Posts

An older couple dancing together

Spice up Your Summer With Couple’s Dance Lessons

/in /by

swing dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaAre you ending up on the couch after a hot and taxing week at work? Is your weekend filled with Netflix and lazy nights under the cool a/c? Don’t let yourself, or your relationship, go as things heat up. Instead, put a little pep in your step with adult dance lessons!

Now you can beat the heat this summer and keep the sizzle going in your relationship by exploring exciting social dances like Country two step, salsa, and swing dancing. Or, if you’re really looking to ignite the flame, throw in some Argentine tango dancing in the mix as you dance your way through the summer months. Now there’s dance that will bring out the passion!

Dance lessons for couples encourage romance, playful interaction and teamwork, three things that would benefit any twosome! Yes, snuggling up to a movie on your home theatre is also sweet, but when you combine the physicality of dance with the opportunity to move as one and hold each other close, there’s really nothing better.

In fact, beginner’s dance lessons now will provide endless chances to connect with your sweetie for years to come, regardless of the time of year. On that note, dance lessons will not only keep you active during warm days, but will prepare you for upcoming events in the fall and winter, like your best friend’s wedding, or that holiday party that you dread going to each year (because you never knew how to dance).

If you’re still in doubt as to whether taking Country or Swing dance lessons this summer will benefit you both, consider the bigger picture. Many couple’s do not carve out time in their busy schedules for a hobby together. He may golf while she is in a book club, but what do they do to get away from the kids, work and life’s stresses? Dancing will build your confidence and trust in each other and give you something different to do on date nights, after the kids go to bed, or whenever you’re in the mood to dance.

If you live here in Phoenix, Arizona along with me, give Dance FX Studios in the East Valley a call to get started learning to dance. Find our how we teach, what makes us unique and how we can make your summer on 2016 the best one yet!

Build Your Confidence Through Adult Dance Lessons

/in /by

adult dance lessons near Chandler AZA new season is upon us and there’s no better time than now to invest in yourself. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to take your confidence to the next level, try adult dance lessons in popular styles like Country Two Step, Swing and Salsa. You won’t regret it. I promise!

What are we without confidence? Shy, meek and insecure? Why be that person when you can turn over a new leaf this summer just be learning to dance.  Beginners dance lessons for adults can be for couples or singles, so let that not be a distraction as you step out of your comfort zone and into your local dance studio. 🙂

How does dancing connect with confidence? Easy! From the physical benefits of raising your heart rate and getting healthy to the emotional rewards of relieving stress during your busy week, taking adult dance lessons is a major plus!

Singles, walk taller, attract someone special and get fit through social dancing. Think about it. What girl doesn’t love a guy that can Country dance or Salsa dance? And what guy wouldn’t be attracted to a girl who has all the right moves on the dance floor? Discover your inner diva or manly man and make yourself stand out-just by knowing how to dance.

It takes time to learn how to Country Two Step, Swing or Latin dance, but once you know what you’re doing, you’ll be a cut above the rest. Not everyone is willing be vulnerable enough to walk into an adult dance studio and admit they need to learn to dance. Those who do, though, reap the benefits of being able to sweep any woman off of her feet, or accept a dance with the assurance that you will make him look good! That alone is worth what it takes to develop your new skills.

Couples, enjoy showing off at weddings, holiday parties and anywhere music is being played once you have taken a series of Private Dance Lessons. You will be the envy of all your friends, especially the wives who only dream of their husbands being able to move like the two of you do. With such a romantic hobby, you can also expect the flames the be reignited in your relationship. Dancing goes quite well after a nice dinner, so date nights can be a thing again as you start a new chapter in your relationship. How great is that!?

Realize that when you learn to dance, you put yourself in a category that surpasses most. Now that’s a confidence builder! You will find yourself fearless in social situations as you will in the minority among those who are actually running towards the dance floor. There’s no reason to be a person who can’t dance when dance lessons are accessible to you. So what are you waiting for? Go call your local dance studio and get started with an Introductory Offer that will get the ball rolling for you!

Have a Swinging Summer!

/in /by

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!

 

How to Get Noticed on The Dance Floor

/in /by

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!

