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

What to Bring to Your Wedding Consultation

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Congratulations on your engagement! Let the planning and business of creating your perfect day begin! One really important aspect of your wedding day will be your first dance and the dancing that will follow it. At Dance FX Studios in the East Phoenix Valley, we have prepared countless couples for their wedding receptions. Some couples want a romantic first dance to put them as a couple in the spotlight. Others want the whole bridal party to be involved in a surprise reception-opening dance. Brides and grooms have brought their mothers and fathers to the studio as well, getting them ready for father-daughter and mother-son dances. Any idea that you have for your reception, we can help you! Your first step is to schedule a Wedding Consultation. This is an hour-long visit that includes discussion of your plans and visions and includes dancing! Read on to find out what to bring to your first lesson to get the most out of it.

Prior to your consultation, please prepare a list of possible song options that may be of interest to you. You may bring in your favorite songs on a CD, iPod, iPhone or flash drive for us to hear. We also have Spotify here at the studio, giving you access to more song options if need be. When choosing the right song for you, the sky is the limit! Gone are the days where you must dance to a slow, sappy love song on your wedding day. If you can’t decide or need some suggestions, your Instructor can guide you and offer up some popular song choices. Be creative, we can choreograph to almost anything! Believe us, we have!  Whether you like Salsa, Country, Rock, Pop or Argentine Tango music, we can give you the first dance of your dreams.

Pictures of the bride’s dress, dance shoes and dance floor dimensions are very helpful as well. This way, we can deliver a first dance that is appropriate for you and your surroundings. The fit, length and style of the bride’s dress effects what kind of dance moves will be most practical, as do her shoes. Information on what the groom will be wearing is also a part of the planning. Location and layout of the reception area are important for planning and spacing choreography.

Lastly, wear comfortable clothing and bring shoes as similar to those that you will be dancing in as possible for the dancing portion of the consultation. Again, the Consultation includes dancing and we want you to get started off on the right foot right away!

Dance FX Studios has so many lesson and class options for whatever you dream of on your wedding day. We thoroughly enjoy being a part of the most important day of your and your fiancee’s life! Call the studio or stop in for more information on how to make your wedding an event to remember.

Learn Social Ballroom Dancing in Arizona 2014

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Interested in learning to ballroom dance for your upcoming social events? Swing, Latin and even Country Western dancing is a wonderful activity that benefits people of all ages. Whether you have always wanted to learn to Tango with that special someone or just have fun with a variety of partners at a club, there are numerous benefits to integrating social ballroom dancing into your life. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona come explore some of the cool aspects of knowing how to dance with us at Dance FX Studios!

Did you know that social dancing isn’t just about learning the steps and listening to the music? It is truly a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, emotional well-being and mental stimulation.

Let’s start with the fact that dancing is a great fitness activity. Swing or Salsa dancing is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that uses countless major muscular groups, even those that do not often get used enough. With turns, quick steps, arm movements, and spins, ballroom dancing makes for a great workout that is a lot more fun than running on a treadmill! And, as you continue to dance on a regular basis, it also helps you to lose weight and stay fit. Dancing is an enjoyable activity, so you won’t be looking at the clock to see how much longer until you can bolt out the door.

Talk about relieving stress! Ballroom dancing is similar to meditation when you just relax and let yourself go, so there is no time to think about your troubles. As you enjoy dancing, your body releases endorphins, which produce positive feelings similar to a runner’s “high”. Just one vigorous dance session can eliminate stress more than a challenging exercise routine or even listening to upbeat music. Some consider it a holistic healing method since it focuses on the connection between the mind, body and spirit.

Another great benefit of social dancing is flexibility. This is an important part of being healthy. Ballroom and Latin dances like the Foxtrot or Cha Cha and require a good amount of flexibility. When dancing, you use a full range of motion for your major muscle groups. The greater the span of motion, the more your muscles will flex and extend. Most forms of dance require you to perform moves that involve bending and stretching, so dancers naturally become more flexible by simply dancing.

