2015 - Page 13 of 19 - Dance Lessons in Mesa Arizona

Get Ready For an Astounding “First Dance”!

May 19, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

We at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona are experts at helping brides and grooms WOW their guests during their wedding receptions. We create beautiful, one-of-a-kind, built for the couple, rocking or twirling, “first dances” so you can Rock Your Reception. We have been the premiere dance studio in Arizona for wedding couples for almost 15 years.

Are you engaged? Then you may be headed over to our studio soon for a Wedding Dance Consultation. Before your first visit, we recommend that you do a few things before coming in. A little preparation before you walk into our dance studio and meet with our Wedding Dance Consultant will help us to help you as you are on your way to a fun adventure that you, and your guests, will remember forever!

Discuss with your fiancé your vision for your first dance. Knowing what your partner wants to look when you are both dancing at your reception, and being on the same page with the types of dance he or she feels comfortable dancing, is half the battle. Showing up at your consultation with your wedding dance consultant as a unified couple who knows what they want will speed the consultation questions along and allow the two of you to begin the exciting part of learning to dance that much faster. 🙂

Have 1 to 3 songs picked out as wedding dance options. Your wedding dance song is going to be a special one for all of your future years together so let’s not waste any time picking out the perfect music! A bit of musical guidance can go a long way for your choreographer; giving us an idea of your musical personality. Some songs work better than others, so once we know where to begin, we can get you going on the dance of your dreams. Finding that “must have” song, or a variety to pick from, saves lots of time. If needed, we may also suggest options to choose from; especially when we understand the musical direction you both are interested in.

Bring in a photo of your wedding dress or wedding attire. Don’t worry; your future husband does not need to see it! We, however, would love to know what you are wearing. This information will be very helpful for your choreographer. We want to make sure that everything goes absolutely perfect on your big day. Knowing what kind of dress you plan to wear helps us plan your routine with that bell skirt or long train in mind. Our desire is that you sparkle your very brightest on the dance floor, and this means taking your wedding attire into every dance step consideration.

Know your budget! Learning to dance or attending a dance school to gain a skill like dancing is an investment. Keep in mind that once you have this skill, you two can enjoy it together forever! You can share dancing again and again at many occasions as you move through your lives. How fun would it be to repeat your first dance at your 50^th or 60^th wedding anniversary? When you realize that you are investing in yourselves and your relationship, the value of using our studio for an amazing “first dance” goes up. Have an idea of what you are able to spend and be open to a simplified idea of what your “first dance” should look like.

If you live in Arizona, we hope you plan to schedule a Wedding Dance Consultation with us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley. Our mission is to help you to look and feel your best on that dance floor on the biggest day of your lives.

Swing, Swing, Swing Dance!

May 15, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

How much do you know about the ever-popular Swing dance? Did you know that there are more than 25 variations of Swing dancing? If not, read on for a short history of the development of a timeless and universal dance, known as the Swing.

Swing dancing emerged from the 1920’s through the 1950’s in African American communities during the evolution of Jazz music. The Charleston and Lindy Hop which came from Harlem, New York in the 1920’s are two of the key Swing dances. Due to the mixing of African cultural dances with various ballroom dances, the music of the day and Swing dancing began to grow even though most of the dance world assumed the Lindy Hop was a passing fad that would never last.

Instead, Swing dancing grew as those who did it developed even more styles like the Shag, Balboa, West Coast Swing and Jive. In the 1930’s, a Swing dance variation called the “Jitterbug” and a brand new song called the “Jitter Bug” catapulted Jitterbug and other forms of Swing dancing into the limelight!

Later, when the Lindy Hop was “refined” and standardized for easier instruction at dance schools, it got a new name, the East Coast Swing.

