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

Father Daughter Dance Lessons

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father daughter dance lessons ArizonaYour big day is just months away. You still haven’t signed up for Wedding Dance Lessons for you and your fiancé, and now your dad just announced that he wants to do a Father/Daughter dance! Time is running out and you’re feeling the pressure. That’s understandable. Take a deep breathe and let me help you with a few suggestions that will take the stress off your plate.

First, everything’s going to be great! Keep that at the forefront of your mind when you’re getting overwhelmed. Next, look up your local adult dance studio to get started with a Wedding Dance Consultation asap. 🙂

The good news is that your dad let you know he wants to dance with you before you started taking lessons, so when you meet with your consultant, be sure to tell him/her know that you would like to include a certain amount of time in your program to learn a Father/Daughter dance in addition to your wedding dance.

A realistic amount of hours to learn two dance routines can be anywhere from 10-20 hours, or more, depending on how elaborate you would like your dances to be. One dance can be simple and sweet, while one is over the top and exciting. The choice is really yours, as long as you have proper guidance from a qualified instructor.

Next, it’s time to search for the perfect Daddy/Daughter song. The right music definitely sets the tone for your dance and for what your guests will experience as they watch you dance. Do you want your friends and family to laugh, cry, or just smile in amazement at what you’re doing on the dance floor? Think about this as you prepare for your Wedding Dance Consultation so that you can set the tone for your dance. (The same goes with your first dance as well, of course.)

Recently we had a father who performed a rap that he wrote himself for his daughter and soon to be son-in-law. It was awesome! He spoke on how she was as child and how she has turned out to be an incredible woman. Then dad roasted his future son-in-law! It was funny, heart-warming and endearing. The audience was crying in no time by the time the dance and rap were over. Mission accomplished!

Now that you’ve got your wedding music selected, it’s time to get to work. My advice as you prepare for your special dances is to keep your lessons as close together as possible so that you can really retain everything that you’ve been learning. Additionally, be realistic with your goals. If you have always wanted a huge wedding routine, be prepared to come in several times a week if not more. Even a basic routine will require time as most people who come in for lessons are beginners.

There’s lots to do to get ready for such an exciting day! Get ready for some fun and relaxation time in your dance lessons and you will be shining on that dance floor before you know it. Congratulations!

 

Types of Two Step Dancing

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Country Two Step dance lessons Mesa AZHave you heard of Two Step dancing? Most people have, but what you may not know is that there are several types of two step dances that are popular today. How do you know which one you should learn? What is the one that everyone is doing out in the Country bars? What makes them all different? Great questions! Let’s take a look…

Here in Phoenix, the “Arizona” two step, or at least a version of it, is what is most often used in the Country bars around Phoenix. This dance is also referred to as the “Rhythm” two step because it is a dance that doesn’t have to travel, but can be done comfortably on any crowded Country dance floor.

The AZ two step is rhythmic, stylish and includes a ton of fun turns, and is actually a mid-tempo dance, not a fast one. This last fact is something that is often overlooked, ignored or one that many younger dancers are ignorant to as they tend to fly around the dance floor in the two step. The AZ two step really has more of  a “mosey” effect. Think of shuffling along the dance floor casually, rather than speed racing.

The Arizona two step is a wonderfully practical dance to know for all ages, and is a timeless Country dance that will cover you through many of your favorite Country dance songs.

The “Texas” two step, also known as the “Progressive” two step, is another popular style of Country dancing that is a bit faster, and more of a traveling dance. When you’ve got a large dance floor and people who know what they’re doing on it, this is another great form of two stepping.

The Progressive two step moves counter-clockwise direction on the outside of the dance floor. This flow of traffic is key for making sure that there are no accidents while dancing. For most songs that you would dance Country Swing to, you can also interchange them with Progressive two step, making this dance great to know! The Texas two step is not used as often out here in Arizona, but again, it’s a cool two step two know when you’re at a place that this dance style is common.

