Refine your Social Ballroom Dancing with a Few Tips

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istock_000012228843xsmallSo you have learned the basic steps to some social Ballroom dances, but you still want the grace and poise that professional Ballroom dancers have. Well you are in luck because we are going to cover some tips for you to get that elegant look into your social Ballroom dancing! This can apply to both the leader (usually men) and followers (usually women)… women aren’t the only ones who can and should be graceful. However, don’t expect grace and poise to happen overnight, it will require practice just like learning those dance steps did.

To begin, we are going to have you start off with something easy. One way to make your social Ballroom dancing a little more elegant is to take lighter steps. Stomping around with heavy feet makes your dancing look awkward and may appear like you are trying too hard. Instead, you want the appearance of your dancing to show the slightest effort. The lighter movements with your feet and body are a great way to start heading in the right direction.

Next, think of fluid movements. Being able to blend your moves together and not have staccato footwork and transitions will help you to achieve a graceful look, mainly for the Foxtrot or Waltz. To look light and airy on the top half of your body, ask your dance instructor for exercises on how to move your arms in an elegant way. One exercise that we recommend is to imagine that you are stroking velvet drapes. Bring your arms up and down slowly while extending your fingers. This motion will help you to begin to move with exquisite form. Are you starting to envision looking like an elegant Ballroom dancer yet? Keep reading for more advice on how to be even more smooth on the dance floor.

Bring gracefulness to your social Ballroom dancing by elongating your neck and standing up tall. Posture is everything in partner dancing. Did you know that your head can weigh up to 11 pounds? If you let it slip forward and down, it will affect your posture, frame, and ability to lead and/or follow. Pull those shoulders back and down and round your elbows forward for an upscale look and great feel on the dance floor. Stand tall and confidence while social dancing is sure to follow.

As with any hobby worth having, it can take time to master some of these ideas. Keep practicing and, before long, you will shine on the social dance floor in your Ballroom dances.

To discover social Ballroom dancing for yourself, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Arizona! We have an amazing New Student Offer that will give you a window into all of the fun and excitement that social dancing has to offer. Happy Holidays!

social dance tips

Be A Confident Social Dancer With These Tips

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social dance tipsAre you interested in learning to Swing dance, Latin dance or give the Country dances like the Two Step a try? Then let the FUN begin with social dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona! We can prepare you for your next night out on the town or upcoming event so that you will never be watching from the bar stool again. Before getting started with our amazing Introductory Offer into your journey of dance, check out some dance tips from the pros here at Dance FX Studios.

After years of social dance instruction, we have literally seen it all! Our mission? To empower you to be the best social dancer that you can be! Why not sweep her off of her feet-once you know how to, of course!

It’s always fun to get great social dance tips from the pros here at Dance FX Studios. Whether you are here to learn to Salsa dance, add romance, meet new people or to relieve stress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some wise words of advice from some of your Dance FX Studios’ instructors. Happy dancing!

Bethany’s Tips:

1. Know your true reasons for wanting to learn to dance. Are you looking for the physical benefits that social dancing has to offer? Are you hoping to improve your bond with your significant other? Understanding what you are looking for out of dance makes a huge difference in your journey. How I treat a lesson shifts drastically from someone who is looking for a workout or physical therapy vs. emotional growth. Not only does it help me structure your lessons, but you can only accomplish your goals if you actually know what they are!

2. Do you have a hard time finding your balance? On the dance floor, followers can have some difficulty maintaining their balance because we are generally walking backwards and in heels. That isn’t exactly normal for most people. If that isn’t your strong suit, here is an exercise to help find your center: Practice walking along your tracks forward and then backward while using a sturdy surface (think kitchen counter) to help yourself stay upright. Gradually, rely on the counter less and less until you can walk backwards on your own. This will make you feel much more confident on your backward steps so we can focus on following and less on not falling over.

Kendi’s Tips for the Guys:

1. Less is more! Many people associate dancing with how much they move-that’s why you see those crazy funky moves on most social dance floors like at the Country bars or Salsa clubs! 🙂 You do not have to take giant steps to be dancing. It’s actually easier to take small steps and be comfortable, then to rush around the dance floor. Same thing with moves, use them in moderation. Too many moves in a row or turns can be overwhelming for that lady that you are trying to sweep off of her feet. Guys, make sure to relax and do not overdue too much on your next night out dancing! 🙂

2. Dance it out! Go out and dance! To be the best leader, you need to be comfortable with all types of frames. So get on out there and go for it! Even if you only dance a couple times, the more miles you log on that dance floor, the better you will be!

