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

Popular Swing Dance Styles

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Swing dancing in Mesa ArizonaDid you know that there are over 20 styles of Swing dancing? Pretty amazing, huh? Swing dancing has grown and evolved over that last 80 years to take on many unique looks and variations. From playful to sultry, Swing dancing today is both useful and popular. If you’re interested in discovering Swing dancing, here are the top three Swing dance styles that would be key for you to explore in 2016.

Of course, if you’re going to take the time to learn to Swing dance, let me begin by recommending Private Swing Dance Lessons, rather than Group Dance Classes. With one-on-one instruction, you will gain the information needed to be a confident social dancer. You should also receive great tips based on how you learn best. For example, if you’re a visual learner, your instructor can show you specific techniques as he/she is explaining them to you, so you can get on the fast track to learning to dance. Regardless of the dance style you want to try, Private Dance Lessons are always the more efficient and productive way towards reaching your goals of becoming a comfortable social dancer. Now, on to my suggestions for which Swing dances to learn in the new year.

  1. Country Swing. OK, I’m sort of cheating here because Country Swing is not one of the recognized Swing dances of the 20+ styles that I mentioned earlier, at least in the ballroom dance world. It is actually an offshoot of East Coast Swing (Single Time Swing), an official ballroom dance. But, if you happen to be an Arizona resident like I am, “Country Swing” dancing has definitely taken on a life of it’s own. It is considered a social dance, at least by laypeople, that many come in to our Phoenix dance studio to learn daily. For that reason, and due to Country music’s extreme popularity these days, I say go ahead and ask for Country Swing. Any social dance studio should know what you mean, and what look you’re going for, so that you can fit in at any Country bar.

On that note, it is important to realize that when you go to a dance studio for instruction, you will learn timing, technique and detail that may not be used by untrained dancers. That’s a great thing, because you can then approach the dance floor with great style and a fun new skill. How exciting!

2. West Coast Swing. West Coast is a really cool version of Swing dancing that applies to more mid-tempo music. It is done on what’s called a “slot” where you move back and forth in a linear fashion, without traveling. Although West Coast Swing lessons are best for an intermediate dancer, rather than a beginner (just my opinion), it’s a very useful Swing dance style to know. I suggest learning the principles of lead and follow through other dances first before touching on the West Coast Swing, but please take the time to learn this amazing dance down the road as it will most likely be used for some of your favorite tunes.

3. Jitterbug. Jitterbug is also an East Coast Swing dance style, which, according to dancers, is technically the same as the Country Swing. The main difference is the styling associated with the Jitterbug. There’s more finesse and control included in the Jitterbug, and it covers different kinds of music, but many of the moves are the same. With Jitterbug dancing, you will be able to dance to Rock and Roll music and oldies, so it too is a very common, easy and popular kind of Swing dance that I think is a must-have in your repertoire.

It’s your turn to discover how to Swing dance this year! Once you do, you will see all of the amazing benefits of knowing how to dance, from improved health to meeting new friends to gaining confidence at social events. Give yourself the gift of dance, you’ll be glad you did!

What is Your Ideal Wedding Dance?

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adult dance studios near Gilbert ArizonaAhhh, your first dance. It’s romantic, sweet and elegant. Wait. You don’t want a “sweet” wedding dance? What type of wedding dance do you want? The great news is that today’s first dance can be ANYTHING you want, as long as you’re in capable and qualified hands, of course.

Modern brides and grooms are looking for more and more when it comes to making their wedding dance one to remember, and that means that no idea is off the table. At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley, we have literally choreographed it all. From the cheesy 1980’s Journey songs with the groom sliding across the dance floor on his knees playing air guitar, to dramatic Argentine tango routines that require costume changes (and a fedora, of course), we have brought many a vision of the perfect first dance to life. In 2016, dream big, or small, because your options are limitless.