How to Create the Perfect Wedding Dance

/in /by

ballroom lessons phoenixWould you like the dance of your dreams for your wedding day, but are afraid that you can’t pull it off? Of course you can…with a little help from your local dance studio for adults.

Forget the eighth grade prom sway and imagine something much, much cooler. It’s your big day and the sky is the limit! Go ahead and rock your reception with a steamy salsa dance or a tantalizing tango, or how about a Country swing dance to knock their socks off? If you can picture it, certainly a professional dance instructor can bring your vision to life.

Now you’ve got the daunting task of researching a ballroom dance studio that offers Wedding Dance Lessons. Once you find one, start with a Wedding Dance Consultation to connect with a professional, check out the studio and make sure that everyone is on the same page. Then the fun part begins…learning to dance!

As a professional ballroom instructor with over two decades of experience choreographing wedding routines for brides and grooms, I can say with confidence that the journey for couples who are learning their wedding dance together is nothing short of fabulous. These couples in love get to discover a new, romantic hobby that will keep them connected both on and off the dance floor. And it’s quite the fun time to instruct such happy pairs!

As with anything, there can be a few bumps in the road when the lessons begin. Creating the ideal wedding dance does not come over night, and definitely not within a lesson or two. The first challenge of any twosome who discovers partner dancing is understanding roles on the dance floor. In ballroom dancing, be it salsa, swing or two step, the man is the lead on the dance floor, and the woman follows. This can be tricky for a “modern” woman who may be used to moving herself on the dance floor, who may have a dance background in ballet, cheer or jazz, or simply for one that is not in the habit of waiting to be told what to do by her man. Once she sees how fun it can be to truly be led around the dance floor, though, dancing together becomes much more exciting!

A second challenge that wedding couples may experience is what kind of music they would enjoy dancing to for their first dance. If she likes Country music and he’s a fan of Heavy Metal (this was one of my recent wedding couples), there could be a disconnect between what song they ultimately choose to perform to for their first dance. Have no fear…your instructor should have a variety of wedding dance songs to choose from that will hopefully please you both.

Lastly, when it comes to taking Wedding Dance Lessons, my best advice is: plan accordingly. Learning to dance is like learning a new language. It can and will take time, so start taking lessons as soon as possible in preparation for your big day. The cake and flowers can be ordered fairly easily, but picking up a new skill will require a bit more. Through it all, keep in mind that dance lessons for couples are a fantastic way to de-stress during the hectic planning of a wedding-especially for the bride. Plus, you’ll have a new talent that you can use on date nights and when you head out to your friend’s weddings in the future.

Enjoy the experience of learning to ballroom dance. It’s a blast! Your friends and family will be envious of what you know, and the dance you create will be surely be treasured by those you love for years to come.

Discover the Romantic Dance Known as Nite Club Two Step

/in /by

adult dance lessons Gilbert ArizonaYou’re at a wedding, when suddenly, a slow song comes on. One or two couples walk out and begin swaying, and soon, more and more people appear on the dance floor. Your date stares longingly at the dancers who look so happy and in love. What do you do? You ask for a dance, of course! Now is the perfect time to sweep your date off of their feet with a popular dance called the Nite Club Two Step.

The Nite Club Two Step is a social ballroom dance that is useful for those slow, romantic, flowy songs. You should feel as if you’re coasting across water without creating a wake. Given that this dance is non-genre specific, it can be danced to nearly ANY slow song, from R & B to Country music, and it’s a great upgrade from swaying like you did at your junior prom. It was created a little over 50 years ago, and remains to be one of the most versatile dances for social situations.

For those of you who watch So You Think You Can Dance, you may have heard of siblings Benji and Lacey Schwimmer (the winner of season 2, and the 4th place finalist of season 3, respectively). Nite Club Two Step was originally the creative genius of Buddy Schwimmer, their dear old dad. When he invented this new dance style back in the 1960’s, he was a mere 15 years old, and it was more out of frustration, than anything! At parties, his friends would just shuffle or sway in place, and he wanted a more structured but finessed way of doing things. His specialty was west coast swing, and he later became known as the King of Swing and the Man with 1,000 Moves.