Now here is an advantage of social ballroom dancing that you may not have thought about- gaining confidence. When you learn how to dance, your whole outlook takes on a renewed sense of energy, motivation, and creativity. This confidence will begin to blossom after your first lesson, just by overcoming your fears and doubts by taking action to improve yourself. As you progress, so will your level of confidence in what you can do! This new self-confidence in your dancing ability will transfer to other aspects of your life as well, which may help to explain why dancers tend to possess self-confidence and an ability to enjoy themselves more in social situations.

And speaking of social situations, dancing is a wonderful way to socialize! Meet new friends and potential dance partners with confidence once you have skills on the dance floor. There’s nothing more attractive than a new friend with a cool hobby like knowing how to Salsa dance or do the Argentine Tango.

Improve your life in so many ways by learning to social dance. Before long, you will have the physique you have always wanted with the self-assurance to match. Private dance lessons in Country, Latin or Swing dancing are a great gift to yourself or those you love. It’s a new year and time to have some fun, so give us a call at Dance FX Studios in Arizona to begin your exciting transformation today.

Dance – A NEW New Year’s Resolution

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According to several statistics, about 45% of Americans make a resolution to change something about their lives when the New Year rolls around. A slim percent of these Americans stick to the resolutions they make, like losing weight, falling in love, enjoying life to the fullest, learning something new, staying fit and quitting smoking. A lot of the time people who call it quits on keeping a resolution can blame a lack of motivation, attempting change alone, and poor time management for falling through. Whether you realized it or not, social ballroom dance lessons in the Country Two Step, Swing or Salsa dancing can actually support many of the most popular resolutions that we make. In fact, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ has helped thousands of people discover the fun and satisfaction that dancing is. We can keep you motivated with our enthusiastic instructors and stimulating lesson plans and help you manage time with regular, constructive lessons. Losing weight, enjoying life, learning new skills, staying fit and maybe even falling in love can be done when you join us! With over 12 years of experience in the dance business, we can help you make that resolution obtainable and help you stay on track this year!

 

#1 Lose Weight/Stay Fit

Dancing is an excellent form of exercise, as we have discussed in our blogs before. But what makes it such a great way to keep a resolution is that it continues to challenge you and keeps you motivated because it’s interesting and enjoyable. If you are not a gym rat or don’t find jogging on sidewalks to be your cup of tea, chances are dance lessons will stimulate your body and your mind, keeping you motivated. Not only will you exercise your muscles and coordination, you will also work your brain. Learning new steps and movements is a great way to get fit and challenge your mind!

#2 Enjoying Life

At Dance FX Studios, we can help you obtain skills that will apply to the “real world” and various social settings. See yourself dancing the Salsa at a wedding in 2014? Shaking your groove thing with the Country Two Step on nights out that you deserve? Dancing the Tango with a Latin lover in a land far away? You can make these dreams come true while enjoying yourself and learning the abilities you will use in these situations. It is a two birds, one stone situation that is sure to add some joy to your life!

#3 Learning New Skills

When you take dance lessons, you will learn so much more than just dance moves. We can teach you how to connect with your partner while dancing, be it a spouse or someone new at a bar or club. You can also learn how to lead or follow and how to navigate a crowded dance floor. The dance moves themselves will prove very rewarding when you get them down and become confident in yourself and your newfound abilities.

#4 Falling in Love

Okay, so we can’t promise that Mr. Right or Mrs. Wonderful will magically appear on the dance floor when you start taking dance lessons, but we can be sure that you will gain new social skills that can help you in your search! You will find yourself more confident and open when you take dance lessons, which will help you to connect and communicate when meeting new people. The ability to dance is something that will stay with you and you can take these new skills to a whole new spectrum of social places. Guys, girls love it when they meet a man who knows how to dance and can show them a good time. It’s not girly, we promise! Ladies, who hasn’t dreamt of literally being swept off their feet to a romantic tune?

