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A couple dancing in a studio

Holiday Savings Event 2016

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adult dance lessons arizonaThe 2016 holiday season is well under way. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday done, it’s time to relax and plan for those special, unique gifts that you haven’t had time to sit down and think about yet. If you have no idea where to start, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Wouldn’t it be great to give an “experience” to those close to you this year, rather than another “thing”, like a necktie or purse? Would’t she appreciate spending quality time with you over another bottle of perfume? And don’t you think he’d love to have a cool and exciting hobby to share with you on the weekends in the new year, instead of watching movies on the couch on a Saturday night? If you say “YES!” to a creative gift this year, I’ve got just the thing for you…Ballroom Dance Lessons!

Before I go further into the awesome savings you can receive this season on dance lessons for adults, let me explain what I mean by “Ballroom” Dance Lessons. By Ballroom Lessons, I mean learning any partner dance, from Salsa to Swing, and Two Step to Tango.  It doesn’t have to be formal, just a dance that you learn to do with someone else. Ballroom dancing is more of an overall term to describe partner dancing in general.

If you don’t have someone yet to take lessons with, that’s perfectly OK! In fact, one can learn much faster by having all the attention on them. Then, once your confidence rises, you can take your moves out dancing and show off your skills to your friends. Won’t they be surprised! Keep in mind that social ballroom dancing is a great way to meet new people, even a dance partner. A self-assured person on the dance floor is a major magnet to others, believe me!

Social ballroom dance lessons are THE gift that keeps on giving. Think about it. Every time there’s an event where music is being played, he/she will know how to dance! From those upcoming weddings to kicking up your heels on the weekends at a Country bar, all bases will be covered once he/she knows how to dance. How cool is that!?

Now you can probably find great deals at your local ballroom dance studio, but if you live in Phoenix, Arizona like I do, check out the Holiday Savings Event that we have going on at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ, just off the 101 freeway.

We have two Private Lesson options for the holidays that are great for couples or singles. Private Dance Lessons are a wonderful investment in that your recipient will learn to dance much quicker with one-on-one instruction. In Private Lessons, we tailor each hour to help our students reach their dancing goals. We also customize the dances that they learn based on where they see themselves using their dancing, i.e. a Salsa dance club versus a Country bar. And, we personalize each lesson in a way that you learn best. So cool!

It’s all about the individual with Private Lessons, and we want to help them to be a confident social “ballroom” dancer so they can have a blast every time they go out dancing! No more sitting on the sidelines when he/she can be out there having fun, and knowing what they’re doing.

Our two Online Offers for Private Lessons include the following: a One-Hour Introductory Dance Lesson for $25 total (per couple or single), and our Holiday Starter Package. The Starter Package includes a One-Hour Introductory Lesson plus five One-Hour Beginner’s Dance Lessons to learn the key turns and moves in up to 4 dances. Our Starter Package is $320, and includes a FREE $25 Gift Card for lessons or retail items at Dance FX Studios.

Another gift-giving option is our Club FX Membership. With this membership, a person will receive six months of Group Dance Classes (one class per week/per person) for $99 total! This is a steal, bringing each class down to $4 per class if you attend every one. As you will see, our Group Class Schedule includes a mix of three styles of dance: Country, Latin and Swing. What a great way to get a taste of popular social dances, from Merengue and Bachata, to West Coast Swing and Country Two Step!

Finally, if you know someone who is getting married in 2017, Wedding Dance Lessons are an amazing present! Thanks to you, the bride and groom will shine on the dance floor on their wedding day with a customized wedding dance. Our Wedding Dance Consultation is just $20 and includes a mini dance lesson! It’s a great way to connect with one of our professionals so that we can give an engaged couple the dance of their dreams.

Let’s say that you don’t know what your friends would like to start with, be it Private Lessons or Group Classes. No problem! You can pick up a Gift Card, or get one in our Online Store, in increments of $25. What’s great is, when you spend over $100, you get a FREE $15 Gift Card to gift to someone else, or keep for yourself!

This year, give the gift of health, energy, excitement and fun to those you love. Adult dance lessons are a blast! While you’re in our studio shopping, visit our new retail shop too. Who knows, you may even walk away with something special just for you. Happy Shopping!

