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Beat the Summer Heat With Adult Dance Lessons

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How do you plan to beat the heat this Summer? If you’re looking to pass the time indoors, I don’t blame you. It’s darn near 120 degrees here in the Valley of the Sun, and the end is nowhere in sight. 🙁

Now there are lots of ways to make time fly inside this Summer, but none that are as much fun as Social Dance Lessons for Adults. Think about it, you can start Couple’s Country Dance Lessons now and be twirling under the stars by the time it starts to cool down. That would be cool, right?

If Country Western dancing is not your thing, that’s OK! Give Salsa Dance Classes or Swing Dancing a try. There are some pretty fun Ballroom Dances too, like the Foxtrot or Waltz, that will wipe away those Summer blues. And of course, you can always heat things up a bit with the sensual and seductive Argentine Tango. Si señor!

Regardless of the dance style you choose, they’re all incredible for keeping fit and having fun this season-and that’s without hitting the gym. Speaking of how Social Dance Lessons can benefit you, here are just a few more reasons why you should start dancing now.

Get Social.

A big reason why people begin with Adult Dance Lessons is to meet new friends. Maybe you’re in the same boat. Oftentimes when we start a new chapter in life, be it moving to a new area, or exiting a long-term relationship, it can be a challenge to start over. Having a group of friends who enjoy similar interests can make life so much easier.

Social Ballroom Dancing is an exciting way to connect with others, so why not give it a shot? With partner dancing, making new friends is easy! You need someone to dance with, and so does the other person, so you’re always going to be in a situation where you get to interact with others. How perfect! Yes, this may be a bit intimidating at first, but keep in mind that everyone is shy in the beginning, so go easy on yourself the first few times you venture out. Before long, you’ll be mixing and mingling with the best of them!

Get Confident.

Once you have taken a series of Private Dance Lessons in Country, Swing and even Latin dancing, and hit the dance floors around town to test out your new set of skills, your confidence is sure to rise! Knowing how to dance is definitely a boost on your self-esteem, especially since so many people would die to be fearless, kick-butt social dancers. It’s a matter of taking the time to learn by attending regular classes before you see the results, and most people don’t want to put in the time, or are too afraid to. Don’t be that person who sits on the sidelines and watches everyone else smiling, laughing and meeting others. Get out there and discover how to move!

When you become a confident Country dancer, or Swing dancer, doors will open left and right. You will be in demand on the dance floor, that’s for sure. I mean, who doesn’t want to be the one out there having a blast with a great dancer? I know I always scope them out first, so I can have the best time possible. What a great way to enjoy an evening, and all because you took the time to learn first.

There’s nothing more attractive than self-assurance, be it on the dance floor or in the board room. Watch how your confidence soars in all areas of life once you know how to dance. I’ve seen it a thousand times as an Instructor, and it’s incredible to witness. A once shy, meek man turns into a superstar and sweeps every woman off her feet in the Country bars around the valley! Now that’s a way to spend a Saturday night!

Get Ready for Your Big Day!

Finally, if you’re at the point in life where you’re about to tie the knot (maybe you met her/him on out dancing with friends ;)), Wedding Dance Lessons are a must! Most people don’t get married in the dead of Summer here in Phoenix, but when the weather breaks, wedding season kicks into high gear. Don’t wait until then to get ready for the most important day of your life. Start with Wedding Dance Lessons this Summer to really shine by the fall.

No, I have not yet developed that magic pill which will help you look incredible on your wedding day with only two weeks of lessons leading up to the big day, so do yourself a favor and begin learning the language of dance now. Ballroom Dance Lessons are a whole new experience, a great bonding opportunity for brides and grooms, and a super-fun hobby that you two can use for years to come. Preparation is key, though, so throw those dress shoes and heels in a bag and bring them in on your Dance Lessons this Summer to really look your best by your wedding date.

Learning how to Country, Latin, or Swing dance is a wonderful way to spend your Summer months. Do something for you this season that will make the months and years to follow that much more fantastic. You deserve some fun, now go out and get it! Now you know my secret for how to beat the heat and stay cool in Phoenix this, and every, Summer to come.

Line dancing in Arizona

Men…See How Dancing Can Make You More Successful

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Line dancing in ArizonaJoyce Brothers once said, “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success”. I couldn’t agree more! “And how does one gain that confidence that everyone wishes they had?”, you ask. I have the answer…learn to social dance! Yes, believe it or not, knowing how to dance can give you an abundance of confidence that is sure to spill into other areas of your life off the dance floor.

