Singles, Make New Friends Through Dance!

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why-different-imageWith more social media sites and online connections than ever, it seems we have loads of communication, but not the best kind –good old fashioned face to face, personal communication. Dating sites and websites like Twitter and Facebook are new ways of meeting people and getting to know new individuals, but we think the old way is still the best way! Social dancing is an excellent way to get yourself out in the real social world and meet new people, make new friends and chat with them in person. At Dance FX Studios, we will equip you to become a great social dancer who has the capabilities and assurance to connect with anyone on the dance floor!

Not only will you meet new people when you take your new Swing, Country Two Step or Salsa dancing skills out on the town, but you will also have the opportunity to make connections right here at Dance FX Studios. We have quite a few single students who are all in the same boat! Our events are excellent for getting to know other local singles. Dance FX Studios’ in-house dance parties create a comfortable setting that mimics being out a bar or club, but with the security of still being in the studio. Our Nights Out events get our students out to local Country bars and Latin dance clubs where they can socialize with students and bump in to other locals as well. They can become familiar with places in our area where they can go out on their own, where the face to face communication can flow!

Not only do we have events, we also have group dance classes in Salsa, Country Two Step, Jitterbug and Country Swing! Even Line dancing classes will begin in June for you to participate in! Our group classes are for couples, friends or otherwise, so each person needs to bring a partner. You may be thinking “But wait, hello, I don’t have a partner!”. Surely you can bring someone you just met, a friend, or we even have a group on our Facebook page specifically for people who are looking for a partner for the group dance classes! Not only can you meet people in your dance class, but you can also use what you learn from your dancing class and go to bars, clubs, and dance venues. Asking someone to dance, or just knowing how to and accepting an invitation, is a great way to break the ice with someone new.

 

Dance FX Studios offers Group Dance Classes, Private Dance Lessons, and hosts many events to get students out dancing as well. We offer Country, Latin, Swing, and more! For more information about any of our events or to schedule your first visit, call us today or explore our website! See you soon 🙂

 

Leave a Lasting Impression with the Perfect Wedding Dance Song

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wedding dance classes tempe azSo you’re gonna tie the knot! Congratulations! Weddings involve a lot of planning – from dresses, to cakes, to flowers, to… Well, everything else. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming without helpful hints from loved ones and professionals. Here at Dance FX Studios, we’ve spent the last 13 years helping brides and grooms in the Phoenix valley create their perfect first dance. Before you even think about your first dance, you have to think about the perfect song, right? Let’s talk about what you should be looking for in a song to make a spectacular first dance come to life.

Pick a song with meaning

If you’re going the romantic first dance route, try to pick a song that has a lot of emotional ties for you. Listen to the lyrics – do they speak to you? Do they mirror your relationship and your feelings for one another? Music is meant to tell a story, and on your big day, that story should be yours.
Look for the right speed for your dance
Think about what kind of dance you want to do! If you’re looking for a slow dance, maybe Vanilla Ice isn’t the best choice. Then again, if you’re wanting something fun and flashy, a spicy salsa or a bouncy swing is perfect! Think about what kind of first dance you want to have and try to find music that matches the mood. Don’t know what kind of dance will match your crazy song choice? No worries, that’s what we are here for.
Keep your theme in mind
 
Not all weddings have a theme, but if you are getting married in Cowboy boots, consider a country song for a fun Two-Step dance! If Great Gatsby is more your style, a big band song could make for an awesome Jitterbug. There are so many dances out there – no one says you have to do the eighth grade sway as your first dance as husband and wife.
The most important rule? Pick whatever song feels right. We have a list of the most popular wedding dance songs here for you to take a look at for ideas. If you can’t choose, bring a few options into the studio and we can help you decide. With thousands of first dances under our belts, we know what songs work and what songs don’t. We are all about making your special day even more special, so if you live in the greater Phoenix area, join us for a wedding dance consultation. We are located in Mesa, just off the 60 and the 101, and minutes away from Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert. Call us at 480.968.6177 or email us at info@dancefxstudios.com to book your wedding dance consultation today!

Arizona Brides and Grooms, Get Connected Through Dance

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wedding-dancingAre you and your fiancé the “road-less-traveled” type? Do you like to be different than most and make the things that you do special and unique? At Dance FX Studios, we specialize in creating personalized first dances for all kinds of couples-even you! No two couples are the same and each and every one of the thousands of couples we have taught has had their own vision and a unique dream for their big day. With our help, we will bring your vision of your first dance to life as a married couple.

 

No matter what you have in mind, we at Dance FX Studios can help you make it happen. We have choreographed everything from simple, elegant Foxtrots to exciting, outrageous montages of Swing and Latin dances. With all of our wedding couples, the most important thing is to make them shine on the dance floor. To be 100% comfortable on the dance floor, our instructors go above and beyond in planning first dance choreography that will match your styles and personalities. Our choreographers spend time listening to your music and taking  into account the tempo, overall wedding theme, your vision, and more, to ensure that your wedding dance represents you.

While the end goal of wedding dance lessons is the perfect first dance, you will get so much more out of the experience of learning to dance than you realize! What better way is there for couples to learn to work together in a romantic and intimate way than on the dance floor? He gets to be in charge, leading his lady around the dance floor, and she gets to be swept off of her feet by her Mr. Right. In the midst of the stress of wedding planning and the mishaps and mayhem that can occur, you can count on your dance lessons to be a relief and a chance to take a break and have fun with your fiancé. What you learn in your dance lessons is also an investment in your future. You can take the skills you acquire in your dance lessons to any dance floor in the world, be it a Salsa club in Latin America, a Country bar on the weekends here in Phoenix, or in your living room floor after your future children are in bed. 🙂 At the end of the day, brides and grooms feel more connected and in touch with each other through wedding dance lessons. It is an incredible way to ensure a lifetime of teamwork and trust while spending time together learning a fun hobby that is so romantic.

Even if you have two left feet or are not even sure if you like dancing, we can turn anyone into a great social dancer. More importantly, we can make you shine on your wedding day in a way that speaks of your unique personalities and bond as a couple. Schedule your wedding consultation today with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona and get started on the road to your perfect first dance!

 

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 info@dancefxstudios.com , 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 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!

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!

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!

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.

 

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!

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!