More Social Ballroom Dance Benefits…

/in /by

Have you read our recent blog post, “Enjoy Life and Ballroom Dance“? Well the benefits that we shared with you about how becoming a great social dancer will enhance your life were just the beginning! Yes, dancing does add romance, relieve stress and, learning to dance Salsa, Country Swing or Argentine Tango definitely builds confidence! Believe it or not, there are even more benefits to explore when it comes to how your life can change by taking up this fun and exciting new hobby, overall known as ballroom dancing.

For those laymen out there, ballroom dancing is a term that describes partner dancing in general. It is an umbrella term to used to lump the main categories of partner dancing under a main heading. Dances under this broad category can range from Cha Cha to Foxtrot and Country Two Step to Tango. As long as you have a partner, or can learn to dance with one, you will enjoy the benefits of ballroom dancing. To expand upon what we have covered in our previous blog, here are three more benefits of learning to dance-as a single person or as part of a couple.

1. Dancing assists with balance and coordination. Ever feel gawky and uncoordinated? Everyone wants to feel and look naturally graceful or elegant, but this is not necessarily something that comes easily to all. With dance lessons, you can learn to move with ease. You can also work on how to use your core to guide you in any balance issues that you may have encountered. Ballroom dancing helps you to walk taller and use those muscles that will help you to become a more poised individual.

2. Social dancing is exciting! Forget about chilling on the couch and watching those pounds creep right up on you. Get your daily workout on the dance floor, skip the gym, and get fit without even knowing it in your Salsa or Swing dance lesson! Learn new ways to express yourself and see how much fun it is to dance.

3. Meet new friends through dance. Partner dancing is great because there are at least two of you doing it together! Find new friends through a healthy and rewarding hobby and make new contacts with people you may have never run across otherwise. What is wonderful about knowing how to social dance is that you can shine at those holiday parties and nights out on the town. Impress others by knowing a skill that everyone would love to have.

Try dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios and be that guy or gal that walks taller and has confidence wherever you go! We have an amazing Introductory Offer to get you started with the basics of learning to dance. From there, the fun is just beginning. Dance FX Studios is located in the East Valley of Phoenix in Mesa, AZ, near Tempe and Chandler, AZ.  Have as much fun as we do and learn to Salsa or Swing dance! You’ll be so glad you did!

 

Enjoy Life and Ballroom Dance!

/in /by

Have you ever thought about trying a new hobby? What about challenging yourself physically, mentally and even emotionally? Did you know that learning social ballroom dances like Swing, Country Two Step, Salsa and Argentine Tango can offer a new hobby, a challenge, romance and more? It’s completely true! Over the past 13 years, we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona have watched thousands of couples and singles transform before our eyes through the power of dance. What makes learning to become a confident social dancer life-changing? Let us explain…

1. Confidence spreads. Learning to Latin dance or Swing dance does not necessarily come easy to most adults who have never tried social partner dancing before. It’s something that you tend to watch others enjoy out socially with envy. “Wow, I wish I could look that sexy on the dance floor. If only I knew how to be a great leader on the dance floor like you. How does he do that cool stuff?” Well, once you learn to become a great social dancer through a series of private dance lessons, your confidence will soon soar. You will have a hobby that very few people can do well, but that everyone wants to know. Dancing in Country bars or Tango clubs is an empowering and rejuvenating way to spend an evening. You will have others want to be like you and that is a wonderful confidence-builder! Before long, we have seen the shy and “meek” change into strong and self-assured individuals, all after learning to be a great social dancer.

2. Dancing adds romance. If your relationship needs re-kindling, there’s nothing more exciting than a ballroom dance lesson to help you to re-connect. With more romance in your life, you are sure tho not only live a longer, happier life, but you will have someone special to share it with. For singles who have a new found confidence through ballroom dancing, finding romantic connections is that much easier. What woman doesn’t want to be swept off of her feet and what guy wouldn’t enjoy a woman who moves with poise and certainty.

3. Dancing is relaxing. Why belly up to a bar when you can relieve stress in your dance lessons. Not only can you focus solely one just one thing when you are in a dance lesson, but dancing is going to raise your heart rate, putting you in a better frame of mind by the time your hour-long lesson is through.

Enjoy learning to become a comfortable and confident social dancer with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We are near Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert in the Phoenix East Valley. In each dance lesson you have here at Dance FX Studios, you will grow into a great dancer that will open up new doors and possibilities. Are you ready to enhance your life? Then try our Introductory Offer and see how dancing can benefit you!