For those of you who are on the conservative/traditional side, not a problem! Make sure to 1. Find an adult dance studio in your area that choreographs wedding dances for brides and grooms, and 2. Let your choreographer know what ideas you may have/what overall look you’re going for. A great dance instructor will listen to your vision and give you something that you’re comfortable with for your first dance. A slow song is most likely in order here, so doing a little research on wedding songs that you enjoy prior to setting up a Wedding Dance Consultation. Videos from YouTube will also be helpful when it comes to articulating what excites you. Video really says a lot, so we as choreographers can use that as a place to start when customizing your wedding dance.

For those of you who want to rock your reception with an unexpected and surprising first dance, the sky is the limit. As a dancer, it’s wonderful to be creative and choreograph something unique! Here’s a bit of advice that I always give my wedding couples who want a more elaborate wedding dance.

1. Don’t dance for more than 3 minutes. Keep your edited music short. Two to three minutes is plenty so that you can capture your guest’s attention and keep them intrigued. They will definitely remember your wedding dance, as long as you keep it short and sweet.

2. Never include a lift in your wedding dance. Please, for the safety of you and your guests, keep all four feet on the floor for the entire dance. While lifting your bride above your head, a la Dirty Dancing, sounds like a really cool idea, too many “accidents” can occur, making your dance one that no one will forget, and for all the wrong reasons. Avoid this disaster by staying away from lifts and tricks that can cause harm to anyone, especially the bride and groom.

3. Consider your clothing. An out-of-the-box wedding dance that may include Hip Hop, Salsa, or another non-traditional dance style may require a costume/shoe change. Five inch heels or a tight, fitted dress will not be ideal or comfortable for something out of the ordinary, so consider changing into a reception gown, or a different pair of shoes, if even for only the dance.

Wedding dance lessons are great fun for brides and grooms! You can discover a romantic, new hobby that you can use for years to come once you know how to dance. The key is to finding the right dance studio for you with a comfortable learning environment.

If you’re getting married in 2016, it’s not too early to begin your search for that perfect dance studio for you. Wedding Dance Lessons will be one of the best investments you will make into your big day. Enjoy!

Kick off 2016 With Social Dance Lessons

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adult dance instruction near Chandler ArizonaIt’s 2016! Happy New Year! You’re off to accomplish all of your resolutions, right? Well, if losing weight in a fun and healthy way is one of your goals this year, boy do I have an idea for you. Begin taking social dance lessons for adults! You can Country dance your way into a firmer bod, or learn to Swing dance to boost your heart rate and keep your blood pressure down. Now that’s how you get this year started!

How you want to get fit this year is up to you. What I know for sure is, once you get started with social ballroom lessons for beginners, you will be on the fast track to fitting into last year’s jeans. That’s never a bad thing… Not to mention, social dancing is a way to get multiple resolutions, not just your health goals, completed at once. What else will you get out of trying Country, Swing or Latin dance lessons this year? From my perspective, TONS, but let me highlight a few things that knowing how to social dance will do for you in 2016.

For Arizona residents, you will be prepared for the biggest Country event of the year, Country Thunder. I’m sure that other states hold similar types of parties; four days of dancing, drinking and hanging out at campgrounds with old friends and new ones, so why not get a jump start on your version of Country Thunder? Here in Arizona, Country Thunder is held in April, so if you start with beginner’s Country dance lessons now, you will surely be ready to dance in the next few months. I suggest taking Private Country Dance Lessons versus Group Dance Classes so that you can get all of the finer points and tips that you need to hit that dance floor the right way. Knowing a few cool moves is not enough these days. Why not learn to Country dance with great habits so that you can feel confident on any social dance floor? One-on-one dance instruction will get you the comfort level you need to make a great impression anywhere.