 

Bruce Nally

4 Deplorable Dance Mistakes

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swing dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa AZWith the presidential election just days away, I thought I would tie in the big word of the last few weeks (deplorable) to my blog! Just being playful here people… Anyway, there are a few nasty habits in the social ballroom dance world that I would love to bring to light. Hopefully, if you stumble across this, you will find these predispositions to be something you can avoid, or even adjust (if you’re guilty) on the dance floor to become an even better Country, Latin or Swing dancer yourself. 🙂

“Deplorable” Mistake #1: Taking Big Steps

The dreaded BSS (Big Step Syndrome)! While this is usually a guy thing because their strides are generally longer, women are also caught taking big steps on the social dance floor. Why this is so “deplorable” (not truly) is that on a small, crowded floor, your big steps will end up on top of other’s feet if you’re not super careful.

Think about it. If the floor is packed while you’re out Country Western dancing, for example, or even Salsa or Swing dancing, you can’t afford to take large steps. You’re lucky to get to use the space that you have while just standing there in most cases, let alone finding a place to move into on a social dance floor. And, if you are a traveller on the floor because you haven’t yet learned to stay in one tiny space, you’ve got to navigate around a ton of novice dancers, all headed in different directions, scurrying about. Unlike in a controlled dance environment, like a ballroom dance competition, for example, social dancers rarely come to the show up as trained professionals. Rather, they are every day people trying to blow off some steam and have a fun time on their weekends after a crazy workweek. Can you blame them? Absolutely not! Country dancing is an awesome way to spend a Friday evening! However, less is more when it comes to the size of those strides, so please, please, take tiny steps on the dance floor-your partner will thank you for it later. 😉

“Deplorable” Mistake #2: Adding Arm Styling

You may not know this, but there is a difference between social dancing and competitive ballroom dancing, and this is one of them. “What is arm styling?”, you ask. Arm styling is what you see when trained ballroom dancers want to pretty up their movements instead of letting their arms dangle by their sides as they dance (makes sense). If you have ever seen an episode of Dancing With The Stars, you’ve seen lots of arm styling in action. It makes for an awesome look on a stage or at a competition, but not while you’re out social dancing. Think of how it would feel to get whacked in the face while Salsa dancing, or hit with an elbow Country dancing. It’s really not that fun. Bottom line, for those of you who have had formal dance instruction, that’s amazing!!!, but leave the big arm movements off of a packed dance floor.

“Deplorable” Mistake #3: Dancing off Time

I discuss this “deplorable” offense often. I can’t help it! As a follow on the dance floor, it’s so much more fun to dance on time with whatever song is being played. If you’re a guy who can’t hear the beat, that’s totally OK (for now)! Go ahead and take some Private Dance Lessons to learn how to count out the music in your head-no “1,2,3” out loud as you’re dancing! It’s a wonderful feeling to know if you’re on tempo, so don’t hesitate to seek help in this area.

Plus, know that with each style of dance, there are many sub-dances, if you will. For instance, Latin music does not always equate to Salsa dancing. The Latin dance music you’re listening to could be a Bachata, Merengue, or Cha Cha. It’s key to go out onto any social dance floor with confidence, so discover through your Private Lessons which songs fit with which dance.

“Deplorable” Mistake #4: Getting Carried Away

Honestly, I can think of no better hobby than social dancing. It’s relaxing, yet exciting. Challenging, yet fun! It is possible, though, to go too far out on a social dance floor. Imagine 50 couples sharing a 20×20 space. You’re virtually crammed in like sardines! This would not be the best time to pull out all of the fancy tricks you learned at your last dance class. While I’m not saying to just stick with the basics, though there’s nothing wrong with that, please don’t attempt lifts, dips and the like on a jam packed dance floor.

A few years back, I was out at a local Country bar with my husband (date night!). The couple next to us were getting a bit wild, which we expect when we go Country dancing here in Arizona. But what I didn’t expect was that he would end up grabbing her by her long ponytail and dip her…by her ponytail! Her head nearly hit the floor, and before we knew it, she was back up in his arms. He had no grip on her neck and no support under her body. He simply took her hair and down she went. A sigh of relief came over me when she returned from her dip in one piece. Not just for her safety, but for the safety of everyone surrounding them. I was actually frightened, and I wasn’t even the dipee! I can’t imagine how she felt! My point is…there’s no reason to get carried away just because you want to let look and you know a few cool moves. Have fun, be safe and be mindful of others.