With so many great holiday specials right now, including a 5-hour private lesson program for just $199 special and our unique $40 Introductory Offer, there’s no reason a resolution can’t come true and stay true all through 2014! Your dreams for 2014 can be obtainable with our help at Dance FX Studios. A few ways that are known to help in keeping resolutions are to be specific and to be held accountable. We lay out everything for you and regular lessons with our great instructors will help you stick to your plan! Call us today at 480.968.6177, visit our website and check out our specials, or stop in today and set yourself up for a great new year!

Happy Holidays…Dance into 2014 With Us!

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Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that person who has everything? Trying to think of a unique, thoughtful gift for your special someone? Need a cool “secret Santa” or “White Elephant” gift for a Christmas party? Look no further! Dance FX Studios has great Holiday Specials to make your gift giving easy and exciting this Holiday season! Situated in the East Phoenix Valley in Mesa, Arizona, we are a social ballroom dance studio with 12 years in business teaching our students dance steps, dance frame, how to lead or follow, how to navigate a busy dance floor, and more. Most importantly, our students have fun and enjoy themselves while taking lessons in Argentine Tango, Country Swing, Salsa, and more! We can help you spread dancing cheer with our great Holiday Specials:

We offer gift cards in increments of $15, $25, $50, $75 and $100. We also offer $40 gift cards, which give the gift of an Introductory Lesson. Our Introductory Lessons include an hour of discovering what dance styles suit your tastes and lifestyle, learning dance basics like proper frame and leading or following, and some tips on how to dance in a social setting. For every $100 in gift cards you purchase, you will receive a $20 credit on your account, which you can use to treat yourself to lessons, Zumba classes, and more!

Our 5 for $199 Private Lesson Package is a steal! If you’ve never taken lessons with us (or your gift recipient hasn’t) you or your gift receiver have the opportunity to enjoy Private Lessons at nearly 2/3 the regular price! That’s a savings of $100! You can learn up to four dances of your choice in this package. We offer everything from the sultry Argentine Tango to lively Swing dancing; if you know someone who loves to dance or wants to learn, we can teach them! (We can teach you, too, if you’re treating yourself to lessons!)

Zumba Fitness classes are very popular and are an exciting way to get a tremendous workout AND have fun! They are challenging and energetic and sure to keep your recipient (or you!) on their toes. One of our popular Holiday Zumba Packages includes 10 Zumba classes for $85, which is discounted from their original $100! We also offer a 5 for $25 package for newcomers, which makes a great stocking stuffer or party gift exchange. Who doesn’t love the gift of dancing and self-improvement? –Wasn’t 100% on this, thoughts?–

Starting back up in January are our Group Dance Classes for Couples! They will be new and improved, and we have a special rate for them right now! They are only $10 a class, and we have Salsa, Jitterbug, Country Two Step and Country Swing classes. This would be a great gift for your special someone; it’s the gift of date night (and cheaper than movie tickets… but we won’t tell!), so stock up and impress your partner!

With our unique teaching style, personable instructors and beautiful studio, we’re sure you and your friends and family will feel comfortable and enthused with us at Dance FX Studios this Holiday Season, and throughout the year! You can visit our Gift Cards page to purchase these bargains and get all the details, visit our studio, or give us a call at 480.968.6177. Give a different, stimulating, thoughtful gift this year; give the gift of dance!

Couple’s Dance Classes in 2014!

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You have been thinking about learning to dance, but are just not sure how to get started or which type of dancing you would like to learn. To be able to dance at any social occasion, your best bet is social ballroom dances like the Salsa, Country Two Step or the Swing. Social dance lessons will get you ready for those upcoming holiday parties, weddings and even nights out around town.  The most efficient way to learn to dance is with private dance lessons, so that you can receive one-on-one dance lessons with your instructor. However, if you have a tight schedule or maybe you’re not sure which type of dances you want to learn and would like to try a variety, then you may want to consider taking group dance classes.