Social dancing is a great way to make new friends. Think about it. If you can Swing dance, wouldn’t it be easier to ask an attractive person to dance with you? Wouldn’t you impress him or her more if you could lead or follow well? Wouldn’t that be a great way to open the door for conversation that may lead to a new friendship? Are you seeing where I’m going with this? I think you are. 🙂

Social dance lessons, like learning to Salsa dance, for example, can also be an exciting way to spice things up at home with your other half. Even if you never make it to a Latin dance club, Salsa dancing in the kitchen can be steamy and quite romantic. Sure, diamonds will put a smile on our faces, but it takes more time and energy to learn  skill that the two of you can enjoy as a hobby for many years to come. Now that’s special.

There are so many more reasons to learn to social dance this year. In future bogs, believe me, I’ll lay them all out for you. 🙂 For now, get the ball rolling by contacting a local dance studio for adults near you. Don’t wait! You’ve already been missing out on the fun! Start soon so that you can look incredible for those 2016 holiday parties on the other side of the year.

Top Three Country Dances of 2015

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Country dance classes near Chandler ArizonaThis has been another great year for Country music, and therefore Country dancing. Yeeehaaaw! Who doesn’t love to rock out to Blake Shelton or Luke Bryan? I know I do! As 2015 comes to a close, there are a few Country dances that are more popular now than ever before. Dances like the Country Two Step, Country Swing and West Coast Swing have been hot! hot! hot! for a few years and are here to stay, so now is the time to get a few Country dance lessons under your belt before we get too far into 2016.

If you happen to live in Arizona with me, Country Thunder, THE premiere Country event of the year, is just a few short months away. Now’s the time to begin taking Country dance classes, people. Don’t wait you’re out dancing to wish you could do it.

You may be wondering how you know what dance is what, right? Of course it’s hard to know without learning first, but that’s when you contact people like me, your local dance instructor, so you can get the training you need to succeed on any dance floor. 🙂 For now, let’s keep it simple.

To start, I strongly recommend beginning with Country Two Step dance lessons. There are several styles and “looks” of the Two Step, but when you strip everything down to the basics, the rhythm of the dance is the same throughout every style. A basic Two Step will be based on walking steps, which makes it easy to pick up as a first dance. As a beginner dancer, do yourself the best favor ever and make the investment in Private Country Dance Lessons, rather than Group Dance Classes. With Private Dance Instruction, you should get lots of great tips on how to lead or follow, which will make you a much more prepared and competent dancer. Your “cool moves” are always secondary to being aware of your dance partner and understanding your role on the dance floor, so take the time to learn these concepts-you won’t be disappointed that you did.

Back to the Country Two Step, keep in mind that this dance has many, many fun arm variations, but it’s not so fast that you will feel overwhelmed. Enjoy this dance as a single, or with a steady partner and you’ll be out on the dance floor 60% of the time when you attend a Country bar.

Next, the Country Swing is extremely “in” right now. It has been for a few years, but it seems to be getting more wild as time goes on. While this dance, done correctly, is not the easiest of the Country dance styles, it is a must-have, if you want to go out and have fun with the faster songs. Country Swing done wrong looks much like what you’ll see at the trendy Country bars around Phoenix-lots of arm swinging, flips and dips. Yes, it seems and looks like fun, but this type of untrained dancer can be a liability to other social dancers, so again, make the investment in Country Swing dance lessons for a result that will leave envious of your skills.

Lastly, give the West Coast Swing dance a shot if you really enjoy a challenge. I don’t usually suggest that beginners start with West Coast Swing dance lessons over other dance styles, but a seasoned dancer will benefit tremendously from knowing this dance. The W.C.S. is danced to mid-tempo songs that have a relaxed vibe. You’ll see the guy bring his partner in towards him, and then push her away, as if they are moving back and forward on a set of tracks. Unlike the Two Step, this dance does not travel, but instead has many intricate and very impressive variations that will keep you learning for years. After you feel confident with the Country Two Step and Country Swing, give the West Coast Swing a try and see how your world as a dancer can expand.

The year 2016 promises to bring many exciting adventures ahead. If you have always wanted to learn to Country dance, don’t put it off this coming year. Once you know how to dance, your social circles will open, your confidence will soar and you may even add a little more romance than you had in 2015. Now that’s something to look forward to!