Nite Club Two Step still remains one the most versatile partner dances. Just to see how relevant this dance truly is, let’s take a look at the Billboard Chart for this week: http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100. Out of the first 20 songs listed, 16 of them would pair well with nite club. It’s perfect for crowded dance floors or a spacious living room – you can use it anytime, anywhere!

Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, over 95% of our students learn nite club. We teach adults how to lead and follow on the dance floor, as well as the mechanics behind each move, in a fun and relaxed studio environment. You’ll get technique and learn how to incorporate your own personal style into the dance too.

Schedule your introductory dance lesson for beginners for only $25 Monday through Saturday. Let’s up your game from junior prom sways and learn how to sweep that special someone off their feet. We can’t wait to help you build the confidence to dance any time music comes on!

“Rock Your Reception” With the Perfect Wedding Dance!

/in /by

wedding dance classes Mesa ArizonaWhat is your ideal wedding dance? Is it a Cinderella fairy tale, a Star Wars adventure or a dramatic Argentine tango? If so, let’s rock your reception with an incredible First Dance routine that will knock the socks off of your friends and family!

Have you ever been to a wedding where the bride and groom did the idle “prom sway” for five minutes to their favorite love song? Was it so boring that you almost forgot that their dance even happened six months later? Did you vow to yourself right then and there that you would definitely not do the same when it was your turn? If so, you know how important it is to give your friends and family a wedding dance to remember. Why leave them bored stiff when you can wow them with an unexpected and exciting dance they will never forget!

Now, the dance of your dreams is up to you. What’s your personal style? Here are a couple of ideas to get that mind to work on what kind of dance you would like to perform for your loved ones.

The “Fairy Tale” Wedding Dance: Who doesn’t love a Cinderella story? Make your wedding dance elegant and flowy while Prince Charming sweeps you off your feet. Sounds amazing! With Wedding Dance Lessons from a local ballroom dance studio, you’ll be shining on the dance floor in no time.

To get started on this dance of a lifetime, I suggest you begin by sifting through your favorite Disney movie soundtracks. These tunes will surely bring back memories, and you’ll find your favorite song before long. But don’t stop there. Keep searching and come to your first dance lesson with at least three wedding song options, just to be safe. While some songs may sound great, they may not be easy to dance to, and that can be very disappointing if you don’t have at least one or two back up ideas in mind.

You really can’t go wrong with a “Cinderella” wedding dance, especially if it aligns well with your overall wedding theme/feel. It is sure to be a big hit, and will definitely be a key piece of your big day that everyone will keep close to their hearts as they look back on your wedding.

The “Unexpected” Wedding Dance: Some of us are more shy than others. If you’re really looking to throw your friends and family for a loop, try something unexpected, like a Salsa dance, Country Swing dance, or a Hip Hop performance. Or how about a medley of all three!? It’s great fun to sit down and expect the rocking back and forth sways and instead watch people that you love perform a dance that they have put effort and time into doing.

Hey, you don’t have to be shy to put on a show that your guests will not expect, but how fun would it be to reveal your inner dancer on your wedding day? The “unexpected” wedding dance is always a fantastic option, as long as you’re being guided by a professional dance instructor. With Wedding dance lessons, you will get a customized, choreographed first dance that will be a wonderful surprise to all!

The “Dramatic” Wedding Dance: Leave a lasting impression on your wedding day with a passionate Argentine Tango first dance. If you’re hosting an elegant and classy wedding, this is a top choice to tie your wedding theme and your first dance together perfectly. Argentine Tango dance lessons for your wedding will not only give you an amazing wedding dance, but you and your fiancé will also have sexy moves that you can do for the rest of your lives together. I always say, “A couple that dances together, stays together”, so why not learn something as cool as the tango?

Now that you have a few wedding dance options to consider, it’s time to set up a Wedding Dance Consultation to get the ball rolling. When should you start preparing? I say as soon as possible! It’s never too early to begin learning to dance together. Look your best by giving yourselves plenty of time and making your first dance a priority. You’ll definitely be glad you did!

