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Look Amazing With The Perfect First Dance

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arizona wedding dance lessonsAre you getting married? Kick off the night with confidence when you hit the dance floor! Unbelievable as it may sound, a large number of brides and grooms don’t do the first-dance of their dreams for one simple reason. They don’t know how to dance, and didn’t make the time to learn together. Suddenly, their fear of dancing at their wedding reception overrides the fun of it all. That’s where WE come in!

If you live in the Phoenix area, we can help you get ready for your special day with Wedding Dance Lessons. Learning to dance for any occasion should be easy and exciting, not intimidating and dull. Our inventive team of choreographers will create a customized routine to the song/songs of your choice. Do you have any creative ideas? The sky is the limit!

Gone are the days where you must dance to one slow, sappy love song on your wedding day. Let us help you come up with something unique and special; we can choreograph to anything! Whatever your first-dance ideas are, our Wedding Dance Specialists will choreograph something that expresses your personalities as the bride and groom.

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event and we are here to help you shine on the dance floor. That includes everyone, from you as the bride and groom to a daddy/daughter dance, mother/son dance, or something fun for the entire wedding party!

At the top of our list is your first dance as husband and wife. It can set the tone for the remainder of your reception, and should show the connection between the two of you, and how you feel about one another. When it comes to the styles you want to include in your Wedding Dance Choreography, we will give you our professional suggestions based on your song, personal styles and overall vision for your wedding. You can keep your first dance sweet and simple with a romantic song that has a lot of meaning. Or if you think you and your spouse can handle something a little more “out there” and fun, then you can burst into some silly moves and embarrass yourself (in a good way) and you could end up internet-famous with one of our Rock Your Reception wedding dance routines!

With over two decades of experience in preparing brides and grooms for their wedding dance, we can tell you that the journey of taking dance lessons together is an exciting and rewarding one. Couples find themselves to be much more in tune with each other after learning how to lead and follow on the dance floor. Non-verbal communication is very important when learning to dance, but off the dance floor it is a primary skill that is seldom developed. With Wedding Dance Lessons, you will soon see the beauty that comes with understanding each other and communicating through movement. Dancing also re-enforces teamwork and communication which leads to a happy, successful, and long-term marriage.

A customized first dance is something that you and your guests will never forget. Not only will it give you and your fiancé a break from wedding planning, but you will become closer as you enjoy an intimate, romantic moment to share with your loved ones. Your first dance will be unforgettable! Whatever your goals are, we will give you the perfect wedding dance.

 

 

 

 

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!

4 Tips for a Fantastic First Wedding Dance

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wedding dance instruction Mesa ArizonaThere’s so much to getting married! From the perfect gown to the perfect wedding dance, there are no do-over’s on your big day, so preparation is key.

Unlike many aspects of the wedding, your first dance as a married couple will take a little bit of time to learn. While one or both of you may have danced before, Wedding Dance Lessons are common (and much needed) for the majority who want to shine on their wedding day.

Kick off your lessons by contacting your local “ballroom” dance studio for adults and setting up an Introductory Private Dance Lesson or Wedding Dance Consultation. A consult would be my recommendation so that you end up with the routine of your dreams, rather than someone else’s vision of  a wedding dance for you.

A Wedding Dance Consultation should include laying out your big day, and all the details that may influence or affect your first dance. For example, a tight fitting mermaid dress may not lend itself to dancing the Argentine tango, which requires longer steps. Or a small dance floor would not be great for a grande waltz routine, where big movements and a ton of space may be needed. The consultation with your new instructor will also give you a chance to see if you feel comfortable in the studio that you are interviewing. That is quite important when you are learning something new.

Once you get the ball rolling in the studio of your choice, make sure to set the intention of FUN on every lesson. Yes, you’re there to learn, but dancing is a wonderful stress reliever, and a great hobby for couples, so enjoy every moment of your lesson time. With couple’s dance lessons to look forward to each week, wedding planning can be a lot less hectic.

Next, ladies listen up….please let him lead you on the dance floor. Ballroom dancing is extremely empowering for a guy once he knows what he’s doing. Whether you’re learning to Country two step, salsa, or swing dance, he will be much more apt to take you out dancing, and nail your first dance, if he gets to be in charge. Trust me, it’s true.

Another tip from me to you is to project confidence on the dance floor. Stand tall, keep your eyes locked into each other’s eyes, and smile. Your friends and family will not be watching your feet and analyzing your footwork if you are wrapped up into each other on the dance floor. They will get carried away with emotion as you reflect your love for each other in your stares and body language. A confident dancer always shines through, so be at your best in this respect.