Is Learning to Social Dance Part of Your New Year’s Resolution?

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social dance classes near Chandler ArizonaHave you always wanted to learn to Country dance, Swing dance or maybe even Salsa dance? What’s been holding you back? Is it a lack of time or money, or are you waiting to find a dance partner? Are you possibly intimidated about taking that first step into your local dance studio? All of these reasons for passing up your chance to dance are valid, however time is not standing still and you are missing out on a wonderfully exciting hobby!

Maybe 2016 is your year to learn to social dance. If you’re thinking that it is, congratulations! What a great New Year’s resolution! You’re about to have what may turn out to be the best year of your life, and I can say that with absolute confidence. It’s truly unbelievable to think about all of the ways that knowing how to social dance can be a game-changer for you, but let me try and highlight three ways dancing can enhance your life, and you be the judge if it’s something you may want to explore in the year ahead.

  1. Knowing how to social dance builds confidence. Could you use a little more self-assurance in 2016? Who couldn’t! When you discover how to social dance, especially through Private Dance Lessons, you are putting yourself on the fast track to uncovering a fun and useful skill. With each Swing or Latin dance lesson, you will get better and better, so that your stale weekends of lying on the couch with Chinese food and a Red Box can be replaced with nights out with new friends dancing and having fun! Think about it, Country dancing with your buddies, or sitting at a bar or in a theatre. While all can be fun, only social dancing gives you ways to impress others, show off your abilities and even get some exercise, without realizing that you actually are “working out”.

Since so few people actually take the time to learn how to dance correctly, it’s pretty wonderful when you are one of the rare ones who actually knows what he/she is doing. With a little time and effort, not only will you have partners lining up to dance with you, but you will be making time for yourself to shake that unwanted stress and connect with someone special, if that is your intention.

2. Speaking of which, social dancing, which encompasses all of the fun and popular dances today, from Bachata to Argentine tango to Swing dancing, can be very romantic. If you’re lacking in that department, whether you’re single or not, going out to dinner followed by an evening of dancing once a month can be just what the doctor ordered. For couples that have been together for a number or years, dance lessons can help you to re-connect and re-establish working as a team, both of which are quite essential for a truly intimate relationship.

Newer couples can get things started on the right foot with couple’s dance lessons. At my dance studio, we (somewhat) jokingly refer to couple’s dance lessons as “insurance” for a long-lasting relationship. Although, after 20 years of watching couples grow closer together through their dance lessons, I don’t think it’s much of a joke at all.

Singles can really get a head start in the dating game by knowing how to social dance. Imagine the date night possibilities…they’re endless! Again, if you meet out social dancing, and you are one of the few who know how to dance, you’re putting yourself ahead of the pack when it comes to being attractive to other dancers, and that’s never a bad thing.

3. Social dancing is a huge stress reliever! Ways to manage stress are at the top of most people’s list regardless of what year we are coming into. Why not find a fun way to let it all go and “shake it off” with social dance lessons? You’ll find that when you’re in a dance class, that it’s virtually impossible to be bogged down by work or anything else for that matter. Your full attention will instead be towards something healthy, relaxing and beneficial to YOU.

The year 2016 is just a few days away! Make learning to social dance your New Year’s resolution. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in the East Valley. We are minutes from Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona, just off the 101 highway.

We at Dance FX Studios focus on creating confident social dancers for any occasion. Don’t let life pass you by without the joy of knowing how to dance. Visit us for a fun, new hobby that will bring you years of enjoyment ahead.

 

How to Get The Wedding Dance of Your Dreams

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wedding dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaWe are just days away from the end of 2015, and that means we get to ring in the new year ahead with friends and family! YAY! It also means that many couples will be getting engaged. New Year’s Eve is a common, but very romantic, day of the year to say “I do”. With that being said, enjoy the holiday because the year ahead will be filled with lots of wedding day planning.

