Arizona Argentine Tango lessons

Steamy Summer Fun!

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Arizona Argentine Tango lessonsAre you ready to journey into the most beautiful, intimate and romantic dance around? Argentine Tango is THE dance to know and we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona would love to help you discover its beauty and grace. Yes, exploring the Argentine Tango is a commitment and yes it takes patience and lots of dance lessons, but the payoff is HUGE! Don’t let the allure of Argentine Tango steer you away from learning the sexiest social dance there is.

The Tango is the most famous of all Argentinian dances. Although it originated in Buenos Aires, the Argentine Tango is known throughout the world. What attracts many people to Tango is the surface, the visible part of the dance. For example: the close embrace of the dance, the encounter between a man and a woman, the pleasure of moving together in a furious exchange of steps, and the passion.

It may appear daunting to attempt, however when the dance is stripped down to its most basic form, the Argentine Tango is actually based on walking steps. So guess what? That means if you can walk, you can dance the Tango! This makes the Argentine Tango a dance that anyone can learn! Here are a few good reasons to commit to learning this beautiful dance:

Tango increases your social environment. Tango music is arranged in sets of four, with non-tango snippets in between to encourage people to change partners after each set. So in the course of an evening you have an opportunity to dance with many individuals and broaden your interpersonal contacts. In the best Argentine Tango environments, the musicians or DJ understands that they are the center of  the social context, therefore the volume is adjusted during the snippets, encouraging person to person interactions even when you are off the dance floor.

The dance is so darn sexy! There are many stylistic variations of Argentine Tango. They range from the faintest of close embraces to the high drama of showy ballroom Tango. The sensuality of the dance can be expressed as barely noticeable, expressed as playfulness or seemingly erotic intimacy. Most Latin dances may appear steamy… and this one is the steamiest! Typically in Latin styles of dance the hips move side to side and front to back, however in Argentine tango the hips swivel! The elegance of the movement adds grace and dignity to a dance that appears to have one foot in the bedroom.

Dancing the Argentine Tango does not feel like exercise – but it is! This dance is perfect for burning lots of calories because you are gliding rather than stomping and you can do it for hours without over taxing your body or feeling like it’s an intense workout. Take a look at the legs of women who dance the Argentine Tango … they have the best defined calves on the planet! With your new and improved physical appearance, you can embrace the showy clothing that Tango calls for too.

Tango brings opportunities for expression in appearance as well as self-expression. Even if a man chooses to keep it toned down, it is a treat to be in the midst of such enjoyable scenery. Why not spend the evening sitting with a glass of wine, dancing with beautiful women and appreciating the beauty that surrounds you?

Tango dancing reduces stress and increases confidence. To perform the Argentine Tango, you must be simultaneously relaxed while being instantly responsive to your partner and the music. The posture and balance required to execute the travel and turns imparts a hypnotic fluidity to the dance also known as the “Tango-trance”. This Zen-like feeling produces all the stress relieving benefits of meditation.  Tango is a series of simple steps: front, back, side, coupled with turns that are all choreographed impromptu by the lead out on the ballroom floor. Learning to have this ability, knowing how to lead another person well, builds confidence. For followers, it’s the reason to keep donning the outfits and strapping on the sexy shoes. For the women, there is no better feeling than knowing she will look amazing on the dance floor because she is in the care of a great leader.

It all sounds too good to be true, but the truth is that Tango is a dance that begins a love affair that will last a life time. Dance FX Studios is the perfect dance studio in the Phoenix valley to begin this journey with because Tango is our signature dance. The owners of the studio have been performing and teaching the Argentine Tango for over 15 years. There are no better hands you could be in within the Phoenix Metro area. Start your journey into Tango dancing by signing up for your first Introductory Tango lesson today.  See YOU on the dance floor!

Country dance lessons AZ

You Get What You Pay For…

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Country dance lessons in Mesa AZHave you ever heard that expression, “You get what you pay for?”? With all of the free group dance classes in the Country bars, Latin clubs and Casinos in Arizona, you would think there would be tons of great dancers here. Consider different social ballroom dances like Country Two Step, Salsa, Swing and Argentine Tango. Exploring these cool and exciting dances are really the same as learning a new language. Beyond learning the “ABC’s”, or basic dance steps, you will discover how to string your moves together into dance “sentences” and eventually “paragraphs” when you dance to an  entire song. With regards to expecting to learn to dance in a free group class in a bar or casino, imagine how challenging it would be to get into detail on how to be an amazing leader or follower in such a setting. Even if the instructor is top-notch, learning to dance inside a group class of 20 to 30 other people is very difficult.

