Stand Tall and Dance!

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Ballroom dancing near Chandler AZWe were always told “sit up straight” by our mothers and teachers all throughout our youth. Yet here we are, all grown up, still having a case of the slouches. It can be hard to break the cycle! Even though it might feel comfortable, incorrect posture can be detrimental to your body. One of the most common negative effects of bad posture is fatigue. Increased pressure on the spine forces your muscles to work harder and compensate for misalignment in your body. This excess energy usage makes you feel more tired throughout the day. While poor posture doesn’t lead to scoliosis, it can affect your spine in other nasty ways: herniated disks, pinches nerves and pulled muscles—oh my!

Incorrect pressure distribution created by bad posture can be bad for your organs as well. When undue pressure is placed upon them, it inhibits their functionality.  Often you’ll hear that sitting straight helps you digest your food better—and it’s completely true!

Now, if you take a dance class, such as Tango, Nite Club Two step, or Salsa, your body is probably thanking you! Dancing improves posture more than you might think. All those basic steps, torso rotations, and legs extensions engage many different muscles in the body, but especially the ones in the back. In order to be responsive to your partner you must be able to keep a good frame, or body shape, while dancing. It requires you to stand tall with your chest muscles out and your back muscles engaged. Often, your arms and back will feel tired after a good dancing session because your body isn’t used to good posture!

If you invest in dancing, and practice daily, you will likely notice that your will posture improve and you might even see some of the other benefits too. Dancing can lead to a healthier overall lifestyle.

Think you’re ready to try it out? Dance FX has new group classes starting in January. Check out all the classes we have to offer for the new year and see how dance “FX” you!

Try Zumba and Dance Your Way Into A Better YOU!

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What would be created if you combined all of the greatest parts of Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Flamenco, Samba, Hip Hop, Belly Dancing and Tango into one incredible dance? Well then, wouldn’t you know it, that’s where the brain child of Zumba dance originated.

Zumba is a fast-paced dance style that’s specifically designed not only to be entertaining but a great fitness program as well. The name “Zumba” even comes from a Colombian term that means to move fast and to have fun! Although this dance has only recently gained force at many gyms, studios and even senior citizen homes, it has been around since the early 1990s.

You can thank fitness instructor Alberto Perez for combining the exercise of aerobic videos with the excitement of Latin and other dance techniques. After misplacing his original music for an aerobics class Perez improvised with some Latin salsa and meringue music allowing his class do dance to the beat. It was a dynamic hit, and nearly 12 million people have fallen in love with his creation since then. Zumba was even the first branded fitness program to launch a video game version for the likes of Xbox and Wii.

You’re probably wondering if Zumba sounds like something that you could fall in love with too. If you enjoy high energy, motivating music, and if you like to try unique moves and combinations then Zumba may be a necessity! It’s is a fantastic way to release stress and tension from the body, as well as increase your cardio work out and improve muscle tone. Not only will you enjoy it, but your body will thank you too!

Dance and Become a Loser!

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lose weight dancing Mesa AZDance, dance, dance…Lose, lose, lose…

Dancing is a great, fun way to lose weight. Lose weight, you ask? Yes, lose weight!

Have you ever given thought to the physiological effects that take place as you are stepping, turning, twisting and sliding to your favorite music with your favorite dance buddy? Why would or should you?  You’re simply out there enjoying the music sounds, the exciting atmosphere of the dance floor, the company with whom you are dancing, and more. But, if you WERE to think about what is going on with your body while you’re having so much fun, this is what you would realize.

We all know that to lose weight you must use more calories in the day than you take in. This means that you must be active. A good way to enhance your ability to burn calories is to perform some form of aerobic activity – something that causes your heart rate to increase to meet the oxygen demands of the muscles you use during the activity. Dancing does just this because as you are dancing you are using the large muscle groups of the lower body (legs, glutes, back). And, while you have to move your entire body through space in a balanced and steady manner, all your stabilizer muscles from head to toe are in use as well. In addition, if you are the lead, you’ll be using even more calories as you guide your partner along while simultaneously moving your own body. This all translates to MORE CALORIES being used! And THAT means you are participating in physical activity that will contribute to weight loss.

If you’re looking to enhance your health, dance to your heart’s content (pun intended). You’ll know you’ll be losing weight and creating a fun pastime that you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your (healthy) life. What a great healthful “secret weapon” dancing is!

