Does Country music invoke happy thoughts? Build upon those feelings by learning to Country dance!

Country Western dancing AZ

Country Dance All Summer Long!

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!

The Evolution of Country Western Dancing

Country Western dancing has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. It is widely known as a form of social dancing and encompasses many forms and styles of dance. There are several subtypes of Country dancing, including Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, Nite Club 2 Step, West Coast Swing, Country Cha Cha, Line dancing, and more, each having multiple versions themselves. Western dancing can be done in a couple or as a group, with Line dancing. Not only can we teach you these types of dances here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we will also give tips on leading and following and dance floor etiquette so as to be comfortable when you go out social dancing.

Now for a history lesson in the interesting story of how Country Western dancing came to be. From the earliest days, dances and music arrived in the United States by way of immigrants. People from widely varying cultures brought their native dances with them when they settled in America. Finding common ground through dancing, diverse peoples came together and demonstrated and shared their cultures on the dance floor. With Westward expansion, the pioneers brought their families and ideologies from the East. Dancing was actually frowned upon in this era, and when not banned altogether, “safe” dances were favored, like polka and pattern dances. The pioneers organized cowboy balls, barn dances, and get-togethers. Those who heard of these events usually came to dance. All these varieties of people and their cultures joined with the ideologies and trends of the time and formed hybrids of all types of dances. These dances stem from those of Polish, German, Jewish, French, Scandinavian, Czech, Russian, and Irish immigrants who joined together at these events.

People danced anywhere they could; in barns, on ranches, even under the stars! A dance that was uniquely “western” grew from those varied roots and became a solid part of the lives of many Americans. People also danced in houses. These house parties were very popular in the 1920s when country music was commercialized. Fiddlers and bands played in the main rooms of the houses and party-goers paid the band every time they took to the floor. We even have “house parties” at Dance FX Studios here in Phoenix, Arizona! With music and dancing just like the pioneers, our events are great way to get social and meet other Country dancers and enjoy time with your partner.

Country Western dancing went more public in the 1930s to the 50s by spreading to roadhouses, dance halls, and county fairs. Dance academies were opening and people were requesting Western music. Western Swing bands like Bob Wills and Texas Play Boys were playing frequently and crowds at dance halls and academies were growing. The Western styling was favored over the Eastern way of dancing because it was smoother and mellower. World War II brought armed forces to the West coast, who grew to love the Country Western routines just as their pioneer predecessors did. Jazz and be-bop were also prominent, and dancers experimented with Western dance styles to the new tunes. Worker migrations and movements of the troops caused country music and dance to trickle throughout the United States and even to countries abroad. Beginning in the 1920s, radio delivered music nationwide. Chicago radio station WLS began broadcasting the “National Barn Dance” in 1924. Various types of music continued to become popular and to spread in the following decades, including rock and roll in the 50s and disco in the 70s. Most of these faded out and made way for Country Western to emerge yet again.

These days, Country Western dancing is as celebrated as ever. Especially here in Arizona, there are venues for Country dancing everywhere. If you just like Country music or are a frequent attendee of the Country bars and want to take your night life to the next level, come take Country dance lessons with us! You will learn the dances that Americans are known for and become a part of the Country craze. You’ll also become aware of how to connect with your dance partner and how to lead or follow correctly. Not only will you become a part of history, your self-confidence will sky rocket! Your social skills will experience a boost, letting you meet more people who share your interests and love of Country. If you already know a gaggle of Country folks, consider yourself the new life of the party.

Country Dance Party This Saturday

It’s the moment we have all been waiting for…Dance FX Studios Valentine’s weekend dance party with live music! This Saturday night Country band Two-bit Shotgun re-visits Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Enjoy an evening of Country Two-Step, Swing dancing and FUN with live Country music. Here are the details on a night you won’t want to miss:

1. Let’s Get This Party Started…: Guests may arrive at Dance FX Studios at 8 pm. Upon their arrival, each person will receive a raffle ticket. One lucky winner will get an exciting prize valued at $100! As the Country band Two-bit Shotgun kicks off the evening with modern Country music mixed with Country classics, dancers can hit the floor and Two Step, Swing or Waltz the night away.

2. Learn to Country Two-Step: Don’t dance? No worries! Early in the evening, we will teach you how to Country dance. Beginners, learn the basics to the Two-Step so you too can get out on the dance floor. Country dancing is easy and exciting and you can do it! We will show you how to get in on the action so you too can reap the endless benefits of knowing how to dance!

