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An instructor helping dance partners

A Step-by-Step Guide to Dancing With Someone New

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private dance lessons for couples near youGoing out social dancing at your local Country bar or Latin club can be quite intimidating. Never mind the amazing dancers having a blast out on the floor, looking like they’ve been dancing all their lives. You also get to contend with loud music, tons of people in a small, crowded space, dims lights and flowing alcohol. It’s easy to become overwhelmed very quickly, so let me help you ease your fears when it comes to choosing a dance partner with a step-by-step guide to dancing with someone new.

How many times have you joined friends out at a Country bar, a wedding, or a Latin dance club only to spend the entire night babysitting the purses at the table while your buddies are out Two Stepping or Salsa dancing? You want to join in the fun, but it’s scary out there and you don’t have a partner.  If you’ve felt this way before, it sucks! Let’s change things so your nights out can be filled with excitement, meeting new people and fun. Sound good? Great! Let’s start with Step 1….

1. Be prepared.

The best way to get ready to dance with someone new is to become a good dancer yourself. Who doesn’t want to dance with someone who can lead, or who follows like a dream? Most people gravitate towards the better dancers, subconsciously or not, so if you can become one of those people yourself, you’ll be ahead of the game.

“Learn to dance” sounds like a “Duh!” piece of advice, but what most people don’t discover until after they’ve gone out dancing without success over and over, is that it actually takes time to learn to dance well. Those couples who look awesome on the dance floor have put in hours and hours mastering their skill, believe me.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, know that no one is born knowing how to dance. There’s also not a pill (yet) that you can take to learn to dance overnight. In other words, there are no shortcuts. But, like most really cool things out there that you can discover, your time and financial investment towards learning to dance will be so worth it. Before you know it, you will be walking taller, feeling slimmer, and moving through life with more confidence than ever before.

So to get the ball rolling, sign yourself up for a beginner’s dance lesson to take your first step (pun intended) towards being a great Country, Latin or Swing dancer. And let’s not leave out the ever-so-sexy Argentine Tango! If you’re looking to explore an intimate and passionate dance with someone new, give the authentic Tango a try. you won’t regret it!

Regardless of the ballroom dance style you choose, the absolute fastest way to become a self-assured social dancer is through Private Dance Instruction. Working one-on-one with a professional will expedite your training time, ultimately saving you both time and money. Plus, you’ll be on that dance floor sooner rather than later because you have received details, tips on how to lead or follow, and proper technique that you can only get through Private Dance Lessons. Then, like a magnet, you’ll draw in the better dancers without even thinking about it.

2. Find the right place to dance.

What kind of music do you enjoy? What’s your “scene” when it comes to going out with friends? Do you like the club vibe, a Country feel, or a chill type of setting? A Swing dance lounge is very different from a rustic Country bar, for example. Finding the right place to try dancing with someone new for the first time will ease your nerves.

I suggest heading out to a venue that you’ve been to before. You will be able to settle in better and be comfortable with your surroundings, which will give you one less thing to worry about. If you do find the courage to dance at a new place, though, good for you! Once you know what you’re doing on the dance floor with dance lessons, you’ll be able to go anywhere and bust a move!

3. Dress for the occasion.

Please take this step to heart when planning out your evening. Ladies, keep in mind that sleeveless shirts or dresses may be uncomfortable for the guys you dance with, as your sweat could end up on their arms. This could be very unattractive to a new dance partner, and could deter him from dancing with you again. Guys, do NOT douse yourself with cologne before going out dancing. She could be allergic to certain scents, and you could ultimately be a real turn off, even if you are fun to dance with. Both parties may also want to consider the obvious shower and shave before heading out, so you’re putting your best foot forward for newcomers.

Consider your footwear, too, before leaving the house. A pair of Cowboy boots or high heels with straps around the ankles are good solid options for dancing. With the right shoes, you can really shine on the dance floor, instead of getting distracted. Oh, and please leave your flip flops at home. They aren’t great for any style of partner dance really, and could hold you back from feeling and looking your best.

