Country Western dance class Tempe Arizona

What to Look for in a Leader

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Country Western dance class near Tempe ArizonaLeaders on the dance floor (that’s you men), let’s talk about what it takes for her to want to line up for more dances with you. Of course you’re not learning to dance just to memorize steps and turns, right? You’re most likely learning to dance to have a fun experience with someone else.

As a woman, when I go out Latin or Country dancing, I scope out the room to see who I would be willing to dance with, and who I may need to politely reject. What do I look for in a leader?  Here you go…!

  1. I keep my eyes open for a guy that is mindful of his dance partner. Ballroom dancing, especially on a social level at parties, weddings or in nightclubs, is not just about flinging her around. That is no way to knock her socks off! If you want to grab her attention, protect her. Make sure that you are keeping her in an area that is not being used by others. If you are trying a traveling dance, like the Country Two Step, bring her into spaces that have been cleared out first. Swinging her into an oncoming couple is a sure-fire recipe for disaster!  Private Ballroom dance lessons for social dancing is a great way to learn specific tools on how to keep your lady safe.
  2. Gain and understanding of how to hear the beat in the music. Dancing to the music is quite important. It may not matter to you if you’re only thinking of yourself, or just focusing on your steps, but if you really want to provide that great time for her, it is key that you know how to get “on time” and stay on time. This is the main reason why people love to dance in the first place, because they can groove to their favorite tunes. Again, Private Latin, Swing or Country Dance Lessons will help you if you aren’t sure what to look for in the music. No one is born knowing how to dance, so lessons will make all the difference when you want to be a confident social Ballroom dancer.
  3. Know her level of dance. Now that you understand why it’s never a good idea to toss her around like a rag doll, even in Country dancing!, it is also imperative to assess what is too much for her. In an attempt to show her off, you may be taking her outside of her comfort zone, which will ultimately make her look and feel worse. A great tip…start with the basics within the dance, be it Swing dancing or Salsa, and build from there. If she is not following the easy moves, what would be the benefit of trying something tricky that will set her up to fail? Less is more, that’s my motto.

Ballroom dancing, whether on a competitive level or a social level, is a wonderful skill to have. When applied with care, it can be the best hobby ever for couples who want to connect, and singles who want to meet new friends, express themselves and even get healthy! With dance classes under your belt, you as a beginner dancer will gain the self-assurance needed to go out on to any dance floor with style. Doesn’t that sound like fun? It is! Give our Introductory Ballroom dance lesson for beginners a shot to see how dancing can be a fun new way to spend your evenings!

wedding dance lessons Arizona

Wedding Dance Tips

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wedding dance lessons near Gilbert, ArizonaArizona brides and grooms…Congrats! You’re engaged! Now it’s time for the wedding planning to begin. One aspect of the planning process that sometimes gets left for last is learning your first dance. While it may not seem to be a key aspect of your wedding, it can be the highlight of your big day for your friends and family.

Most couples who visit our East Valley dance studio have never danced together before their first lesson with us. Learning to partner dance takes time, so it does make tons of sense to get started with Wedding Dance Lessons sooner rather than later.

Now that you know why Wedding Dance Lessons need to be bumped to the top of your list, there are a few tips that we have for you as a couple…

1. Pick out a wedding dance song that speaks to you. Whether it’s traditional or not, with professional dance lessons under your belt, you’ll know the appropriate dance that fits with your music, as well as how to stay on time with the beat (two very important things). If you’re thinking of something out-of-the-box, like a Country Western Two Step dance, or a Salsa dance, we can put together a playful and unexpected first dance that reflects who you are as a couple. It’s wonderful when your guests are talking about your dance long after you’ve been married!

2. Take time to practice your first dance. Go to your dance lessons often, once or twice a week if possible, and ask if you can take notes and even video so that you can rehearse your wedding dance routine as “homework”. Your instructor should be open to this as long as you are ready to practice without supervision. Lots of dancing the “wrong” way will not ultimately help, of course, so ask when you can begin studying without your instructor’s supervision.

3. Set up a consultation before your lessons begin. A Wedding Dance Consultation can really help to get your vision straight, not to mention save you time and money when it comes to the investment you will be making in your dance lessons. Your instructor will need to know many factors, including the dimensions of your dance floor, what you’ll be wearing, and the look you’re going for. Be as open and prepared as possible, but don’t hesitate to ask for guidance as we are the pros.

If you live in the Phoenix East Valley, come try out a Wedding Dance Consultation at our studio. We are minutes from Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe, AZ, and just off the 101 highway for your convenience. Congratulations again, and we hope we can help you to look incredible on the dance floor on your wedding day!