Lastly, there’s a dance that less people are aware of called the Nite Club Two Step. This dance is used for slower Country music and has several looks and styles associated with it. For example, at our studio, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we teach a smoother, less bouncy version of the nite club two step, where other places still dance the bouncier upbeat version. Regardless, when the music slows down, this is a great go-to dance.

Are you excited about learning to two step this summer? If so, an Introductory Dance Lesson is a fun way to get started. Country dance lessons will keep you out of the Arizona heat, and active all summer long! When the weather breaks, you can throw on those boots and dance into the rest of the year. Enjoy!

Why Adult Dance Lessons Are so Expensive

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Country dance lessons for couples in ArizonaIt’s the third weekend in a row that you and your hubby have ventured out to the Country bars in Phoenix. You’ve found a Friday night sitter and date nights are becoming a reality. Freedom! Here’s the glitch. You chose that Country bar because of the spacious dance floor, and he said yes because of the beer selection. Uh oh.

“How long have I been asking you to take me out Country dancing?”, you ask. In reality, it’s been years. You’re so close, yet so far because he’s not comfortable Two Stepping or Swing dancing. Duh! Of course. It’s not like anyone is born knowing how to dance. Your solution is to get there early to take the free dance class before the night kicks off. He reluctantly agrees (mostly because there happens to be a discount off your first drink if you attend the dance class), but he can’t seem to retain anything. Now what?! The instructor is no where to be found and the couple next to you are struggling too. There’s got to be a better way, right? Fortunately there is, but it comes at a cost.

Monday morning comes and you and your man are just getting over bickering all weekend from the frustrations you each feel about your date night. It’s a horrible feeling for you both. You just want to be able to dance with your guy and he just wants to make you happy. The good news is that you both agreed that it’s time to buckle down, strap on those boots and sign up for beginner’s Country dance lessons.

After your Introductory Private Lesson, you realize that you not only had a blast, but you learned so much more than you thought you could. How wonderful! Now it’s time to enroll in a program so that you can really have some fun! Your instructor quotes you what they think it will cost to make you a great Country dancer and you’re taken aback. “You want us to spend how much? On dance lessons?,” you’re thinking. Reality sets in.

A series of lessons with any great instructor can be pricey, but for a reason. First, it takes many years for a full-time instructor to master his/her craft of not only being an amazing dancer, but to also be able to convey his skills and talent to someone else. Your instructor has to learn to both lead and follow, and have a system of transferring the knowledge from what he has learned over the years to you. That’s a skill in and of itself! Keep in mind that being a good dancer does not make you a great instructor.

The years it takes to hone in on one’s craft is quite valuable. Be it Country, Latin dancing, Swing or learning the Argentine tango, a qualified instructor who is an excellent communicator is hard to find.

In addition, that person needs to make sure that you feel comfortable and safe in your learning environment so that you will be open to learning. In other words, it is my opinion that where you learn to dance can as important to how well you learn.

Remember that once you’ve completed your lesson program, you have developed a skill that you can use for years to come. Whether you stick to your Friday night dates or you have an upcoming wedding, you will be able to dance naturally. Now that’s exciting to think about! By the time you’re done with your program, you should be able to hear the beat, identify what dances to do with what music and look smooth and easy on the dance floor. Plus, you should have some fun, timeless moves to keep you on the dance floor all night long.

At the end of the day, adult dance lessons are absolutely an investment. With time and a few bucks towards your tuition, you will be feeling confident and enjoying a romantic hobby with your sweetheart. Now if you ask me, that’s priceless!

Top 3 Tips for a Perfect Wedding Dance!

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the perfect wedding danceIt’s an exciting time! Lots to prepare for, from flowers to cake to a venue that you adore. Let’s not forget your wedding dance. Now that may take some time to get down pat, so here are a few tips from me to you on how to have the dance of your dreams.

First, now that you’re engaged, start taking Wedding Dance Lessons at an adult dance studio near you as soon as possible. Many people put off their lessons thinking that everything else is a priority, but your first dance is the one thing that you will actually need to learn to do, so don’t sit on this one.