The fact is, when you look around at most social dancers at places like Moonshine in Tempe, AZ or Bourbon Jacks in Chandler, Arizona, the truth is that most of the couples that you are admiring hasn’t a clue what they’re doing. You might be thinking “they’re having so much fun! Isn’t that all that matters”? Actually no, that is not all that matters. Fun does matter, but what matters most when dancing at bars or nightclubs or even at your best friend’s wedding, is that those around you are safe and comfortable and that you can actually apply what you know to a real world situation. Beyond that, true fun means knowing more than 3 cool moves repeated over and over no matter what song or music type!

These are just three questions that you should ask yourself to help decide if private dance lessons are a better investment than group lessons. 1.) Do you want to avoid embarrassment? 2.) Do you want to know how to dance of just fake it? 3.) How confident do you feel about your dance ability now that you have taken a year of free group lessons?

Here’s the scoop on why dance lessons one-on-one with an instructor are the better investment in yourself and your social life:

Attention to detail!

In group Swing or Salsa dance classes, are you told if you have a proper dance frame? Did your instructor check your footwork and was it secondary to the connection you and your partner had in your upper bodies? Are you leading, or is your girlfriend back-leading? Do you have any idea if you are being taught how to lead or follow? Now the lesson is over and you think you just learned several cool moves, but the reality is that you can simply do a bunch of sloppily executed moves with no structure or foundation. How unfortunate! What’s more, was that lesson really free if you paid that bar tab and took a cab ride home?

Conversely, after just a few private dance lessons, you should know how to lead or follow during all the dance moves you are learning, not to mention dancing in the correct dance frame and so on! Simply by understanding your roles and responsibilities on the dance floor as a leader or follower, you will have advanced further than any typical group lesson. Learning these first few tools your confidence will build as you go. You are sure to have more confidence and you will take that with you to any social dance floor.

Private dance lesson are customized for how you learn best! 

A disadvantage of group dance classes is that you are learning with the masses. You may pick up the material and you may not. You may learn fast or slower than other people. You may respond to challenges or nurturing. Maybe learning to dance seems difficult only because you are not being taught in a way that makes sense to you. For example, some students learn best when seeing a move over and over again, while other people learn best when an instructor explains it verbally or shows how something is done with examples that are relatable to them. In a group setting, it’s just not possible to personalize a learning experience. This tends to be quite de-motivating and be a reason why you and your partner give up a hobby that would truly enhance your lives.

Private dance lessons teach using customized instruction from a knowledgeable instructor. If you are having difficulty with traditional instruction, you will be taught in a different way that makes sense for you. Our instructors at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona are particularly focused on you and works directly with only you and your partner. Maybe the dance instructor is your dance partner? That is the very fastest way to learn. Teaching you to dance well is a dance instructor’s full-time job. It is a dance school’s job to make sure you are happy and getting your monies worth, and guess what… For all of those reasons and more, you certainly will!

Group classes are pattern-based great social partner dancing means adhering to specific rhythms. Being a great social dancer is not just learning five or six cool moves. It is also not memorizing routines that watch on YouTube. Rather than memorizing patterns and using them for all the music that comes on in the night club, through quality dance lessons you will learn spontaneity and how to use dancing to navigate around other couples or within a crowd. More importantly, dancing well means having “musicality”, which is the awareness of music and rhythm in dance. Learning music identification and knowing which dance goes with what song is the signal to every partner you dance with, or everyone watching you perform, that you know exactly what you are doing.

If you don’t know how to identify different dances or have the ability to identify music, that’s OK, it just means that you haven’t taken private dance lessons yet! The good news is, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of knowing how to dance.  The key is getting what you pay for: quality instruction and a well-versed education. Having confidence that you know what you are doing, are able to improvise and have all the tools you need to be a great social dancer will keep you on the dance floor all night long!