 

If you live in the Phoenix East Valley area, beginning in January 2014, couples group dance classes are returning to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona after a short hiatus for the holidays! We have been teaching group dance classes for years and this time will be offering a variety of weekly, drop-in classes for beginners.  From Country to Salsa to Jitterbug, these 45 minute couples classes will be held Monday – Thursday evenings at 7:00. What’s great about this is that you don’t have to commit to a series of classes. Whatever your schedule allows, just come on in and join in the fun!

 

Group dance classes are an easy, affordable way to begin to learn some of the basics of whichever dance you choose. As the leading social dance studio for adults in Arizona, you have the chance to learn dance steps that you can use in any social dance situation. We will provide you with the tools needed to dance in the real world. And, since each class is held just once a week, it’s an ideal way to fit dancing into your busy life.

 

For some, focusing on a specific dance just once a week within a group may be better suited to their goals. However, if you can’t decide which dance to attempt first for only $15 per couple, per class, why not try a variety? Maybe one week, try the Salsa, the following week, give the Country Two Step a shot! Try a couple of different dances each week- whatever works best for you and your partner! Learning several dances will allow you to be able to dance to a variety of music, so you become a more well-rounded dancer. This way, you won’t be limited to just one type of dancing and will be ready for almost anything!

 

At Dance FX Studios, group dance classes for adults are an excellent way for couples to meet new people and explore new dance styles. Who knows- you may even make friends with other couples and all go out dancing together!  It is also a perfect way for you and your partner to spend some time together each week learning a new interest.  With both of your schedules being so busy every week, it may be hard to find the time for the two of you to just get away from it all and have a good time. What a perfect opportunity to reconnect with each other! Wouldn’t it be nice to spend some time together doing something that is so beneficial and acquiring skills you will use anywhere?

 

So, grab a partner and come join other Phoenix couples in Dance FX Studios Group Dance Classes for a fun-filled night of dancing! See you in 2014!

Staying Fit for the Holidays with Social Ballroom Dance Lessons

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Stuffing, pies, candies, roasts, rolls and so many more holiday dishes tempt us throughout the holiday season. No matter what holidays you and your loved ones celebrate, chances are there are a few traditional dishes that you look forward to every year. Sometimes, the holidays serve as an excuse to eat absurd amounts of food and satisfy our sedentary side by relaxing with friends and family. Exercising and routines fall to the wayside this time of year when traditions, traveling, and feasting take over. By the time the New Year rolls around, we might find ourselves swearing off the lifestyle we’ve embraced of less than ideal diet and exercise routines. This year, join us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona and you won’t be regretful of what you eat. Yes, you can break the cycle and take ballroom dance lessons as a couple or just for you! The only fitness resolution for the new year that you’ll be making is to stick with dance lessons all year long. Whether you see yourself dancing the sensual Argentine Tango with your partner, doing the Country Two Step at a local Phoenix Country bar, or Swing dancing to your favorite oldies, stay active this holiday season and ring in the New Year with a new hobby – social ballroom dancing! If you’ve never taken a lesson with us before, take advantage of our $40 introductory lesson offer in which you can learn a few basics of dancing and sample some styles if you’re not sure which dance(s) you’re interested in.

Ballroom dancing with us at Dance FX Studios here in Phoenix can enhance your life in so many ways – by boosting your self-confidence, improving your balance and coordination, relieving stress and more! One of the most important benefits of dancing (at least this time of year) is the great exercise it provides. Treadmills can be boring, cycling can get intense and lifting weights at the gym might not be very appealing, but dancing is a challenging, FUN way to get moving! Chances are your body is not used to moving in the many directions and ways that dancing requires it to. Moving backwards, side stepping, leading your partner in many directions – they’re all advantageous for your body! You will work muscles you didn’t know you had, or maybe ones you just haven’t used since before Halloween!