Even with a long engagement, time is not on your side when it comes to discovering how to dance for the biggest day of your lives. Consider the fact that you have to not only learn the steps, memorize choreography and see how to move gracefully with your bride or groom, but you have to ultimately perform your dance in front of everyone you love. Now that’s pressure! Relieve yourself of that weight by getting a head start on your dance lessons. Then, you’ll be gliding around that dance floor with ease and fluidity by the day of your wedding for sure!

Time flies when you’ve got so much to do. With your Wedding Dance Lessons, planning is a requirement to shine on the dance floor. The next thing to consider once you have set up a Wedding Dance Consultation is your vision for your wedding dance routine. Are you wanting a sweet and simple first dance? Were you thinking of how cool it would be to rock your reception with a sultry tango or playful swing dance!!? The choice is yours. When you meet with your wedding dance choreographer, be sure to share your ideas so he/she can bring them to life. A good instructor will let you know what is realistic and what may seem like a good idea, but ultimately won’t work.

Lastly, I suggest that you fast forward 50 years from the day of your wedding. Will you be happy with the routine that you think sounds awesome today? Does sliding across the floor playing the air guitar just seem like a good idea now? Does that even matter to you? A timeless first dance with a wedding song that everyone knows and loves will be a different keepsake than a trendy Country dance that is popular today. Neither is wrong, but you may want to think ahead as this will hopefully be the only first dance you will ever perform.

Have a blast learning to dance for your big day! Wedding Dance Lessons are an incredible stress reliever! When you just need an hour to connect with your sweetie after everything else seems to be going wrong, your dance lessons will be your savior. Enjoy the journey and best of luck on your perfect wedding dance!

Have a Swinging Summer!

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country swing lessons mesa azWhat are you doing to make the most of your summer? Swimming? Hanging out with friends? Taking a vacation? They all sound like great ways to pass the time. Another fun way to make this summer memorable is to discover a new hobby-especially if it keeps you out of the heat! My suggestion? Give Swing Dance Lessons a try!

Swing dancing is a timeless (and ageless) hobby that will keep you fit, trim and happy all year round, so why not get started now?! Then, by the time the weather breaks, you’ll be swingin’ your way through those holiday dance parties like you’ve been dancing for years.

You may not know this, but there are more than 20 variations of swing dancing, so knowing where to begin when you sign up for beginner’s swing dance lessons can be helpful. If you’re in need of guidance, I’m here to help. 🙂

Country music lovers…Country swing is going to be essential to know anywhere you want to go Country dancing. It’s fast, furious and fun! With Private Country Swing Dance Lessons, you’ll be shining on any dance floor in no time. My tip for you, though, is to NOT learn tricks and lifts in preparation for social Country dancing. It’s both unsafe and requires too much space to be able to share a dance floor comfortably with others, so leave those moves at home, or in a gymnasium where you have a safety net should anything go awry. You can’t go wrong with Country dance lessons if you’re a Cowboy (or girl) at heart!

Are you into oldies music?? Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and the like? Then you MUST learn how to Jitterbug dance! It’s easy, upbeat and filled with exciting turns. No need to pull out a poodle skirt for this one, just look forward to discovering the most practical of the swing dance styles as you will be able to apply it to other genres of music from Rock and Roll to Reggae. Jitterbug dancing is a blast!

Lastly, if you’re up for a challenge, explore the sexy West Coast swing. It’s a bit slower and definitely has some sass, so it will be perfect for many eclectic styles from Hip Hop music to 70’s jams. The West Coast swing has a look of its own, so definitely pair it with other swing dance styles to really be versatile in swing dancing as a whole.

I hope you’re excited to venture into your new hobby this summer by taking swing dance lessons. Singles, even though swing dancing is a partner dance, don’t let that hold you up when it comes to learning. You can learn even quicker by coming in and dancing with an instructor. Whether you have a partner or not, get started now, the summer’s just about to begin!

 

What Women Really Like About a Man That Can Dance

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ballroom dance studios Mesa ArizonaDid you watch the season finale last night of Dancing With The Stars? It was incredible! Great performances, awesome re-caps and highlights from the entire season, and tons of fun! Spoiler alert for those who haven’t had a chance to watch…the gorgeous Nyle DiMarco took home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. YAY!

