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

Explore Swing Dancing in 2015!

January 13, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

Ahhhh, Swing dancing! It’s exciting, versatile and so very useful! In fact, there are now more than 25 variations of Swing dancing. Varying styles include the East Coast Swing, Country Swing, Lindy Hop and the intriguing West Coast Swing. Before we get into why West Coast Swing in particular is so awesome, let’s answer a few questions surrounding the dance; What is the simple definition of West Coast Swing and discuss a bit of it’s background.

What in the world is West Coast Swing?

The definition of West Coast Swing (WCS) is: a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop, characterized by it’s specific elastic look that comes from its basic extension-compression (“rubber band”) technique of partner connection. It’s mainly danced on a slotted area of the dance floor and allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together, putting West Coast Swing in a short list of dances that put a premium on improvisation.

Typically the “follower” walks into new patterns traveling forward on counts “1” and “2” of each basic pattern, rather than rocking back. Traditional figures include 6-count and 8-count patterns of one of the four basic varieties: (1) Starter Step, (2) Side Pass (Left or Right), (3) Push Break / Sugar Push, (4) Whip. Virtually all other moves in WCS are variations of these basic patterns. The Anchor Step is a default ending pattern for many West Coast Swing moves.

What’s historical 411 on West Coast Swing?

West Coast Swing seems to have been born during the late 1930s through early 1950s, the same time-frame of many of the other forms of Swing: Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Balboa, Shag, East Coast Swing, etc). West Coast Swing, as the name implies, was the regional form of Swing dancing in California and the west coast of the U.S.

There are many theories on people who influenced West Coast Swing’s development. Some say that Dean Collins, was influential when he arrived in CA in 1937 after learning and dancing Savoy style swing in New York City. Others say that Arthur Murray taught people the dance he had learned in California, even though he called it “Western Swing” (a name that is often misleading since West Coast Swing is not specifically done to country music). The dance was being called California Swing and took on the contemporary music of the time; in 1978, the dance was documented as West Coast Swing; and in 1988, West Coast Swing became the state dance of California.¹

From the late 1980s through present dance, West Coast Swing has become recognized as one of the most versatile dance forms. Dance events specifically featuring this dance from 1980 to 2000 helped to expose dancers around the country to a dance that can be enjoyed to traditional swing, blues, R&B, some Cha-Cha, some Samba, and a lot of popular/contemporary music. Since 2000, the internet (YouTube) and variety shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance” have propelled West Coast Swing into the forefront.

Today, West Coast Swing can be found throughout the United States and Internationally. There are instructors, dancers and events in the USA, Canada, France, England, Russia, and Australia.

So why learn West Coast Swing?

It’s interestingly fun!

West Coast Swing is highly engaging and moderately challenging and since it can be danced to a variety of tempos, it can be a slow, medium or fast dance. The attitude and style of the dance can vary in interpretation depending on the type of music your dancing it to; from flirty and fun to sexy and relaxing.

It’s extremely versatile.

Unlike many other dances, West Coast Swing can be danced to many different genres of music from Pop, R&B, Contemporary, Country and most Top 40 music. This allows people to pick and choose an “infinite” amount of music with which to dance to and makes it attainable for a large spectrum of age ranges and abilities.

Its smooth and sometimes sexy quality also allows for a large range of freedom of expression and lyricism. Couples can therefore choose whether to have a “fun” or “intimate” style of dance. Best of all, West Coast Swing can adopt many movements and styles from other dances such as Hustle, Tango, and Salsa

It allows dancing to be a conversation instead of a lecture.

Most styles of partner dancing like the Country Western Two Step, Jitterbug or Bachata have a locked rule of who leads and who follows. West Coast Swing allows leaders to lead both assertively and by “invitation”, which in turn gives followers freedom to “play” and groove with music independently from the leader. This makes West Coast Swing really unique compared to most partner dancing styles.