Get Comfortable Country Dancing in Phoenix

/in /by

Country dancing here in the Phoenix East Valley is a blast! You can enjoy dancing the Country Two Step, Country Swing,  Nite Club Two Step and Country Waltz in bars and clubs across the Valley. Dance FX Studios is situated perfectly in Mesa amongst several cities in the area, including Tempe, Scottsdale, and Chandler. Whether you’re a regular at Toby Keith’s, want to get ready for Country Thunder here in Arizona, or want to be ready to dance the night away at a wedding coming up, we are the place for you! Dance FX Studios has been teaching adults of all ages to Country dance for over twelve years. While learning the steps to each dance, dance form, and how to lead and follow are all crucial, it is also important to know things like dancing attire and some social dancing guidelines to take with you when you dance outside the studio. If you wear clothes that are uncomfortable or not appropriate for boot-scootin’ the night away, it could affect your whole night. Let’s discuss what to wear when you go out Country dancing, to avoid such mishaps:

Ladies:

No matter what the season is, you are probably going to get warm when you go out dancing, especially here in Arizona. Wearing several layers or thick clothing is probably going to turn up the heat even more, so it’s best to stick to clothing that is breathable and cool.

You are going to be doing a lot of spinning, dipping and turning all over the dance floor, whether you are Two Stepping, Swing dancing, so finding something to wear that will not need to be constantly readjusted will be to your benefit.

Though it’s best to leave dips and lifts to the pros, if you’re going to wear a skirt or dress, it is a good idea to wear spandex underneath to avoid any unintentional peeks. Shorts or jeans in the winter will save you from embarrassment or worry if you prefer.

When it comes to Country dancing, less is more, so keep your jewelry simple and minimal. Long, dangly necklaces or earrings have a tendency to become a hazard to you or your partner during spins or turns. Large rings also end up scratching or getting caught on clothing, and bracelets become a nuisance when a leader is trying to do various moves with you.

Wearing comfortable shoes is an absolute must, and they must also be slip resistant. Our instructors recommend wearing leather soled boots. They are comfortable, and the leather soles make for easy turns. Mary Jane’s can also be an alternative because the strap will ensure that they won’t slip off and they can usually be worn longer because they are typically not a very high heel. If you want to keep your toes intact and avoid broken shoes, leave your flip flops at home! Of course, when going out Country dancing, a great pair of Cowboy boots is always a great investment.

Men:

We as women understand that men like to be comfortable and casual, especially if they are Country dancing. A clean tee shirt or a short sleeved button up shirt looks nice with a pair of jeans or slacks. Short sleeves will keep the temperature down, and if you’re worried about perspiration, you can wear an undershirt (and don’t forget deodorant!).

As far as shoes go, leather bottom boots are usually the best bet, but a pair of tennis shoes also works. Boots are best, just as we recommended for the ladies, but if you don’t own a pair, that’s OK too. Again, avoid wearing flip flops so your toes go unharmed and your shoes don’t hinder your foot movements.

If you end up wearing a hat, be sure to make adjustments in your dancing so that it doesn’t get knocked off!

All in all, with a little consideration, you won’t have to worry about your wardrobe malfunctioning on the dance floor or preventing you from having fun. Comfort is key, and with these helpful hints, your night out Country dancing will be a success!

If you want to be even more prepared for a fun night of Country dancing, check out our Introductory Offer for private Country dance lessons! For just $40, you will get a full hour of dancing and discussing tips and goals for your Country dance hobby with one of our excellent instructors. Call us today at 480.968.6177or check out what we offer on our website!

Mark Your Calendars for A Date With Us!

/in /by

Are YOU getting married in 2014? Well, then mark you calendar for a date that you won’t want to miss! Sunday, May 18th, 2014 is Dance FX Studios’ premiere of “Date Night” for Arizona brides and grooms! Join us on this special evening for dancing, fun, a wedding gown and tux fashion show and so much more. Dance FX Studios’ Date Nights are the perfect way to solidify upcoming wedding vendors, from photographers to caterers, or just to come out and enjoy an evening with your honey.