There’s no doubt that a man can dance is an attractive thing to most women, but Nyle won the hearts of many because of his impressive ability to dance with the music in spite of the fact that he is completely deaf. For me as a professional ballroom dance instructor, it was truly inspiring to see how he brought each dance to life while dancing in pure silence. I give a huge round of applause to Peta, his instructor, who also brought out the best in this man. The entire thing was really unbelievable when you think about it.

Ballroom dancing has the unique and special power to invoke feelings and expressions that we may not experience in other areas of life, and I believe that is what women really love about a man that can dance. For example, a man that dances well exudes an air of confidence. We all want a self-assured partner in life, right? Well, next time you go with your girlfriends to your local Country bar, scope out the dance floor and grab the guy who is two stepping with a smile. He is obviously not afraid to Country dance, and if he’s looking good on the dance floor, he may carry that certainty in other areas of life too, and that’s pretty hot!

I, along with millions of viewers and fans of Dancing With The Stars can tell you that Nyle definitely took what women really love about a man that can dance to the next level. He was sexy, hypnotic, rhythmic and…I could go on and on! Men, reveal your sensual side (or discover it) on the dance floor and learn to salsa dance, bachata or even in the Argentine tango, and watch the ladies swoon. I will speak for myself when I say that a guy with rhythm on the dance floor does indicate that he can be sexy in other places too. Passion and romance are a great way to establish an initial connection, so go out and take Latin dance lessons, guys. She’ll be so happy you did, and so will you!

When it comes down to it, a guy that can dance, be it swing dance or Country two step dance, and is happily willing to do so, does say something. I take away from it that he is adventurous, playful, sexy and courageous. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but dancing is exciting, and to share it with someone else is even more fun!

If you’re a guy that wants to get started with beginner’s dance lessons, that’s wonderful! As it did for Nyle, dancing will make you want to walk taller and shine brighter, and it won’t hurt when it comes to finding love either. So discover how to dance… The journey will be worth it!

How to Get Noticed on The Dance Floor

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adult dance lessons in mesa, azYou love to social dance. Every Friday you head out to your favorite Country bar and on Saturdays you Salsa dance the night away! Yet, for some reason, you’re still sitting on the sidelines staring at your drink instead of having fun with everyone else on the dance floor. That’s just not right.

First things first. If you’re not ready to ask someone to dance, or you are patiently waiting to be asked, get over it! Time is too short! Take a deep breathe and make a little conversation with the person next to you, then see if they will have a Two Step or Bachata dance with you. What do you have to lose? Not nearly as much as you have to gain by taking that first step towards getting out there.

If you want to be noticed on the dance floor, you have to be your own advocate and make yourself known, otherwise how will anyone see you? Now that we’ve gotten over that and you’re taking the lead when it comes to getting on the floor, you need to stand out. A few drinks will get many people onto the floor, but what ends up developing is more of a mosh pit than a group of dancers who know what they’re doing.

Chances are, you’re may not be feeling too confident with your dancing skills, so a few drinks sounds like a good idea to you too, right? In reality, not drinking, or not over drinking, is the way to go. It’s difficult to make a good impression when you’re sloppy drunk and flinging the ladies around the Country dance floor like puppets. You can certainly stand out, though, if you are a leader who protects and cares for your dance partner by making sure that you don’t run her into anything or let anyone bump into her. This may sound like a tall order in an uncontrolled environment, but you can surely pay attention to your surroundings if you expect her to accept another dance with you later in the evening.

In the meantime, if you haven’t done so already, my second tip for you is to brush up on your dancing skills. Have you invested in Private Dance Lessons yet? If not, what are you waiting for? 🙂 The fun in dancing is to strut your stuff because you know what you’re doing. With Country dance lessons or Latin dance lessons, you will get the training and education you need to kick butt on any social dance floor. You can always look to the guy to your left and try to emulate whatever he’s doing or you can take the bull by the horns and go take some lessons. You’ll be glad you did, and your skills will speak for themselves, giving you the confidence you need to attract attention.