If you’re wanting the wedding of your dreams, and why wouldn’t you, then kick off 2016 with a very important part of your big day with Wedding Dance Lessons. Yes, now is the time to begin thinking about exactly what you would like your first dance to look like. Were you thinking of a romantic Waltz, a seductive and surprising Argentine tango, or a playful Swing dance? All great ideas! Maybe you hadn’t gotten past, “We just don’t want to look ridiculous in front of our loved ones”. That’s OK. We don’t want you to look or feel silly either, so let’s get you started on the right foot with a Wedding Dance Consultation.

At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley, we invite all of our brides and grooms to schedule a private, one-hour Wedding Dance Consultation so that we can get to know you and find out about the wedding dance you have always wanted. We will assist you in finding the perfect song (or songs) that suits your personalities, as well as begin to develop a vision for your wedding dance.

As I mentioned, some couples truly have no idea of what they want. Many have never even danced before. This is why it’s so important to begin taking dance lessons for your wedding now, rather than wait for everything else to be completed. Ordering flowers does not require you to learn an entirely new skill together as a couple, so it is definitely a priority to start learning to dance while you’re figuring everything else out. By the end of your Wedding Dance Consultation with us, you will get all of your questions answered and we will even personalize a dance program for you so that you can look amazing on your wedding day.

To make the most of your consultation, here are a few of my favorite tips…

  1. Bring in up to 10 of your favorite songs. Forget about whether they sound too slow or seem to fast to dance to; we will help determine that for you. The key is to find music that you love, that speaks to you. If you have a story behind the song, great! If you just like rocking out to it in the car, no problem! If your music doesn’t work for dancing, we’ll let you know. Our goal is to make you look great and, as professionals with 20+ years of wedding dance experience, that will happen!
  2. Come with a few ideas of your perfect wedding dance. Slow and romantic, sultry and smooth, unexpected and original, or a combination of all three…we have literally done it all! Again, if it won’t work, we’re not shy to let you know. What’s most important is that you are prepared and relaxed so that you can look your best. That’s where our expertise comes into play. 🙂
  3. Print out a layout of your reception space, with dimensions of your dance floor. We want to know everything from the material that you will be dancing on (wood, cement, tile, carpet, etc..) to where your guests will be seated. We can’t have you doing a beautiful dip facing a wall, right? Every little piece matters, so bring in what you can and we’ll get you ready from there.

A Wedding Dance Consultation with us at Dance FX Studios includes so much more than even what I’ve included above. There’s really no better time that January to make time to learn to dance for your wedding. Even if you’re not tying the knot until the end of 2016, you’ll be glad that you had the year to learn to couple’s dance. Plus, with Wedding Dance Lessons, you will have a great way to stay connected and sane through your wedding planning process. Trust me, it can be daunting, but with a great way to relieve stress as well as learn a new, romantic hobby, your wedding planning can be a breeze. We look forward to helping you to shine on the dance floor in 2o16!

Why Even Santa Should Learn to Swing Dance

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Swing dance lessons near Tempe ArizonaChristmas 2015 is tomorrow! Are you ready? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who has last-minute shopping to do. In the holiday spirit, I began thinking of Santa Claus and all of the fun things he will be doing between now and next Christmas. Surely he will need some down time in January, but then what? I was thinking how beneficial it would be for Santa and Mrs. Claus to spend some time taking Swing dance lessons for beginners. Wouldn’t that be a fun, new hobby for them? Swing dancing would be perfect for the Claus’. Here’s why…