Are you intrigued by the West Coast Swing? If so, it’s time to begin your journey into learning this one-of-a-kind dance! For those of you who reside in Arizona, come learn to West Coast Swing dance with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. With our New Student Offer, you will be on your way to understanding how this cool dance works. Beginner West Coast Swing dance lessons are for singles and couples, so you have no reason to delay dancing as an exciting new hobby! Contact us at 480-968-6177 to kick off your new year in style with West Coast Swing dance lessons!

Finding the Right Dance Studio in Arizona

January 9, 2015/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

So you want to learn how to Country dance or maybe try out Salsa dancing in 2015? Don’t know where to start? Well, let me give you a few key points that can point your rudder and sails in the right direction. First, let me congratulate you on your decision for wanting to learn to social dance in the new year! Swing dancing and even learning the steamy Argentine Tango can add a fun hobby to your life, a fun stress reliever and can also be a great way to shed that unwanted lingering holiday weight. Social partner dancing is also useful for meeting new friends and potential lovers in the year ahead. In general, dancing is wonderful for your social life, as well as your sense of well-being.

Before you begin your journey into social dancing, here are several important questions to have answered:

1. Does the ballroom dance studio have the type of dancing you’re looking for? What makes them unique? Now these are very important questions. Do you want a highly stressed competitive and performance look to your dancing? Or do you want fun and comfortable social dance experience that can help you to relax? Most people would pick the latter, but both options are on the table in most cities across the U.S. . Oftentimes most people don’t want to be swinging from the chandeliers like the professional performers do on Dancing with The Stars. Instead, they want to learn to Latin dance or Country Two Step to lighten their days, maybe take time away from the kids, or even just to have a new skill set that is cool and unique.

There are plenty of dance studios out there to choose from, but what makes one in your area stand out for your particular needs is extremely important. Value is the main key here. If the time you put in your dancing is worth the money you invest, then you have a winner! So, while searching for the best studio for you as a single or as part of a couple, take time to try out their New Student Offer. Hopefully, there won’t be strings attached and then you can truly see for yourself if this is the studio you want to invest more time into. If you’re not having fun while learning how to dance, then why bother, right? No one wants boring dance instruction; they have plenty of those tutorials on YouTube!

2. How long has your local dance studio been in business? While an established company does not necessarily make for a better one, time in the community will prove to reveal whether or not a business is worth investing in or not. Ask around to see if the studio is independently owned or part of a franchise if that matters to you. Also, it is helpful to go by and get a tour of the facility to make sure that the place is well-kept and to your liking.

3. What are the reviews, testimonials and ratings of the studio? A dance studio’s credibility matters. If the studio hasn’t had a long track record of delivering high quality dance instruction, then why waste your valuable time, energy and money? See if the studio that you are considering has a good or bad track record and let that help to make your decision. With the advent of Google and Facebook, it’s even easier to get the reviews that you are seeking. Here’s a review from one our valued students:

Great studio! My instructor was very competent, patient, and capable. I feel much more comfortable on the dance floor after only five individual lessons. This is a very highly recommended dance studio!

– Albert E. Breland Jr., MD

If you happen to be in the Phoenix, Arizona area, Dance FX Studios is located at 1859 W Guadalupe Rd. Suite 105 Mesa, AZ 85202. We will teach you how to become a confident social dancer in the most popular and useful dances including Salsa, Swing, Country dancing, Line dancing and so much more! Come on by and learn the dances you have always wanted to and make this new year your best one yet!

Top 3 Reasons Why You Need to Start Dancing Now

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

To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful… This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking. – Agnes de Mille

You’re probably wondering, “Why dance? I have two left, I’m too white, I’m too old, I’m too this or that.” Then the myriad of excuses start stampeding in like bulls. The mind can play many games when it comes to avoiding something new and trying something outside of your comfort zone. Putting aside the idea that you may feel silly at first learning to dance, social dances, including the Country Two Step, or Swing dancing, actually has many benefits physically, mentally and spiritually. Let’s take a closer look as to why you should start dancing now rather than putting it off in the new year.

Your Physical Health and Fitness. Did you know that dances like Salsa and Swing are a total body cardiovascular workout than strengthens muscles and bones? Dancing actually increases blood circulation, and lowers blood pressure, while at the same time reducing the risk of coronary heart disease! How great is that?! Looking toned and fit while having fun exploring a new hobby doesn’t hurt either!