Have you learned something new through this blog? If so, please share in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your take on the social dancing scene in your area. What’s hot, what’s not, and what you see when you go out to dance.

 

 

A woman in a pink shirt dancing with a man in gray

Top Five Secrets of a Great Leader on the Dance Floor

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country dance lessons in mesa azHave you ever wondered what makes someone a great lead on the dance floor? Did he start dancing as a toddler? Is he just a “natural”? What is it that gives him that look of ease and effortlessness? Well, great social ballroom dancers, like those who love to Country, Latin and Swing dance, have put in their time, no doubt, when it comes to looking so good. That’s what makes them so fun to dance with, right?!

Did you know that you too can be one of those incredible dancers, like the ones you see at the Country bars, or Latin clubs? You absolutely can. First, keep in mind that no one is born knowing how to dance. No one. While it is true that some people pick up movements quicker than others, dancers of all styles, from Salsa to Swing to Tango have learned at some point along the way, somewhere. Now that you know that, let me share some of the best kept secrets that leaders have when it comes to shining on the dance floor.

Secret 1: Make her the star.

Being a great lead on the dance floor can be very empowering for a man, as it should be! Very few guys take the time to learn how to lead well, so why should they not be proud of their good work? In partner dancing, though, the woman, or follow, should be the focal point. Think of all of the turns and twists he can lead her through to make her the center of attention. It’s pretty fantastic!

An awesome lead truly shows off his lady and makes her the star of the show. A guy who knows what he’s doing on the dance floor will highlight all of her assets and skills by dancing to her level, and making her feel and look her best. Like I always say, he’s the frame, and she’s the picture, so all eyes should be on her. For most guys, this is a relief. They can still have all the moves, but not all the attention. It’s a perfect pairing!

Secret 2: Less is more.

Personally, this is my philosophy on many things, and especially on the dance floor. Over the last two decades, I have trained thousands of men to be confident leads, and I have told each of them the same thing: Less really is more! What I mean by this, for example, is that there’s no need to yank her arms out of their sockets to turn. Have you ever seen this happen in a Country bar or Salsa club? The guy is literally tossing her around very aggressively just to get to her to move. Top leads are gentle in their “invitations” to get her to go exactly where they want her to be. Doesn’t that just sound better? Would you rather be invited into a space, or pulled and pushed to go through it? I’ll take the former please. This style of leading will basically guarantee that she will want to keep on dancing with you as you simply know how to treat a woman. It reminds me of a t-shirt that we will have in our retail shop that states “Handle with care.” It’s made for the ladies to wear to remind those aggressive guys out there to easy off on their lead. Less is more.

Secret 3: Rhythm is king.

This is a biggie! Let me explain. So many newbies think social ballroom dancing is about memorizing patterns and footsteps above understanding how to move with ease and naturalness. They get caught up on exactly where their feet should go instead of thinking about the space they have to work within. Think of how this plays out on a small, crowded floor. You’re busy running her through your steps, and she’s going along for the ride as your follow. Your patterns don’t fit into the circular dance floor and now, because you’re stuck in your routine of doing the same moves in the same order, she’s being banged into walls or run off the dance floor! Just knowing and executing your patterns can really get you in a lot of trouble.

If, on the other hand, you’re able to focus on a variety of rhythms that you’ve learned through Private Dance Lessons, and not just steps, your rigid and set movements will become fluid and easy to use anywhere, anytime. Yes, I did sneak in the fact that you will to invest in one-on-one instruction in order to be a great lead…because it’s true! That’s what it takes to get the details that you need to succeed on the dance floor. More on that later… Anyway, the point is that an emphasis on rhythm over memorized patterns is what makes a wonderful lead as a dancer. This little known fact is truly what sets the good apart from the great.

Secret 4: Mix it up.

There’s nothing that she wants more than to let loose and have a good time when you’re out dancing together. To piggyback on Secret 3, don’t get stuck in your routine of doing the same three moves over and over again. You’ll become predictable and she’ll be bored in no time! With Private Dance Instruction, you will learn what we at our studio call the Rules of Variation. With this very key secret, you’ll be unstoppable when it comes to sweeping her off her feet!

Secret 5: Let the music be your guide.