The night will include (our favorite part) a wedding dance lesson for you and your fiance provided by one of our wedding dance specialists.Whether you are getting married in a month or in a year, knowing how to do your first dance is a priority for most wedding couples. The days of getting away with doing the prom sway are out, so this is the perfect chance to get comfortable on the dance floor in order to shine on your wedding day. Our group wedding dance lesson will include key tools to make your first dance a success. These tools include fun turns, a dip and more!

Spend the rest of your date night listening to great music, meeting new friends and seeing how to put the finishing touches on the biggest day of your lives. How fun is that!?

Would you like to attend this special event at no cost? Local preferred vendors, including La Bella Bridal, Celebrity Tux and Tails and SugarLips Cakery, will be handing out free passes upon setting up a consultation with them for their amazing services.Otherwise, couples will pay just $15 to attend Dance FX Studios’ first Date Night. And, since our event is open to the public, you can invite fellow soon-to-be married couples to join you for a great time!

Dance FX Studios is located in Mesa, Arizona, on the border of Tempe and Chandler, just off of the 101 freeway. We are minutes from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Gilbert, Arizona in the Phoenix East Valley. We specialize in wedding dance lessons and private dance lessons for adults in popular social dances like Country Two Step, Swing, Salsa and Argentine Tango. Even if you can’t make our date night, it’s never too late to join in on the fun with us! Read more about our wedding dance packages and what others have to say about Dance FX Studios. We have been in business here in Phoenix for over a decade, serving Phoenix residents with quality social ballroom dance lessons. We would love the opportunity to help you and your fiance look incredible on the dance floor for your first dance so give us a call today at 480-968-6177 or check us out online.

 

Dance Lessons: The Perfect Gift for Everyone!

/in /by

Do you know someone with an upcoming birthday that is hard to shop for? Someone who has everything or is really picky? Maybe you have been married for ages and want to surprise your spouse with a gift of an activity you can do together. If you have a partner you have been dating for a bit and want to give them something that will show you really care, the gift of dance lessons at Dance FX Studios will do just that! Dance lessons are also a wonderful gift for a couple getting married soon or as a wedding gift for them to share after the big day. Social ballroom dance lessons are a gift that keeps on giving, because anyone who learns can take these skills with them everywhere they go for the rest of their life. Located in Mesa, Arizona, if you live in or near Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Phoenix, our studio is close to you! Dance lessons are a great gift for anyone, any time of the year.

Having been around for 12 years, Dance FX Studios knows just how to teach you and/or your partner, spouse, or friend how to dance, whether they have two left feet or not! Our unique style of teaching will keep you engaged and smiling while learning many dances, from the exciting Merengue to the romantic Tango. Our $40 Introductory Offer on a gift card is a great way to give someone a taste of dancing. Even better, it comes with a box , bow, and a bag! It is also the perfect gift for your partner or spouse. You can come in and see our studio, meet our instructors, learn some basics of dancing and sample a few styles. You are sure to get hooked when you see how fun and rewarding learning to dance really is!

Dancing is so beneficial and can be much more than just a pastime. Anyone you give the gift of dance to will benefit from its numerous perks. One such perk is how dance is a great form of exercise. One lesson at Dance FX can burn anywhere from 250 to 560 calories! It keeps you on your toes and challenges you to think quickly and learn new body movements, enhancing connections in your brain. It fights depression and anxiety, and you can become a more social person when you equip yourself with dancing skills! The self-confidence of anyone you gift lessons to will definitely be boosted and they will be on the road to a healthier, happier self. AND they will have the skills you helped them obtain for the rest of their lives and will be able to dance in any social setting!

Help us help you with that difficult person to shop for! With our Gift Cards specials and awesome Intro Offer, the perfect gift for anyone can be yours. Whoever the recipient may be, they will gain new skills and reap the benefits of dance while having FUN with us at Dance FX Studios!

Cumbia: An Expressive Latin Dance

/in /by

The Cumbia, a dance much like Salsa, is a source of great pride for individuals of Colombian heritage. This type of dance is very expressive of the way of life and culture of Colombia, adhering the cultures of African, European, and indigenous Colombian peoples. Dance is all about self-expression and is a source of pride and art for cultures all over the world. At Dance FX Studios, we take interest in how much dances and their rich histories really mean. In today’s hectic world, we can take dance and turn it into something personal and expressive for ourselves. Our studio has been showing students the beauty of numerous dance types for over a decade! Latin dances are especially wonderful for self-expression and releasing your creative, wilder side. The sexy Salsa, exciting Bachata, and playful Cumbia are all wonderful sources to consider. Since learning about and respecting the story of every type of dance is important, let’s discover more about the Cumbia, one of many exciting Latin dances that we offer!