In addition to the toning dance lessons can provide, you can break a sweat and burn off the holiday cookies you’ve been indulging in! Each type of dance offers different movements and tempos and, therefore, burns a certain range of calories. For example, Salsa dancing for an hour can burn up to 480 calories! Country Western styles like the Country Swing and Country Waltz can get you moving and use between 290 to 420 calories, depending on the speed and difficulty of the moves. In every hour-long lesson of learning to dance the Cha Cha, anywhere from 260 to 530 calories can be burned- yeah to Latin dancing!. Zumba fitness classes are specifically geared for exercise and can use up to 650 calories! That’s definitely a few cookies’ worth.

While one lesson alone won’t lead to a fit you, regular lessons will definitely exhibit results! With our Holiday Savings Event, Introductory Offer and Zumba membership deals, we can help you kick up your heels this holiday season while reaping the many benefits of dance. Find yourself dancing into 2014 with joy!

Let’s Swing!

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You have been thinking about learning to Swing dance, but it seems that something always comes up. You never seem to have the time, or maybe you’re just not sure how to get started. In addition, there are so many styles of Swing dances that you just aren’t sure which dance you would like to learn.  To get started with Swing dance lessons, we recommend that you give the Jitterbug a try.  This is a ballroom Swing dance that is very versatile and which many people enjoy.

When Swing dancing, you just can’t help smiling and having a great time! With over 24 variations of the Swing to choose from, it can be confusing as to which style is right for you. We suggest beginning with East Coast/Jitterbug Swing dance lessons for several reasons. First, you can dance the Jitterbug Swing to Rock and Roll, Country and Big Band music. How cool is that! Also, it’s the easiest of all of the Swing dance variations because it has fewer steps when compared to other styles.

 

Swing dancing is exciting, energetic, and because there are so many Swing dance tempos and styles, it is used everywhere from weddings to bars. The rhythm of the dance, as mentioned above, lends itself well to a large number of musical styles from Jazz to Big Band, Country, Blues, Rock and Roll and oldies, making Swing a must-have dance! While each style has its own features, in general it is the ideal dance for any social occasion. Swing dancing is quite popular and can encourage even non-dancers to tap their feet and move to the music.

 

Whether you learn to Jitterbug, Jive, West Coast or Lindy Hop, they all fall under the general term of Swing dancing. Swing is a fun-loving dance that makes people happy! It is truly an American dance that has world-wide appeal. Swing dancing originated in the 1920’s with Jazz and Swing bands. At the time, was considered rebellious. Every generation has produced a new revival in Swing of some kind because it is so much fun! Originally used as an outlet for pent-up energy, this dance has continued to draw enthusiasts from around the world. If you enjoy dancing then Swing dancing is sure to lift your spirits.

These are just a few of the variations of Swing:

 

Single Time Swing/Jitterbug – is best suited for music like Big Band, Country, and Rock and Roll. The footwork is very simple. It’s a lot like learning to drive an automatic instead of a stick shift because once you get moving, it’s smooth sailing. This dance style is nothing but fun, fun, fun!

 

Triple Time Swing – works well with Jazz, Rock and Pop music and is very popular, especially in ballroom dance studios. Modern music is much slower than the old Big Band tunes so this variation is much more commonly taught in general. The style is very free and easy.

 

Lindy Hop Swing – is a popular version of Swing dancing because of the fun kicks and lifts associated with it. Lindy can also be cool and sophisticated. The most important aspect of it is that you enjoy it! 

West Coast Swing – goes well with Jazz, Rock, Country and even Hip Hop music. It is often danced to more sultry music and tends to have a jazzier, sexier feel than the East Coast Swing and this is reflected in the styling.