Finally, there’s one more very big secret that I want to share. (More tips to come in future blogs…) Secret 5…Let he music be your guide. Please, for the love of who knows what, do not do the same dance steps, at the same tempo, regardless of the song that is being played. If you’re into Country music, for example, not every some is going to be a Country Two Step. Two Steps are generally mid-tempo-not too fast and not too slow. You are not meant to Two Step dance to every song that is being played in a Country bar. Some Country songs are Waltzes, some Swing, some Nite Club 2-Step. Each of these dances has it’s own style and personality, so use the right dance to the right music and you’ll be on your way to be known as a fabulous lead on the dance floor. One step beyond this, which I will cover in a future blog, is how to interpret the music to have your dancing reflect the highs and lows within the song itself. This is a super-cool way to stand out, in a good way. 🙂

There are so many more tips that I would love to share with you! Most of all, I recommend finding a local adult dance studio near you and getting signed up for an Introductory Dance Lesson. It’s OK if you don’t have a particular event coming up because when you do, you’ll know exactly how to be an awesome dancer! Remember that anything worth learning takes time and effort, so be patient and enjoy the journey of learning how to social dance.

Check out future and past blogs to discover more about the wonderful world of social dancing. What is one thing you would change or add to your lead to make you an even better social dancer? Comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

A woman with purple hair

Why Country Dance Lessons are Great for Couples

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Country dance lessons in ArizonaAre you a little bit Country, but your boyfriend is more Rock-n-Roll? That’s OK! Let’s talk about something perfect for both of you to enjoy together… Country dancing! And what do you need to become awesome Country dancers? Well, Country Dance Lessons, of course.

Country dancing is so hot right now, that if you don’t know how to Two Step or Swing dance, you’re really missing out. While other twosomes are spinning and twirling out on the dance floor, you’re going to be sitting on the sidelines wishing you knew how to do what they can do. Now that’s no fun! Even worse, she’ll begin accepting dances from other guys and you’ll be bellied up to the bar with your beer all night.

With Country Dance Lessons for beginners under your belt, you’ll have the confidence to take your gal out anywhere, anytime. You’ll see through private dance instruction, which is the best way to learn in my opinion, that all the questions on how Country dancing works can be answered. For example, and this is a biggie, “How do I get her to spin comfortably?” is a common question that guys need to know. With one-on-one lessons, you will learn to lead on the dance floor as a guy, and how to follow, as the lady. With that skill alone, you can do anything. How empowering is that!? I would say it’s the key to a successful night out Country dancing!

For couples, Country dancing can also bring you closer together. (Who knew??) When you take lessons to explore exciting Country dances, from the Two Step to the ever-popular Country Swing, you will discover how to work together as a team. This effort alone will be a fun challenge that will allow you to both accomplish your goals on the dance floor. From there, you can really have a blast Country Western dancing!

And let’s not forget the physical perks of going out dancing on the weekends. When you put down the ice cream and pry yourselves off the couch, you can burn up to 500 calories and hour Country dancing. You will also be using muscles that you didn’t know you had, so be prepared to shed a few pounds and gain some muscle…on your date night with your sweetie! Bonus!

Lastly, dancing is romantic. Whether you’re giving Country dancing a try, or learning how to Salsa dance, you will be doing it together, in each other’s arms. There’s really nothing more intimate than that when it comes to an incredible date night with one another.

In case you’re wondering, “What exactly is Country Dancing?”, let me help.  Like a lot of other current popular dances, Country dancing developed from folk dances to become one of the top social partner dances in the United States today. If Country music is being played, and it is often these days, you’ve got to know how to blend in with the handful of dances are “in” today, including Country Two Step, Country Swing, Line Dancing, West Coast Swing, Nite Club Two Step and Country Waltz. Each of these unique styles will keep you busy on your dance lessons as you become well-rounded and competent dancers.

There’s no doubt that knowing how to Country dance will come in handy if you live here in Arizona. Being that there’s a Country bar on virtually every corner, you can use your dancing almost 7 days a week!  If you are interested in getting started with Country Dance Lessons to build your confidence before getting out on the dance floor, then give us a call! As I mentioned, Private Country Dance Lessons are the fastest way to become a great social dancer, especially since each lesson will be personalized to you. Not only will we get you and your partner Two Stepping in no time, but you will soon see all the fun you’ve been missing. To set up an Introductory Country Dance Lesson, check out our website, or give us a call today at 480-968-6177. We hope to see you on the dance floor soon!