Lastly, keep your rhythm on the dance floor in whatever dance you are doing. If you’re someone who doesn’t feel that you can keep a beat, a good instructor will help with that. Staying on time with the music sets the tone for the perfect wedding dance and, conversely, if you’re off time, your dance just won’t come across in the same way. Something will appear “missing”, or awkward, and that’s is the last impression that you want to portray, right?

If you’re engaged, start looking into ballroom dance lessons early so that you can look top notch on your wedding day. Six months out is a great time to begin the process of finding the right adult dance studio for you. Once you find that right place to learn, enjoy every step of the way! And congratulations!!

Arizona bride and groom dancing

Top Three Dance Styles This Wedding Season

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Arizona bride and groom dancingAre you getting married in the first half of 2015? Then now is the time to begin taking first dance wedding lessons! For most grooms, and even a few brides, the journey towards learning a one-of-a-kind first dance can be daunting. As a couple, social ballroom dancing is most likely a hobby that you have never explored. Well, let the FUN begin as you gain the skills needed to shine on that dance floor for your big day.

You have the perfect song picked out, you found the right dance studio to take lessons, now comes the main question…”What dance should we do?”. No worries! Your dance instructor will be able to guide you on the dance that you will need to learn, based on the song options that you provide. So, no need to stress about that! There are popular dances that will put you on the “cutting edge” of couples who shine on the dance floor in 2015. Let’s explore what kinds of dances are hot for brides and grooms right now…

1. “The Fake Out”: The fake out is when you start your wedding dance with the timeless (and very boring) eighth grade prom sway then suddenly bust out into something completely unexpected, like a Salsa, Swing or Argentine Tango. The more unanticipated, the better! What guest at your wedding would not LOVE to see you in an element that they could have never imagined? An amazing first dance is the perfect gift for family and friends as well as a marvelous way for you and your fiancé to let out some wedding planning relief and enjoy each other on another level as an engaged couple. We call this type of wedding dance a Rock Your Reception first dance because you’re sure to bring the house down with a dance that no one saw coming!

2. Timeless Elegance: These days, we are seeing a trend in couples wanting choreography to their favorite Disney tunes like Beauty and the Beast. Brides and grooms are looking to reignite childhood memories and provide an elegant dance experience to their loved ones with classics from the big screen. Sweeping ballroom moves will set the tone for an elegant affair and bring everyone back in time-if even for a few minutes.

3. Gone Country!: By far, Country dancing, including Country Swing and Country Two Step, is the most requested dance style right now. For those with Country themed weddings and a favorite Country song to match, Country dancing as a first dance makes perfect sense! Plus, it’s a general crowd-pleaser since most Country dances are upbeat and lively.

For Phoenix residents who live in the East Valley, let us at Dance FX Studios put your first dance together for you. Over the last 15 years, we have choreographed first dances from the simply elegant to the totally outrageous and everything in between. If you are looking to surprise your guests with a first dance that will leave a lasting impression, then give us a call to set up a Wedding Dance Consultation today. The fun is just beginning!

 

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.

Laughing couple learning wedding dance in Arizona

How to Dress Your Man for the First Dance

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Laughing couple learning wedding dance in ArizonaLet’s give the men a shout-out in this blog! Most of the time, we talk about what the blushing bride is wearing, how she should do her hair, what shoes to wear, and so forth. At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona we’re especially concerned about the lady because a bride in 4-inch heels and a fitted mermaid dress is going to be a lot more difficult to deal with than one in ballet flats and a ball gown – at least when it comes to the ever-terrifying first dance. But at this studio, we also like to keep the guy in mind. When you’re thinking about your first dance, be it a simple and sweet slow dance or a fun Country Two Step, the man’s wardrobe choice can have a definite impact. Let’s kick off this week by talking about a few of the guy’s choices and how it affects your first wedding dance.

Jacket On vs. Jacket Off

What kind of dance are you doing? More importantly, what mood are you going for? Is the jacket fitted around your shoulders with room for you to comfortably lift your arms? These are all incredibly important questions to ask yourself. If you have broad shoulders and the jacket is a bit snug, it may be in your best interest to take the jacket off. You want to be able to turn your girl smoothly, and a tight jacket can take that away in a heartbeat. If your jacket will work either way, consider the style. If you’re going for a classic ballroom dance like the Foxtrot or Waltz, keep the jacket on… You’ll make Fred Astaire proud. Any other style will work nicely either way.

Suspenders vs. Belt

This one is personal preference, but if you’re going for a flashy first dance, you can have a lot of fun with suspenders. The bride can play with them, you can play with them, whatever. Suspenders can be incorporated into fun choreography much easier than a belt can. If that isn’t a big deal to you, then go with your gut (although I love suspenders, personally).