In short, you can catch the eye of any onlooker by making yourself seen. Start with an Introductory Offer at a local dance studio for adults near you to see what you’ve been missing and how to get the tools you need to shine. It’s very doable-even by the end of this summer! There’s no reason that you should be watching from afar instead of getting in on the action, so begin your exciting journey into social dancing and see where it takes you. Have fun!

Stay Cool This Summer with Adult Dance Lessons

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wedding dance instruction Mesa ArizonaAre you looking for a way to beat the heat and still stay in shape this summer? If you live in Phoenix, Arizona like I do, you’ve got to be thinking “YES! YES! YES!”. There’s nothing worse than spending your evenings after work inside because it’s too hot to take a walk or a bike ride. Outside activities may be off the list of “things to do” in the next few months, but adult dance lessons are certainly a fun and healthy alternative!

Spend your summer nights exploring cool and popular social dances like Country two step, salsa and swing dancing. Each of these dances will be useful for nights out with friends, upcoming events and date nights. You may even have a wedding that you’re attending in the fall. Get ready now and you’ll be swinging with the best of them by September.

It’s your summer, so why not step out of your comfort zone with  Argentine tango dance lessons if you really want to go wild in the next few months. The sultry and sensual Argentine tango dance will help keep the flames burning with your special someone and reveal how you can connect with him/her on a deeper, more intimate level. It’s truly the dance that keeps on giving as you only get better with time and practice. Now’s your chance, so don’t pass it up!

What’s great about beginning social dance lessons during the summer is that you will be much more confident in your skills by the winter, when all of the holiday parties are going on. There’s no reason to sit on the sidelines at your upcoming end of the year work party when you can have a blast dancing!

If you’re wondering which dances, besides the incredible tango, will be cool to learn this summer, here are my top three picks: salsa, swing and Country two step. These three dances are used most often socially, from weddings to clubs/Country bars, so they are awesome first choices when starting your journey into dance. Plus, they are all fairly easy to pick up, making “summer school” a breeze!

It’s time to get the ball rolling with beginner’s dance lessons at a local dance studio for adults near you. Don’t wait until the heat really turns up or you might be more inclined to hide out on the couch than get moving on the dance floor. Since partner dancing is a wonderful way to burn up to 450 calories/hour, you’ve got lots of reasons to start now. Have fun this summer with social dance classes! You’ll be so glad you took up this exciting, new hobby!

Three Things You Must Know as a Leader on the Dance Floor

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country western dance lessons Mesa AZThere’s so much to know as a leader when you’re out there Country two stepping or salsa dancing. Frankly, it can sometimes be daunting to be in charge on the dance floor, right guys? You may secretly wish that she would take over and make this whole dancing thing “easy”, but that’s no fun! Leading is actually a really cool feeling…once you know what you’re doing.

Well have no fear. There are just a few things that you really need to know to show her a great time, whether it be out Latin dancing or swing dancing.

First, you must truly understand how to lead. As an example, you don’t lead a lady around the dance floor by swinging her with your arms. Guys, you actually lead from your torso. If you did not know this already, that’s perfectly OK. It just means that you probably haven’t invested in Private Dance Lessons for yourself yet.

Like any great skill that you will obtain throughout life, there are no shortcuts to getting true results and being “good” at what you’re seeking to be good at. And, in this case, Private Latin, Swing or Country Dance Lessons are exactly what you’ll need to learn how to properly lead anyone around a dance floor with confidence.

In a Group Class setting, which may be free of charge, or certainly nominal compared to private instruction, you will get new patterns and moves, but not the detail and technique that you need to be a competent dancer. That will get you by in the short run, but it won’t have the ladies hoping that you’ll ask her for another dance. So men, take the time to do it right from the beginning and start with Private Dance Lessons. You’ll be out on the social dance floor sooner and with much more information to make you a successful leader.