Around the same time on the opposite coast in California, a smoother style of Lindy Hop called “Smooth Lindy” was created by a man originally from Harlem, NY, Dean Colllins. This fluid and slower style of Swing caught on very quickly and was called the West Coast. As the dance grew in popularity, West Coast was slated the official state dance and was re-named as the “West Coast Swing”. Not so surprisingly, the West Coast Swing continues be the official state dance of California to this day.

In 2005, USA Today stated that “ballroom dancing, as a media phenomenon, sport, hobby and business, is enjoying its biggest resurgence since the 1940s”. That is surprising since it seems that a year after Swing was born, it should have been the peak of its popularity, especially because of Swing dancing’s numerous benefits! Yet, we here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona know this trend to learn to dance Swing, and many other styles of social ballroom dancing, is still going strong. Swing dancing in particular is highly popular throughout the United States and is a staple here in Arizona.

Swing dancing attracts students both young and old to our studio everyday. YOU too can learn how to dance Swing! Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona offers the most popular social Swing dances including East Coast Swing, Jitterbug and West Coast Swing. These are the dances you see everywhere in Arizona happening at Country bars, weddings and social dance events.

If you haven’t tried to Swing dance yet, book an appointment with one of our talented instructors using Dance FX Studios’ New Student Offer. What are you waiting for? It’s time for you to take dance lessons and Swing, Swing, Swing!!!

Tired of Your Gym Workout? Just Dance!

May 14, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Is your gym workout same old same old, boring, boring, boring? Are you starting to skip workout days because you can’t look at that treadmill or stair climber again? Is your same weight training routine giving you the blues? Maybe social dancing is your new answer to “working out” while having fun. There are so many benefits to Swing, Latin and Country dancing, and one big one is getting in shape without even knowing it! Country Two Step or Salsa dancing is a great way to keep fit or stay fit. You might be shaking your head right now thinking, “No way… dancing?”, but our point is before you knock it, try it out!

Taking dancing lessons burns calories and is at the “target heart rate” for fat burning! That’s right, get both body fitness perks from just one activity! Just a half an hour of Country Swing or Country Two Step, Cha-Cha or Argentine Tango dancing can burn 200 or more calories, making dance lessons your top choice for the best workout while having a blast. Of course, when you do end up dancing at your favorite Country bar or Latin club, being a great social dancer and knowing your way around a dance floor also benefits you socially!

Gain Cardio Endurance! Knowing how to dance, recognizing the appropriate dance for each type of music, means that you will also be out there for more than a few songs. Being a great leader or follower means that you will be called back again and again to the dance floor. When you are dancing for extended periods of time, especially to some of the faster or spicier dances, like Salsa, your heart rate goes up! By committing to dance regularly, your stamina and endurance will increase. This means an improved cardiovascular system for whatever activity you may find yourself doing.

Dancing improves coordination and balance. Taking dance lessons to know how to do a variety of popular social dances means learning dance steps which require new movements by your body. Learning to move well establishes a connection between the mind and body. Improving this mind-connection is important and will aide you in better performance for any type of other physical activity you do.

Elevates mood and strengthens memory! Dancing is exciting and so much fun! Like long distance running, but more entertaining, dancing raises endorphin levels! For these reasons and more, dancing is supported with clinical studies proving that dancing reduces stress. It also reduces depression! If you have a high-stressed job or stressful change in your personal life, why not try dancing twice a week? You will be surprised at how good you will feel during and after your dancing “workout”.

The thing you never get working out solo at a gym … person to person interaction! Learning different types of social ballroom dances like Bachata, Salsa, Tango, Waltz, and Country Two Step requires you to interact with a partner. Even group dance classes will require some interaction with others. When you go out to a club, getting on the dance floor means interaction with other dancers. When you are dancing with another person you are interacting on a physical level, as well as possibly making an emotional connection.

How great is that to getting all of these awesome benefits from one activity? Call Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona today and start a workout plan that is more of a long term body and life-enhancing plan! Take advantage of our New Student Offer to spend an hour being taught person to person by a talented instructor. Why go through the routine of another gym workout? Start a dance routine that changes it up to exciting, fun skill that lasts a life-time today!

