In social partner dancing, great posture is everything! Learn few ways that your perfect posture will aid you in becoming a confident social dancer.

Get Ready for Country Thunder AZ 2019 With Country Dance Lessons

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With the holidays fast approaching, Country Thunder AZ 2019 is just around the corner! That’s right, mark your calendars for the hottest Country music festival around. What an awesome time to get together with friends and live it up…all weekend long! And what goes best with Country music? Country Dancing, of course!

Here in Arizona, we get to experience Country Thunder in April, the 11th to the 14th in 2019, to be exact. Will you be there? If so, you have got to know how to Country dance! How else can you truly enjoy your favorite tunes if you’re not Two Stepping or Swing dancing too them as they’re being played?

Within weeks, we’ll be pulling our Christmas trees out of the garage and dusting off our boots as the weather cools. Don’t let winter pass you by without getting started with beginner’s Country Dance Lessons. Before you know it, you’ll be scrambling to learn at the last minute, which is never fun. Besides, all you need is a pair of boots and the right Arizona Dance Studio to get you moving. The question is, where to begin…

Finding a Dance Studio where you’re comfortable learning is key. You’ve got to be able to relax and enjoy the process if you plan to stick with it. For Couples and single men, I highly suggest Private Country Dance Lessons over Group Classes. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one leads back to comfortability. When you’re learning with just your spouse and an instructor, you will be less inclined to worry about “mistakes” or “looking dumb”, and you will be more focused on getting the right information from your dance instructor that can be tailored for the way that you learn best. Now everyone knows that a girl loves a guy that can dance, so men, it’s time to get that ball rolling, either by yourself, or with your lady!

Once you have find the right place, you have to know what styles of Country dance are most popular. Of course, a great dance instructor will direct you, so rely on their guidance to get you started with fantastic dancing habits, but having an idea of what you have seen out dancing will help too, so feel free to bring up dance styles you like.

Oftentimes, we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ are asked by new students to be taught the Texas Two Step. This is not a dance that is used so much in Arizona, so we often wonder why this comes up so often. Regardless, the Arizona Two Step, is much more practical on the dance floors here in AZ, hence it’s name!

The big differences between the Texas Two Step and the Arizona Two Step are that the former is a bit more fast paced, and requires a larger dance space. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, so it’s cool to do the Texas Two Step there, but in Arizona, we have much smaller dance floors. The Arizona Two Step is going to be your key to covering most of your Country songs and dance spaces here in AZ, so this is the one to learn.

Secondly, the Arizona Two Step is also referred to as the Rhythm Two Step because it doesn’t have to travel and can therefore work on any size dance floor, big or small. This is perfect for Arizona Country Dance venues!

In accordance with it’s name, though, being on tempo with the Rhythm Two Step is essential. This is the one aspect of Country Dancing that many untrained dancers seem to have in common, that is, not adhering to the beat when dancing. With Dance Lessons, you will learn how to find the beat to stay on time with the music, whether you’re Two Step dancing or Country Swing dancing.

Speaking of which, Country Swing dancing is going to be your second most used Country dance, so do request to learn this popular Country Dance style. Country Swing is a circular dance that doesn’t do any traveling, which is also ideal for small, crowded dance floors in AZ.  Country Swing is faster than the Two Step, so when you’re finding it challenging to dance Two Step, switch over to Swing dancing, and you should be good to go!

Have a blast next year at Country Thunder AZ 2019! Be safe, and most importantly, get out and dance! After all, what’s life without dancing in it!?!

Country Western dancing AZ

Country Dance All Summer Long!

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Country Western dancing in ArizonaDoes Country music invoke happy thoughts? Do you find yourself tapping your feet, smiling, and maybe even singing along to your favorite tunes (even if it’s in the shower)? Build upon those feelings by learning to Country dance! Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona has been teaching social dance lessons to singles and couples in the Phoenix valley for 15 years. Many students come in specifically for Country dances! There are three popular styles of dances done to Country music here in Arizona that you MUST know 🙂 : Country Two-Step, Country Swing, and Country Waltz.

Country Two-Step is one of the most common dances in the bars. It is a fun and easy dance with twirls, twists, and turns! There are two varieties of Country Two Step dancing: Progressive or Rhythm. The only difference between the two is that one travels (Progressive) and the other is mostly stationary (Rhythm). Both are great to know in preparation for going out dancing, however, in Arizona, Rhythm Two-Step is done almost exclusively out in the bars because it is effective for crowded dance floors.

Country Swing was recently recognized as one of the many Swing dance variations! It does have certain guidelines, which includes cool turns, spins, and combinations, that help keep you on time with the music while having fun on the floor. It is also adaptable to music other than Country which makes it great to use at either a wedding or a bar! This dance is higher energy, fun, bouncy and often results in many smiles!