A woman in a blue dress dancing with a man in a purple shirt

Connect With New Friends Through Social Dancing

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adult dance lessons arizonaHave you ever thought of how cool it would be to know how to Salsa dance, Swing dance or Country Western dance? Think about the idea of actually holding and touching a real person, instead of your phone or tech gadget, by giving social  dance lessons a try.

One of the best ways to offset “social media syndrome” is to get out there and start connecting with the real world. Meeting new people at your local dance studio for adults is a fun and exciting way to do just that! Once your eyes connect with another person who also loves to Latin dance or Country dance, you’ll be so glad you put your device down and chose to spend time dancing instead.

Trying new experiences like social dancing instead of looking at life through the internet makes our lives so much richer. And if we’re going to document everything that we do on Facebook, or other social media sites, then we should have something cool and interesting to share, right? I mean, which one of your friends wouldn’t be envious of seeing you sweep a hot girl off of her feet on the dance floor, or want to check out that good-looking guy who you spent the whole night Swing dancing with? Not only would they be jealous, but I bet they might want to join in the fun of learning to Country Two Step dance or Ballroom dance too!

Looking over someone’s shoulder at the latest popular YouTube video is about the closest many of us get to body to body contact. Most of our Friday and Saturday nights are spent watching a movie or reading an e-book because, in reality, the friends we can physically go out with are few in numbers. When you know how to social dance, that’s OK! Pick your favorite place to go Country dancing and see how many people you’ll soon meet once you show them your dance moves. Yes! Every lady loves a guy that can dance!  There are so many more reasons to leave the virtual world behind and step into reality than you think. Getting social not only increases online connections, it builds your confidence like nothing else can!

That’s right, social dancing is an incredibly cool way to meet new people, while also discovering an exciting hobby! Going out to night clubs or events where there’s a chance to dance is a blast-especially when you’re the one who know’s what to do on the dance floor. Connections found through dancing will build to the point that your social calendar of activities will be full. Unlike Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, dancing with another person is real, face-to-face interaction. Instead of posting a picture of your dinner on your home page or spending date nights in front of a computer screen Skype-ing, why not go out Salsa Dancing?!

Imagine meeting your new potential girl or guy out at a dance club knowing you already feel comfortable anywhere there is dancing. You two can spend some romantic time actually getting to know each other while dance to create and keep passion in your relationship that will last a lifetime. You can’t use a computer or cell phone while dancing so both of you will be looking and interacting with full attention on each other. How great is that?! Go out together at least once a week and you’ll notice a lot more happiness in how you feel about yourself, your friendships and your romantic relationship, guaranteed!

Learning a variety of social dances like the Country Two Step, Swing or Salsa gets you out from behind your device and into the big wide world. Social dancing offers many benefits as it is incredibly upbeat and can lighten your mood in just about any atmosphere. Start with beginner’s dance lessons for adults and see how you can start getting out into the real world and having amazing interactions today!  If you live anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley, our dance studio for adults is just minutes away. Drive over from Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, or Gilbert and visit Dance FX Studios today!

 

 

Why You’ll Want to Know How To Swing Dance

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swing dance lessons in ArizonaIn just two short months, all of our calendars will surely be filled with one holiday party after another. As we inch closer to the 2016 Holiday Season, most of us will begin thinking about some possible New Year’s Resolutions. Why not get ahead of the curve and begin creating that list now?!

Picture how cool it would be to actually know how to dance by this New Year’s Eve. I mean, why wait til next year when you can be dancing this year, right? And not just any dance…what about Swing Dancing?! Imagine how many occasions where you can use your Swing dance moves, from going out Country dancing with friends, to attending those upcoming weddings.  Swing dancing is by far the most versatile of all the social ballroom dances, so you will use it time and again at any social affair.

In this blog we’re going to explore just how much fun Swing dancing is, and why you should begin taking Swing Dance Lessons to learn cool and popular styles ranging from Country Swing to West Coast Swing and Jitterbug. Each of these variations of Swing dancing have something unique to offer you, so learning to dance with confidence is key.

Swing dancing is energizing, exciting and timeless. Feel your blood pumping and have fun burning calories while exploring a new hobby all at the same time. For singles, Swing dancing is also a wonderful social opportunity. Meet new friends, learn a healthy activity and watch your social life begin to expand as you now have something a lot more interesting to do than sit on the couch and watch TV.