What Everyone Wants to Know About Dancing

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Ballroom Dancing in Chandler ArizonaAs an ballroom dance instructor in Phoenix for 16 years now, I have heard and seen it all from my students. At Dance FX Studios, we have taught couples that were on their first date, couples whose marriage counselors have suggested that they learn to dance as a means of saving their marriage and couples who were just getting married. We have also instructed guys and gals who came in individually looking to meet that someone special, build their confidence and learn a new hobby. While the spectrum of “types” of students we have runs deep, one common question is on everyone’s mind. The number one question that my students have asked me over the years is: “How long will it take me/us to be a great dancer?” This question is tricky. Let’s explore the good, the bad and the ugly of what it takes to be a great dancer.

The Good: The good news about learning to dance is that what you put into your dancing is what you will get out of it. Like with any hobby, practicing your dancing, thinking about it and going out and enjoying it can only lead to all things good in terms of gaining assurance that you can become a great dancer. In the beginning stages of learning to dance, it is important to start with private lessons so that you can get the attention to detail with one-on-one dance instruction that is tailored for you. The biggest tip I can give any dancer? Don’t focus on your footwork as much as your leading or following skills.

The Bad: Ballroom dancing, Salsa, Swing or even Country Western dancing is a skill that does not happen over night. Time is only on your side if you take conscious steps towards your dancing goals. Find the right dance studio for you and ask your instructor what you can focus on specifically in between each lesson to continue to improve and grow. Give yourself 6 months to a year to start putting the pieces in place and gain the fluidity gained only through repetition and muscle memory and time.

The Ugly: While ANYONE is capable of being a great dancer, people generally want to take shortcuts. Who wants to wait to get out and use their dancing and have fun? Just remember that shortcuts will only prolong the time it takes you to learn to dance well. What some people may consider “the ugly” of learning to dance is that quality dance lessons are an investment. Remember that as you find a qualified studio that you will be investing in yourself and developing a life skill that will open up many doors in your life including adding romance, meeting new people and relieving stress.

I can think of no better hobby than dancing to bring about positive change in someone’s life. So, as you ponder the good, the bad and the ugly, keep in mind that dancing is the best investment in YOU and it will continue to reward you for the rest of your life.

Add Romance… Learn to Dance!

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Ballroom dancing and Romance for couples Tempe ArizonaWould you like to connect with someone new in a meaningful way that will last? Is your relationship in need of a little sprucing up? Learn to dance and see how the love in your life blossoms!

Ballroom dancing for couples at all stages in their relationships is a hobby that gives a whole new meaning to learning an extra curricular activity. Spice up your life with dancing lessons and notice how the three aspects mentioned below (among many others) of your relationship begin to take shape.

These hidden benefits of learning to dance are rarely brought to light. They are the secrets to why dance lessons should be (in my opinion) a requirement in every couple’s relationship. Experience for yourself how you can take your current relationship one step further (no pun intended!) just by learning to dance!

1. TEAMWORK: It REALLY DOES take two to Tango! Not just two bodies, but two bodies that are working together, becoming one in synchronicity with each other, one as an actor and one as a re-actor. Partner dancing is a whole new way of communicating for couples that gives one person the ability to create and send signals and the other one a chance to receive those signals and to respond accordingly. This type of non-verbal communication on the dance floor is a unique and special gift that, when done correctly, is extremely rewarding. It is the sign of  great teamwork or, in dance terms, a great partnership.

2. MOVEMENT TO MUSIC: Dancing to beautiful music crosses all language barriers allowing our inner inhibitions to reveal themselves. It doesn’t get more sensual than this. Learn to dance Country Two Step, Swing, Salsa OR Tango and see how music and dancing equates to passion on and off the dance floor!

3. MAKING TIME FOR EACH OTHER: What better gift can you give your loved one than that of your time and attention? Learning to dance requires time and focus together laying the groundwork for a hobby that can last forever between two people in love.

Dancing unites couples at every stage of their relationship. Connect with your loved one on the dance floor and see for yourself how to ignite (or re-ignite) your love for each other.

Why Men (Think They) HATE To Dance

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Ballroom dancing for Couples in ArizonaHow many times have we had to drag him out on the dance floor kicking at weddings and holiday parties? Why does he hide in the corner, at the bar or on the patio when the deejay gets going? Guys, you know the answer. I have three basic theories as to why men hate to dance after years of watching men scurry like roaches as far away from the dance floor as possible when music comes on.