  1. Swing dancing keeps you fit. I know, Santa will need his belly back for next December, but he could definitely do a little slimming and trimming between now and then. With Swing dance lessons, he and Mrs. Claus will be burning up to 500 calories in an hour! They will also be kicking those endorphins into high gear, keeping that good cheer in each of them all year ’round. I’m assuming that at the end of the holiday season, Santa could feel a little down. I mean, he’s basically not needed for another 11 months. When he goes Swing dancing though, the release of endorphins will raise those spirits until next season.
  2. Swing dance lessons are romantic. Even Santa has to work to sweep Mrs. Claus off her feet and  Swing dance lessons will be the perfect way to show her how much he loves her. Social dancing is a great way to connect with your loved one. A couple can groove to their favorite songs, and learn to move together as one, which is a very special feeling. Couple’s dancing also helps with teamwork within a relationship, not that Santa and Mrs. Claus need help with that part!
  3. Swing dance lessons will improve Santa’s memory. I’ll bet that with all of the little ones world-wide that he has to drop presents off to, anything that would improve Santa’s memory would be a good thing. Social dancing dramatically helps keep your mind sharp as a man, since you are responsible for not only recalling all of your cool dance moves, but for deciding which one to use and when. On a crowded dance floor, this can be quite intimidating. Over time, with lots of practice, it will become easier and easier, which means that brain is being worked and your memory is getting better and better. See how beneficial social dancing is??

Unfortunately Santa does not live in sunny Arizona with me. But if he did, I would recommend that he take his Swing dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley. He and Mrs. Claus would get to discover all of the most popular social dances here, from Salsa to Country Two Step and even Argentine tango. Maybe the North Pole has a similar type of dance studio. If not, Santa, you’re always welcome to join us at Dance FX Studios! Merry Christmas to all!

Looking for a Challenge in 2016? Explore Argentine Tango Dancing.

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tango dance lessons near TempeDo you like a challenge? Many people do! There’s a definite sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in working towards something that’s really cool and unique, like learning to social dance. And the rewards of knowing how to dance the Argentine tango in particular are no exception.

From the stage to the screen to the barrios of Buenos Aires, the sensuality of the Argentine tango permeates the fabric of the social dance world as the crown jewel of dances that emphasize lead and follow and music interpretation. In relation to competitive ballroom dancing, many underestimate the difficulty of knowing how to dance tango.

Argentine tango is social dancing at its finest. With split-second decisions to make on a crowded, small and often dark dance floor, tango dancing optimizes creativity and a challenge. You see, unlike other social dances, like the Country Two Step for example, the tango is filled with intricate moves that are ever-changing. While there are a set of common core moves that have become widely known, the possibilities are endless for what you can create once you know the rules of the dance. It is for this reason that the tango is my absolute favorite social dance. There really is nothing that you can’t do, as long as you’re using proper technique, and staying with the music, of course.

“Knowing” what to expect is out the window in the Argentine tango, making this dance intimidating, to say the least. Add to that music interpretation and you have yourself a puzzle filled with thousands of tiny little pieces with which to play.

Lead and follow. This is what social dancing is all about! In the Argentine tango, it is of primary importance that a couple is connected through a solid lead and follow so that he can create and she can embellish and/or be shown off. The outcome? A couple who is on the same page and moving as one. It’s a truly amazing experience! And, once you know how to dance the tango, you can virtually be guaranteed that every other social ballroom dance will be a breeze to learn from there.

In 2016, challenge yourself by exploring the Argentine tango. Discover a dance that is passionate, romantic, dramatic and beautiful. To learn to tango is to go on a journey. So what will 2016 bring you? If you’re driven to succeed in a hobby that you will use for a lifetime, visit us at Dance FX Studios in Phoenix, Arizona and begin the new year with a bang with Argentine tango lessons.