 

social dancing in Arizona

The Power of Social Dancing for Women

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social dancing in ArizonaWelcome to part two of my mini blog series on the incredible impact that social dancing has on both men and women. In my previous blog, I wrote on the effects that knowing how to dance can have on men. Now, let’s get to us ladies!

Women, if there’s one thing that we need, probably more than anything, it would be a way to relieve stress, right? I mean, how often do we put ourselves first by carving out that much needed “me” time? Chances are, if you’re a busy mom, a working woman, or both, a means to let go and unwind at the end of your day is usually impossible, but actually quite necessary. With social dance lessons, you can come in to your local social ballroom dance studio and be swept off of your feet. You deserve it, so why not come in and enjoy yourself!?

Some of our favorite dances that will help you to forget about that hectic work meeting include Salsa, Swing and Country Two Step. These dances are not only popular, but they are fun and easy to learn. With Private Dance Lessons, all of the focus can be on you, giving you better skills on any dance floor, and the chance to fill yourself with something joyous and healthful.

For women, dancing is also an incredible form of self-expression. It’s easy for anyone to bottle things up and not seek creative practices to let things go. When you learn to Salsa dance or Tango, though, you can let go of your inhibitions and feel free. It’s pretty awesome! Now this doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s the process that is the point. Are you moving in the direction of having a creative outlet, or are you busy running all of the time? That is the question. Stop to have a dance, kick up your heels and relax. It’s great fun!

Social ballroom dance lessons can also do wonders for your relationship. Making time to dedicate to each other and away from everything else is essential. Through the process of learning to dance, you will see how it is his role to help you to relax and let go as he takes the reins. This can be a very scary thought for many women, but one that secretly may excite you as well. Once he knows what he’s doing on the dance floor, it’s a great feeling to be led by a confident man.

Let social dancing be your outlet that gets the heart pumping and wipes your worries away. Visit us at Dance FX Studios to begin your exciting journey into social dancing. You’ll be so happy you did!

 

 

Line dancing in Arizona

Men…See How Dancing Can Make You More Successful

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Line dancing in ArizonaJoyce Brothers once said, “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success”. I couldn’t agree more! “And how does one gain that confidence that everyone wishes they had?”, you ask. I have the answer…learn to social dance! Yes, believe it or not, knowing how to dance can give you an abundance of confidence that is sure to spill into other areas of your life off the dance floor.

After 20 years as a social ballroom dance instructor myself, I am proud to say that I have watched many a guy and gal literally blossom into happier, more successful people by knowing how to dance. It has been the most fulfilling and rewarding part of my professional life. In this blog, we will explore how partner dancing can make any man more successful. Our next blog will be about the power of dance for women.

The Power of Partner Dancing For Men: What social dancing can do for a man is immeasurable. Number one, the man must be the lead on the dance floor. Without the confidence that it takes to lead, his partner will not have a great experience, and dancing will have the opposite effect of what it is meant to do. A strong leader, though, will make any woman swoon, giving him the self-assurance needed to enjoy dancing as a hobby that much more. For guys, partner dancing can, and should, be empowering, giving them the courage they need to conquer the world.

Secondly, how many of your buddies, guys, wish they too could dance? Country, Swing and Latin dancing is cool! With Private Dance Lessons, you can get the skills needed to Two Step your way into her heart, and make everyone else jealous. Trust me when I say that it’s much more fun to be on the dance floor kicking up your heels then on the sidelines.

Lastly, when you take Private Dance Lessons, you discover the impact of standing tall. Posture is everything on the dance floor, so you don’t end up in your partner’s dance space. Walking taller both on and off the dance floor exudes a sense of sureness that draws others to you. That’s a good thing! So stand tall, men, and apply your dancing tools to every area of your life. They will definitely pay off!

Discovering popular dance styles, like Country Swing, Two Step and Salsa, through Private Dance Lessons is a game-changer for men and women alike. Knowing how to social partner dance will not just make you appear more fearless, but it is therapeutic in that it helps relieve stress, meet new people, connect on a deeper level with your loved one, and have fun. Could you use a little more of any of those things. We all could! Guys, give Latin or Country dance lessons a try. You’ll be surprised on the impact dancing will have on you.

beginners Swing dance Arizona

A Survival Guide to Your Local Dance Studio

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beginners Swing dance lesson in ArizonaCongrats! You’ve decided to set up your first social dance lesson to explore cool dances like Country Two Step, Salsa and Swing. How exciting! Before long, if you stick with your dance lessons, you will have a wonderful and exciting hobby that you can use for years to come. Now that’s the definition of investing in yourself. The key now is to determine whether the Arizona dance studio that you chose is right for you. Let us suggest a few tips that will help you know what type of dance studio is right for you.