1. Most men don’t think dancing is masculine. This common misperception has fortunately dwindled over the years with television shows like “Dancing With The Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. Guys are now exposed to very manly examples of male ballroom dancers. For men who would rather watch paint dry than watch reality tv on ballroom dancing, though, the image of looking “girlie” on the dance floor still exists.

What most men don’t know is that on the dance floor the man is very much in control. He is the decision maker, or “leader”, which is very empowering and exciting. He gets to be in charge of giving the woman he’s dancing with a feeling that every woman desires, that of being beautiful and elegant, or hot and sexy. How manly is that?! I say VERY!

2. Fear of what they don’t KNOW. I have mentioned this in other blogs. Men need to know what they are doing on the dance floor before they are willing to go that far outside of their comfort zone and try ballroom dancing. If A+B=C, then guys can make sense of dancing and start to apply what they know. Ballroom dancing lessons are a great solution for overcoming the unknown. Do your research for a dance studio that pays attention to the needs of leaders on the dance floor. Teaching dance is not a cookie-cutter experience and must be personalized for each student. (P.S. This is why we know that Dance FX Studios in Phoenix, Arizona is the best place for men to learn how to dance. We can’t reveal any of our other secrets, but we are known for creating GREAT social dancing leaders! To give us a try, go to https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-lessons-mesa-arizona/ .)


3. Dancing is intimidating. Letting your inner dancer out is scary! And yes, everyone has an inner dancer! Even if that dancer has only actually moved in your mind, it is there. No one truly has “two left feet”, but, when compared to other, more confident leaders, it may seem that this is the case. In our “I can get everything instantly with the click of a button” world that we live in, taking the time to learn to ballroom dance may seem less of a priority for guys. In actuality, though, it is a skill that will set you apart from 95% of the other men in the room. My advice: Start with a few easy dances and take notes, video record your lessons and practice regularly! The results are possible and are yours for the taking!

Social Dance Lessons

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Discover Social Dancing!

Experience the excitement of social dancing with us at Dance FX Studios! Uncover a unique and joyful way to reduce stress, meet new friends and add romance to your life.

With our New Student Offer, you can explore the Country Western, Tango, Swing, or Latin dancing, the choice is yours! Once you get started, we will help you to to become the confident dancer that you have always wanted to be.

Contact us to begin your social dancing journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday- Friday from 12-8 pm. To schedule your first appointment, please fill out the form above or call us today at 480.968.6177.

What Others Have To Say About Dance FX Studios…

“I had two weeks in which to learn some Latin ballroom dances for an important event and the introductory program offered at Dance FX enabled me to achieve that goal. The experience was so rewarding that I signed up for a regular program of private instruction and haven’t looked back since! Dancing is now a passion of mine and I have the dance instructors at Dance FX to thank.”

-Hugo

Learn to ballroom dance in Mesa, AZ at Dance FX Studios. We are on the border of Tempe, Gilbert and Chandler in the East Valley of Phoenix. We cater to residents valley-wide from Gold Canyon to Scottsdale and Queen Creek for ballroom dance lessons and more!

Argentine Tango Dance Lessons

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Discover Argentine Tango!

Are you ready to journey into the most beautiful, intimate, romantic and sexiest social dance around? Argentine tango is THE dance to know and we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona would love to help you uncover its beauty and grace. Don’t let the allure of the tango steer you away from learning this very popular social dance. When stripped down to it’s most basic form, the Argentine tango is actually based on walking steps, making it a dance that anyone can learn.

Come try out our New Student Offer to see how easy it is to learn to Argentine tango from us at Dance FX Studios!

Contact Us to Begin Your Tango Dancing Journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday- Friday from 12-8 pm. To schedule your first appointment, please fill out the form above or call us today at 480.968.6177.

What Others Have To Say About Dance FX Studios…

“Never danced. Don’t have the gene for it. But somehow the folks at Dance FX are able to teach me. They are happily patient, and seem genuinely excited about my progress. These are VERY knowledgeable and skilled instructors who know how to have fun and truly enjoy dancing. I’m actually learning!”

– Jim Gibbs

Argentine tango lessons for beginners and beyond are available at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ near Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe, AZ. We are just off the 101 highway, centrally located in the Phoenix East Valley, just minutes from Scottsdale.