Obviously you are worth the investment! There is no substitute for taking private dance lessons. Why fake and fumble it around on that dance floor when you can float with ease and comfort doing any social dance, from Salsa dancing to the Country Two Step. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, Dance FX Studios is ready to have some fun with you while we teach you the dances of your choice.  Our studio is in Mesa, AZ right off the 101 highway. We accommodate residents valley-wide and beyond. Schedule a lesson using our New Student Offer, only $25, and your days of enjoying social dancing are just around the corner!

Arizona swing dancing

Summer Dance Lessons: Hot! Hot! Hot!

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Arizona swing dancingSummer is FUN time and knowing how to dance is a MUST! There are plenty of exciting dances to explore that will get you grooving’ at that next holiday party or wedding and there’s no better time than now to discover some cool go-to dances, like the Country Swing and Latin Salsa to keep every night of your social life covered! Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona is just the place to help you discover the top three picks to get you through your busy summer weddings, social events and beyond.

The fastest way to become a confident dancer is by taking private dance lessons, so why not start by trying out three or four social dances in your introductory dance lesson at our studio for adults and see how exciting it will be to really know how to dance! Here are a few of our top picks…

Everyone needs to know how to slow dance! While the 7th grade prom sway may seem like enough, there actually are slow dances that make romantic songs so much more thrilling to dance to. The best choice for whenever you find yourself dancing to just about any type of music is the Nite Club 2 Step. With our style of Nite Club 2 Step dancing, all of your favorite slow jams can be covered with elegance and style. No more rocking back and forth going in circles! Romance will heat up as you move with ease together, and learn some fancy turns and rotations in the process!

Many people feel life is best with Foxtrot! Adrianne Haslet-Davis, a professional ballroom dancer, thought she was dead after the second bomb went off at the Boston marathon bombing. Turned out she was alive, but she did lose part of her leg. This was especially tough for a dancer, however she never lost determination to perform her favorite dance again: the Foxtrot. She did just that in 2015! Foxtrot movements are as simple as walking to a rhythm, making this dance fun to learn and quite useful socially. This dance is perfectly utilized when cool and smooth music by Michael Buble or members of the Rat Pack, like Frank Sinatra, are swooning ears in the room. Martini bar, retro lounge or cocktail parlor, this dance has you covered! The Foxtrot is a mid-tempo, playful dance that gives you the feeling of strolling through the park with the person you love.  The Foxtrot is an easy starter dance that blossoms into an elegant and beautiful performance as you become more proficient at it.

Swing dancing is THE dance which covers just about all of your social dance needs. Guess what? There are more than twenty styles of Swing dancing! Yippie! Swing may be danced slowly or very fast depending on the particular style that you choose to learn. For example, you can Swing dance to Rock and Roll, Reggae, Big Band, and even certain kinds of Hip Hop music. So, when you’re at your private dance lesson to begin exploring Swing dancing, be sure to let your instructor know what type of music will be played at the event you are attending, and he/she can match the type of Swing dance that you will need to that genre of music.

In addition to being versatile, Swing dancing is awesome for crowded dance situations like weddings and parties because it doesn’t travel. Swing is a “spot dance”, meaning that it generally stays in one area, without requiring space to travel. Fun, useful and cool to know…that’s Swing dancing!

Now that you know what you’ve been missing, so much fun awaits you when you discovering social dancing. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona ,come visit us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley! We’d love to introduce you to all cool styles of dance from Latin to Swing to Country dancing. Contact us today for more details on how to begin with private dance lessons at 480-968-6177.

 

Salsa dancing in AZ

Beat The Summer Blues and Dance!

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Salsa dancing in ArizonaPhoenix, AZ guys and gals…How excited are you that 115 degree weather is fast approaching? If you’re anything like me, you’re less than thrilled that you are going to be spending the majority of the next five months indoors. While swimming and heading up north to hike are always options here in Phoenix during the way-too-long summer months, I want to do something locally that keeps me moving and having fun to avoid my summertimes blues (which are usually gained from 100+ days inside wishing that I could simply take a leisurely stroll with my dog from my home to the mailbox without becoming drenched in sweat). My solution in the summertime to avoid that sad state of extreme, unavoidable heat? Why dancing, of course!