Your Mind. Endorphins are unleashed when the body exerts itself at a certain level. You might have heard of a “runner’s high”. Because dancing is a similar activity, this same emotional boost can happen as you learn to Tango or even Two Step.. Of course, all exercise releases endorphins, but dancing has an increased effect in this realm because it’s not only the physical activity, but also the music, that affect the mind. In a dancer’s context, a “dancer’s high” is felt when you really kick your body into high gear after a few minutes of continuous motion.
Dancing also affects the mind by contributing to a sense of satisfaction. While you may not reach new goals immediately, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you worked hard towards those goals. Sweating through a series of rhythms and combinations can be very satisfying even if change comes about at a slow pace. In the long term, you will see the fruits of your efforts not only from year to year, but on a day-to-day basis, as you grow in your dancing abilities.

In addition, studies have also shown that activities that involve both physical and mental activity at the same time help to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and reduce the chance of developing dementia by 70%. Now that is good for everyone!

Your Soul. Dancing gives a sense of happiness and spiritual fulfillment. Getting swept up in an intimate connection with another person is a wonderful and unique feeling and form of expression, which is why so many people enjoy it…So why not you? Aside from your mind and body; your soul is worth time healing and growing through dance.

Social dancing is an amazing way to escape from life, let go and have some good old fashioned fun! Now, why would you want to miss out on that? Grab your partner or come solo to a local dance studio in your area and see what kind of offers they have for new students in the new year so that you can get in on the action. For those of you who reside in Arizona, you can come see us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We would love to take you on the exciting journey of learning to dance! You too will soon see how there is nothing more rewarding that exploring a hobby with as many benefits as dancing has to offer.

Couples… Spice Up 2015 and Dance!

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

Now that we’ve rung in the new year, there’s no reason that the sparks shouldn’t keep flying! Couples, you know how easy it is to get comfortable in your relationship. Make 2015 a year that will help you to develop a deeper connection with each other. “What’s the secret?”, you may be wondering. From 20 years of teaching the everyday couple to social ballroom dance, we can say with absolute confidence that learning to partner dance is THE way to come together on a more intimate level.

Social dancing is that fun stuff you see when you go out to dinner and the live band starts playing Country music. You know you want to get out there and Country Two Step or Country Swing dance with the rest of them, but you just don’t know how. Or, when you’re at your best friend’s wedding and the music quiets down, you would rather do anything other than the 7th grade prom sway for 4 minutes. What do you do? Well, social ballroom dance lessons will help you to learn some cool, dreamy steps to sweep her off of her feet! Have you ever been to a Latin club and wished that you could Salsa dance? Yes, we teach that too! If you’re ready to give your relationship a boost this year, let us share with you our top 5 reasons how you can improve your relationship through social dancing:

1. Dancing creates true togetherness. With the advent of the smartphone and technology flooding/distracting us with information from all angles, it becomes increasingly difficult to be in the moment or “present” with anyone these days, let alone our loved ones or our significant other for that matter. How nice would it be to hold each other tight and put those phones away for a few hours a week just to make time for the one that means the most.

2. Dancing reignites romance and fun. Remember the days of childlike fun that you had when your first fell in love? Why not bring it back on the dance floor? With passionate dances like the Argentine Tango or playful ones like Swing dancing, you will soon be able to enjoy your new skills anywhere that music is played! It’s exciting to be great social dancers for each other and also as a skill that not every twosome can say that they have.

3. Dancing gives couples a chance to get away and escape from the day to day stress of life. Instead of jumping on Facebook or the next mind-dulling TV program, why not dance? Dancing is super-healthy physically as well as mentally. Think of another hobby that you can share with your sweetie that takes your mind off of the week’s stresses and allows you to enjoy each other fully. Social dancing provides that and so much more!

4. Dancing allows couples to learn something new and grow/progress together. Couples that grow together, stay together. Challenge each other and yourself by trying something outside of your comfort zone. Dancing may not come immediately, but with time and effort, you will enjoy your accomplishments on the dance floor for years to come.