OK, so now that you have some great dancing advice, come apply it here at Dance FX Studios. We will keep adding to your tool belt to make you a confident social dancer in no time! Dance FX Studios is just off the 101 freeway, south of Scottsdale and just north of Chandler, AZ, so we are centrally located for all Phoenix residents. Come check us out today so you can be on the dance floor before long….

Country dance studios

Learn to Social Dance and Gain Confidence!

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Country dance studios arizonaDo you enjoy having fun? Want to meet new people, learn a new hobby, try something new? Social ballroom dancing, like Country Two Step or Salsa, is just what you have been looking for! Learning to become a confident social dancer will create a new favorite pastime for you that you can take anywhere and enjoy anytime! And speaking of fun, dancing is nothing short of a blast! Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona has been helping couples and singles discover how much fun and how beneficial dancing really is for 13 years. We have taught couples who are looking to spice up their love life, single women who are preparing to Salsa dance with Latin men abroad, and single gentlemen who want to learn to sweep the Country gal of their dreams off of her feet. No matter your reason, or even if you don’t have one, social dancing at Dance FX Studios is bound to change your life!

 

Meeting new people and having an active social life has been known to increase happiness, relieve stress, and make for more confident individuals. Are you the kind of person who beelines for the sidelines and waits for someone to chat with you? While there’s nothing wrong with being a wallflower, aren’t you ready to have some fun? Social dance lessons will give you the confidence and the skills you need to be a great leader or follower and connect with anyone on the dance floor. Doesn’t dancing the night away and making connections with new people sound better than staring at the dance floor, sipping a drink all night?

 

Learning new things and trying new activities is such an important, exciting part of life. After all, variety is the spice of life, right? Well luckily for you, there is plentiful variety in the world of social dance! No matter your personality or interests, there is a dance that will speak to you! The spicy Salsa is perfect for unleashing your inner flirt and expressing your sensual, sassy side. Latin dances like the Salsa and the Tango are great for couples who are looking for a little somethin’-somethin’ to ignite the loving feeling all over again. Country dances like the AZ Two Step and Country Swing are great for those country folk who love to go out with their boots on and enjoy country music.  No matter what you are into, you can try any and all types of dance, and you are bound to find something you LOVE!

 

Not only will you learn so much about yourself and thoroughly enjoy the stress relief and self-expression you experience in your dance lessons, but taking what you learn at our studio and using it out in the “real world” will truly show you just how wonderful dancing is. If you think social dance is just what you need, try our Private Lesson Introductory Offer for just $40! One of our outstanding instructors will discuss why you want to dance and what kind of dance you want to learn, and you will get out on the floor and start learning! Call or visit us today, we are so looking forward to meeting you!

 

Give Yourself a Break with Dance Lessons

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Who can believe that the bulk of January has already flown past us? The daily grind might be back and in full swing, but don’t let it get you down! Taking dance lessons can significantly improve your stress level, give you a mental break from your work and personal life challenges and improve your mental health. At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, our instructors will make you feel right at home and cater your lessons to your own specific needs. This personalization makes it easy for you to come to lessons prepared to learn and enjoy yourself, leaving the planning to us and you reaping the benefits of dance! Situated at the corner of Dobson and Guadalupe in Mesa, we are near many cities in the Phoenix East Valley. With our great location and special dance lesson structures, we make it easier for you to do something for yourself! Whether you are interested in learning to Two Step Country style, Tango with your partner and spice up your life, or Swing dance your nights away, we have got you covered!

If you want to learn any dance from the Two Step to the Tango, you will benefit from the mental and emotional perks that manifest while learning to dance. Perhaps the dance benefit with the biggest impact is stress relief. Dancing is considered a moderate form of exercise. Exercise has been proven time and again to not only reduce stress levels of individuals, but increase their resilience to stress and better equip to react to stressful events and situations in a positive, problem-solving way. Each type of dance has a varying amount of calories its burns, as the intensity and movements of each type of dance are a bit different. Not only will  your fitness and flexibility improve while dancing, you will also notice how some of your tension will be relieved.