First, what is your ultimate goal on the dance floor? Will you be using your dance lessons to reconnect with spouse, gain confidence, or simply to relieve stress? If so, take some time to “interview” the studio you have made your first appointment with so you can discover if you’re on the same page. A few key questions you may want to ask should include; “What is your primary focus on my dance lessons?” If technique is more important than fun, you may not have chosen the right dance studio. Another important question to ask is, “What styles of dance do you offer?”. Maybe the studio you are in is a traditional ballroom dance studio, where you are wanting to learn more about social dances that you can use in the real world like Salsa and Country Swing. That would not be a good fit for you either. In the Phoenix metro area, there is only one strictly social partner dance studio, where ballroom dancing is not offered, and that is Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona.

Next, come in to your Introductory Dance Lesson with an open mind, but a sense of what feels right to you. Are you comfortable in the studio? Is this a place that you can see yourself wanting to come back to several times a week for the next few months? Learning to social dance takes time. Think of how long it took you to learn a new language, or play an instrument. There are steps to success on the dance floor that a quality dance studio will lay out for you, but knowing how to dance simply doesn’t come over night. The key is to grow, have fun and discover new sides of yourself along the way, making your time and financial investment worth it on your journey.

Finally, keep an eye out for studios that are not transparent. If you have questions that are met with elusive answers, take note. Now, if the studio truly does offer customized programs and you haven’t even taken your first step on to the dance floor, give them a chance to evaluate you before expecting an answer on time commitments and the like.

Learning to dance is an art, even if it’s social dancing, and everyone does make the connections that will make them successful dancers at their own pace. So be patient with yourself and know that, most likely, your dance instructor wants nothing but the best for you. Also know that now that you have started with your first dance lesson, many doors and opportunities to find love, meet new people and gain confidence are right around the corner. Go for it!

social dance lessons Arizona

Why Social Dancing Sells…

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social dance lessons in ArizonaHow do you feel when you watch a couple who can dance? Do you envy them as they are gliding across the floor, with smiles on from ear to ear? Most of us do. Social ballroom dancing evokes much emotion, from nostalgic memories of dancing atop your parents feet, to looking cool amongst your peers in those Country bars. While Dancing With The Stars may take credit for the seeming explosion of ballroom/social dancing back in the mainstream headlines, social partner dancing has actually been a part of our culture for many years now.

Most recently, you can’t watch a luxury car commercial without also seeing a couple Tango dancing in the background. “What’s up with that?”, you may be wondering. Well, we oftentimes (and accurately) relate partner dancing to elegance, grace and confidence…the same feelings we want others to have when we are seen in our new sporty Lexus, or Porsche. Interesting, isn’t it? Additionally, dancing the Tango or Salsa dancing says steamy, passionate and “not alone”. Luxury car drivers may want to give off that vibe as well. The message: Because I drive this fast car, I’m a “sweep you off of your feet” kind of guy. We’ll be dining in fancy restaurants and dancing late into the night… How many of us ladies wouldn’t get excited about that? Not too many.

Now rewind to the pop-culture movies of the 80’s and 90’s. From Sixteen Candles to When Harry Met Sally to Dirty Dancing, social dancing meant that you made it! Whether it was at Prom, or on New Year’s Eve, those final dancing scenes equated to finding love, adding romance and being happy. Nothing has changed, and dancing is hotter than ever, fortunately!

These days, Country dancing is hot, hot hot! In fact, it has taken on a life of its own! Thanks to popular Country artists like Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood, everyone (at least here in Arizona) now wants to Country Two Step and Swing dance to their favorite tunes. And why not, Country dancing is easy, flirty and tons of fun! And, with the confidence that you can gain by taking Country dance lessons, you will be even more exciting to dance with when you favorite song comes on!

Partner dancing is here to stay. Not only is this a good thing, but it’s actually a great thing! How we feel when we dance is irreplaceable. For a woman, it can mean a chance to let go and not worry about controlling a situation. It can also mean being shown off and feeling beautiful, elegant or sexy. For a man, knowing how to dance builds self-assurance. He gets to be in charge on the dance floor, which is a fun thing for guys and quite empowering.

Social partner dancing helps us to connect with each other more intimately, and adds more romance to any relationship. For singles, knowing how to dance can lead to love, or at least a partner in crime when going out Swing dancing or to a Latin dance club.