The Salsa Dance Evolution!

May 12, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

In researching the history of Salsa dancing, there are a few different opinions on the origins of what most of us consider one the spiciest Latin dances. One common opinion is that it emerged out of Cuba from a “Country dance” and found its way to New York where it was termed”Salsa” and then blossomed into what it is today. Another opinion is that Salsa’s origins come out of Africa, which explains why the movement is not up and down, but a low hip swaying glide forward and backward, because the movement was performed in the sand.

The New York dance scene coined the name “Salsa”, but it did not create the dance. The name Salsa, was actually a nickname for a variety music that hit the scene from several countries of Latin influence including: Bomba, Charanga, Danzón, Són, Guguanco, Cubop, Rhumba, Són Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha Cha, Guajira, Cumbia, Plena, Festejo and Merengue. Some of the Latin dance music was mixed and became Salsa while others maintained their original sound and dance style.

When you are dancing to Salsa, you will hear several of these Latin styles mixed together, old styles mixed with modern beats. Often new instruments and additional percussion was added to Colombian, Puerto Rican or Cuban rhythms. For example, Mambo came out of Cuba and is a perfect example of a music and dance style that evolved into a something new and maybe more exciting: Salsa!

No matter what the origin, we who dance and those who seek to learn to dance are happy that Salsa dancing is around! Salsa is a sexy, steamy and emotional dance and, exactly like some popular Country dances – Salsa can also be done in a line with a large group of people. How about the music?!? Is there any other music that catches your attention so quickly and then causes your body to open up and express itself more? Personally, I don’t think so!

Nicole Dekavallas, one of the owners of Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, would agree with me. Salsa is her go to favorite social dance- especially when she is “alone and in need of releasing stress”. She also “loves Salsa in particular because it’s wild and freeing. The freedom of expression and letting go, that is what does it for me. A stress reliever, lots of hips, it’s sexy! I am a Latin Dancer…that is what I do!” Her other top Latin dance favorite that she shares with her husband Adam, is the Argentine Tango.

As you can see, Salsa was born from many different origins and emerged as one fun and worthwhile dance to learn. Since Salsa dancing is an amalgamation of so many styles of Latin dancing, it is a good way for a beginner Latin dancers to nurture their love for Latin music and dance.

There are many social dances to learn these days, from Swing dancing to the Country Two Step, Bachata and more!, Many of these dances emerged from combinations of other dances, which is what makes the evolution of dance so cool! Dance and music will always be changing, and that is a good thing in my opinion-especially when it comes to freedom of expression.

You too can be a part of this evolution by choosing to start taking social dance lessons for beginners today! See where your dancing journey takes you with Dance FX Studios’ New Student Offer and let the magic of dance fill your life with excitement.

Two Left Feet? Relax It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

May 8, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

When you decide to start your new hobby, learning to dance Salsa, Swing or Country Two Step, you may get cold feet. We have had students sign up using our $25 New Student Offer, only to call each day before what they feel is impending doom and move their first appointment back and back! Once they get here, though, they realize they had nothing to fear. In fact, they have a GREAT time and wish that they would have come in sooner.

Along your dancing journey, you may realize it takes a little time to get to looking smooth and natural on that dance floor. Just like the first time you committed to dance lessons and walked in to your local dance studio in Arizona, have no fear and keep plugging along! Remember your goal of being a versatile social dancer and that knowing how to dance is a timeless and extremely useful skill. However if ever you feel like throwing in the towel before your mission has been accomplished, here are a few tips to get you back on track:

Don’t over-think your dancing! Being stuck in your head has stopped many dancers with great potential from sticking with it. Obsessing over dance moves won’t make them sink in. In fact, constantly being in your thoughts and getting stressed out will make everything worse. The trick is to trust the music and your body. Those muscles do have memory! Relaxing and just letting your body go for it is the best course of action. You will be surprised at how much you actually retain during your private dance lessons with this attitude in mind.

Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your dance repertoire. Though Country Two Step dancing seems like a breeze, those out there who are stealing the spotlight, have put in their time training. While everyone would love to be great instantly, knowing how to dance just doesn’t happen overnight. Our tip: keep your dance lessons close together and practice as much as you can. This will speed you along both in retention and learning when it comes to owning those cool moves that will make you stand out in a crowd. If you only show up for your dance lessons one or two times per week, remind yourself that it will obviously take longer to become a competent social dancer.

Commit to your goal. This is a biggie! You have invested your time and financial resources to learning to dance. This is for you, a skill you have picked that will last you, or you and your partner, a lifetime. Decide to stay the course and see your dancing journey through to the vision you have for yourself on the dance floor. Stick with it and remind yourself that anything that is worth doing takes time and effort. Then, when you have that ball rolling, you’ll have people waiting in line to dance with you! (Trust us, this will happen.)

Have fun and reap the benefits! Social dancing has so many wonderful benefits, from weight loss to stress relief to improved balance and coordination, increased social life and even couples therapy! While you are probably creating one of the best investments that you can make in you, you are also doing this for fun! Enjoy it, dancing Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot and Argentine Tango are all exciting dances to learn! Tons of fun! The benefit is plenty rewarding and the end result … a new and improved, proficient dancer, YOU!

So if you’re committed to learn to dance, you must also be committed to put some time and energy into creating that dream. If you happen to live here with us in Phoenix, Arizona, we invite you to learn to dance from our school, Dance FX Studios, located in the Phoenix East Valley. We can help you to explore popular dances like Salsa, Country, Swing and AZ Two-Step. Our New Student Offer is the best way to get started for just $25! So get started now, relax, have fun and remember it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Learning to Dance: Cheaper Than therapy and Much More Rewarding!

May 7, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Dance has been an integral form of communication, connecting communities and individuals in every culture and civilization throughout history. Social dancing, from Latin to Swing and Country to Ballroom, brings people together in a variety of ways. We use music and dancing to reenact historic events, to express deep emotion, to celebrate and to romance those we love or hope to love. Dancing also has another use…healing.

When most people think of solving personal issues with therapy, their minds immediately wander to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis or clinical therapies. Rarely do people consider the activity of social dancing as an effective form of therapy. Interestingly, dance emerged as psychotherapeutic tool back in the 1940s. Today, research continues to support the use of dancing for a variety of mental stressors and is utilized for individuals, couples, families and groups in crisis.

If your relationship is in crises “dancing is uplifting, enjoyable, engaging, and includes the added advantage of non-verbal communication, which enables participants to express their feelings without words when normal communication channels are absent or broken down” (Strassel et al., 2011). Learning to partner dance, from the Country Two Step to Salsa dancing, focuses on developing a strong connection between two individuals. Moreover, social dance lessons teach the man to be a great leader and the female to follow. What’s great for couples is that they work out relationship issues without realizing that’s the effect, all while having a great time!

Therapy through dancing is especially useful for couples with medium to severe distress, marriages dealing with infidelity, elderly couples suffering from depression or anyone with anxiety or dementia. For dementia in particular, dancing has been documented in peer reviewed journals as being the top beneficial exercise for Alzheimer disease prevention.

Dance therapy has four valuable components: social, musical, skill learning and physical exercise. Social Dancing may also be particularly beneficial for group and family therapy because the benefits of dancing include: increased self-awareness, improved self-esteem, increased connectivity of thoughts, feelings and actions, improved verbal and non-verbal communication, greater social interaction skills, enhanced relational trust and increased ability to recognize, decipher and express feelings appropriately (Bojner-Horwitz, Theorell, and Anderberg, 2011).