For couples, Swing Dance Lessons are a great way to become confident and comfortable before hitting the social dance floor. With a built-in dance partner, you will learn useful tips like how to be a great leader or follower as well as how to establish a connection with your partner. Teamwork is everything in dance, which is why couples that dance together, stay happy together. 😉

When you begin Swing dance lessons, you will discover a variety of moves to keep your dancing dynamic and lively. You’ll find your inner diva in the sultry West Coast Swing, and uncover your inner “rocker chick” in the East Coast Swing. Regardless of the style, you can enjoy the many layers and diversities of Swing dancing.

Swing dancing is also perfect for crowded places, like in a bar, or at a wedding, because it is done mostly while standing in place, rather than traveling around a big floor. There are now of course more than 25 variations of Swing Dance. Pretty cool fact, right? Back in the 1920’s, African dance moves were formed into what is now known as the the Lindy Hop and the Charleston, two very popular Swing dance styles. They were both danced to contemporary Jazz music, and from there, as we all know… the rest is history!

Although the historical roots of this dance can be traced back for almost one hundred years ago, today West Coast Swing, and all other forms of this dance, can be found all throughout the world, very alive and well. The reason why so many people absolutely love Swing dancing, and it has lasted throughout the years, is simply because Swing can be danced to many different genres of music from Pop, to R&B, Contemporary, Country music, and most Top 40 hits too. This allows people to pick and choose from an almost “infinite” amount of music of which to dance to and also makes it attainable for a large spectrum of different age groups and physical abilities.

At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley of Arizona, we would love the opportunity to  give you cool tips on how to be an awesome Swing dancer. Let us help you to uncover this exciting, healthy and joyful dance.  If you’re intrigued by Swing dancing, our New Student Offer for beginner’s Swing Dance Lessons with us is a great place to start.  You will soon be on your way to years of fun and dance, so come on in and find out what you’ve been missing!

Making Memories with the Perfect Wedding Dance

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wedding dance couple in ArizonaIf you live in Arizona and are looking for somewhere to take Wedding Dance Lessons, then look no further! Located in the Phoenix East Valley, Dance FX Studios offers everything for your first dance needs.

Brides and Grooms, highlight the best night of your lives with a unique routine to make a memory that will last a lifetime. You’ve seen the fun and funky first-dances on YouTube, now let us show you how you can shine with a personalized dance routine that will keep your guests talking long after the night is over.

A great way to kick off the party at your wedding reception is to “Rock Your Reception” with a choreographed first dance. Your friends and family will be in for an unexpected surprise when you break out of the traditional, and slightly dull, typical first dance, and bust out into a salsa, swing or Country two step dance instead.

Your wedding dance doesn’t have to be something wild and crazy. It can also be fun, silly or simply romantic. Basically you just want something that will fit your style as a couple and reflect who you two really are. After all, aren’t we getting bored of swaying to and fro or dancing in circles? That “prom sway” is so old and outdated! Instead, step up your dance game and make use of that dance floor with your newly found skills. If you are seen having a good time then, most likely, everyone else will want to join in the fun and you can create an entertaining night for everyone.

There are many different styles of dancing that you can learn in preparation for your big day. With a Wedding Dance Consultation with one of our choreographers, we will help you to pick out the perfect dance for you. Pick one, or even a few, dances that go with your personality and tone of the wedding. Some examples of styles you can choose from include Swing, Latin, Country Western, Ballroom, and Hip Hop. How’s that for variety!?

Perhaps you’re attending a wedding in the near future. Maybe your child’s wedding, a relative, or friend’s? Most likely, during this joyous event, you will get up and dance at some point in time. If you are in the wedding party, you are almost obligated to dance, so don’t be the one who had to be dragged onto the dance floor. Take Private Dance Lessons for yourself so you can look great out there too. See…we do it all here at Dance FX Studios!

Now, we can give you an over-the-top show stopping routine, but these days’ brides and grooms are opting in for a bit more of the subtle surprise. Starting with the ever-popular “I don’t know how to dance” 7th grade sway, and then easing into a fun, elegant or playful first dance routine seems to be en vogue. Taking lessons for your first dance will alleviate one more thing that you have to plan, saving you the time that you would have spent trying to figure it all out on your own. And, keep in mind that dancing will give you and your fiancé one more thing that you can bond over right before the big day, and use forever as a hobby beyond your wedding. Bonus!