If you haven’t learned to dance yet, it’s not too late. Phoenix East Valley residents can visit us at Dance FX Studios. We will get you started with beginners dance lessons so that you too can gain all of the amazing rewards of knowing how to dance.

ballroom dancing builds confidence

How Dancing Can Improve Your Game

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ballroom dancing builds confidenceWe are in the midst of football season (Go Arizona Cardinals!) and it couldn’t be more exciting! The athletes we love and admire have been training for months just to make us proud…and to win, of course. Our favorites have been getting fit, strong and prepared for anything that comes their way on the field.

While you may know that their training includes passes, plays and runs, did you also know that part of football player’s game day preparation includes dance? Yes, popular dance moves like the Grapevine (think “side, forward, side, back”, and repeat in a straight line) stemmed from traditional ballroom dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot. The Grapevine has in fact helped many a football player stay light on his toes and ready for anything.

And what about balance and coordination? Those are two key things that every football player needs. Ballroom dance lessons are a tool that will enhance those qualities in an athlete too. Now that’s pretty cool! And, you probably haven’t considered it, but ballroom dancing for football players is also amazing for posture, core strength and improved memory, all important traits for athletes of any sport.

Social Ballroom dancing, like the Country Two Step, Swing and Salsa dancing, can help off of the field as well. First, a guy that can dance is a hot commodity! Everyone knows that we ladies love a guy that can dance well. This skill is not something that you are born with, however. It’s an earned talent that any man would love to have, but doesn’t always take the time to learn. Making the investment in Private Social Ballroom Dance Lessons, guys, will pay off exponentially. I promise.

And, once you know how to Latin dance or Country dance, your confidence will skyrocket! It may be tricky, but you must be prepared for the long line of ladies that will be waiting to be swept off of their feet by you. 🙂 Social partner dances like Swing and Two Step are cool, fun, and quite romantic, and knowing how to do them well will make you a cut above the rest.

Whether you’re on the field or not, men that can dance are winners! Gain self-assurance, poise, and a sharpened sets of tools, then put your dance moves to work for you. What do you have to lose? Nowadays, a man that can dance is hot, so you may as well be one of them! You can become a great social dancer by taking your first step into our Arizona dance studio. Your fun awaits!

 

couple taking dance Arizona

Three Reasons Why He’ll Thank You For Dragging Him Here…

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couple taking dance lessons in ArizonaYou scheduled your first couple’s dance lesson with your man and he seems to be more interested in throwing a fit than taking a step into a “ballroom” dance studio. It only took you six months to convince him to even entertain the idea of learning to dance, and now he is reaching far and wide to find a reason to cancel the appointment. Men, you don’t know what you’re missing! Here are just three reasons (trust me, I could go on and on) as to why you will thank her for setting up a beginner’s dance lesson for the two of you….

 1. He gets to be in charge: Your guy doesn’t know it yet, but within minutes of your first Country or Swing dance lesson, he will be told that he actually gets to “be the boss” on the dance floor. Wait…Did he mishear you? Nope. Guys, you really do get to be in control out there. In fact, it’s that much more fun for us ladies when you do know what you’re doing. Sweep us off of our feet…PLEASE! 🙂 Men…how great is this news? You can choose what moves you do, and even what dance you want to try, for any particular song. It’s quite empowering when you think about it. As an instructor, I actually joke that your dance lessons may be his only time to be in charge, so he should enjoy every minute of it…and come back often!

2. Dancing is a cool skill for any guy to have: How many men out there can say with confidence that they can show any woman a great time on the dance floor? Very few. We ladies will always gravitate towards those guys who know what they’re doing, meaning they don’t toss us around like a rag doll, and they do make sure not to run us into any other couple. Additionally guys, if you’ve got style, that is very sexy to a woman. It shows us that you are willing to let loose and be free…and that is exciting!

3. Dancing is a great confidence booster!: Being that you will be one of the few guys that knows what he’s doing on the floor, not only will you have the ladies lining up to dance with you, but your friends and other male onlookers will certainly be envious. When you invest in yourself (or you and your dance partner) with Private Dance Lessons, you will look top notch and be unstoppable out there. Imagine how cool that would be if you were Salsa dancing, or Two Stepping and everyone either wanted to be you, or dance with you.

As I mentioned gentlemen, there are even more reasons why you’ll thank her for bringing you to your first dance lesson, but I’ll save those for a different blog. In the meantime, visit our Arizona dance studio and get this ball rolling! You’ll be flying high with a newfound confidence, and a skill that will last a lifetime.