3. Enjoy Yummy Treats: Bring your Valentine to this dance party for delicious sweet treats. We will be serving chocolates and other fun desserts in honor of sweethearts day! Save a little room after dinner to enjoy what we will be serving. Refreshments are also included.

Valentine’s Day dance package discounts will also be available on the evening of the party only for newcomers and current Dance FX dancers. Get great dance deals for yourself and your loved one this Saturday night. Dance deals will include private dance lessons, group dance classes and dance nights out on the town for the holiday weekend.

Invite your friends to join you in the fun this Saturday night. Our Country dance party with live music is open to the public. Get your tickets in advance, though, as they are $20 at the door (versus $15 pre-paid).

Dance FX Studios has been a local staple in the Phoenix dance community for over a decade. For quality social dance instruction and great dance events, join us at Dance FX Studios! We are located on the South East corner of Dobson Rd. and Guadalupe Rd. on the border of Tempe and Chandler in Mesa, AZ. We are conveniently just a 1/2 mile from the 101 highway for easy access to us from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Queen Creek or Gold Canyon.

Country Two-Step Dancing at Toby Keith’s Bar in Mesa, AZ

Recently we had an opportunity to kick up our heels at Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill in Mesa, AZ as Dance FX Studios was invited to come and teach a Country Two Step dance class and then judge a dance country dance competition. The Two Step dance class was a blast and the competition was filled with great dancers! Afterwards, the  dance floor opened up for everyone else to enjoy. With amazing live music by local county bands, the two step and country swing were that much more enjoyable to dance.

As we made our way to the floor we realized that it had been six months since our last visit to Toby Keith’s for country dancing. There was a reason for this, but we were hesitant to share it as Toby’s is such a great place to hang out. Mainly, we quickly remembered that dancing at Toby’s was more of a risk than an adventure. The dancers were having fun, but not being mindful of others to say the least. From flipping the ladies to nearly ripping their arms out of their sockets, we saw it all.

As experts on social Country dancing, we have a few tips below to make Country dancing FUN and safe for everyone on the dance floor.

Tip #1: Share the dance floor. You know how exciting it is to country dance, but big movements don’t equal more fun. Take small steps so you can let newcomers give dancing a whirl without the fear being shoved by oncoming dancers who are flung into them.

Tip #2: Keep your feet on the ground. Flipping and tricks that include lifting your lady can be dangerous on any crowded dance floor. Keep your feet down and show her how she is your dance partner, not your lasso.

Tip #3: Remember that her limbs should remain in tact for a good time. Yanking each other around the dance floor seems cool and very “country”, but it really is just a sign of an untrained dancer. Great country dancers take care of each other and support each other on the dance floor rather than dislocating each other’s body parts.

As thrilled as we are that dancing is more popular now than ever, our hope is to create great social dancers who can take their dancing anywhere. For information Country dancing lessons, CLICK HERE. You too can become a great social dancer in no time!


Where the Country Two-Step Began…

istock_000015934486xsmallYou may know it as the Texas Two-Step, the Arizona Two Step or just as the good old Two Step, but no matter what you call it, the Country Western Two Step is a fun and playful dance that is fairly easy to learn. As the name suggests, the Country Two Step is a western dance that is danced to country music. The Two Step can be quite fun and exciting when when danced-especially with all of the turns! Quite often, Country dancers also have more fun putting a little bounce to their step, which was typical of the dance that the Two Step stemmed from.

Originating from the Foxtrot, the Two Step has elements of the Foxtrot and Swing dances to it. The Foxtrot and Swing dancing are not country dances, so you may be wondering where the Country part of the Two Step came into play. The answer to how the Two Step received its country traits and name dates back to the 1940’s when it reached the square dancing community. Additionally, there are some people that even say the Two Step even has roots dating back to European and Mexican dance history. In the 1800’s it was said to have appeared in Germany and Hungary and it is connected to Mexican dancing by an influence of the Mexican fandangos.

If you are interested in picking up one of the most popular and useful dances in Arizona, learn to Two Step from us at Dance FX Studios.  Dance FX Studios teaches Private Country Western Dance Lessons and Group Country Two Step Dance Classes. Try out our Introductory Offer of $40 for 1 hour-long private introductory lesson for the fastest way to get out on to the dance floor. More information about our Private Country Western Dance Lessons can be found at https://dancefxstudios.com/country-dance-lessons-az/ .

For our 4 week Group Country dance classes, they are held once a week for an hour. Each class has material that builds upon the previous class until the four weeks comes to a completion. More information about our Group Country Two Step Classes can be found at https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-classes-mesa-arizona/ .