5. Dancing develops body language and communication beyond mere words. We’ve all heard that words are only 7% of what we actually communicate to the world, right? Well now you can express yourself through dancing as another release and creative outlet. Couples that understand each other beyond words usually form a deeper, longer-lasting connection.

Country, Swing and Latin dancing for couples has many benefits, as we have explored. So, what are you waiting for?! It’s time to kick off the year with your special someone on the dance floor. If you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, come visit Dance FX Studios in the East Valley for couple’s dance lessons! We will help you to get comfortable with the social dances that you will use most, maybe even by Valentine’s Day! Our New Student Offer is a great way to begin your journey into dance so give us a call at 480-968-6177 and make 2015 your best year yet!

Top 3 Tips To Keep Your 2015 Dance Resolutions

December 31, 2014/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Social dancing is a blast! Who wouldn’t love to go out Country Swing dancing or enjoy an evening Salsa dancing at a local Latin club? Dancing is great fun, a wonderful means of stress relief and a great way to meet others, but getting to that comfort level where you can really dance with ease takes a bit of time. No one is born knowing how to dance, so taking the time to learn is a must. No worries! While learning to Swing dance or dance the Tango may be a challenge, it is well worth it in the end-especially when you can be one of the few who do it well. 🙂 Here’s how to get to that point where you can dance comfortably and with confidence in the upcoming year.

Practice every day

It’s one thing to say, “I’m gonna dance like Bruno Mars did on the Superbowl half-time show!” It’s another thing to commit the months and hours of daily practice to create the dance results that you’re truly looking for. Great dancers that get praised in public are rewarded for all the hours of practice they’ve trained in private.

Make a plan and commit a consistent amount of time your willing to spend week and stick to it. Consistency is key! People that are healthy and in shape aren’t that way by accident. They specific ritual of how much they exercise, what they eat, how much they eat and what they avoid eating to get the body they want.

Makes dance goals clearer than your HD TV

It’s great to have big dreams and aspirations for your dancing, but make sure you’re S.M.A.R.T. about it. Make your dancing goals:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

For example, instead of writing down a goal like,”I want to be an amazing Salsa dancer!”, write down, “I want to be a smooth and confident Salsa dancer that can lead/follow most basic dance combinations comfortably within the next six months.” Knowing what is realistic is very important so that you don’t overshoot or undershoot your goals and end up becoming disappointed. This is where a meeting with your dance instructor is relevant. Make sure that you find a social dance instructor that helps you set measurable goals so that you are always headed in the right direction with your dancing. Progress is key to sticking with social dance lessons and having more fun on the dance floor. Be sure to set daily and weekly goals that are easy to control so you can see gradual progress along your dance journey. Also have long term goals that keep your eye on the prize!

Find an experienced instructor in your local area

Sure, many people have tried to learn how to Country dance or Latin dance from a YouTube video, but there is one thing that videos cannot teach and that’s “feeling.” Partner dancing is about developing a feeling, connection and communication with your partner, something that’s impossible to get through your PC, smartphone or TV. Having an experienced dance teacher who can give you specific and clear guidance based on your learning style is absolutely crucial to your development as a dancer. Plus your instructor can correct any dance mistakes and bad habits you might have, something a video just can’t do.

Now it’s your turn to do something that you may have always wanted to do…Dance! Make 2015 the best year ever and learn a skill that can be used anywhere from date nights to weddings and holiday parties to cruises. Swing dance your way through 2015 in style and watch your confidence soar! For Arizona residents, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley. We are in Mesa, just off the 101 highway, bordering Tempe and Chandler, AZ. Dance FX Studios serves residents Valley-wide from Gilbert to Scottsdale and Phoenix to Queen Creek. Discover social dancing with us and begin with our New Student Offer, then let us take you on a journey into a hobby that you can use forever. Here’s to an exciting new year of fun and dance! We hope to see you in 2015!