Traditional Cumbia music is influenced by three interesting cultures, allowing for each culture to shine through in special way. The rhythm of the drums of Cumbia music comes from the influence of African cultures.  Wind instruments, especially flutes, chime in, reflecting Indigenous influence. Melodies, costumes, and choreography are thanks to European influence. The word Cumbia derives from the African word “cumbe”, which means dance, and the origin of Cumbia music comes from the days of slavery in the 1600s. Slaves from West Africa brought dance traditions with them to Latin America, one of which was of men vying for female attention by dancing in front of women. It is believed that this style has influenced the birth of Cumbia. Where exactly Cumbia was created has been debated, as the birth places of most dances usually are. One thing for certain is that Cumbia arose from a cultural mix of African and Indigenous roots. One suggestion is that Cumbia was born in indigenous country somewhere around the region Pocabuy Banco or Magdalena. Others argue that Cumbia must have been born in Cienaga (Magdalena) or Soledad (Atlántico). The only sure thing is that it was near the settlements of African descendants, brought as slaves to Colombia. The popularity of Cumbia music rose in the 1950s and 60s, and today in Mexico, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, young artists and dancers are embracing the style of music and dance again. Some are striving to preserve its traditional sound and steps, whereas others are putting their own spin on old traditions, incorporating non-traditional instruments and bringing the influences of other cultures to it.

Dance has proven to be a powerful source of creativity and self-expression all over the world! You can join the fun with lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We are located just off of Price Freeway on the Southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe.  Our Introductory Offer is a great way to see what types of dances, like the fun Latin dances or maybe some Country styles, will get you moving. You will have an entire hour with your instructor to discuss this and get out on the dance floor to start learning and having FUN! Give us a call at 480.968.6177 or stop by today to get started today.

3 Dance Tips for Ladies When Dancing With Someone New

/in /by

Yessss! That hot guy that has been eyeballing you from the bar has finally asked you to dance! Now is your chance to show him all of those cool moves that you learned in your Salsa dance class, right? Wrong! Let’s explore a few tips from us pros on what it means to be a lady on the dance floor. Whether your doing the Country Two Step or the Latin Bachata, the rules are the same. So ladies, heed our warnings on what not to do once you have been asked to dance for the first time with a man that you don’t know.

1. Don’t Lead Yourself: Talk about making him feel inadequate! While this may not be your “intention”, he will feel like he wants to run for the hills if you pull his man card by leading yourself into all of the cool moves that he should “know”. Remember ladies, on the dance floor, he is in charge. Let him do his thing and figure out what feels right for him. Hey, he got on the dance floor to impress you, so help to build his confidence by making him the leader on the dance floor.

2. Don’t show off-Match His Style: So you know he’s cute and you think that if you shake just a little more in that Salsa dance, he’ll want to dance with you again. This may work for a minute, but remember, you are rolling the dice on this one. Intimidating your partner may again make him feel inadequate and “not good enough” to keep dancing with you. Try to match his style and tone things down until he is ready to take it to the next level. This way, he directs you on the dance floor and not the other way around. We get to be in charge off the dance floor, so throw him a bone and relax girls.

3. Don’t Teach Him His Part: NEVER, EVER teach a guy that you have just barely met how to dance on the floor-in front of everyone. If you really want to be strategic, make him look good by smiling and going with the flow. Teaching a guy that has just built up the courage to ask you to dance is deflating. I know that is not your objective, so why turn your dance into a dance lesson?

It’s tricky to be a lady when it comes to ballroom dancing, including Swing, Latin and Country dancing. We usually have to wait to be asked for a dance, wait for a good leader to approach us, and hope that once we get out on the dance floor that he knows what he’s doing. That’s a lot of pressure for him too, though. Go easy, develop a relationship and over time, maybe suggest a few private dance lessons for that cute beginner dancer. Keep these tips from us to you in mind and send him over to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, located just minutes from Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ. We will build his confidence in no time so that you can enjoy dancing with him rather than directing him. Better yet, give him a gift card for an introductory dance lesson at Dance FX Studios and join him so that you too can pick up a few pointers on how to develop a partnership with your new man. Dancing will bring you closer, guaranteed, as long as you relax and enjoy the journey.

What to Bring to Your Wedding Consultation

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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!