A group of people country dancing

How To Be Approachable For A Dance

/in /by

Country Western dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaSo this Friday you’ve got plans to hang out at your favorite Country bar with the girls. How fun! What’s even more exciting is that there’s live Country music there on the weekends. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to Country dance the night away! What a great way to relieve some stress after a long week at work. For some reason, though, you always find yourself heading home without even dancing once. Boo!

Have you considered that you may not be making yourself noticeable to be asked for a dance? Are you  tucked away in a corner behind the bar, far away from the dance floor? Maybe you want to dance but you’re afraid of what will happen once you get out there. If so, you’re completely normal! Country dancing, with all of the cool moves, dips and tricks, can be intimidating for sure. Then again, if you don’t ever get out there and give it a try, you’ll be missing out on all the joys that social dancing can bring. Take it from me, that would be a real bummer! Here are a few of my favorite tips that will help you to be more approachable for a dance.

 

  1. Stand closer to the dance floor. “Wallflowers”, it will be hard for him to see you if you’re off in the distance, so get close enough to the dance floor so that he knows you’re interested in being invited out for a dance. Again, this may feel a bit scary because you have no idea of what’s about to happen once you do get on the floor, but at least you’ll have a chance to dance if you can be seen
  2.  Making eye contact with someone who seems to be a great Country dancer won’t hurt either. Scope out the room and see who you’d feel most comfortable dancing with, then shoot him a look. Maybe he’ll pick up on your interest and take you out for a spin. Warning: Once you get out there, you may not ever want to leave the dance floor! Dancing is highly addictive, but in such a great way!
  3. Take Country Dance Lessons. Once you know how to turn and spin with confidence, you’ll want to put yourself out there. With a series of Private Dance Lessons under your belt, your confidence will soar. You will get all of the in’s and out’s of how to be a great follower with one-on-one instruction Country Dance Instruction, and you’ll want to show off your skills, so get going with lessons and put yourself out in the mix.
  4. Lastly, be proactive! There’s no rule that says we ladies need to sit back and wait to be asked for a dance. You’ve put in the time to learn to Country dance, and you see a few guys that seem to know what they’re doing, so why not ask one of them for a dance or two? Just by asking for a dance, you can take control of your night and meet some new friends in the process. It’s a win/win!

Now that you know the steps you can take to be more approachable for a dance, it’s time to take action! If you reside in Phoenix, Arizona, you can get the ball rolling with social Country dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios. Our adult dance studio is located in the East Valley, just off the 101 highway, for your convenience. We can help you to look fantastic for that next time you and the girls get together at your favorite Country bar, so give us a call today!

 

How to Become a Better Latin Dancer

/in /by

salsa dance instruction near Chandler AZDo you love to Latin dance? Me too! Whether I’m dancing Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha or Merengue, I truly enjoy the freedom I feel when I’m Latin dancing. Latin dancing is playful, flirty, sensual and a great way to express yourself and let go of life’s worries, but it doesn’t always feel great when you’re a newer dancer. It’s very typical to not feel smooth and fluid in the beginning, so be patient with yourself, and your partner if you have one. Here are a few of my favorite tips so you can become a better Latin dancer in a shorter amount of time. Enjoy!

  1. Focus on your frame. Leaders, although your footsteps and patterns can seem like a priority, Latin dancing, like all partner dances, can only feel comfortable with someone else when you have a great dance frame. We followers can’t feel what your feet are doing, but we can feel a loose frame that is not guiding us on the dance floor. In return, we ladies tend to try and “fill in the gaps” and lead ourselves, which takes away from your role as a leader, and frankly disempowers you completely. Never a good thing on the dance floor. So guys, focus on your dance frame first, then we followers can make you look great by being able to understand and follow what you’re trying to lead.

If you’re wondering what your dance frame should look and feel like, that’s great! I’m going to suggest signing up for some Private Latin Dance Lessons to make you a confident social dancer. Private Dance Lessons are the only real way, in my opinion, to get the detail and technique tips needed to thrive in partner dancing. Yes, Private Dance Lessons are more of an investment both time and money-wise, but you will get the results you’re looking for in a more efficient way that will last long term when you take the time to learn correctly from the start.