Tie vs. Bow Tie

This one is another area to where we can play in your first dance. It’s a little cheesy, but who doesn’t love dragging their new hubby onto the dance floor by his tie? Okay, maybe that isn’t for you, but here’s something to keep in mind: If you’re going the tie route – and you aren’t incorporating it into your dance – make sure you have a nice tie clip. You don’t want the tie to become the center of attention because it decided to Salsa dance on its own! This is your dance, so keep the tie in check. Want to go with a bow tie? We can’t play as much, but it’ll definitely stay put.

Dress Shoes vs. Sneaker/Boots/Etc.

I actually don’t have too much preference when it comes to the guy’s shoes. Dress shoes are probably the easiest to dance in, unless you’ve got some boots for your Country Swing Dance. Sneakers are definitely the hardest in terms of keeping the steps smooth (thanks, rubber soles), but it just takes a little extra practice. Any shoe you choose will work, just make sure you give yourself time to break them in before the wedding. You won’t regret it!

If you have any other questions about your first dance, or don’t even know where to start, come visit Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We’ve helped thousands of bridal couples create the perfect first dance for their wedding and would love to help you, too. We offer everything from fully choreographed, show-stopping routines to simple, basic wedding dance lessons. We’re just minutes away from Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert, so give us a call and book a wedding dance consultation to talk shoes, music, dancing, and more!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.

Wedding Dance Lessons

Dealing With Different Floor Types For Your Arizona Wedding

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Wedding Dance Lessons | Dance FX Studios | Types of Dance FloorsEverything is ready to go for your big day. You’ve figured out your hair, dress, shoes, napkins… EVERYTHING. But have you planned ahead for your dance floor? Plenty of venues allow for you to bring in a portable dance floor, but not everyone wants that for their day. As wedding dance specialists, we at Dance FX Studios have a few tips for each type of flooring you might encounter for your reception. We’ve helped thousands of brides with their first dance and have dealt with every kind of flooring imaginable, so we know a thing or two.

Wood

Congratulations! You have the best flooring possible for your dance. Whether you’re in heels or flats, dancing Foxtrot or Salsa, you are good to go. Just be careful of rubber soles if you want to turn easily. If you’re doing something more in the realm of hip hop, you might want to switch over to sneakers. (Bonus points if your dance floor is sprung!)

Tile

Not too bad. Tile is a pretty okay dance floor, as long as it is evenly set. When looking at the venue, take note of any uneven spots so you know to avoid them come dance time. Also, be wary of your heels! You’ll want to stay on your toes and the balls of your feet during the dance so your heel doesn’t get caught in the grout.

Concrete

Generally even ground to dance on, but it can be incredibly painful if you (Heaven forbid) fall. Steer clear of sticky shoes because the concrete has enough grit to stabilize you. It isn’t impossible, but you’ll definitely have to work a little harder if you’re trying a smooth dance like Nite Club 2 Step. I might opt for something like Jitterbug so you can use the bounce of it to travel instead of anything glide-y.

Grass

Grass is the heel’s enemy. If you didn’t know this already, shame on you. Invisible heel stabilizers are out there and can add some girth to your heel while keeping you stylish, but I recommend dancing in flats or even barefoot. If you are dealing with beautiful golf course grass, your feet will be safe going barefoot. If it’s rough to the touch, invest in a pair of comfy flats that won’t fall off when you try to turn. As tempting as those flip flops are, just be aware that they are probably going to fall off mid-dance and cause a bit of a hazard.

Cobblestone

Cobblestone is beautiful and a little terrifying to dance on. Take one for the team and take the heels off… Your ankles will thank you later. It’s like taking concrete and tile and putting it together with EVEN MORE GROUT. Flats, flats, and flats. You don’t get another option. If you’re going for a Country theme and decide to dance Two Step, cowboy boots will work out just fine.

Uneven/textured/stone tile

Again, we’re getting into scary territory. As gorgeous as this flooring can be, it isn’t very conducive to a beautiful first dance. If you absolutely must dance on this type of floor, take a solid walk through and find the most even patch. Even your comfiest flats can catch on uneven tile if you aren’t on the lookout. Pick your feet up with each step, and try to pick a dance that doesn’t require any dragging steps. I’d also recommend a trial run on the floor ahead of time if the venue allows it.

Have a different flooring type and need help figuring it out? If you’re in the the greater Phoenix area, give us a call at Dance FX Studios. We offer everything from crazy, choreographed first dances, to simple, basic wedding dance lessons. You’ll receive personalized attention from a wedding dance specialist who can help you pick the right dance for your venue, song choice, and vision. Book your consultation today!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.

couple dancing

SugarLips Cakery Moves Next Door To Dance FX Studios!