Stress relief is not only important for releasing tension in your body, it is also vital for your mental health. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and mood problems can all be helped by dancing. In fact, numerous studies have proved that individuals improved these conditions and experience a boost in overall mood, positivity and happiness while dancing. That’s something to smile about! Our students have also gained self confidence and bettered their self esteem while taking lessons. Conquering the challenges presented in dance lessons trickles to all areas of life (social, professional, self) and gives students the feeling that they can accomplish anything. We actually strive for our clients to get more out of lessons than simply learning the steps. We want them to experience every benefit of dance and carry what they learn and experience over to all aspects of their lives. We also want them to go out in the “real world” and show the world their dance moves, which in itself enhances confidence and lets them blow off some steam. Learning different foot patterns and body movements also requires your brain to make new connections and strengthens certain areas of your brain. You will work your body, your brain, AND have fun! Learning to dance requires your full attention, taking your mind off of those things you do not need or want to be thinking about all the time. This is another facet of stress relief and challenging your mind and body. You will benefit from a mental break because you are relieving your stress, learning something new and challenging yourself.

For the sake of your mental well-being and stress levels, dancing is a great thing to do for yourself! We have many types of social ballroom dances for you to learn and many ways you can do so. Group Classes provide the benefit on a budget, Zumba classes with get you moving and your blood pumping, and our Introductory Offer is sure to get you hooked on dancing! Call us at 480.968.6177 or stop in today for any questions you may have. See you soon!

Ballroom Dance Benefits: Getting Physical!

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Many of you know that ballroom dancing can be an exciting and rewarding social activity, but did you know that there are a variety of physical benefits of learning to dance? Dancing just doesn’t seem like exercise, yet it offers a total body workout, using all of the major muscle groups and providing heart-healthy benefits.

Getting fit should be pleasurable, not boring. Ballroom dancing can actually burn as many calories as a gym workout. For many people looking to get fit, the dance floor offers an exhilarating alternative to the drudgery of the gym, and experts say sticking to an exercise regime is much easier when it’s not a chore. That does make a lot of sense- if you enjoy what you’re doing, you look forward to it and won’t be looking for excuses for why you can’t get into shape!

Depending on the dance-including Latin, Swing, Country Western or even Tango– ballroom dancing can burn anywhere from 250 to 400 calories an hour – about the same as a brisk half-hour walk on a treadmill. What’s great is the more fast-paced ballroom-Latin dances like the Salsa and Cha Cha Cha, can even be compared to an intense session at the gym. Wouldn’t you rather be out somewhere at a Latin dance club or Country bar here in the Phoenix East Valley area kicking up your heels dancing, instead of being on a treadmill?

Feeling like your get-up-and-go just got up and went? Taking a ballroom dance lesson or group class may just help. Research has found that dancing can increase energy levels. A lot of us have sedentary lifestyles, with more people working in offices instead of in physical jobs, which can really leave you feeling drained of all your vigor. Once you get yourself out on the dance floor, dancing will rev up your metabolism and get that blood flowing so you will feel yourself starting to come alive again!

Ballroom dancing can also increase your flexibility. By using muscles that you may not always be using on a regular basis, you will begin to find that stretches you once couldn’t do will give way to flexibility. Not only will ballroom dancing increase your flexibility, it will help with your balance and posture. Staying flexible helps to prevent the loss of mobility, which ensures independence as we age. Being flexible also significantly reduces the chance of experiencing occasional and chronic back pain. So, not only are you having fun dancing, you’re also helping to make sure that you stay flexible-two things that will make your mother happy by standing up tall and straight! 🙂

Maybe you would love to dance, but you are afraid that you may not be skilled enough to be a social ballroom dancer.  That is where we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona con help you. Over the last decade, we have has taught thousands of people get out there and dance with private ballroom dance lessons.  From the ever popular Country Two Step to the fun-loving Swing, it doesn’t matter which dance you learn first. Give ballroom dance lessons a try and you will see your body transform itself before long.

 Are you ready to experience this enjoyable and beneficial alternative to the gym? Dance FX Studios, close to Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale, Arizona offers a variety of social ballroom dance lessons, such as the sensual and romantic Argentine Tango and the sexy Salsa. Private dance lessons are made by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm. To get started, we suggest you begin with our Introductory Special, only $40 (per couple or single) for a one hour private dance lesson. We are confident that one hour is all we need to show you our unique method of teaching and how invigorating dancing can be for YOU!

Why Ballroom Dancing is for EVERY Couple…

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Are you looking for a way to enhance your relationship? Then ballroom dancing is for you! Ballroom dance lessons are a wonderful way to start your adventure towards becoming more connected with your spouse or partner.  From learning different and unique ways to read and communicate with each other to supporting each other in a new hobby or towards your health and fitness goals, learning to dance is an exciting and fun process.