4. Scope out the room.

This may sound a bit creepy, but seeking out the better dancers will only ensure a more exciting night on the dance floor for you. Don’t get me wrong here. Please always be kind and ask the newbies to dance as well. After all, that is how they become good leaders and followers themselves. Remember that you were also a beginner dancer at one point, wishing you could join the cool kids out there. Now that you’re one of those cool kids, be kind to others. 😉

In any case, observing the dancers will give you a feel for who you’d like to dance with throughout the course of the evening. Again, because you’ve taken the time to be a great dancer yourself, you will have naturally attract others who have put in their time learning.

5. Wait for the right moment.

Timing, as they say, is everything. Never demand a dance, or as for a dance by pulling on someone’s arm. He/she will be available at some point in the evening. Find that time and proceed to Step 6…

6. Go in for the kill.

Finally! You’ve placed yourself in the right place at the right time, and you’re even wearing the right attire, so why not ask him or her for a dance? If he/she has done their homework, they already know they’re going to have a great time dancing with you, so don’t concern yourself with getting rejected. If you do, that’s ok too. You can’t win every dance! The point here is that you have earned your right to be a confident dancer, and that is a wonderful way to approach someone new for a dance. Notice I said confident, not cocky. We all know the difference, right?

Bottom line, you’re now able to dance with anyone, anytime, just by following these six steps! If you’re a newer dancer, where are you getting caught up when it comes to dancing with someone you haven’t met? Comment below. I’d love to hear about your dancing journey!

Gift Yourself Dance Lessons This Season

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adult dance lessons phoenixEvery holiday season comes with a certain amount of stress and pressure in order for all to have a good time. Each year we will spend months preparing for just a few important moments that stretch the length of a mere couple of days, stressing ourselves out to our wits end, just for the perfect dessert or holiday gift. I for one could use a holiday where perhaps I treat myself a bit as well! Don’t you feel the same way?

As we prepare for this fall season, I urge you all to take some time for yourselves and indulge in something that will literally wipe your stress away, not to mention put a smile on your face.

Have you thought about Country dance lessons, or maybe learning to Swing dance through the holidays to stay fit and mentally sane? What about Salsa dancing? Does learning to Latin dance excite you? If so, adult dance lessons could be exactly what you need this holiday season. What better way to put pump up your spirits than a weekly dance lesson for yourself, or for you and your sweetie? Dancing gives you energy as we head into this holiday season, and we all need some more of that!

At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we’re excited every day to help people just like you not just survive through the holidays, but thrive through this upcoming season. With fun and exciting dance lessons to attend on a regular basis, you’ll be ahead of your New Year’s Resolutions, and even prepared for those upcoming holiday parties! Now that’s planning!

Once you see the benefits of unwinding with Private Dance Lessons, you may also discover that you can give the gift of social dancing to those you love. Think of your co-workers who could use a little “me” time, or your adult children who would enjoy a weekly date night away from the kids. Dance lessons for adults are just the thing to get them on track for a healthy and fun way into the new year. Gift cards for dance lessons are a wonderful way to let your loved ones choose what they want explore, from the dramatic Argentine Tango to the sultry Bachata to the playful Country Two Step.

Regardless of the dance, lessons are a fantastic way to make time for you. Social ballroom dancing is not just about relaxation, fitness, fun and stress relief (all very important things), but it can also be used as a way to meet new people in your area. Have you thought of how lonely the holidays can be without friends and/or family to share them with? You’re never alone when you take dance lessons at your local ballroom studio because you’ve got people to share your new hobby with. It’s amazing how open people can be to connecting with others once they find similar interests with them.

So what are you waiting for? We’re almost in October and that’s when it all begins! Start learning to dance now and you’ll be sailing through the holidays this year, (or should I say “dancing”?). Gift yourself adult dance lessons. You’ll be so glad you did!

 

What’s New at Dance FX Studios

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adult dance lessons in Mesa ArizonaMark your calendars! So many exciting events are happening at Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, Arizona, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on any of them!