2. Keep it simple. Oftentimes beginner Latin dancers try to show off with the more flashy or “cool”-looking dance moves as a way to impress the person they’re dancing with. Guys, keep it simple. I firmly believe in the concept of “less is more”, especially when it comes to dancing. Once you know what your partner is capable of, and you’re sure that you have a great connection with her on the dance floor, then you can layer in some more advanced moves on the second or third dance with the same partner.

3. Be aware of your surroundings. If you don’t already know this, many Latin dances do not travel. Instead, they rotate in place on the dance floor, making Latin dances, like Salsa and Bachata, “spot” dances. That being said, it is key to be mindful of your surroundings. It would not be fun to dance with a person who runs you into others, right? That will happen unless you know what’s going on around you.

Keep your eyes up, leaders, dance within the space you’re standing in, and keep it nice and simple for your follower on the first dance, and you should be ensured at least a second dance, hopefully many more, with that beautiful woman you’ve been eyeballing. There’s really nothing more exciting, in my opinion, than dancing with someone. Social dancing, be it Latin dancing or otherwise, is a fantastic way to connect with someone new or someone special, so enjoy it! Keep on dancing and, to grow and be that leader or follower that you have always wanted to be, find a local dance studio near you to take some Private Dance Lessons. You’ll be so glad you did!

Salsa, Swing and Two Step- Dance Tips for Couples

/in /by

adult dance lessons near Chandler AZ“If he could just learn how to lead, I would stop taking over on the dance floor,” she said. “If she would follow me, we could really have fun with this,” he said. As an social ballroom dance instructor for more than 20 years now, I have heard it all over the years. Finger pointing. Fights. Giving up on dance all together, a hobby that can be a game changer for couples and the health of their relationship. What a shame. I always say, “Couples that dance together, stay together,” but the key is getting started on the right foot so that you can enjoy dancing, and not resent it.

Wouldn’t it be fun to go to a wedding and be able to dance when you favorite song is played? How cool would it be to hang out at a Country bar on a Saturday night after a long week at home and work? Social dancing, from Country to Latin to Swing dancing, is a fantastic way to keep the romance alive. All you need now, guys and gals, are a few great tips so you can make couple’s dancing a regular and enjoyable part of your lives. Not a problem! 🙂 Here’s my advice for every couple who wants to dance…

  1. Take Private Dance Lessons for Two. Dance lessons for couples are the best way to begin your journey into social dancing. With Private Dance Lessons, you’ll have an unbiased third party who can help each of you to understand your role on the dance floor. This is a great start! Once you understand your roles, you will get specific tips on how to lead or follow each new move that you learn. That is very important in enjoy the dance as a whole. With an instructor by your side, you can really see how partner dancing works and make the most of it.

While Private Dance Lessons are more of an investment, you will learn much faster than in any other other way (Group Classes, videos) and be able to go out and have fun dancing sooner. Plus you will have a professional by your side to ask questions to if something doesn’t feel quite right.

Remember, you get what you pay for, so contact an adult dance studio near you to see what they can offer you. Trying a New Student Offer is the best way to see how comfortable you feel in your new learning environment, which will make all the difference in how you progress.

2. Let him lead. Ladies, I beg of you, please let your man lead on the dance floor! If this is a bad habit that you’ve had for years, share it with your dance instructor immediately so that we professionals can focus on making your man a great leader. Back-leading causes problems on so many levels, and for both of you. For you as the follower, you can’t possibly enjoy yourself if you are twirling yourself around the floor and secretly wishing he could do it for you. And you really doing the worst of all by disempowering your man and not letting him learn to lead. There’s nothing better than a great leader on the dance floor, trust me, I have one, but if you don’t give him a chance, you’ll never know how great it feels.

3. Don’t play the blame game. The blame game is old. We all know that we can only change ourselves, so let’s take a minute to look within and see what we can adjust before pointing the finger at our partner. Blaming is not only demotivating, but completely counter-productive in a learning environment. If something doesn’t feel right, try it with your instructor and let him/her see how to make it better.

I will always believe that every couple should learn to dance together. Social dancing is not just romantic, but it helps with teamwork, intimacy, communication and connection. Couples, don’t miss out on partner dancing! With dance lessons, patience and personal responsibility, you can have a hobby that you can enjoy for years to come!