Country Western Dance Lessons

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Discover Country Dancing!

From Two Stepping to Country Swing and Country Waltz, you will soon see how EXCITING it is to Country dance! Get noticed on any Country dance floor with Country dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios and watch your confidence soar.

While we are FUN and RELAXED in our approach, you will gain the skills needed to Country dance anywhere in Arizona with ease. At Dance FX Studios, you will learn to Country dance to the music, to navigate around a crowded dance floor and to do lots of exciting turns and variations with proper technique and style. Our goal for you? To keep you on that Country dance floor all night long! Come try out our New Student Offer for private Country dance lessons for beginners and let the fun begin!

Dance FX Studios is a social dance studio in Mesa, Arizona that offers only practical and popular dances that are used out around town. For Country dancers, that mainly includes the Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, West Coast Swing, Country Cha Cha and Line dancing.  Regardless of the dance or dances that you would like to learn, we will give you useful tips on how to be comfortable on any social dance floor.

Contact us to begin your Country dancing journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday- Friday from 12-8 pm. To schedule your first appointment, please fill out the form above or call us today at 480.968.6177.

What Others Have To Say About Dance FX Studios…

“I went to Dance FX to learn how to dance socially in Country bars. At first I was nervous and hesitant about going to take dancing lessons as a single male. After a few weeks I was going out and dancing comfortably. After a few months, I felt very confident in going to clubs dancing and showing off moves. I never thought I would learn as much as I did in such a short time. Thank you very much to the entire Dance FX staff.”‎

– Brent W.

“Never danced. Don’t have the gene for it. But somehow the folks at Dance FX are able to teach me. They are happily patient, and seem genuinely excited about my progress. These are VERY knowledgeable and skilled instructors who know how to have fun and truly enjoy dancing. I’m actually learning!”

– Jim G.

Learn to Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, Cha Cha and more from us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We are just several minutes from Scottsdale, Tempe and Chandler in the Phoenix East Valley. For Country dance lessons for singles and couples, Dance FX Studios serves all of Phoenix including Gilbert, Queen Creek, Maricopa and Gold Canyon.

Swing Dance Lessons

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Swing Dance Lessons

Swing dancing is FUN, PLAYFUL and LIVELY, not to mention very popular here in Arizona. Places to go swing dancing in the Phoenix metro area and beyond are plentiful. From Country Swing dancing to the sultry West Coast swing to Jitterbug, you will have many opportunities to use this exciting dance around town.

Did you know that swing dancing is used everywhere from a wedding to a bar since there are so many swing dance tempos and styles? Swing dance music can vary from Jazz to Big Band, Country Western, Blues, Rock and Roll and oldies, making Swing a must-have dance.

Have a blast learning to Swing dance at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona! Learn cool turns, spins and Swing dance combinations at Dance FX Studios that will keep you on the dance floor all night long. With Swing dance lessons, YOU will soon have the confidence and ability needed to dance with style.

For the fastest way to becoming a great Swing dancer, try out Dance FX Studios’ Introductory Offer for just $40. In just one hour, we will introduce you to our exclusive methods of teaching that will make you a comfortable Swing dancer in no time. Couples and singles, come learn to West Coast, Jitterbug and Country Swing dance at Dance FX Studios. Be prepared for your next social event with dance lessons from us.

To inquire about our introductory offer for Swing dance lessons, or to set up your first appointment, please fill out the form below. We will contact you within 24 hours. Thank you.


Private Swing dance lessons are available by appointment Monday- Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 12-4 pm. To schedule your first appointment, please fill out the form above or call us today at 480.968.6177.

What others have to say about Dance FX Studios…

“This place teaches social dancing only. So I learned to dance to Blues, Rock, Salsa. They are great people, and now I can dance anywhere out at night and have fun.  I would recommend them to anyone who really wants to learn to dance.”

-Cheers, Nick

Why Swing dancing is for YOU…

Today, people of all ages enjoy Swing dancing. From Country Swing to the Lindy Hop, Swing is popular, useful, versatile and FUN! If you are looking for a dance that you can enjoy anywhere, Swing is the dance for you!

Dance FX Studios offers swing dance lessons for couples and singles near Tempe, AZ! Located in Mesa, AZ, Dance FX Studios teaches swing dancing classes to Gilbert, Chandler and Scottsdale residents as well as Phoenix singles and couples valley-wide!