Next, leaders, you will need to know how to navigate around a crowded dance floor. You’ve done your homework and taken Private Dance Lessons at your local dance studio for adults . That’s awesome! Now you find yourself at a crowded Country bar…freaking out! Why? The music is so loud. People are flinging each other in all different directions. Where’s the poise and etiquette that you learned at the dance studio?? Welcome to the “real world”. In an uncontrolled environment, anything can happen. Make it your priority to protect her from untrained dancers who may be thinking that social dancing is more like a game of bumper cars than anything else. You will need to also be aware of those who may have had more to drink than they needed. These “wild horses” are everywhere and it’s your responsibility as the eyes of the duo to see that she doesn’t get smacked into. It’s a dangerous dance world we live in…especially at the Country bars. 🙂

Lastly, do not end your Private Dance Lessons without a good understanding of how to identify and stay on time with the music. You will need to know when your favorite Latin song comes on if it’s a salsa or a bachata, for example. From there, you will also want to know how to find the beat and stay on it. This sounds so obvious. You are dancing, after all, right? But you’d be surprised how many people can’t hear the beat and then stick with it. It’s perfectly OK to get training on this so that you can make the most of every dance you have. As a woman who hears the beat, it’s an amazing experience to dance with someone who also knows the rhythm and can stick with it throughout the entire song.

See…social dancing isn’t nearly as complicated as you thought. 🙂 It’s actually great fun-especially once you are trained. So go get some Private Lessons and be that guy who knows what he’s doing out there on the dance floor. Trust me, the ladies will be lining up to dance with you before you know it.

Make Your Wedding Dance Unique With Country Dance Lessons

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Country dance classes Chandler ArizonaWhy do the 7th grade prom sway when you can kick up your heels for a fun and unexpected wedding dance that will blow the boots off of your guests!?! If you’re having a Country themed/rustic style wedding, a Country wedding dance will be the perfect tie-in to the reception of your dreams.

These days, a choreographed wedding routine consisting of a slow, romantic dance which leads into a cheesy hip hop routine may be exactly what your friends and family are expecting, but would they imaging that you went and took two step lessons to impress them with a mind-blowing Country dance? Probably not.

If you’re a Country music lover, doesn’t it just make sense to incorporate your favorite song(s) into a unique and special dance, choreographed just for you? I say yes!

To learn how to rock your reception with an amazing first dance that’s “Countrified” from top to bottom, contact your local dance studio for adults that offers both Wedding Dance Lessons and Country dance lessons. In other words, a traditional ballroom dance studio may not be the perfect fit for you if they cannot, or do not, teach Country dancing on a regular basis. While most Country dances, from two step to swing, are partner dances, and are related to other more common ballroom dances, there is a distinct difference when it comes to styling that is involved. Bottom line, find yourself a dance studio that offers social dancing so you will get the Country look you are wanting.

To make sure that you have found the right place, set up a Wedding Dance Consultation. Things to bring with you to your Wedding Dance Consultation will include pictures of your venue and your wedding gown, and some Country songs that you have in mind for your wedding dance. Your dance instructor will take care of the rest!

As a professional dance instructor and wedding dance choreographer for over two decades, I also want to share how important it is have an idea of what you’d like to look like on the dance floor. Country dancing doesn’t have to be wild and free, it can also be very romantic and intimate. What excites you? If sassy is your thing, say so. If you want a passionate love story, let’s do it! Maybe you want a little of both. That’s not a problem either, as long as you voice your ideas. It’s your day, and your dance. Your instructor is there to bring your vision to life, within reason. (This is where I feel compelled to tell you that crazy dips and flips are not a great idea to add into your wedding dance routine. I know you were hoping that I would suggest otherwise, but you don’t want to end up injured or on top of the cake on the most important day of your life.)

Lastly, don’t delay when it comes to signing up for Country dance lessons for your wedding. A good time to begin is right when you get engaged, actually. Then you can take time to learn to dance as a couple and get comfortable with dancing in general before adding the pressure of performing in front of friends and family into the mix. Plus, Country dancing is an exciting hobby that you two can enjoy for years to come! Congrats on getting engaged and have a blast on the dance floor on your wedding day!