As the premiere social ballroom dance studio in Phoenix for the past 15 years, we are always offering something fun, useful and exciting for you, but now more than ever are we have new classes, dance parties and more, to fill up your dance card.

What better way to celebrate our recent 15 year anniversary in business than to introduce you to our new Club FX Membership Program. This one is going to knock your socks off! As a Club FX member, you will get six months of Group Classes (1 per week) for just $99! You will also get special offers and discounts on events, dance lessons and more! Bottom line, you’ll save big time as you learn cool dances like Country Two Step, Line Dancing, Swing, Salsa, Tango and so much more. Group Dance Classes for adults are a great way to meet new friends, build your confidence social dancing and learn to partner dance for less! And, if you need follow-up instruction, you can always sign up for Private Dance Lessons with us at Dance FX Studios too!

Once you feel comfortable and ready to take your dancing to the “real world”, join us on our Night’s Out on the town. Our next Night Out Country dancing is Saturday, October 8th at San Tan Flat, a Country Dance venue with live music. We will be dancing under the stars that evening, and we hope you’ll join in the fun! Tickets are just $25 per person, and includes entrance to a reserved private party room, and your first drink at the bar**. Ages 21+ are welcome. RSVP is required. What’s great is that if you’re a Club FX member, you will get $5 off the night! Such a deal! The entire Dance FX Staff will be there to make sure you can Two Step and Country Swing dance your way comfortably around the dance floor with ease. It’s our number one priority that you can use your new hobby anywhere that music is being played, so why not start here? Get signed up now, you’ll be glad you did!

Did you know that with a combination of Private Dance Lessons for beginner’s, Group Classes and Night’s Out dancing, you will become a confident social dancer sooner rather than later? Of course it all makes sense, but most people do not realize what it takes to become a natural-feeling dancer. I’m not here to tell you that it takes years by any means, but keeping your learning opportunities close together is essential. Come a few times a week in the initial stages of learning to Country or Swing dance and you’ll notice a ton of results early on! Then it’s all about taking your dancing to the next level and really having some fun with it! From coming up with your own moves to fusing your dances together, the sky’s the limit, so grab your boots (or high heels) and come get started with us today!

 

A man in black and a woman in red

3 More Things You Thought You Knew About Partner Dancing

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adult dance studios in ArizonaAre you interested in learning how to Country two step, salsa or swing dance? That’s awesome! There’s no better time than the summer to begin taking adult dance lessons in these popular styles to beat the heat and stay fit.

Now that you know what you want to learn, there’s so much to discover! Most beginners think Country, Swing or Latin dance lessons are just about memorizing steps. Not so! While knowing where your feet go may seem important, there are even more key concepts that take precedence when learning to dance. Here are a few interesting things that you may not know about partner dancing…

First, for the men. Guys you don’t need to use your strength to be an awesome leader on the dance floor. That’s right…there’s no need to hit the gym before you invite your gal for a dance. While it’s common to see ladies being tossed around like rag dolls, especially in the Country dancing scene, treating her with a more gentle touch is best. Not only will you be protecting her arms from being ripped out of their sockets, but you will also be showing her that you know how to take care of a woman by making sure that you do not throw her into other dancers, objects, etc… This may seem like a common sense way to behave on the dance floor, and may just be the reason why you’re taking dance lessons in the first place, but being mindful of your partner is essential, and should be a topic of conversation while exploring partner dancing.  Bottom line: less is more. Learn to lead with finesse and the ladies will be lining up for more!

Next, for the ladies. It turns out that we’re not perfect either! Who knew? 🙂 What we need to keep in mind while out dancing is to not ourselves on the dance floor. All we want is to be turned and twirled, right? Well, ladies, that’s his job. He is the one who technically gets to decide when we get turned because he is the lead on the dance floor. While I can’t blame a newer dancer for turning herself, the idea of letting the leader do his job is key. You may not have known about it before your dance lessons, but now that you know, please empower him by letting him choose what he leads on the dance floor. What comes of this is confidence in a man, and a man that loves to dance, two exciting traits in a guy!