Country Waltz is a progressive dance that has a more relaxed look to it than other Waltz styles. In the Country Waltz, the frame, hand and arm gestures are not exaggerated. This is a great dance to have in your back pocket for slow Country songs. Remember to keep that romance alive!

Cowboy boots are always welcome, but not necessary. In the end, we want YOU to have a great time! Dancing can be a relaxing, fun, new hobby for you to partake in whether you are dancing with a partner or just solo. This is a skill you’ll have for the rest of your life!

If you are interested in learning how to Country Dance in Arizona, give us a call at (480) 968-6177 to try our Introductory Offer for Country Dance Lessons. We are available Monday through Friday from 12 – 8 PM and on Saturdays from 11 AM – 4 PM. Soon YOU will have all the tools to keep you on the dance floor all night long!

All About The Country Two Step

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In light of our Country Dance Party that was held last night, let’s take a look at an extremely popular Country dance style, the Country Two Step. You may also know this dance as the AZ Two Step or the Texas Two Step. Some even call its many variations the Rhythm Two Step and the Progressive Two Step. Regardless,  in all of its forms and with its many names, the Two Step is a lively, playful dance that many Arizona residents here and Country dancers around the world enjoy.

As most dances do, the Two Step has a history rich of the influences of different cultures and dance types. There are many styles of the Country Two Step that can depend on location and personal preference. The Country Western Two Step originated from the Foxtrot and has elements of the Foxtrot and Swing to it as well. This combination of dances obtained its Country Western influence in the 1940s upon contact with square dancing communities. Some experts believe that this partner dance has roots dating back to the 1800s in Mexican and European history.  The Two Step was said to have appeared in Hungary and Germany at this time, while at the same time receiving influence from Mexican fandangos.

There’s no doubt that the Country Two Step will come in handy if you live here in Arizona. Its versatility and playfulness make it perfect for a night of dancing at any Country bar! At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we host dance events with live Country or Swing music to give you a place to both learn and practice the Country Two Step. At our dance events, we provide drinks and desserts as well as the perfect venue for students and local residents to come and dance, mingle and relax from 8pm to 11pm on pre-selected Saturday evenings. Not proficient in the Two Step yet? No worries! Our excellent instructors will be on the dance floor too, giving pointers and grooving right along with you. Tickets are always at a discounted price of $15 if you purchase them in advance. Otherwise, tickets are $20 at the door.

If you are interested in Country dance lessons to build a bit of confidence before getting out on the dance floor, try out our Introductory Offer of $40 for 1 hour-long private introductory lesson. Private Country dance lessons are the fastest way to get out on to the dance floor as everything will be catered around your learning style and availability.  Not only can we get you and your partner Two Steppin’ in no time, we also offer dance lessons in Country Swing, Country Waltz, and Nite Club Two Step, which are all fun, popular dances that you can anywhere from a cruise to wedding to a Country bar! Country Two Step and Country Swing group classes for couples are another cool service that we offer if you are more inclined to learn in a group setting. You can inquire on our website or call us at the studio at 480.968.6177 for more information. See you in the studio soon, Country dance Fans!

Get Comfortable Country Dancing in Phoenix

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Country dancing here in the Phoenix East Valley is a blast! You can enjoy dancing the Country Two Step, Country Swing,  Nite Club Two Step and Country Waltz in bars and clubs across the Valley. Dance FX Studios is situated perfectly in Mesa amongst several cities in the area, including Tempe, Scottsdale, and Chandler. Whether you’re a regular at Toby Keith’s, want to get ready for Country Thunder here in Arizona, or want to be ready to dance the night away at a wedding coming up, we are the place for you! Dance FX Studios has been teaching adults of all ages to Country dance for over twelve years. While learning the steps to each dance, dance form, and how to lead and follow are all crucial, it is also important to know things like dancing attire and some social dancing guidelines to take with you when you dance outside the studio. If you wear clothes that are uncomfortable or not appropriate for boot-scootin’ the night away, it could affect your whole night. Let’s discuss what to wear when you go out Country dancing, to avoid such mishaps:

Ladies:

No matter what the season is, you are probably going to get warm when you go out dancing, especially here in Arizona. Wearing several layers or thick clothing is probably going to turn up the heat even more, so it’s best to stick to clothing that is breathable and cool.

You are going to be doing a lot of spinning, dipping and turning all over the dance floor, whether you are Two Stepping, Swing dancing, so finding something to wear that will not need to be constantly readjusted will be to your benefit.