 

Are you ready to get Swinging? Dance FX Studios, near Tempe and Chandler, is located in Mesa. We are here to get you going on this new venture with private ballroom dance lessons and prepare you to be able to dance anywhere for any occasion. Dance FX Studios We have helped thousands of students become proficient dancers in Swing dancing and beyond. You can begin with Swing dance lessons for yourself or you and a partner with our Introductory Special of only $40! This one hour private Swing dance lesson is a great way to check out our studio and to be introduced to our exclusive method of teaching. One hour is all it takes to show you how easy and exciting learning to dance can be for anyone! From there, we will show you fun turns and twists to keep you on the dance floor all night long! What are you waiting for? It’s time to dance!


Get Social with Dance Lessons for Adults in Mesa, Arizona

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There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them. -Vicki Baum

You’re starting to get in a rut. You want something fun, different, and exciting to do for a night out. Your schedule is so busy that maybe you need something to do just a couple times a month to start. Tired of the same old routine- dinner, movies and bedtime? Maybe you and your friends need to change or add to your current workout habits. Do something a little out of the ordinary to stay in shape rather than hitting those weights or jumping into a spinning class and give dance lessons a try!
Have you thought about trying a beginners swing or salsa dance class for fun and exercise? The physical aspects of dancing are a great benefit. Have you been thinking that you’d like to make some changes to your usual fitness routine? How about burning calories and avoiding the gym by dancing? Why do things the traditional way when social dancing is a more pleasurable and exciting way to get into shape? Dancing for one hour can burn anywhere from 300-450 calories and you will be having a fantastic time while doing so! And, if that wasn’t enough, dancing also increases your flexibility, strength, and endurance.

Social dancing also allows you the freedom to relax, de-stress, and just let yourself go while learning a new hobby and getting fit. Dance lessons here in Arizona in the ever-popular Country two step, for example, provide the perfect opportunity to have fun with friends or your partner and enjoy life together, away from all the usual day to day worries and concerns.
Maybe you would like to meet some new people and make new friends. Social dancing is an excellent way to get to know others without a lot of pressure. It provides a wonderful way for people to become socially acquainted- especially in group dance classes or dance parties. Social dancing can also increase self-confidence and build social skills. And through dancing, a shared sense of community encourages long-lasting connections.
So, are you ready to try something new? Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to commit to your new hobby or maybe you just want to see what social dancing in Arizona is all about. You may want to consider attending a swing dance party or Country night out. Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona is the perfect place to go for dance events in Phoenix as well as for private and group dance lessons! Wouldn’t it be nice to experience your first time out dancing with the comfort of instructors and fellow dance students by your side? With our Night’s Out around Phoenix, you will learn to navigate around a crowded dance floor and enjoy social dancing with new friends and familiar faces as you venture out into the real world of dancing.
Come on out and join Dance FX Studios’ staff and students at local Country and Latin dancing venues around the Phoenix area for an evening of dancing and entertainment! The Dance FX Studios’ instructors will provide you with some excellent dance pointers at an actual venue where the music and other dancers are outside the studio environment. You will learn how to be strategic with your dance moves in a real-world situation so you can be prepared for any occasion.
A Night Out evening with the Dance FX Studios’ staff includes a group dance class, your first drink at the venue, and two hours of dancing with Dance FX Studios’ instructors and fellow students. Discover how enjoyable it is to go social dancing with us!
What an amazing opportunity to see what dancing is all about and to hang out with new and old friends. These events take place a couple of times a month- one for Country dancing and one for Latin dancing. For more information and frequently asked questions, read about our Night’s Out. You can also pre-register in order to reserve a space and save $10!
In addition to our Nights Out, we also have themed Dance Parties with live music at the studio. If you have ever considered how wonderful it would be to learn to swing dance or dance the Argentine tango, you can find out at Dance FX Studios. Maybe Country or Latin is more your style. Not a problem, we have events for  those styles of dance as well. Similar to the Nights Out, we begin our parties with a mini group class and from there, it’s up to you to mix, mingle, and dance with others who are also learning. Maybe you just want a chance to dance with your partner, that’s OK too. And, if you’re feeling a little insecure about dancing or you don’t have a partner, no worries, the Dance FX instructors will be there to help and guide you on the dance floor. With live music, refreshments, and dancing, Dance FX Studios provides a venue experience but in the comfort of our studio. We welcome you to bring friends or family members with you- the more the merrier!