With cool Country Two Step dance moves and sassy Salsa steps to bust out on my next Latin dance adventure in Scottsdale, my summer suddenly looks a ton brighter! Aside from finding a creative way to exercise this summer, social dancing offers so much more! Here are my top three favorite benefits to knowing how to social dance any time of the year:

1. Social dancing is a big-time stress reliever! There’s no better way to free your mind of life’s challenges than by putting on your favorite jam and letting loose on a dance floor! In fact, forget the dance floor and get down in your kitchen, living room or even in front of your bathroom mirror. Why not!? Just knowing that dancing is healing on so many levels makes it worth it to bust a move, even if the kids and spouse are watching. 🙂

Better yet, escape to a Swing dance lesson or give the Tango a try at your local dance studio and see how satisfying it is to invest in yourself with a skill that is so useful and fun!

2. Dancing is great exercise! When you can go out and make a night of it, or even after an hour in a private dance lesson, you better believe that you are using muscles that don’t usually get worked out! Social dancing is a wonderful way to get fit while having fun…and so much less monotonous than the gym.

3. Social dancing leads to new friendships. With a hobby that requires you to pair up and meet others, Country, Swing and Latin dancing is an exciting way to expand your social circle. Meeting new friends with the same interests is a really cool thing, making dancing that much more enjoyable.

Beat the heat this summer in Arizona, with social dance lessons for you or for you and a partner. Beginner dance lessons for singles or couples will give you a chance to let go, stay in shape and make those summer months fly by before you know it!

For more information on how to get started with dance lessons in Arizona, view Dance FX Studios’ website. We are located in the Phoenix East Valley, just off the 101 highway for your convenience. We hope to see YOU this summer.

Bachata dancing in AZ

Two Hot Latin Dances: Bachata and Merengue

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Bachata dancing in ArizonaHave you ever hear of two hot!hot!hot! Latin dances named the bachata and the merengue? If not, you’re going to know a lot more about each dance by the time you’re done with this blog! And, what’s even more exciting…You can learn to dance these fun and exciting Latin dance styles yourself with beginner Latin dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Let’s explore these two incredible dances…

The Dominican Republic is the aboriginal home of what most consider the most popular Latin beat in the world: the merengue. The bachata was always considered the black sheep of Dominican music in the past, but especially today, the sexy, suggestive style is back in the highlight of popularity. Both the music and the dancing of these Latin dances have made it to mainstream attention.

Let’s begin with learning about Latin music because it is always the music that inspires the dance. There are a many different genres of Dominican music. But the most popular musical genres in the Dominican Republic, the very music for which the country is known for, are merengue and bachata.

Merengue music most often associated with the area and has been part of its musical repertoire since the mid-19th century. During the 1930s, under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo the merengue became the dominant musical genre on the island. Interestingly merengue rose from music that was considered for the poor and uneducated to music that was accepted by higher classes and became the most popular music played on the radio for over 3 decades.

The other part of the Dominican musical landscape is bachata. The word ‘bachata’ has been part of Dominican culture for quite a long time though it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was officially named a musical genre. It is only within the last 10 years that bachata made its way to the ears of Latin cultures outside of Dominicans. Bachata today has quickly replaced the popularity of merengue and is the current favorite of the Dominican and in recent years has become one of the most popular Latin styles of dance everywhere.

Now that we have talked about the music, and since we are a dance studio, let’s talk about the dance! While both include lots of hip motion, merengue is casual, lighthearted, festive and social and bachata is sensual, intimate and relaxed.

Merengue began as a traditional folk dance that was brought to the U.S. by Dominican musicians in the early 1900s. Merengue’s basic steps are quite simple, in 2/4 time (1-2-1-2), which gives a marching feel. Dancers keep their knees slightly bent and feet in contact with the floor throughout. It’s a wonderful dance for beginners and a great way to practice the Cuban style hip motion. Today Merengue has been influenced by Hip Hop, R&B and other pop music, so like other dances of today, it has evolved into a new version of itself.

Many call bachata the “country music” of Latin music. Like our popular country music here in Arizona, the lyrics are often full of heartache, pain, and love, as a result, the dance may portray all of these things. Bachata basics consist of 3 steps and a tap. This “side-together-side-tap” movement is easily spiced up with hip motions or a lift of the leg at the “tap” step. Like merengue the knees are kept bent throughout to promote hip motion. Bachata can be danced in two-hand hold or open embrace but is most often danced in close embrace by romantic couples at nightclubs.