Dancing is a social activity because it is done with another individual and/or a group of people. This human to human interaction is important for all psychological functioning. Adding the component of music, the body is listening, looking, moving and reacting. The results are that dancing reduces stress as well as pain, decreases anxiety and improves relaxation. How wonderful is that?! Additionally, repeat interaction among other people where a common hobby is comfortably shared, like going Country Swing dancing at a local event, strengthens inner feelings of belonging to community.

Taking dance lessons may be the therapeutic tool that is right for you. It is clear that dance movement has the ability to instill positive life changes by developing and enhancing the relationship of the body, mind and spirit. It’s also easy to see how learning spicy Latin dances, like Bachata or Merengue, helps the imagination and the emotions. Performing any social ballroom style of dancing allows for an increased ability to adapt and to respond to changes in the environment. This means even stressful work relations will improve if the work group participates in social dancing. Imagine what this will also do for morale and productivity!

Isn’t it inspiring that you can do something as fun as Country Dancing, Latin Dancing or even group dance lessons as a bridal party and get the benefits of therapy to resolve issues within couples, family or friendships!? Whether you are getting along in all of your relationships or not, social dancing is sure to enhance your life. For all of you Phoenix residents, let us impact you with social dance lessons at Dance FX Studios. Before long, you’ll see the perks of knowing how to dance for yourself.

Live The Life of Your Dreams and Dance!

May 6, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

So often here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, newcomers take that first step into our dance studio years after they have first dreamed of learning to dance. They share with us that knowing how to Swing dance, Salsa dance or even Country dance has been a hidden desire that they have put off for so long. In fact, there are some people that say that they have been wanting to learn to social dance for 25 or more years! “So what has held you back all of this time?”, we often ask. The number one reason, of course, is fear. Fear of not being “good” at dancing, or fear of looking foolish, are the main sources of anxiety. Ballroom dancing can be intimidating, mysterious even. But don’t let your fear of the unknown hold you back from exploring one of the best hobbies for you mentally, physically and spiritually. If you do, you’ll miss out on this…

1. Connecting, or Re-connecting, with your mate. Oftentimes, we work with couples who are in dire straits when it comes to their relationship. We are seeing them at the tail end, when nothing seems to be going right. Thanks to the tools that we use in social ballroom dancing, we can assist any couple in getting back on track in their love life. How so? Well, do come in and take advantage of our New Student Offer to find out for yourself. 🙂 What you should know is that dancing requires teamwork, and fosters appreciation for a deeper level of communication-non-verbally, of course. Salsa or Swing dancing, for example, will actually bring you closer together, just by clearly establishing your roles on the dance floor and by accepting and assuming those roles. This alone, believe it or not, really does help.

If you’re a couple that does not have “issues”, Tango or Two Step dance lessons are a fun way to keep the passion and romance alive! Having a romantic, go-to hobby on the weekends, like social dancing, is so much more rewarding than sitting in a movie theatre. We know that couples who dance together, stay together.

2. Relaxation. Social dancing is a wonderful way to de-stress and unwind after a busy day or week. When you are dancing, there’s no way you can think about that deal that fell through, or how much you can’t stand your supervisor. So, come invest in yourself by discovering an exciting new interest and giving yourself the gift of rejuvenation and self-care.

3. A Fun Way to Workout! Does anyone “love” to workout? I know that I don’t! But I do absolutely love to dance! When you are Latin dancing for an hour or Country Swing dancing, you better believe that you’re going to be burning calories (up to 500 per hour) without realizing that you’re getting a workout! And, you’ll also be working muscles that you didn’t even know that you had! Isn’t dancing great!?

Now that you know just a few of the many reasons why you can be living a more rewarding and passion-filled life through dance, it’s your turn to take that first step into our studio. If you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley. We are located near Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale, just off the 101 highway for your convenience. Life’s too short to not dance! So give us a call today at 480-968-6177 to let us help you start making your dreams come true.

Arizona Weddings that WOW!