After 20 years as a social ballroom dance instructor myself, I am proud to say that I have watched many a guy and gal literally blossom into happier, more successful people by knowing how to dance. It has been the most fulfilling and rewarding part of my professional life. In this blog, we will explore how partner dancing can make any man more successful. Our next blog will be about the power of dance for women.

The Power of Partner Dancing For Men: What social dancing can do for a man is immeasurable. Number one, the man must be the lead on the dance floor. Without the confidence that it takes to lead, his partner will not have a great experience, and dancing will have the opposite effect of what it is meant to do. A strong leader, though, will make any woman swoon, giving him the self-assurance needed to enjoy dancing as a hobby that much more. For guys, partner dancing can, and should, be empowering, giving them the courage they need to conquer the world.

Secondly, how many of your buddies, guys, wish they too could dance? Country, Swing and Latin dancing is cool! With Private Dance Lessons, you can get the skills needed to Two Step your way into her heart, and make everyone else jealous. Trust me when I say that it’s much more fun to be on the dance floor kicking up your heels then on the sidelines.

Lastly, when you take Private Dance Lessons, you discover the impact of standing tall. Posture is everything on the dance floor, so you don’t end up in your partner’s dance space. Walking taller both on and off the dance floor exudes a sense of sureness that draws others to you. That’s a good thing! So stand tall, men, and apply your dancing tools to every area of your life. They will definitely pay off!

Discovering popular dance styles, like Country Swing, Two Step and Salsa, through Private Dance Lessons is a game-changer for men and women alike. Knowing how to social partner dance will not just make you appear more fearless, but it is therapeutic in that it helps relieve stress, meet new people, connect on a deeper level with your loved one, and have fun. Could you use a little more of any of those things. We all could! Guys, give Latin or Country dance lessons a try. You’ll be surprised on the impact dancing will have on you.

ballroom dancing builds confidence

How Dancing Can Improve Your Game

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ballroom dancing builds confidenceWe are in the midst of football season (Go Arizona Cardinals!) and it couldn’t be more exciting! The athletes we love and admire have been training for months just to make us proud…and to win, of course. Our favorites have been getting fit, strong and prepared for anything that comes their way on the field.

While you may know that their training includes passes, plays and runs, did you also know that part of football player’s game day preparation includes dance? Yes, popular dance moves like the Grapevine (think “side, forward, side, back”, and repeat in a straight line) stemmed from traditional ballroom dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot. The Grapevine has in fact helped many a football player stay light on his toes and ready for anything.

And what about balance and coordination? Those are two key things that every football player needs. Ballroom dance lessons are a tool that will enhance those qualities in an athlete too. Now that’s pretty cool! And, you probably haven’t considered it, but ballroom dancing for football players is also amazing for posture, core strength and improved memory, all important traits for athletes of any sport.

Social Ballroom dancing, like the Country Two Step, Swing and Salsa dancing, can help off of the field as well. First, a guy that can dance is a hot commodity! Everyone knows that we ladies love a guy that can dance well. This skill is not something that you are born with, however. It’s an earned talent that any man would love to have, but doesn’t always take the time to learn. Making the investment in Private Social Ballroom Dance Lessons, guys, will pay off exponentially. I promise.

And, once you know how to Latin dance or Country dance, your confidence will skyrocket! It may be tricky, but you must be prepared for the long line of ladies that will be waiting to be swept off of their feet by you. 🙂 Social partner dances like Swing and Two Step are cool, fun, and quite romantic, and knowing how to do them well will make you a cut above the rest.

Whether you’re on the field or not, men that can dance are winners! Gain self-assurance, poise, and a sharpened sets of tools, then put your dance moves to work for you. What do you have to lose? Nowadays, a man that can dance is hot, so you may as well be one of them! You can become a great social dancer by taking your first step into our Arizona dance studio. Your fun awaits!

 

couple taking dance Arizona

Three Reasons Why He’ll Thank You For Dragging Him Here…

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couple taking dance lessons in ArizonaYou scheduled your first couple’s dance lesson with your man and he seems to be more interested in throwing a fit than taking a step into a “ballroom” dance studio. It only took you six months to convince him to even entertain the idea of learning to dance, and now he is reaching far and wide to find a reason to cancel the appointment. Men, you don’t know what you’re missing! Here are just three reasons (trust me, I could go on and on) as to why you will thank her for setting up a beginner’s dance lesson for the two of you….