Of the two Latin dances, the one with the most popularity right now is the bachata.  Everyone and their brother wants to learn Bachata! Dance FX Studios has new singles and couples daily who take advantage of our New Student Offer and begin their dancing journey learning Latin styles of dance like the merengue and bachata. Like students of our other styles of social ballroom dances, bachata dancers are eager to show off their skills in the near future at our local Latin bars and clubs. Discover these steamy dances for yourself by giving us a call today at 480-968-6177. We hope to see YOU on the dance floor!

Ballroom Dancing Arizona

Kick Up Your Heels With Country Dance Lessons!

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Ballroom Dancing in Mesa, ArizonaThere are so many fun dance classes to choose from, it’s hard to decide which style of dance is perfect just for you. From the Country Two Step to the Salsa and Swing, each dance style offers a plethora of benefits.  Just a few of the benefits you can receive from knowing how to dance include: increased confidence, meeting new people, a long list of health benefits and weight loss. But the real question is, what dance will “do it” for you. What dance will “have you at hello” or “complete you”. We live in Arizona, and Country dancing is very popular, so why not try putting an extra kick in your step by learning  to Country dance?

Are you interested? Then put on some Kenny Chesney or Miranda Lambert and keep reading to find out what Country dances could be perfect for you…

The Country Western Waltz is the perfect partner dance that allows you to get close and cozy with your partner as you move across the dance floor together. The Country Western Waltz is mostly progressive, moving counter-clockwise around the dance floor. Both the posture and frame are relaxed, with posture bordering on a slouch. The exaggerated hand and arm gestures of some ballroom styles are not part of this style.

The music of Country Waltz songs usually has the word “waltz” in the title. Early Country Waltz music includes “Tennessee Waltz” written by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King in 1946. Patti Page recorded the song in the 1950s and it became her signature song. More recently Norah Jones recorded a version of the “Tennessee Waltz” and currently there is a lot of good music for dancing the Country Waltz which shows the Waltz is still very popular.

Put a Little Two-Step in Your Step! Another popular Country dance is the Two-Step, which has a more upbeat tempo. As with other Country Western dances, there are different versions of the Two-Step including the Texas Two-Step and Arizona Two-Step. Dance partners generally begin in closed position with the leader facing the line of dance. Traditionally the follower stands facing the leader where the leader places his right hand over his partner’s left shoulder. In the more contemporary styling the frame is formed by placing the right hand under the follower’s left arm and on her back. In either case, the leader holds the follower’s right hand in his left hand at about shoulder height.

Express your inner Cowboy as you move through this style of dance that is all about having fun and enjoying the sounds of some great and sometimes more patriotic versions of Country music. Examples of Country Two-Step songs are: “All my Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait, “A Better Man” by Clint Black, “Love’s Got a Hold on You” by Alan Jackson and “By the Dawn’s Early Light” by Marcy Brothers.

The West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots from the Lindy Hop. The rumor is this slotted dance was developed because Hollywood films love the dance and asked dancers to perform it in a way that the camera could capture the sides of their bodies. Therefore the dancers had to stay in the same plane when dancing, they also did this to avoid going in and out of focus. The distinctive elastic look that resulted, is from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection. West Coast Swing is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. On crowded dance floors a couple will “claim” an area while other couples cooperate and establish their own slot parallel nearby other dancers.

Swing music is one of the most eclectic forms of Country music. It’s free-wheeling diversity also shows up in rock and roll, an example is Kid Rocks “All Summer Long”. Based in traditional string band music, West Coast Swing is also found within traditional pop melodies, jazz improvisation, blues, and folk music. West Coast Swing may be danced to almost any music in 4/4 time. You will find recordings of Swing music by popular artists such as: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Tim McGraw, Randy Houser and Carrie Underwood’s popular song “Cowboy Casanova”.

Dance lessons help you gain confidence in all your abilities.  Even if you feel that you have to left feet, our instructors at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona will show you how easy it is to Country dance.  So kick up your heels and learn a Country dance style of your choosing and you will be sure to have great time anytime you step out on a dance floor.

wedding dance lessons AZ

Dreaming of a Fantasy Wedding?