May 1, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Weddings have moved beyond tradition and become a VIP event where guests are guessing at what to expect. Some weddings are so well planned the guests are provided a printed list with a rundown of all of the evening’s activities! The last thing a bride and groom want for their big day is for their festivities to seem just like all other weddings. Creative ways are now needed more than ever to make each wedding event completely fresh and unique! For example, a customized wedding dance that will knock the socks off of your friends and family. Here are some planning tips to keep in mind when planning the wedding of the season:

Being open minded to new things. This is the best thing a wedding couple should do when it comes to making their wedding day one of a kind. Brides imagine a dream wedding, but may be stuck with an old fashioned vision of what a wedding is. This can be limiting and detrimental to imaginative new ideas.

Think about your guests! The best weddings are the ones which plan a great time for their loved ones who often scrimp, save and sacrifice in order to be a part of the wedding couples big day. The couples who find collaborative ways to celebrate the start of their lives together with everyone attending often create weddings that will be remembered for a long time. Things like adding a photo booth for the guests, lawn games, Pin the Wedding Outfit on the Bride and Groom, or asking each guest to share a photo or story about the couple on a giant board are just a few good ideas to keep guests socializing and having fun when the wedding couple is busy or when they need a break from the dance floor.

Add a wow factor to your wedding to kick off the reception with a first dance that your guests will not expect. The typical prom sway, moving around in circle, is old and boring, and your guests will not sit still for the 4 minutes that it will take. Starting with a classic and romantic wedding dance is a much better way to wow everyone and capture their attention! When you have a special dance choreographed for your personalities that expresses who you are as a couple, your guests are sure to be blown away. This will even take your guests by surprise and pump them up for getting out on the dance floor themselves!

Wedding guests love knowing that the bride and groom took time to prepare activities that show you thought of them. Especially a first dance prepared for everyone to enjoy. If you are getting married, plan an event that sets your wedding apart from all others. Use your one-of-a-kind first dance to embrace each other while showing off a style and character off who you are as husband and wife. Start your lives together dancing, a skill you will utilize over and over.

Begin your preparation with wedding dance lessons at Dance FX Studios located in Mesa, Arizona. For almost 15 years we have specialized in helping brides and grooms make their first appearance on the dance floor. Let us help you create a special dance using all the social ballroom dances that capture who you are as a couple. Provide your guests with a unique moment that will be remembered and enjoyed. Book your wedding dance consultation now, and let us help you decide what style of first dance will allow the two of you two shine through.

Give Your Mom The Gift Of Dance This Mother’ Day 2015!

April 29, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

As Mother’s Day 2015 nears, have you thought about what you are going to do for that special woman in your life this year? If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your mom or wife this year, boy do we have an idea or you…dance lessons! Yes, Salsa, Swing, Two Step and even Tango lessons are the ideal gift to show her how much you care. So what is so special and unique about dance lessons for mom? Let’s explore…

Dancing is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give the gift of dance lessons to your mom, you are giving her so much more than just a new hobby to explore. Think about it…she will be gaining a new skill PLUS the opportunity to gain more confidence, meet new friends, add romance, relieve stress and more! How many activities can you think of that will give her all of that? I dare say, very few! With Country, Swing or Latin dance lessons, mom will have a chance to also discover a creative side to her that she may not have known existed. Or maybe she’s been spending more time on that couch than she should and it’s time to get out and socialize. When she comes to her dance lessons, your mom will get to know others who have similar interests, which is a healthy way to connect with others! The benefits of social partner dancing are endless, but those these sound great as a start?

Dance lessons will benefit you both! If you’re married to a lovely lady, couple’s dance lessons are an incredible way to deepen and strengthen your love for one another. How often do you really get a chance to dance to your favorite Country tunes or oldies songs? Social ballroom dancing is both a physically and emotionally intimate way to spend time together, away from the kids and life’s worries. Now that is needed in any marriage!