Our next Dance Party will be a Country theme and will be held at the Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley on July 13th, from 8:00-11:00 pm with Two-bit Shotgun providing great live music. What a terrific way to spend a Saturday night! To pre-register for this event and to check out some of our videos from previous Dance Parties, please go to our website.

So, are you ready to have fun learning to dance with us? You may find that after attending one of our events, that you love dancing as much as we do! Get started today with private dance lessons and you will be even more prepared for our Night’s Out and Dance Parties. You will soon become a fabulous social dancer for any occasion, any time!

Dance FX Studios is located at 1859 W Guadalupe, in Mesa, AZ. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 12:00-8:00 pm and Saturdays from 11:00 am–4:00 pm. For additional questions, to make a reservation for an event, or to schedule private lessons, please give us a call at 480.968.6177.

Dance for the Art of It!

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The artistic benefits of knowing how to dance are endless! What do salsa dancing, swing, Country or even the Argentine tango have in common? They all allow us to explore our creative, right brain on a deeper level. Dancing opens the doors for self-expression, appreciation for the arts, musicality and rhythmic expression, creative freedom, imagination and innovation. When you think about it, dancing has much to offer in the way of enhancing ones’ life. Learning steps on the dance floor is minor in comparison to what one can gain by taking a Latin dance class or a Country two step lesson. Let’s further investigate the ties between dancing and the arts…

Art Appreciation: If you have ever watched television shows like “Dancing With The Stars” or “So You Think You Can Dance”, you may have seen the same waltz or salsa danced in a hundred different ways. As artists, the choreographers of those dances continue to push their creative limits to make the same dance unique in its appearance and therefore limitless in terms of creative possibilities. For spectators, the creativity of the choreographers provides true dance entertainment. This, in and of itself, makes dancing attractive to those who value creative expression.

Appreciation for the arts is the recognition of those timeless qualities that characterize not just dance, but all great art. By its nature, dance seeks to defy confinement and boundaries creatively.  By exploring dance through pure movement, ritual, lifestyle, communication, tradition, self-expression and high art, one can tap into a side of themselves that is new, life-enhancing and exciting.

Musicality and Rhythmic Expression: Musicality in dance has two main components, receptivity and creativity. Musical receptivity is the ability to hear, comprehend, be sensitive to and have a working knowledge of musical concepts like rhythm, tempo, phrasing and even mood. Musical creativity is the ability to connect with accompanying music, interpret it, and add movement dynamics that relate to music even in the absence of accompaniment in a way that is unique or interesting. Musicality in dance then might be considered a degree to which a dancer is receptive and creative in his/her translation of music through movement. It is a key ingredient in a dancer’s display of artistry. When dancing the Argentine tango, for example, the leads of two different couples may hear different nuances in the music and therefore dance a different set of moves according to what part of the music that they are interpreting. While musical interpretation does not often come naturally to leaders on the dance floor, one can be taught what to listen to so as to begin to train their ear for the patterns within each piece of music. Understanding musicality takes dancing to the next level and gives beginner dancers something to strive for and grow into with their dancing.

Creative Expression: Creativity is a matter of translating messages of passion, excitement, and soul into our own musical language through structure, harmony, rhythm, and style. The broader our exposure and the more sensitive our inner listening, the richer our unique interpretation will be. Dancing is about self-discovery, self-expression and spontaneity. When you dance, the body expresses itself by means of the motions which are natural to it. By making the body a free instrument of free expression we are able to express in bodily movement the ideas and emotions that come from within. Again, two people can be swing or salsa dancing to the same music and be inspired to do completely different movements with their bodies.
Imagination: Through listening to music and then responding to it, the body and brain are connected. We sometimes tend to concentrate on training the brain and forget the importance of the body in terms of human development. The language of music and dance provides a lot of nutrition to our human expression. Humans need to develop their creative potential and imagination and dancing is a great way to develop these skills.