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wedding dance lessons in Arizona A couple came in today to our social ballroom dance studio seeking help from us in planning the perfect first dance for their Star Wars wedding! How cool is that? Going with a particular theme, era, or mood makes planning any wedding easier by narrowing down the tough choices, from centerpieces to location. With guests also enjoying themed weddings, your wedding day is sure to be memorable for years to come.

Our instructors and choreographers here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona have helped with more than a few themed wedding dances in the past. Star Wars will be exciting because there will be new ideas gleamed from the soon-to-be-released film Episode VII – The Force Awakens.  Here are a few other great ideas for your wedding. Maybe one will capture your hearts or spark a creative idea for your big day!

A Country Wedding

Here in the desert, plenty of people go with Country-themed weddings! It’s an obvious choice for our natural surroundings of cacti, mountains and beautiful sunsets. If you decide to embrace Arizona’s ambiance, here are a few fun ideas for your big day:

-Ride in to your event together on horses! Or maybe the bride and bridesmaids show up inside a horse drawn carriage, while the groom and his posse of groomsmen ride up on individual horses.

-Cowboy boots are a MUST! There’s nothing cuter than a bride and groom in matching boots! Wear matching Western outfits too! Everything works and looks adorable especially when all of your guests are wearing Western too!

-Try serving Moonshine! Cowboys and Cowgirls love their homemade booze! Since moonshine can be made in just about any flavor, it’s easy to keep everyone happy. Provide a bar of choices that would be appropriate for the Old West and while providing historical fun there will still be something for everyone!

Learn to dance the Two Step or Country Swing! Perform an entire choreographed Western wedding dance with a mix of Country dance styles. Instead of doing the prom sway you learned at the 8th grade Sadie Hawkins dance, blow everyone’s mind away with awesome turns and maybe even a dip or two on the dance floor! Want more mind-blowing showmanship? Ask for how we can help you to Rock Your Reception! And, how fun would it be to incorporate your entire bridal and bring them in to learn to Swing dance or Two Step. Imagine how much fun it will be to prepare your wedding, instead of it being stressful. Plus,  your wedding party will have memories to last a lifetime.

The Roaring 20’s

Do you sometimes feel like you were born in the wrong era? The Roaring Twenties makes for a great wedding theme! Think of the style and beautiful highfalutin outfits of the film The Great Gatsby and imagine your entire wedding party entertaining with grand style!  The time of prohibition brought out plenty of scandal, but it also brought some amazing style, attitude and dance steps! If you want, with the splendor of all black and white, try these ideas on for size:

-Get a flapper-style wedding dress with pearls and long white gloves! Your fiancé could choose a style as dapper as Leonardo Dicaprio in his Gatsby tux with all kinds of non-traditional details, like three buttons, flapped pockets, side vents, and gauntlet cuffs.  Why not include a 20’s-inspired head piece for the bride and Culverton hat for him from a local costume shop or bridal shop!

-When designing invites, cakes, decorations, etc. – think Art deco, vintage, and glitter. The Roaring Twenties were all about glitz and glamour. Aren’t you excited to share all this with your guests!?

Let Dance FX Studios help you with a first dance that matches this era. Try out the fun and flirty Swing dance called the Jitterbug. Or, for more romance, try the ballroom Foxtrot. No matter what your choice, you’re sure to have your guests talking about your wedding dance for decades.

Mexico City Nights

If Arizona is known for anything aside from Country Music, it’s also known for the great Latin culture. Why not bring together delicious food and a cultural event with a bit of a twist –Mexico City style! Spice up your wedding with ideas from a place well-known for romance, passion and fantastic styles of dancing. After all Mexico City set the record for having the most people kissing simultaneously! Here are a few more ways you can spice up your wedding day:

-Hire a Salsa Band! Or Mariachi band! Or if that isn’t your taste, there are lots of other Latin musical styles to choose from including Latin fusion bands which will give your reception party a very unique flavor. Fill your reception with Salsa dancing, Bachata and the playful Merengue. Latin dancing brings any party to life!

Have a Salsa bar! Make it large, full of choices and festive! Run the gamut from mild to screaming hot, hot, hot! Red, green, mango, corn, pineapple, habanero … there are so many types to choose from! Serve it with different kinds of flavorful foods of Mexico City. Pick from local favorites such as: Tortilla (or Aztec) Soup, Chilies Rellenos and Cochinita Pibil – a tender pork loin wrapped in banana leaves then seasoned and baked. Sound yummy? Sure it does, make your dinner all Yucatan style!

