance lessons for just $25 total. At Dance FX Studios, we will prepare you to dance at any social event or occasion with confidence and ease. So, definitely get started with those fun and exciting dances like the Swing and Salsa, but don’t forget to add at least one romantic dance to be prepared for that inevitable slow song that will ignite the flame with your special someone.

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

wedding dance lessons

First Dance Fun!

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wedding dance lessons for brides and grooms in ArizonaYou’re getting married and the best day of your life is just months away! Now’s the time to get started on a wedding dance that will have your guests smiling for years to come when they think of you. That’s right! Gone are the days where you can get by with the 7th grade prom sway as your first dance. Enter creativity, excitement and tons of FUN on the dance floor. You’ve seen the youtube videos, now it’s your chance to add your personalities to a one-of-a-kind dance. With so many ways to WOW your friends and family, let’s focus on a few of the most popular ones to stimulate your imagination and get the ball rolling.

1. Anything goes!: From the Country Two Step to the Argentine Tango and Swing dancing to the Waltz, anything and everything is acceptable as a first wedding dance! Why not surprise your guests with a saucy Salsa dance or a rip-roarin’ Country Swing? All dances are fair game these days when it comes to giving your guests a dance to remember. The point? Fun, fun and more fun! An element of surprise will not only showcase your willingness to be playful with each other, but will also make your wedding stand out amongst all of your friends.

2. Involve your bridesmaids and groomsmen: A great way to show your love for your bridal party is by bringing them in on the action. Include them in your first dance as a way to spend extra time with them aside from the wedding day. A great way to do so is to choose a song that reminds you of great times together as friends. Maybe there was a vacation that you all took together or a song from High School that stood out. The perfect song will get everyone on board and excited to put on a mini “show” for the rest of your guests. Semi-private wedding dance lessons will bring your wedding party even closer together as you create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, what better way can you think of to relax and unwind during all of the chaos of wedding planning, dress fittings, etc??

3. Go outside your comfort zone: Your wedding day may be the one and only time that you will be the center of attention amongst all of your friends and family. Have fun with this rare opportunity! Do a dance that you would never consider outside of your wedding. Even if you would prefer to stick with an elegant and simple first dance, push yourself to go beyond what everyone would expect. Include a few dips and turns that will be crowd-pleasing and great for those wedding dance snapshots.

Many brides and grooms don’t do the dance of their dreams for one simple reason. They don’t know how to dance! Suddenly, the fear of learning to dance overrides the fun of it all. That’s where we come in! If you live in the Phoenix area, we can help you get ready for your special day with wedding dance lessons. Learning to dance for any occasion should be easy and exciting, not intimidating and dull. Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ, we make dancing enjoyable! Get started with a Wedding Dance Consultation to see for yourselves that dancing on your wedding day can be a blast. Take a break from your wedding planning stresses and do something for each other that will help you to loosen up and breathe easy. We can show you playful dance styles like Salsa, Tango or Two Step as well as more traditional dances including the Foxtrot and Waltz. Before long, you too will feel confident on the dance floor for your wedding day. Give us a call at 480-968-6177 or fill out the form below to get started on your first dance today!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

wedding dance lesson Arizona

How To Get Him Excited About A Wedding Dance

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wedding dance lesson in ArizonaHe proposed. Congratulations! You have the most amazing venue picked out, your dream gown is being hemmed and the flowers have been ordered. What’s left to do? Why, the first dance, of course! You have a cool youtube-esque idea in mind…start out with the typical “prom sway” and then bust into an unexpected Country Two Step dance. It will go perfect with your rustic theme. The only glitch in your vision for the perfect wedding dance? Your fiance. You know that you need wedding dance lessons, but how are you going to convince him to sign up for wedding dance lessons? Here are a few ways to get your man excited about learning to dance for your big day:

1. Pick out a song he loves. Who doesn’t love to groove to their favorite tune-especially with their sweetie? Finding a song with meaningful lyrics will make your man want to show his love for you on the dance floor. Remind him of the special memories that the song holds for you as a couple and he’s sure to want to share that with your guests.

Maybe your guy is more on the wild side. Let him show off with a solo part in your first dance so he can be the center of attention. Maybe a spicy Argentine Tango or a saucy Salsa will get him pumped about performing in front of friends and family. Your dance will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

2. Appeal to his ego. The last thing that a man wants is to look “stupid” in front of his closest friends and family. This overwhelming fear of not being comfortable and looking smooth on the dance floor will make any man want to take a few wedding dance lessons. Plus, once he discovers that he gets to be in charge on the dance floor, he will keep coming back for more fun! In the meantime, you will learn a hobby as a couple that you can use time and again for other people’s weddings, on date nights to popular Country bars or Latin clubs, and at holiday parties. Wedding dance lessons are also wonderful for relieving those common pre-wedding stresses. When you’re dancing, it’s virtually impossible to think of anything else!

3. Sign him up for wedding dance lessons. Once your guy knows what he’s doing, he will thank you for signing him up for wedding dance lessons. To get started, shop around for a local ballroom dance studio that will choreograph something just for you. No cookie-cutter routine, but a one-of a-kind dance that will really reflect who you are as a couple. Be it simple and elegant or totally unique, you can shine with wedding dance lessons from a ballroom studio that knows what you are looking for specifically.