Shaping Up For 2015

December 29, 2014/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

The 2014 holiday season is coming to a close. If you’re like the rest of us, you’re ready to kick those New Year’s resolutions into high gear-especially when it comes to your health. Most of us need a little help getting the ball rolling to make some big changes, but what if I told you that I had a fun, exciting, and even romantic, way to get fit in the next 12 months? What if I also said that this new hobby will expand your social circle, add a LOT of spice to your life and will also give you a major confidence boost? Sounds too good to be true, right? Get ready for a year filled with a fabulous new you and learn to social dance in 2015! Yes,you can actually dance your way back to a healthier you, and have a blast in the process.

You may be wondering which social dances are right for you, just how dancing will get you into shape and maybe even what exactly social dancing means. It’s almost too good to be true that dancing can have so many benefits!

First, which dances should you learn first in 2015? The most popular social dances to learn this coming year are Country Swing, Salsa and Line Dancing. Country Swing has taken over most Country dance venues as THE dance to know. With all of the cool spins and arm variations to discover, Country Swing is an impressive dance to execute. When you are ready to explore this Country dance, remember to seek out quality Swing dance instruction.While it is an option to learn to Country Swing dance in a bar for free, you will find that you do get what you pay for, especially in terms of learning a skill such as partner dancing.

In 2015, to accompany the Country Swing, do also explore lively Line dances, including the Wobble Baby and Copperhead Road. Not all Line dances are Country-based these days, so knowing how to do the popular ones will keep you out on the dance floor at weddings and other social gatherings too. Line dancing is worth knowing, regardless of the kind of dance music you enjoy.

Lastly, it is very relevant to know how to Salsa dance these days-especially if you live in the Southwest. Salsa dancing is hot world-wide, though, so learn to Salsa dance and heat up your love life and sense of adventure in the new year! What’s also interesting about Salsa dancing is that it’s actually very easy to learn. Adding those Latin hips are what make it a bit more of a challenge for some, but how fun would it be to push your comfort level in the new year and go beyond even what you thought you could do?!

With all of these social dances, you can burn up to 325 calories per hour! Dancing is so much more fun than going to the gym, and it allows you to do a skill that most only dream of knowing how to do well, while at the same time meeting new friends and broadening your social circle.

All in all, discovering social dancing and pursuing it in 2015 will bring you happiness for years to come. For Arizona couples, singles and even brides and grooms, come learn to Country dance, Latin dance, or even Swing and Line dance with us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley. Our New Student Offer is a great way to sample out several dances that are appealing to you. Make 2015 one to remember with social dance lessons!

It’s Not Too Late to Give the Gift of Dance!

December 22, 2014/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Last minute shoppers… You can still give your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors the perfect gift this Christmas…Social ballroom dance lessons! Not sure what social dancing is or how it would fit into your loved ones lives? Easy enough! Social dancing is what you would see at a wedding, in a bar, at a holiday party or anywhere that people gather to hang out to have a good time. Social dancing can include freestyle or Hip Hop, but we are specifically referring to social ballroom dancing, which requires a partner. Think Country Two Step, Swing and even Salsa dancing, and you will be on the right track when it comes to defining types of popular social ballroom dances.

Dancing is timeless and universal, making it a hobby that (we feel) everyone should know! 🙂 What better way to end a long day than to go burn off steam Country Swing dancing? How cool would it be to go Swing dancing after a hellish week at the office? Social dancing will be the one gift you give that literally keeps on giving. What’s even better, the more you use it, the greater you will feel! This is true on many levels, including mentally, physically and even emotionally. Yes, when you spend time connecting with others, being physically active and challenging yourself with a cool new hobby, you are on your way to a happier you!

When would those you know find the time to go and use an activity such as dancing? Well, date nights that include dancing are a great way to begin any relationship. Plus knowing how to social dance is great for anniversaries, weddings, special events and even dancing at home with someone special as a fun, healthy and intimate activity for two.

Do you live in Arizona? If so, come grab a gift card for social ballroom dance lessons for your friends and relatives this holiday season at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We will introduce your loved ones to an exciting form of recreation and entertainment that will expand their social circle, improve their love life and get them off the couch. 2015 is right around the corner. You can check many boxes off of those New Year’s Resolutions on your friend’s lists, just by having them learn to social dance! Give the gift of confidence, fitness and fun this holiday season.