Though it’s best to leave dips and lifts to the pros, if you’re going to wear a skirt or dress, it is a good idea to wear spandex underneath to avoid any unintentional peeks. Shorts or jeans in the winter will save you from embarrassment or worry if you prefer.

When it comes to Country dancing, less is more, so keep your jewelry simple and minimal. Long, dangly necklaces or earrings have a tendency to become a hazard to you or your partner during spins or turns. Large rings also end up scratching or getting caught on clothing, and bracelets become a nuisance when a leader is trying to do various moves with you.

Wearing comfortable shoes is an absolute must, and they must also be slip resistant. Our instructors recommend wearing leather soled boots. They are comfortable, and the leather soles make for easy turns. Mary Jane’s can also be an alternative because the strap will ensure that they won’t slip off and they can usually be worn longer because they are typically not a very high heel. If you want to keep your toes intact and avoid broken shoes, leave your flip flops at home! Of course, when going out Country dancing, a great pair of Cowboy boots is always a great investment.

Men:

We as women understand that men like to be comfortable and casual, especially if they are Country dancing. A clean tee shirt or a short sleeved button up shirt looks nice with a pair of jeans or slacks. Short sleeves will keep the temperature down, and if you’re worried about perspiration, you can wear an undershirt (and don’t forget deodorant!).

As far as shoes go, leather bottom boots are usually the best bet, but a pair of tennis shoes also works. Boots are best, just as we recommended for the ladies, but if you don’t own a pair, that’s OK too. Again, avoid wearing flip flops so your toes go unharmed and your shoes don’t hinder your foot movements.

If you end up wearing a hat, be sure to make adjustments in your dancing so that it doesn’t get knocked off!

All in all, with a little consideration, you won’t have to worry about your wardrobe malfunctioning on the dance floor or preventing you from having fun. Comfort is key, and with these helpful hints, your night out Country dancing will be a success!

If you want to be even more prepared for a fun night of Country dancing, check out our Introductory Offer for private Country dance lessons! For just $40, you will get a full hour of dancing and discussing tips and goals for your Country dance hobby with one of our excellent instructors. Call us today at 480.968.6177or check out what we offer on our website!

Country Two Step is Here to Stay!

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The Country two step has risen to become one of the most popular dances here in Arizona over the last decade. But that was not always the case. With its original pairing and development based on the ballroom waltz, the dance did not thrive at first. Not at all, in fact.

Digging deeper into the history of the Country two step was quite revealing. It appears that in the 1920’s, the two step was originally named “valse a’deux temps” which translates to the “waltz of two beats”. It was not a dance that people warmed up to mainly due to its jerky appearance, especially as compared to the fluid and elegant  look of the waltz.

You can say that the two step was “shelved” until it resurfaced with a new look and name several years later. The Country two step was reborn as the “deux pas” (two step) and was paired with the tempo of the foxtrot, giving it a more casual appearance. Gone was the look and comparison to the waltz as it evolved into a more bouncy and loose social dance.

Fortunately, thanks to hit movies such as Urban Cowboy starring John Travolta, the Country Two Step gained recognition. The choreographers of the Urban Cowboy took the two step and mixed it with it’s ballroom “cousin”, the foxtrot, as mentioned above, to create a similar dance with a Country flair. From that point  on, the two step grew in approval and adoration to become a staple in small towns and big cities alike across America.

Now, with the current demand of Country crossover music by pop stars like Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton, the Country two step can be danced almost anywhere. No need to find your local Country bar to enjoy the ease and excitement of this dance. In fact, because Country music is so hot right now, the two step is a must-have dance almost anywhere you live.

Don’t like Country music? That’s OK, this is a dance that you can apply to other genres once you know the basics. What is so wonderful about the two step is its sheer versatility. You can use this must-have dance on a crowded dance floor or one that allows you to travel. You will make HIM happy in this dance because it is very easy to learn. SHE will love this dance because of all of the fun spins and dips that will sweep her off of her feet. It’s a win/win!

You too can enjoy Country dancing with private dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios here in Mesa, AZ. With over a decade in business in the Phoenix East valley, we have taught thousands of singles and couples with no dance experience at all to become confident Country dancers. What’s our secret? We teach the everyday person the tips and tools to become great leaders or followers on the dance floor, not tricks. Within a short period of time, you will see how dancing is not as mysterious and intimidating as you may have thought it to be all of these years. From us, you will learn practical and useful steps that you can use with anyone-not choreography that you can only do with your dance partner.

Check out our introductory offer to see how to get started with Country dance lessons at Dance FX Studios. We are within minutes from Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ for your convenience. We are less that 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Conquer that dance floor once and for all and get out and kick up your heels with us at Dance FX Studios for quality social dance lessons in the Country two step and so much more!