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couple dancingIf you’re looking to find the right bakery for your Wedding Cake, look no further than SugarLips Cakery! SugarLips, one of our preferred wedding cake vendors here at Dance FX Studios, has just moved in across the parking lot and we are WAY too excited about it. The staff here at Dance FX Studios has loved SugarLips for a long while, now we can pop in daily for some yummy treats and surprises! Not only that, but SugarLips Cakery is one of the most popular names in Wedding Cakes here in the Phoenix valley. We deal with our fair share of wedding couples here, and we always send our brides and grooms over to check them out.
If you haven’t tasted their goodies yet, pay them a quick visit! You’ll be greeted with warm smiles, a super cute atmosphere, and some of the best baked goodies you’ve ever had. You can even grab a cupcake and some coffee if you want to do a discreet taste test. (Pink lemonade CUPCAKE?? Yes, please!).
After you’re filled up on cake, cookies and croissants, stop by our studio for a Wedding Dance Consultation! Getting moving around the dance floor won’t be a bad idea after a red velvet cupcake.
If you’re going to have the perfect cake, you should also have the perfect first dance on your big day. Here at Dance FX Studios, we’ve helped thousands of brides and grooms start their lives together on the right foot with wedding dance lessons. Just like SugarLips customizes your cake, we customize your dance! Whether you’re looking for something simple and sweet, or flashy and fun, it’s our job to make you look as smooth and elegant (Or outrageous) as possible in that memorable moment. We have choreographed all kinds of wedding dances – from slow, to Salsa, to Country Two-step and even the sultry Argentine Tango. No matter what your vision, our amazing wedding dance consultants can make it happen!
Not sure where to start? Pick a song that has meaning to you! Some of the most popular wedding songs right now are:
“All of Me” – John Legend
“At Last” – Etta James
“Without You” – Keith Urban
“Marry Me” – Train
“I Won’t Give Up” – Jason Mrazand so many more!
If you get stuck, that’s where we come in! Give our studio a call at 480-968-6177 or email us at info@dancefxstudios.com and set up your consultation today! We can help you choose the song, style of dance, and every other detail. We’ll even help you taste test SugarLips-that is, only if you need our point of view on our favorite flavors. 🙂 Contact us today!

Getting Married? Mark Your Calendars for a Special Event!

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Is 2014 the year that you say “I do”? If so, and you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, we have an event that you won’t want to miss! Save the date for February, 22, 2014 from 11 am to 3 pm for an afternoon that will get any bride and groom ready for their big day. Dance FX Studios’ Wedding Workshop in Mesa, Arizona will be your one-stop-shop for your wedding day to-do’s. On this special afternoon, you will meet vendors that are experts in what they do best. From flower arranging to photography to finding that perfect gown, we will have it all for you! Let us share the details of this exciting day with you…

11 am: Show up promptly to reserve one of several services offered throughout the day. Services include updo’s and mini makeovers by Hair Ink Salon in Mesa, Arizona, a trunk show (and opportunity to try on) of the newest gowns from La Bella Bridal and a mini wedding dance lesson by Dance FX Studios.

11:30: Enter yourself and your fiance into a drawing to win a rhinestone and pearl bridal headpiece by La Bella Bridal, a family photography package by Julius Photography, a video editing package by RJ Digital Media, a gift card to SugarLips Cakery, Swarovski jewelry (custom one-of-a-kind pieces designed by Michelle Stallkamp), a wedding bouquet from Bobbie’s Flowers and more!

Exclusive event vendor shopping and services will be held throughout the day, along with cupcakes by SugarLips Cakery, champagne and appetizers by Special Moments Catering. Reservations for this unique expo will be taken online and by phone at 480.968.6177. Space will be limited to 40 couples and reservations will be first come, first served. Now is the time to save a space for yourself or someone who you know that may be getting married soon.

About Dance FX Studios: Dance FX Studios has offering wedding dance lessons to Arizona residents since 2001. We offer customized wedding dance choreography to brides and grooms, their wedding parties and their parents (honor dances).  Arizona couples will learn exciting, personalized routines when they take private dance lessons with us in dances ranging from Salsa to Argentine Tango to Swing, Waltz and beyond.

Over the years, we have worked exclusively with a variety of wedding vendors to ensure the perfect wedding day for our brides and grooms. This, along with the perfect first dance, is what we do best! Dance FX Studios is located at 1859 West Guadalupe Rd. Suite #105 Mesa, Arizona. We are just off the 101 highway on the borders of Tempe and Chandler, AZ. We hope to see you at our 2014 Wedding Workshop for an afternoon of fun!