 1. He gets to be in charge: Your guy doesn’t know it yet, but within minutes of your first Country or Swing dance lesson, he will be told that he actually gets to “be the boss” on the dance floor. Wait…Did he mishear you? Nope. Guys, you really do get to be in control out there. In fact, it’s that much more fun for us ladies when you do know what you’re doing. Sweep us off of our feet…PLEASE! 🙂 Men…how great is this news? You can choose what moves you do, and even what dance you want to try, for any particular song. It’s quite empowering when you think about it. As an instructor, I actually joke that your dance lessons may be his only time to be in charge, so he should enjoy every minute of it…and come back often!

2. Dancing is a cool skill for any guy to have: How many men out there can say with confidence that they can show any woman a great time on the dance floor? Very few. We ladies will always gravitate towards those guys who know what they’re doing, meaning they don’t toss us around like a rag doll, and they do make sure not to run us into any other couple. Additionally guys, if you’ve got style, that is very sexy to a woman. It shows us that you are willing to let loose and be free…and that is exciting!

3. Dancing is a great confidence booster!: Being that you will be one of the few guys that knows what he’s doing on the floor, not only will you have the ladies lining up to dance with you, but your friends and other male onlookers will certainly be envious. When you invest in yourself (or you and your dance partner) with Private Dance Lessons, you will look top notch and be unstoppable out there. Imagine how cool that would be if you were Salsa dancing, or Two Stepping and everyone either wanted to be you, or dance with you.

As I mentioned gentlemen, there are even more reasons why you’ll thank her for bringing you to your first dance lesson, but I’ll save those for a different blog. In the meantime, visit our Arizona dance studio and get this ball rolling! You’ll be flying high with a newfound confidence, and a skill that will last a lifetime.

 

swing dancing in Arizona

Get Fit in 2015!

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swing dancing in ArizonaIn the new year we’re all going to get into shape again, right? We’ll be our 40-year old selves with the bodies that we had in our 20’s! Don’t we all have the same resolution of fitness and health upon each new year? Well how wonderful would it be if I told you that you CAN have that 20 year old bod in your 40’s…without even going to the gym! That’s right! You can look and feel your best in the coming year with a timeless activity that has more benefits than we can name. Are you ready to revolutionize your health regime and make 2015’s health goals finally stick? Then give social dancing a try!

Burn calories while looking sexy and having fun in the new year with Salsa dance lessons! Yes, Salsa lessons will give you the confidence that you may be lacking to shine on the dance floor at any Latin club, wedding, or hey, maybe just in the living room with your sweetie. No matter where you decide to dance, with confidence you can really let go and enjoy yourself while the body gets to work.

What’s amazing about Salsa dancing and other Latin dances, from Merengue to Bachata, is that you will find yourself using parts of your body that have never been used before. Really, how often do you shake your hips for 5-7 minutes straight to music? That alone will get the heart pumping! Add great Latin music to the mix and you have a new hobby that is SO much more exciting than working out the traditional way. Are you ready for the cherry on top? Salsa dancing and other partner dances allow you to get fit with your special someone. Now that’s cool! Of course you can always go to a Zumba class for a Latin dance workout, but with partner dancing, you can shed any unwanted weight together and BOTH reach your fitness goals! Does it get any better?

Now, not everyone is into Latin music. No worries! There are many other styles of social dances that will get the blood flowing. Take Swing dancing, for example. Swing dancing is high energy, very popular and can be danced to many different kinds of music, from Country to Big Band. With Swing dance lessons, you’re also looking at burning about 350 calories per hour as long as you keep moving. This is a wonderful fun fact, no? And, since dancing is a total body workout, you will begin seeing results all over at the same time, making your dance lessons that better of an investment for you or you and your partner.

Beyond the health aspects of social ballroom dancing, with this incredible skill under your belt, you can expand your social circle in the upcoming year, add more romance (or meet someone new), improve your creativity, posture and balance, and the list goes on and on… From the physical to the social, the benefits of knowing how to dance are literally endless!

Give social dancing a shot in 2015. We’d love to hear about how it enhances your life! For those lucky ones who reside in Phoenix, Arizona, you can learn to social dance with us at Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix Easy Valley. We specialize in creating confident social dancers, both singles and couples. With fun dances to explore that range from Argentine Tango to Country to Swing and Salsa, you will be dancing your way into a more fit you in 2015!

couple Swing dancing AZ

Gain Confidence Through Dance!