Gift certificates are available in our Online Store now. And, with every $100 that you spend in gift certificates, you will receive a $20 credit on your account! How cool is that!? Gift cards can be purchased in increments of $25 or can be purchased and printed for specific items, including a New Student Offer for singles or couples, our 4-Week Group Dance Classes for couples, or a Wedding Dance Consultation. Happy Shopping! We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Relieve Stress in the New Year

December 18, 2014/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

A less stressful year. What a wonderful New Year’s Resolution for 2015! Between kids, that mound of work piling up on your desk and the fact that you haven’t seen the inside of a gym in five years, finding ways to relieve stress in 2015 is probably quite important, dare we say essential, at this point in your life. Finding time for you always seems to be the problem with so much on your plate, right? Well, you’re not alone. Plenty of men and women are in the same boat, and are looking for ways to let go of the unwanted tension that life can bring when we have so much going on.

If you’re seeking a new way to lighten your load in the upcoming year, consider learning to ballroom dance. Now just to clarify, when we say “ballroom”, we mean any dance that you can share with a partner, from Swing to Salsa and Tango to Two Step. It really doesn’t matter which style you choose as long as you get out and let loose. How will dancing lift what seems like the weight of the world from your shoulders? Let’s see…

1. Dancing releases endorphins: As you may know, when your body releases endorphins from any form of physical exercise, you can’t help but be put in a better mood. It is literally physically impossible to be in a bad mood with this output. That’s why working out, or dancing, can give that much needed extra burst of energy after a long day. Don’t you deserve that after all you do for everyone else?

Now, you can choose to go get that gym membership that you’ve been putting off, or you can dance your way into a happier you. Think of how much more fun it would be to learn to Country Two Step with your friends, or your significant other, in 2015! Dancing is not only a great workout and source of entertainment, but you can burn off a lot of steam enjoying a night of Country music and Country dancing.

2. Dancing allows for social connections to develop: Speaking of enjoying time out dancing, when you have a social skill like knowing how to Swing dance or dance the Argentine Tango, you can explore local dance venues that attract others with the same interest as you. Social ballroom dancing is a fantastic way to meet new friends, lovers, and members of the community. What better way to brighten your day than to make new connections with others. Curb life’s pressures with dancing and enjoy a new hobby that can be used at weddings, holiday parties, dance venues and so many other places that you will find yourself in at one point or another. Few people can dance well, so you will be a magnet in a positive way with the ability of knowing how to ballroom dance.

3. You must focus while learning to dance: Since dancing is a skill, the process of learning to become proficient at it means that you have to concentrate as you learn. This may seem like work, however redirecting your energy into learning to ballroom dance will help you to let go of other situations or circumstances in life, like that project that is due at work in two days that you have yet to start. Learning to dance is a fun and rewarding process, especially once you gain the know-how to do it well.

Improve your social life, shake that unwanted anxiety and enjoy life more with ballroom dance lessons in 2015. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, come learn social ballroom dancing with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We will give you the confidence and tools needed to enjoy all of the benefits that dancing has to offer. Get started with our New Student Offer and transform yourself in 2015 to a more relaxed and peaceful you.

Get Fit in 2015!

December 17, 2014/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

In the new year we’re all going to get into shape again, right? We’ll be our 40-year old selves with the bodies that we had in our 20’s! Don’t we all have the same resolution of fitness and health upon each new year? Well how wonderful would it be if I told you that you CAN have that 20 year old bod in your 40’s…without even going to the gym! That’s right! You can look and feel your best in the coming year with a timeless activity that has more benefits than we can name. Are you ready to revolutionize your health regime and make 2015’s health goals finally stick? Then give social dancing a try!

Burn calories while looking sexy and having fun in the new year with Salsa dance lessons! Yes, Salsa lessons will give you the confidence that you may be lacking to shine on the dance floor at any Latin club, wedding, or hey, maybe just in the living room with your sweetie. No matter where you decide to dance, with confidence you can really let go and enjoy yourself while the body gets to work.