Dance lessons mean fun and excitement for your special lady! Does mom or your wife need some “R and R”? With Two Step or Salsa dance lessons on the agenda, she will be transported to another place and time, making all of those daily to do’s slip into the “not so important” category as she enjoys life that much more. Every modern woman, with work, a family and so much more on her plate, needs dancing as a wonderful form of therapy and escape.

Give your mom or wife the gift of dance this Mother’s Day 2015 and watch her unwind and blossom into a better version of herself. Husbands, be bold and join her. You’ll be glad you did! How much more rewarding is life when you move through it with ease, rather than anxiety?

For those of you who live in Phoenix, AZ, come visit us in the East Valley at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We offer great Mother’s Day gift packages that will surely put a long-lasting smile on her face. Dance FX Studios is located in Mesa, AZ, on the south east corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rds., bordering Tempe and Chandler, AZ. For questions on what we recommend for mom, including our New Student Offer, please email us or call us today at 480-968-6177.

Becoming a Dancer Will Change Your Life

April 28, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Today one of our instructors began his lunch time conversation with “Let me tell you what dancing is doing to my life”! John is a very animated and happy person and he LOVES DANCING. However lately he is finding that dancing is affecting his life in new ways! John shared that he is now mumbling the names to dance steps when he is dance-navigating between people in restaurants or unexpectedly dancing during his daily routine. “I’m holding my steering wheel, safely while on empty roads, in a dance frame,” even turning the wheel like he’d turn a partner in a Country Swing move. He is mock complaining because all of us know these life events make him happy. We also understand because we all share his passion about dance.

There is a long list of students who feel the same way. Ask some of our students how dancing has changed their lives and they will tell you. Being a student of dance helps you to walk taller, exude a sense of style, become charming, improve coordination and balance… and there is an air of grace may be noticed when the person is walking or talking. Funny enough, one of our advanced students was caught on video surveillance tape at his work dancing down the aisles! The store, which is a large corporation, actually found his performance so admirable they posted it on the company website! Proving that not only that the company has happy employees and is great place to work, but that dancing is infectious!

Naomi, another one of our Dance FX Studios’ instructors, shared the following with me, “My body is my instrument. When you dance, you are more confident because you are aware of your entire body. In turn, body awareness makes you more aware of other people’s bodies. Noticing everything about another person makes you care more for others too. People live like they are floating heads. That’s why everyone is stressed and thinking all the time, because they only live in their heads. When you are aware of your full body and how your legs carry you, you take bigger steps; you trust the strength of your body. Dancers have less stress because we have moved out of our heads and into our whole person.”

Whether you discover the Swing, Argentine Tango or Country Two Step, dancing aides in body awareness and will increase your sense of assurance, and who couldn’t use a little more of that? How about a more active social life? It stands to reason that learning to social dance makes your more social! Who wants something to do on a Friday and Saturday night? How many times have you turned down an offer from a colleague at work to go to a club because you know there will be dancing and you don’t know how to dance? Stop saying no and start saying yes by signing up for private dance lessons today!

No matter what your profession or what you do in your daily life, if change is what you are seeking, add dancing to your bucket list for ways to create positive change in your life. If you prefer Country music, try Country Dancing! If passion and hip movements sound like your thing, try Latin styles of dancing! Maybe Big Band sounds and Swing would do it for you? The point is: pick a style of dance and try it! Dance FX Studios offers a wonderful New Student Offer to get started in an investment in new skill, just for you, along with the start of making change for the goal of creating your HAPPY LIFE!

Try a new experience: dancing. Learn how to social dance at Dance FX Studios by booking a private dance lesson. We are located inside the greater Phoenix area, in Mesa, AZ. Our dance studio is in the East Valley and we are minutes away from Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, or Gilbert and downtown Phoenix. We are open 12 – 8 pm Monday through Friday and on Saturday’s from 11 am to 4 pm. Our address is: 1859 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa, AZ 85202. Now what are you waiting for? Let’s dance!