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couple Swing dancing in ArizonaFeeling down on yourself? Do you ever wish you could be more confident and outgoing? Need something extra in your life to get you out of that funk? Life is simply too short to not be out enjoying new experiences like Swing dancing or joining a gym, to meet new friends and have a blast! Here are some easy ways to boost your confidence and add a spark into your daily routine.

Marie Curie said it best when it comes to confidence “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” So the time is now to begin your journey into finding the confidence within yourself.

If you are looking at yourself in the mirror with disdain, the best way to change that is to work with what you’ve got. Decide what you want to enhance about yourself and get to it! A physical way to bring out the best in you is to sign up for the nearest gym and add it into your daily routine. Sometimes going to the gym requires a lot of dedication, so if that doesn’t work find an exercise class that meets regularly and get involved with the other members who will help to keep you accountable. Plus working out with others makes it a lot more fun! Need to relax? Try a yoga class! This helps to quiet your thoughts and implement better thinking about yourself. You will also find time with yoga to reflect on your day.

Building confidence takes time and small steps. Sit up straighter at work and always keep eye contact with co-workers and friends. These two tips alone will head you in the right direction. Also, try making conversation with the people around you. If you are unsure as to what to say,  ask how their day is going and what you can do for them. This helps to give you satisfaction as a friend, neighbor and/or co-worker. Simply being more social will boost your confidence and will always help to foster new relationships.

Learning a new skill is another step towards gaining more confidence in yourself. Find something that you are passionate about, or that you have always wanted to try, and see what there is to learn about it. Many people love to go out social dancing here in Arizona. From Country Two Stepping to Latin and Swing dancing,  learning how to dance helps boost inner confidence and helps to encourage amazing connections with other people.  Dancing is also a wonderful way to express yourself. What better way to gain confidence then showing your true colors!?

If you would like to give social dancing a shot to help build your confidence and inspire new friendships, and you happen to live in Phoenix, Arizona, come check us out! Dance FX Studios has been the leading social ballroom dance studio in the Phoenix valley since 2001. With our Introductory Offer, you can see what we are all about in just one hour. We would love the chance to help you to develop a skill that will make your confidence soar!

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.

Integrating Dance in Schools

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Ballroom dancing for confidenceMost of us remember the terribly awkward week in school where we realized the school dance was only a few days a way and we had absolutely NO idea how to dance. The best we could hope for was that incredibly strange high-school dance style, with stumbling movements back and forth, and where nervous sweaty hands kept you at a solid arms length away. Although some of us may look back on those moments fondly, many will try to remove them from memory altogether. But today, dance in schools has gained support in public education, not only to prevent those terrible memories, but also as a form of exercise. Dance is now incorporated into most high schools as an alternative to traditional P.E. (physical education). In fact, not only are schools supporting it, but they are also promoting it in lieu of P.E. Dancing in schools is believed to carry a multitude of benefits for student participants.

There is evidence of the power of nonverbal communication through dance. Beyond facial expressions, verbal language versus body language can be a difficult concept for high school-ers to apply in real life applications. Dance can help create an understanding of how the body directs an action without the use of verbal cues.

Ballroom dancing can also promote positive interactions between the two sexes. Social ballroom dancing is often seen as a productive outlet for young ladies and gentlemen to learn dance etiquette. Qualities such as self-esteem, courtesy and the ability to work politely with the opposite gender are often seen as being just as important in dance classes as the dance steps themselves. Many of us could have used all the help we could get in our early teens!

Other benefits attract teachers and schools to dance as well. The Frank Black middle school of Houston Texas says that “Students who excel in the Fine Arts… make better grades in academics, instill self-discipline and increase self-worth and confidence”. Dance falls under this category of fine arts—whether the class is a core class or an optional elective. In many of these dance classes students are required to learn a variety of culturally diverse dances; hip-hop, salsa, ballroom and tango are just some of the dance styles often seen in classrooms or school gyms.

Many of the students who explore social ballroom dancing at a young age will build some (more often than others) much needed confidence as they grow up. This will allow them to feel more comfortable in social situations—not limited to dancing. Perhaps all of the junior high and high school dancing experience can prevent the next generation from at least a few bad memories down the road!