Never danced before? Well then let us give you a few more details as to what ballroom dance lessons can do for you and your special someone…

1. Did you know that ballroom dancing is all about teamwork? Two people moving as one on the dance floor is what ballroom dancing is all about. “How do we develop that partnership?” you may ask. While partnership both on and off  the dance floor takes time to establish, as some of you may well know, dancing allows you and your sweetheart to hold each other and learn the basics of dancing and rhythm. With dance lessons, you will learn the core principles of give and take, acting and re-acting and lead and follow that you can apply to everyday life. Before long, after a short series of dance lessons, you will begin to see you and your partner’s connection mature.

2. If you are looking for a more effective way to communicate with each other, dance lessons will help you and your partner to do just that. In dancing, just the slightest touch can signal what a leader’s intentions are on the dance floor. Rather than yanking your partner, or “shouting” at her with your body, gentlemen can learn to “invite” their partner where they want them to go with ease. There is nothing more exciting than a woman feeling swept off of her feet by her man. Guys, for those of you who prefer to talk less and do more,  dancing is also the perfect hobby! Not only do you get to hold your partner romantically, but you get to show her affection just by twirling her on the dance floor. What more could a woman ask for?! With love in the air and increased endorphins to boot, it’s no wonder why dancing is touted as one of the most sensual hobbies for couples.

3. Ballroom dancing provides a new hobby for couples to enjoy. Put evenings at the movies on hold for a more active, social and healthy nightlife activity. Explore new styles from night to night including Salsa, Swing, Country Two Step or even Argentine Tango dancing and see which dances you like the best. Move from couch potato to dancers and watch your confidence go through the roof (yet another well-known benefit of ballroom dancing)!

For quality social dance lessons, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona is your match. We specialize in helping couples and singles to receive all of the benefits that ballroom dancing has to offer. Dance FX Studios is located just off the 101 highway in the East Valley of Phoenix. We offer private ballroom dance lessons, group classes and dance parties with live music for your enjoyment. Come try out our Introductory Offer today and see how you can become more connected with your sweetie through dance.

A Fall Affair November Event

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The event of the fall season is happening right here at Dance FX Studios! “A Fall Affair” is being held Saturday, November 17th, 2012 to raise funds for a local domestic abuse shelter. Co-hosted by Dance FX Studios and Hair Ink, “A Fall Affair” this year marks the first year for what will become an annual event.   Proceeds from the event , we go to support a division of “A New Leaf” called the Autumn House, located in Mesa, Arizona. For over 25 years, “A New Leaf” has positively affected the lives of many victims throughout Arizona  by providing housing to victims of domestic abuse.

Dance FX Studios and Hair Ink Salon are dedicated to raising a minimum of $5,000 to donate to “A New Leaf”. We would love to have the support of our community to make the goal a reality. Dance FX Studios, where the event will be held, is centrally located in the Phoenix metro valley just off the 101 highway, for your convenience. We are in Mesa,  minutes away from Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert and Chandler so there is no excuse why everyone can’t come out and help a great cause.

A Fall Affair will  feature some amazing vendors, raffle items and sponsors.Vendors include Origami Owl, Lia Sophia, Zumba Fitness and Scentsy so you can get all of your holiday shopping done early AND give back to charity, all in the same night!  In addition to vendors, we will also be featuring unique services that you can’t find just anywhere. Have you ever had your fortune read in chocolate? Would you like to meet a nutritionist who comes and cleans out your pantry for you? We will have it all at A Fall Affair charity event.

In addition to unique vendors and services, there will be 50 raffle items for you to bid on including rounds of golf, gift baskets, jewelry and gift cards from Native New Yorker!  Sugar Lips Cakery and My Big Fat Greek Restaurant are sponsors to the event, providing all of the food and yummy treats.

Excited yet? We know we are! If you are looking for one more thing to make your night complete, we have it. There will also be a complimentary Salsa dance class held at the event. The fun just goes on and on….

“A Fall Affair” is bound to be one of Dance FX Studios’ biggest events yet and, with your support, we can make a difference in our community while having a great time at the event. Please join us for a night of food, fun, dancing and shopping and give someone the amazing gift of a second chance at A Fall Affair on Saturday, November 17th from 8-11 pm. We’ll have dancing, a group salsa class, food, a deejay and more. Dance FX Studios is located on the corner of Dobson and Guadalupe in Mesa, Arizona.