At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we will take care of the planning and choreographing of your dance, and you get to be the stars. Let us get to know you and your vision for your first dance and we will do the rest from there as we prepare you for the most important dance of your lives!

Are You Afraid To Dance?

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ballroom lessons near me in ArizonaHave you been wanting to go out dancing with friends, but don’t because you think you don’t have the skills you need on the dance floor? That’s OK! Everyone’s got to learn at some point, right? Don’t let your lack of knowledge hold you back from having a blast Country dancing, Latin dancing, or even Swing dancing. Instead, take the bull by the horns and build your confidence with adult Private Dance Lessons.

Even if you feel uncoordinated and like you have two left feet, Private Dance Lessons will get you on the right track. There’s no need to miss out on the fun everyone else is having on the dance floor when you can just as easily get the right tools to “nail it” yourself.

In Private Dance Lessons, a great instructor will help you to find your rhythm and get you moving comfortably in your own body. You will also learn to lead and/or follow anyone with assurance. That’s what it’s all about! Now that confidence may not come overnight, but with repetition, time and good practice, you will look as smooth and natural as any other dancer before you know it. While there is no magic pill to speed up the process, never let your fear of dancing get in your way of another fun weekend night with friends at your favorite Country bar or Latin club.

If you happen to live here in Arizona where we do, let us at Dance FX Studios be a part of your dancing journey.  Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley is just the place for you to learn how to dance with poise and certainty and fulfill all of your dancing goals! You’ll grow into a capable and proud social dancer, and we’ll be waiting to hear stories of how others were lining up to dance with you. Won’t that be nice?

In Private Dance Lessons with us, we will focus on what you need most, and really delve into each move and technique while challenging you in a fun way. Your lessons will be customized for the way you learn best, making one-on-one instruction the fastest way to become a confident dancer.

Even if there’s something that you’re particularly struggling with, our instructors will move at your pace while providing a supportive and strong leadership position for you to learn from. So as you can see, there’s absolutely no down-side in deciding to start taking dance lessons with us. 🙂

If you prefer a group setting setting down the road, we also have our Group Dance Classes weekly. This will be great trying out your moves with lots of different body types.  Our Group Dance Classes are perfect for the dancer who has developed a strong foundation in their dancing through Private instruction first. With this option, you’ll also get the wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with nice people from your local area, and hopefully build some lasting friendships. There’s almost no better feeling than connecting with people, and here you’ll definitely get hat chance.

If you’re a bit on the shy-side, or have come to realize that private lessons are right for you, come check out our Introductory Dance Lesson for beginners. You’ll quickly see that you CAN dance, and in fact, that learning to dance is easy and fun! Learning at Dance FX Studios is a truly unique experience that you have to come and feel for yourself, so get on down here and let’s start this new and exiting chapter in your life!

Gym Membership vs. Club FX Dance Membership

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adult dance lessons mesa azAre you going to the gym a couple times a week, and feeling like you’re not accomplishing much? Are you bored with the same old thing? Something big could be missing from your everyday workout routine that can give you that boost of confidence that comes from looking and feeling your best. What is that thing?? Social dancing, of course!

I’m sure you already considered the possibility that there may be other ways to elevate your heartbeat besides running on that awful treadmill for 30 mins a day, three days a week. Wouldn’t it be so much more fun and rewarding if you could get fit while doing something that you love, like salsa or swing dancing? I’ll tell you where the real joy is; it’s being excited to be healthy and doing it with a smile on your face! So, if you have ever pondered any of these questions about your fitness, then I have some great news for you! In this blog I’m going to discuss the benefits of why someone would come in to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona for fitness, rather than getting a gym membership.

Multiple studies have been done around the world proving the fact that dancing is one of the very best exercises you could possibly do throughout your life. In a previous blog called “The many benefits of social ballroom dancing“, we discovered that in a 21-year study done by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City that ballroom dancing was the only physical activity to offer some kind of protection against dementia! Dancing has the greatest risk reduction to mental deterioration than that of any other activity studied, mental or physical! How incredible is that?! So yes indeed, dancing is a sure way to quickly get healthy, gain confidence, and while doing so, extending the longevity of your mental health and stability!
It seems that if dancing has so many more benefits than just regular workouts, why not find a dance membership to a local studio near you? Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we can help you reach your fitness goals in a much more exciting way. With Group Dance Classes and Private Dance Lessons for singles and couples, you’re investing own your mental, physical, social and emotional health. (Yes, there are that many reasons to learn to social dance!)