What’s amazing about Salsa dancing and other Latin dances, from Merengue to Bachata, is that you will find yourself using parts of your body that have never been used before. Really, how often do you shake your hips for 5-7 minutes straight to music? That alone will get the heart pumping! Add great Latin music to the mix and you have a new hobby that is SO much more exciting than working out the traditional way. Are you ready for the cherry on top? Salsa dancing and other partner dances allow you to get fit with your special someone. Now that’s cool! Of course you can always go to a Zumba class for a Latin dance workout, but with partner dancing, you can shed any unwanted weight together and BOTH reach your fitness goals! Does it get any better?

Now, not everyone is into Latin music. No worries! There are many other styles of social dances that will get the blood flowing. Take Swing dancing, for example. Swing dancing is high energy, very popular and can be danced to many different kinds of music, from Country to Big Band. With Swing dance lessons, you’re also looking at burning about 350 calories per hour as long as you keep moving. This is a wonderful fun fact, no? And, since dancing is a total body workout, you will begin seeing results all over at the same time, making your dance lessons that better of an investment for you or you and your partner.

Beyond the health aspects of social ballroom dancing, with this incredible skill under your belt, you can expand your social circle in the upcoming year, add more romance (or meet someone new), improve your creativity, posture and balance, and the list goes on and on… From the physical to the social, the benefits of knowing how to dance are literally endless!

Give social dancing a shot in 2015. We’d love to hear about how it enhances your life! For those lucky ones who reside in Phoenix, Arizona, you can learn to social dance with us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix Easy Valley. We specialize in creating confident social dancers, both singles and couples. With fun dances to explore that range from Argentine Tango to Country to Swing and Salsa, you will be dancing your way into a more fit you in 2015!

Holiday Gift Certificates for Dance Lessons Are Now Available!

December 10, 2014/in Dance Lessons Mesa AZ /by Sierra

Holiday shopping season is in full swing and the options for what to get those you love seem to be endless! From ugly sweaters to fine bottles of wine, you can literally find anything and everything to gift these days. While that box of fruit and nuts may seem like a safe bet, have you considered an out-of-the-box idea for family and friends this year? How about a gift so great that it can last a lifetime? Well, if you are looking for that WOW factor without spending too much money, do we have the perfect gift for you…social dance lessons! You know those cool dances that you see your friends having a blast with at the Country bars or in the Latin clubs? Think Country Swing, Two Step and Salsa. Well that’s what we offer here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona! For those of you who live here in Phoenix with us, you will be bringing joy to anyone who receives a gift certificate from you for dance lesson with us.

Dance lessons are an excellent present for anyone who needs a way to relieve stress, have more fun and do something healthy and active besides going to the gym. Social dancing offers these benefits and so much more. Imagine how great it would be for your shy neighbor to get out of her house and do something for herself for once. Through dancing, she can gain confidence, meet others and build a network of friends who have a similar interest in dance. For your best friend and her husband, private dance lessons are an incredible gift of time together away from the kids. With Argentine Tango or Swing dance lessons, they can re-connect on a more intimate level once again. Dance lessons are also ideal for that wound up co-worker who never leaves the office because he always “has too much to do”. If he had an appointment weekly for an exciting new hobby that will truly enhance his life, he can have a reason to leave the paperwork behind and dance!

The best way to give the gift of dance with us at Dance FX Studios is through our Online Store. After discovering our New Student Offer for private dance lessons (singles or couples welcome) as well as our 4-Week Group Dance Classes for couples, head over to our online store for a gift certificate. Certificates can be printed with several designs and backgrounds, or even emailed on the date of your choice, if that is preferred. The best part of giving the gift of dance this year at Dance FX Studios is that for every $100 that you spend in gift certificates, you get a $20 credit towards services for yourself! How cool is that?!

Dance FX Studios is located on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rds. We are in Mesa, but are also very close to Tempe and Chandler, just off the 101 highway. We serve all Phoenix residents in cities from Scottsdale to Queen Creek and Gold Canyon to Gilbert. Make 2015 a magical year by sharing the joy of dance with those close to you.

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.