Social Dancing in 2016

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dance lessons for adults near Chandler ArizonaHappy holidays! As we get closer and closer to the new year ahead, I’m assuming that means you’re getting closer to calling us at Dance FX Studios in Phoenix, Arizona to sign up for adult dance lessons. OK, I will give you a pass if you don’t happen to live here in sunny Arizona with us, but surely you will be contacting your local dance studio come 2016, right? If so, you’re a smart one! Social dances like Country Two Step, Swing and Salsa are just too much fun to pass up for one more year. Make the upcoming year a great one with these top three recommended social dances…

  1. Country Two Step: Country Two Step dance lessons for beginners are a blast! Of course, the more you actually learn, the more fun you’ll have on the dance floor! Arizona residents, you MUST know how to Two Step dance in 2016! From Country Thunder, which is just around the corner, to tons of great Country bars all around the Phoenix valley, give yourself the gift of Country dance lessons this holiday and you’ll have a new hobby that you can use for so many years to come. Think of date nights, parties, evenings out with friends and even weddings where you’ll be able to Two Step the night away. Two Step dance lessons are truly a great investment in you, or, if you have a partner, the two of you!
  2. Swing: Swing dance lessons are another must for anyone who loves Country, Rock and Roll, Big Band and even alternative music. Yes, that covers many genres, and so does Swing dancing! With over 20 recognized Swing dance styles, your bases will certainly be covered when you this popular dance. Why sit out on the sidelines when you can enjoy Swing dancing to your favorite songs? Come visit us at Dance FX Studios to learn to Swing dance and see how easy it is to do lots of exciting turns and spins! Ensure in 2016 that wherever you go, you’ll be out on the dance floor, and not wishing you knew how to dance…
  3. Salsa: So, being that we live in the southwest, why would you not want to know how to Salsa dance? Salsa dancing has been huge here in Arizona for well over a decade, and there is no shortage of people who are ready to begin taking beginner’s Salsa dance lessons in 2016. Join in with many others who are ready to explore their sexy side, and to steam things up in their relationship with Salsa dance lessons.

It’s not too late to take advantage of our Holiday Dance Deals for Social Ballroom Dance Lessons. Don’t pay full price if you don’t have to! Then, once the holidays are over,  you’ll be rearing to hit that dance floor and make some magic happen. And we’ll be right by your side to see to it that 2016 is your year to have more fun, meet new people and add romance, all through social dancing. Happy holidays!

Interesting Facts About Social Dancing

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adult dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaDid you know that social dancing dates back to primitive cultures, where people used it to celebrate births and deaths in their community? Over the centuries, it has been enjoyed by many cultures as a means of connecting with others, flirting and having fun. Although sometimes referred to as “scandalous” for its sensual movements, (if you have seen Argentine tango danced, you’ll know what I mean), social dancing is here to stay and is as popular as ever!

Social dances, like Salsa, Swing and Country dancing, are all about impromptu movements danced between partners, a leader and a follower. The positive benefits of social dancing are endless, which is why it is still a hit amongst young and old alike.

Touted as an “all in one cure” for the blues, social dancing has turned many a frown upside down. Interestingly, many doctors have prescribed social dance lessons for those who are going through a divorce. For Dan Carper, a contractor who turned to social dancing after his divorce more than a decade ago, it’s “like pushing the reset button. No matter how hard your day is, five or 10 minutes after you’ve started dancing, you leave everything behind. If I am dancing, I am happier and things in my life are going better,” says Carper, 58, of Tujunga. “There’s definitely a mind-body connection. When you mesh with someone, it’s as if you are one.”

At Northwestern University in Illinois, engineering students are encouraged to learn to Swing dance to help them balance their left-brain analytical side in order to flex their creative side. And, at Cal State Long Beach, social dance lessons are offered to students who are not making the grade. The intention is to get them out of their funk and therefore improve their chances of succeeding in school. The results were astounding! “The turnaround for them (the students) is night and day. They’re not depressed anymore,” says Phil Martin, a dance instructor at Long Beach since 1983. “One student wound up taking my class every semester … and told me that his grades had gone from Cs and Ds to A’s and Bs.”

In a nutshell, social dancing is for everyone. In addition to being a mood enhancer, dancing strengthens the immune system, increases the ability to deal with stress and is romantic to boot. If you’re wondering  why you haven’t been social dancing and you’re ready to join in the fun, contact us at Dance FX Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. We would love the opportunity to make you a confident social dancer!