Lastly, you may not know that dancing is mainly about rhythm and connecting with the music. Staying on time with the music makes the dance what it is. For example, salsa dancing has a particular rhythm that you stick to: quick, quick, slow-two faster beats and one slower one. A two step begins with two slower beats followed by two quicker ones. As you learn new patterns and movements, make dancing with the music a priority over memorizing steps. You’ll tap into your inner rhythm and enjoy the dance that much more. I promise! Note: For those that think they don’t have any rhythm to tap in to, if you have a heart beat, you’ve got rhythm. Let your instructor show you how to bring it out, but just know, it’s in there.

You didn’t know you were delving into something so deep when you decided to sign up for beginner’s dance lessons, did you? The wonderful part is that dancing is a romantic and exciting hobby that you will use for years to come in many social situations. Enjoy the process of learning to dance and you will be investing in yourself, your health, your confidence and so much more!

 

 

What We Offer at Dance FX Studios

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adult dance lessons in Mesa ArizonaHave you been thinking about taking adult dance lessons? How exciting! You’re about to embark on a super fun new activity that is both popular and useful, not to mention pretty cool! With beginner’s dance lessons for couples or singles, you will discover social dances like Salsa, Swing and Country Two Step, as well as have a new hobby that has numerous benefits, from weight loss to stress relief. Are you intrigued? I hope so!

I also hope that you live here in Phoenix, Arizona with me so you can begin your journey into social dancing with all of us at Dance FX Studios. Dance FX Studios is located in the Phoenix East Valley, technically in Mesa, but we are right on the border Tempe and Chandler, AZ, just off the 101 highway.  If you live nearby, you’re going to want to check us out because we are the only adult dance studio in the Phoenix valley that focuses strictly on making you a confident dancer in any social situation, from weddings to date nights to cruises. Here’s more about what we offer:

  1. Private Dance Lessons: If you’re looking for the fastest way to be a fantastic social dancer, I highly recommend Private Dance Lessons. At Dance FX Studios, we offer Private Dance Lessons to both couples and singles. Singles will dance directly with their instructor, which is amazing for reaching even quicker results as a beginner social dancer. “Why?”, you may be wondering. When we can feel what you’re doing as we dance with you, it’s that much easier for us to help make any adjustments that may be needed. This really speeds up learning time, so you can get out there to the Country bars, Swing clubs and Latin venues sooner and have some fun!

Couples also benefit tremendously from one-on-one instruction. As we can develop and fine tune your skills on an individual level, you will also grow much faster in a much shorter time frame than as you would receive in a group setting. The detail and technique that both couples and singles who take Private Dance Lessons receive far surpasses any other form of learning when it comes to social dance instruction.

2. Night’s Out/In-House Dance Parties: As you get to the point in your Private Dance Lessons where you will need to test your talents, you can be assured that we will be by your side as we take you out on the town to local dance venues on our Night’s Out, and invite you to attend our In-House Dance Parties. These are such fun ways to try out what you know, with your instructor right by your side. We offer social events such as these monthly so that you have time in between each party to grow in your dancing. When you attend our parties, you will also get a new move or two in a Group Dance Class, which is always included in the night’s agenda. You won’t want to miss our monthly parties!

3. Wedding Dance Lessons: Are you, or is someone you know, getting married? If so, Wedding Dance Lessons are the perfect finishing touch to the most special day of your lives. We often hear from friends and family who want to thank us for putting together a customized first dance for those they love. It is a true gift to each other as bride and groom, and most definitely to your guests, as all will treasure your wedding dance for years to come. Wedding dance lessons are always one-on-one with one of our amazing dance instructors who specialize in making couples shine on the dance floor.

It’s your turn to join in the fun of knowing how to social dance. As I mentioned above, there benefits of knowing how to dance as an adult are endless. Build your confidence with dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios. We are here to help you to reach your goals on the dance floor, and get you ready for any event that may come your way!