Speaking of Salsa… make your first wedding dance together spirted and fiery by performing a steamy Argentine Tango! Latin dances are super-sexy and festive. Why not take advantage of your big day to draw some awesome attention by performing Latin styles of dance together at your wedding!?

There are TONS of themes you can go with for your wedding, but the most important part is your dream fantasy wedding is something you love that you and your fiancé will remember fondly all your lives. This is your special day for the two of you.  We will help make your dream wedding ideas come true on the dance floor so give us a call at 480-968-6177 to set up your Wedding dance Consultation today! We are located on the corner of Dobson and Guadalupe in Mesa Arizona, near Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe, AZ. We’ve helped thousands of couples start their lives together on the right foot with private Wedding Dance Lessons. Now it’s your turn to get in on the fun!

social dancing AZ

We Bet You Did Not Know This About Dancing…

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social dancing in ArizonaThere are so many fun facts about dancing, we almost don’t know where to begin! From the Country Two Step to Salsa to Swing dancing, discover some surprising details about dance below. Once you do, you may be that much more intrigued to begin learning to social dance yourself. That’s where we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona come into play! Join us for the fun of social dancing and the numerous benefits too! Yes, from stress relief to weight loss, exciting dances like the Argentine Tango can enrich your life in so many ways. Until then, enjoy these cool tidbits about dancing…

The first archeological proof of dance comes from nine-thousand year old cave paintings in India.

One of the earliest uses of dancing was for use religious ceremonies. Dance routines were used for storytelling as much of the culture’s history was passed to younger generations through oral tradition. Adding dancing made it much easier to remember.

Egyptians are an example of a culture who used this kind of visuals in their rituals, using dance both for entertainment and religious purposes.

Dancing was also an important part of many Greek and Roman religious ceremonies. Ancient Greeks and Romans annually celebrated their God’s Dionysus (Greek) and Bacchus (Roman) with several day’s long festivities. Since both oversaw aspects of fertility and agriculture, ie: plants that created wine, the celebrations were filled with alcohol, song and lots of wild dancing.

Much of Europe is filled with folk music and dancing that has been passed down from generation to generation.  It is commonly believed that simple folk dances were practiced amongst both poor and wealthy classes. During the Renaissance period in Europe many new dances evolved or were created.

The Waltz can be traced back to the 16th century and was performed with arm’s length between male and female dances. The shocking transition to a “voluptuous intertwining of the limbs and close compressure of the bodies” happened in England when Queen Victoria fell in love and performed the dance close up with Prince Albert.

Ragtime music is very similar to classical and has been cited as the American equivalent of Minuets by Mozart. The dance began in the red-light districts of cities like New Orleans and enjoyed its peak during Prohibition.

Jazz replaced Ragtime and Pre-WW2 brought many new waves of dance styles. During the war dance played a very important role in keeping morale up and it seemed every town and village that had a hall was filled with dancing. There were popular dances like the Lindy Hop, Balboa, St. Louis Shag, Jitterbug, Lindy, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, and Murray being used everywhere.

Even people in wheelchairs can dance! Wheelchair dancing is growing in popularity around the globe and is recognized as an official international paralympic sport.  In more than 40 countries, people of all ages and physical abilities participate in dance activities with their manual or power mobility chairs. Popular wheelchair dances include: Square Dancing, Line Dancing, Ballet, Jazz, Latin Dancing, and traditional Ballroom Dancing.

The Lion Dance was often mistakenly referred to as the Dragon Dance and is one of the most popular religious and ceremonial dance in China as well as the surrounding countries of Taiwan, Korea and Japan. This dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year or business openings to bring in good fortune and ward of evil spirits. The fundamental movements of the Chinese Lion dance can be found in Chinese martial arts.

It may surprise you to learn 11,240 people currently hold jobs as professional dancers.

Today professional dance is regarded as one of the most demanding physical abilities or sport.

In 2014,Americans spent 3 billion hours a week sitting on their backsides playing video games. Why not become a part of the statistic of the people who are moving their bodies dancing each week? Call Dance FX Studios and take advantage of our New Student Offer and be the fun that you may be seeking!