Innovation: Creativity is thinking up new things, innovation is doing new things. Through dancing, we can inspire creativity, deep listening, and cross-generational understanding. Our minds and bodies are intrinsically linked; movement acts as a messenger between the two. When we can understand our own and others’ movements, our capacity to collaborate and harness our intuition skyrockets. And growing research in many disciplines–from neuroscience to sports medicine, from psychology to anthropology–supports these ideas.

If you are looking to have more creativity in your life, dancing is for you! Don’t have a dance partner? That’s alright! You can explore your artistic side with one of our dance  instructors at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. At Dance FX Studios, you will enjoy the art of learning popular social dances like salsa, swing, Country two step and Argentine tango. We offer dance lessons for adults in Phoenix who want to have fun, connect with others and learn a healthy, new hobby. Get into dancing today by checking out our website. Our introductory offer will show you how you can become a confident and creative dancer in no time!

Salsa or Swing Dance Your Way To Happiness!

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Have you ever thought of salsa dancing to put a smile on your face or two-stepping to tackle that bad day at the office? How about swinging away your relationship blues on the dance floor? The advantages of social dancing are endless! Whether you are single or you want to learn to dance as a couple, dancing can vastly improve the quality of your life and your relationships. Let us explore  just a few of the numerous way that tango or bachata dancing can brighten your day…

  • Many of the faster-paced social dances including swing, salsa, merengue and cha cha are great for those singles and couples who want to get fit without hitting the gym. Did you know that an average woman of average height can burn almost 300 calories by simply swing dancing for an hour? How great is that?! In addition to being a super-fun new hobby, you can shed extra weight simply by swing dancing!  If you are looking to tone up those muscles, try the Argentine tango. This beautiful and passionate dance will have you begging for more not simply because of the strength and endurance that you can gain by learning to tango, but because of of its sensuality, and diversity challenging aspects. (It is truly a dance like no other.) Other strength-building dances include the Country waltz (because of the “rise and fall” factor) as well as the West Coast swing (due to its earthy nature). Overall, social dancing is a workout in disguise. It is a fun and exciting way to get that body kickin’ into high gear all year ’round!
  • Dancing is an aphrodisiac. Re-kindle your relationship or create new sparks on the dance floor by getting that heart racing, those endorphins pumping and that body moving and grooving to your favorite tunes. Country two step your way into his or her heart with dance lessons for couples. Nothing is more fun and romantic, not to mention a great means of connecting with each other, more than dancing lessons for two. Social ballroom dancing gives you an opportunity to move together as one and work together as a team. Romance at its finest! For new couples, or singles who may be dancing together for the first time, salsa or swing dancing is a great way to assess how well you communicate as a leader and follower. This may reveal how well you fit together off the dance floor. For example, are you respecting each other’s roles on the dance floor? Do you let him be the leader that he needs to be? Are you taking control so that she can relax and enjoy her time on the dance floor? Partner dancing takes communication skills to the next level so that you can develop a true and deeper connection both off and on the dance floor.
  • Social dancing is healing for your spirit. How often do we hear, “Relax, unwind, let it go..”? The dance floor is a wonderful place to release all of your troubles and daily stresses. Shimmy away your fears and let loose as you begin to see your spirit soar. Get in the mood by checking out a Latin club and seeing how happy everyone looks when they’re out there salsa dancing. Or frequent a Country bar and watch how much fun it is for those guys and gals to get down with Country two step and swing.

You can begin your exciting journey of learning to dance right here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona! We have an amazing introductory lesson for couples and singles that will show you how dancing can improve your life, with or without a dance partner. Dance FX Studios is near Tempe and Chandler, Arizona. We offer social dance lessons in all of the most popular dances that you will use in the real world including salsa, swing, Country two step and Argentine tango.