Dances Categorized as Ballroom Dancing

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Most likely you have heard the term Ballroom dance, but did you know that not all dances fall into the category of Ballroom dancing? There is even a World Dance Council that determines what is and what isn’t part of a certain Ballroom dance classification. Categories that are used to classify dances include International Standard or International Ballroom, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm.

Usually Ballroom dancing refers to those dances within the International Standard/Ballroom and International Latin groups. International Standard/Ballroom includes the Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. Those that are included in the International Latin category consist of Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Samba. However, in the United States of America and in Canada, there exists another style, the American Style of dance. This consists of American Smooth dances and American Rhythm. In the American Smooth group you will find The Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. In the American Rhythm category, the dances include Bolero, Cha Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, and Rumba.

As you see there are many similarities in the Ballroom dance classifications, they even use similar techniques for both International and American styles. However, International Standard/Ballroom only allows closed dance positions while American Smooth allows both closed and open movements, and even separated dance movements. Every once in a while a dance will get added or removed as Ballroom dance is scrutinized. Some of those dances that are sometimes referred to as Ballroom dances include Hustle, Lindy Hop, Merengue, Nightclub Two Step, Salsa, and West Coast Swing.

If you are interested in learning more about Ballroom dancing and even taking a Ballroom dance class or two, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, offers Adult Private Ballroom Dance Lessons and a variety of Group Dance Classes. Try out our introductory offer of $40, 1 hour-long, Private Ballroom Dance Lessons. If you would like to find out more information about this offer and other dance classes we have available, please visit

Get Flexible with Ballroom Dancing

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Dancing Tango in the streetThere are so many benefits when it comes to Ballroom dancing! One great benefit of Ballroom dancing is increased flexibility for men and women. As you age you lose a certain degree of flexibility in your joints and muscles if you are not constantly stretching them out. Once your body starts to stiffen up, it can even hinder your ability to perform certain tasks. It is not only unhealthy, but it could even be a risk for injury. Avoid a possible damage and help loosen those joints, muscles, and ligaments by moving your way across a dance floor!

It is feasible to gain flexibility from Ballroom dancing just by stretching before you dance and through performing the dance steps. By doing these simple tasks, improvements in flexibility can be made on joints, muscles, and ligaments in your body. Not only will you see an increase in flexibility when you start Ballroom dancing, but even as you keep dancing. There are many types and styles of dancing that require different muscle movements. As you progress through learning the various dances, you will notice that one style of dance may use a completely different set of muscles than another. This gives you a diverse way to bend and stretch those joints, muscles, and ligaments into shape.

Whip your body into shape today with Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Dance FX Studios has Private Dance Lessons, along with Group Dance Classes. Take advantage of our Introductory Offer of $40 for 1 hour-long Private Ballroom Dance Lesson. More information about our Private Ballroom Dance Lessons can be found at the following link: https://dancefxstudios.com/ballroom-dancing-mesa-arizona/ . To see a list of Group Dance Classes offered at Dance FX Studios, please visit https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-classes-mesa-arizona

Get the Proper Equipment for Your Feet

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dancing shoes mesa azIf you were a runner you would wear the proper running shoes, if you were a football player you would wear special football cleats, and if you are a dancer? Well ladies, here is your excuse to get another pair of shoes! That’s right, just like those other sports, you should have the proper footwear when dancing. It is very important to have a correct and comfortable fit to your dancing shoes to prevent injury and discomfort. The right shoe can even affect your experience while learning and practicing your dance moves.

Not all styles of dancing require the same dance shoes either. There are differences with Latin, Standard, and Hip Hop shoes. Women’s Latin shoes are usually open toe, strappy, and have a higher and slimmer heel. Men’s Latin shoes also have a higher heel than normal (about 1.5 inches or less) that helps emphasize the hip motion.

For women’s Standard shoes, also referred to as Rhythm or Smooth, they usually have a lower heel and closed toe. Men have more freedom in this category, as there are a variety of 1 inch heeled shoes to choose from.

Lastly, for Hip Hop, there are going to be very supportive shoes, such as a sneaker. Since it is a street style of dancing you will probably want some style of street shoes, but just makes sure they are durable and you are able to flex, point, and move around in them properly.

Try out your new dancing shoes at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Dance FX Studios offers both Private Dance Classes and Group Dance Classes. More information about Private Dance Classes offered can be found at https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-lessons-mesa-arizona/ .

If you are interested in the Group Dance Lessons, visit https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-classes-mesa-arizona/