With our our new Club FX Membership, you’ll enjoy all of your favorite dance styles, from Country Two Step dancing to Latin dancing, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you start to feel healthier! Membership does have its perks too! You will gain access to exclusive dance videos, dance discounts on lessons and special events and so much more, with a Club FX Membership. For just $99 for six months of classes (one per week), you really can’t go wrong.

What’s even more amazing about investing in yourself with adult dance lessons is that you can burn up to 450 calories in an hour, and at the same time that you’re getting your workout, you’re also having a blast by learning new moves and building confidence! Going to your local gym isn’t usually a stress-free environment, nor is it too creative or fun, but dance lessons provide you with an appropriate outlet for all that built up stress and anxiety, and assist you in unwinding in a positive and productive way.

Getting healthy is more than just about how we look after we complete a workout. Most important is how we feel about ourselves when we’re finished with our workout. Now I’m not saying that going to the gym will not provide you with these wonderful feelings. In fact, going to the gym will most definitely make you feel good. However, varying your workout is ideal. Adult dance classes may be just what your workout routine was missing to give you those all-around benefits that come with feeling healthy, while challenging you in the best way possible! So stop wasting your valuable time and money by just going to the gym, and join us here at Dance FX Studios to start your journey on becoming truly healthy in body, mind and spirit!

Top Three Social Dances In Arizona Today

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swing dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaCouples and singles in Arizona… Are you feeling stagnant in your regular 9-5, Monday through Friday, lives? Well then, it might be time to start getting out more often! There are tons of great places to go grab a bite and a drink, but wouldn’t it be fun to go somewhere you can listen to some live music, and maybe even hit the dance floor to burn off some much needed steam? What’s that? You don’t dance? Well you’re missing out! And, since it’s not too late for you to learn, you should also know which dances are in right now, so that you can fit in wherever you go. No, popular dances in Arizona do not include twerking, or doing the Dougie, but they are Country Swing dancing, Salsa  dancing and Two Stepping!

Yes, here in Arizona, we LOVE to partner dance, and with Country bars and Latin Night Clubs all around the Phoenix metro area, it’s time to get signed up for beginner’s dance lessons for adults so you can join in the fun! Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, a social dance studio for adults, we can turn you into a great social dancer in these dance styles and more! Let’s explore each of these cool dances that you need to know if you live in Arizona.

Probably the most spicy dance used – not just here, but in the entire southwest is…Salsa! You have to try it out! It’s sexy, fast paced, fun and playful. Salsa is a hot and steamy dance that will challenge you in the best way possible, while giving you a very close and intimate connection with your partner. A night out Salsa dancing is exhilarating, and often just what is needed to leave your busy week behind and start anew. If you’re single and just want to meet new people who also love to dance, there’s lots of opportunity around town. A night out Salsa dancing can prove very fun indeed. And for couples, salsa dancing can be the start, or end, to a great night of romance and passion.

Another very popular social dance here in Arizona that is loved over many generations is Swing dancing! With swing dancing, once you get started, it’s hard to put it aside. Swing dancing is versatile in both look and feel, and can be complimented by many styles of music, from Jazz, to Big Band, Rock and Roll and even Hip Hop music. How can you not love that!? With all of the various styles to explore, Swing dance lessons are a great investment towards your social life.

Country Two Step is without a doubt the most commonly used dance in the Country bars.  Between all of the newest Country dance music you hear on the radio, Swing dance lessons and Country Two Step lessons will get you covered when you’re out Country dancing.  And since it’s nearly impossible to come into any city in Arizona and not find a Country dance bar somewhere, those lessons will really come in handy. When you watch a couple Two Step on the dance floor, you’ll be eager to go out and learn how to do this yourself. Bottom line, Country dancing is easy, relaxing and super fun! If you’re looking to shake off life and put a smile on your face, and you love Country music, then Country dancing is for you!

Still unsure as to what dances you’ll fall in love with? No worries! Come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ  and see what you excites you. Our incredible dance instructors can show you in person what each one of these dances looks like and how they will benefit you. From there, you can begin your journey to becoming a confident social dancer!