If you live in the Phoenix East Valley and are getting married, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona for a Wedding Dance Consultation. The professional instructors at Dance FX Studios have been choreographing wedding dances for the past 15 years for Arizona brides and grooms. We are available for a Wedding Dance Consultation 6 days/week by appointment. Give us a call at 480-968-6177 or fill out the form below to begin your exciting adventure of learning to dance for your wedding today!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturda

halloween dance party

4th Annual Halloween “Boo Bash”

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halloween dance party in ArizonaIt’s that time of year again…Dance FX Studios’ Halloween “Boo Bash” dance party is THE place to be next Saturday night, October 18th, 2014! Grab your friends and head over to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona to get a head start on those Halloween parties just for adults. 🙂 This party is open to the public, so everyone can join in on the FUN! (Ages 18+ only) What can you expect at our Halloween dance party? Let us tell you!

A Costume Contest: Come dressed to impress this Halloween for Dance FX Studios’ Halloween costume contest at the Boo Bash. Prizes for the winner will include a 4-Week Group Dance Class for Two! Runner’s-up will also receive some cool giveaways like dance party tickets to upcoming dance events at the studio. The judges will be looking for anything from the outrageous to the unexpected, and everything in between, from the Best Dressed winner.

Student and Instructor Performances: Come watch some of our pros demonstrate social dances from the Argentine Tango to the Salsa. Dance FX Studios’ students have also been hard at work learning exciting routines in dances including the Country Two Step, Tango and Jitterbug Swing! Come watch and enjoy, they’re going to be great!

A Group Dance Class and Line Dancing: Meet new friends in a Group Dance Class during the party. You can pick up some exciting new moves and learn more about how we teach social dancing in the class. We will also show you how to do some of the most popular Line Dances in Arizona! How fun is that!?

Dance Lesson Special Offers: Just for attending our event, newcomers will receive $5 off our New Student Offer! Sign up for your New Student Offer on the night of the party to get your discount. Then, you’ll be dancing your way through the holidays with ease! It’s never too soon to get started receiving all of the AMAZING benefits of taking social dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios.

Delicious Treats!: Enjoy yummy Halloween goodies in between dances. 🙂 Refreshments will also be served.

Get your tickets now online or by stopping by Dance FX Studios’ on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rds. We are just off the 101 and 60 highways for your convenience. You can reach us by phone at 480-968-6177. Tickets for this event are just $10 in advance or $15 at the door. ASU students pay just a $5 cover charge.

Never heard of Dance FX Studios before? Well you’re in for a treat! If you want to become a confident, comfortable social dancer, we are the place for you. Take a gander at how we teach to see if social dancing is what you’re looking for.

 

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.

Happy couple learning to dance

The Rhythm in Me: Can I Dance?

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Happy couple learning to dance near PhoenixThere is a large misconception out in the world that people can’t learn to dance for one reason or another. The main arguments?

“I’m not coordinated enough!”

“I have no rhythm.”

I’d like to take a moment to address both of these misunderstandings, once and for all. At Dance FX Studios, we have a very important school of thought – if you can walk, you can dance. We aren’t the only studio to follow this line of belief, but it bears repeating. If you know how to put one foot in front the other, you have the basic element that we need to bring out your inner dancer! It sounds silly, but dancing is basically glorified walking to music… Okay, I’m exaggerating. Of course, there is a lot more to swing dancing than just walking, but there is an element of truth to my previous statement. All social partner dancing is based on walking steps. This is especially visible if you’re interested in Country-Western dancing or the Argentine Tango. Country Two Step and Tango are both traveling dances, so you can easily see that they are manipulating walking steps. Other stationary social dances may be harder to see in this way, but believe me. You’re pretty much walking in place with rhythm and a little flair.

Speaking of rhythm…

Repeat after me.

Everyone has a sense of rhythm.

Say it again.

Everyone has a sense of rhythm.

If you didn’t, you would get zero enjoyment and entertainment from music. No joke, you wouldn’t even like music a little bit. If you don’t have at least a basic internal concept of rhythm, your mind wouldn’t be able to understand music. Does this mean your sense of rhythm is incredibly honed and perfected? No. But it does mean that with musicality training (Dance FX Studios has got you covered) you can learn to identify the beat of a song as well as more specific rhythms.

With continued training, you’ll be able to differentiate between the cinco clave of Salsa dance music and the go-to percussion patterns found in every Bachata. Not many people start their dancing journey with a solid understanding of rhythm and body movement, but don’t that that keep you from trying. No one starts off dribbling a ball with skill or throwing a perfect pitch. Just like with anything else in life, it requires practice, dedication, and a skilled teacher to guide you.

If you’re located in the greater Phoenix area and need some help finding the rhythm in you, come check out Dance FX Studios. Our professional instructors are here to bring out your inner dancer with super fun, customized private social dance lessons. Our studio has been around for 13 years helping people gain knowledge and confidence in every style of partner dance. If private lessons aren’t your style, feel free to join us for group dance classes. Learn with students from all walks of life and every experience level! No matter how you want to learn, we can bring out the dancer in you. Call today!

 

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.