 

wedding couple in Arizona

What You May Not Know About Your Wedding Day

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wedding couple in ArizonaAhhh…weddings. They’re so romantic, so exciting, so.much.work! Forget about those Pinterest centerpieces you plan to make, interviewing DJ’s and sampling your perfect cake. These days, there’s more planning than ever when it comes to those finishing touches that will make your dream day a true success.  One of those finishing touches that will ensure a wedding “home run” is the perfect first dance, created just for you. Now, dance lessons for your wedding will surely help you to shine on the dance floor, but getting ready for your wedding with private dance lessons will be valuable for you as a couple on many levels.

First, wedding planning is stressful! When you invest in each other with couple’s dance lessons, you are creating special time together to let go of those wedding worries that keep you up at night. Wouldn’t that be a great way to balance out those tough days? We think so. An outlet like social dancing is going to help your mind escape from all that you have to do in the upcoming weeks and months and re-direct the focus to what matters most, your love for each other.

And what better way to celebrate that love with a customized first dance that will forever be etched in the memories of your friends and family. From the simply stated to the completely unexpected wedding dance, our Arizona dance studio (if you happen to live here in AZ) can personalize a dance that will reflect both of your styles, with details that speak to who you are as a couple. For example, if you’re that out-of-the-box type of couple, we would love to show you a cool Country Two Step dance, or how to Swing dance. Both of these popular dance styles are crowd-pleasing, fun to watch and useful far beyond your wedding.

Speaking of that, those dance lessons you took in preparation for your wedding will keep connected for years to come. Long after you say, “I do!”, you can use social dancing as a hobby to stay active and keep the flame burning. Why resort to date nights at the movies when you can go Country dancing with friends, or each other, as a fun way to spend your time?

With that perfect first dance, you can expect your guests to be talking about your wedding day for months to come. In fact, you may even inspire them to want to look amazing on the dance floor for their first dance too! Either way, friends and family will certainly be impressed with what you have taken the time to learn in your Wedding Dance Lessons. And why shouldn’t they? You took the time to not only help yourselves get through your wedding planning stresses, but to give them a special and unique memory of you as a married couple dancing your first dance together. Now that’s thoughtful! Give us a call at 480-968-6177 and see how you can prepare for your Wedding Dance Consultation with us. Let the fun begin!

 

 

Country dancing for couples Arizona

Spice Things Up With Country Dance Lessons

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Country dancing for couples in ArizonaIs your relationship lacking? Could you use a little more romance to spice things up a bit? Have you tried Country dance lessons for couples yet? If not, hey, what are you waiting for? Couples dance lessons are an incredible way to reconnect with your loved one, and Country dancing in particular is not only trendy, but is a fun dance style to explore when trying to get back on track with each other. What about Country dance lessons is particularly wonderful for couples? Well, here are a few of my favorite reasons why every twosome, in Arizona at least, should give beginner’s Country dance lessons a try…

Country dancing is playful, sexy, flirty and fun! There are four solid reasons to take Country dance lessons as a couple right there! If you think about it, is there another hobby that you can do with your sweetie that includes all of those benefits? And, you get to hold each other while you’re having a great time too! Bonus! Now Country Two Step is the perfect Country dance for beginner’s, but you can’t forget to request the ever-popular Country Swing dance when you start taking lessons. It’s the one that everyone is using these days, but we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa want to show you how to do it right. No arms ripping out of the socket when you learn to dance from us.

Since you are open to Country dance lessons for beginners, you should also know that partner dancing is so helpful in deepening your communication with each other. You see, on the dance floor, you have to work as a team in order to both have fun. Ladies, that will mean that you cannot lead (or “help”) him on the dance floor, but being swept off of your feet, relaxing and looking flawless is not such a bad thing! 🙂 Let him Two Step you into the sunset. Trust me, he’ll be feeling like “the man” and you’ll give him that added confidence that everyone could use a bit more of from time to time.

If you like to go out here in Arizona, you will be using lots of Country Swing and Country Two Step dancing in places all across the Valley. From Buffalo Chip to San Tan Flat, you can replace those boring date nights with a fun, new healthy alternative…dance!

Once you know how to Country Western dance, your skills will take you far and wide. Think of all of the Country-themed weddings that are so hot these days. Why should the bride and groom be the only ones who know how to cut a rug out there? You too can have a hobby that will get you out of your seat and having a blast, replacing those old memories with new, fresh happy ones.

It’s your turn to get off the couch and give Country dance lessons a try. Dance FX Studios is located in the Phoenix East Valley just off the 101 highway. We are centrally located for residents from Phoenix to Scottsdale and Tempe to Queen Creek. The best part? We absolutely love to Country dance! Let us give you the tools as a couple to have a life-long hobby that you can use for years to come. Contact us for our New Student Offer for Country dance lessons to let the fun begin!