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Refine your Social Ballroom Dancing with a Few Tips

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istock_000012228843xsmallSo you have learned the basic steps to some social Ballroom dances, but you still want the grace and poise that professional Ballroom dancers have. Well you are in luck because we are going to cover some tips for you to get that elegant look into your social Ballroom dancing! This can apply to both the leader (usually men) and followers (usually women)… women aren’t the only ones who can and should be graceful. However, don’t expect grace and poise to happen overnight, it will require practice just like learning those dance steps did.

To begin, we are going to have you start off with something easy. One way to make your social Ballroom dancing a little more elegant is to take lighter steps. Stomping around with heavy feet makes your dancing look awkward and may appear like you are trying too hard. Instead, you want the appearance of your dancing to show the slightest effort. The lighter movements with your feet and body are a great way to start heading in the right direction.

Next, think of fluid movements. Being able to blend your moves together and not have staccato footwork and transitions will help you to achieve a graceful look, mainly for the Foxtrot or Waltz. To look light and airy on the top half of your body, ask your dance instructor for exercises on how to move your arms in an elegant way. One exercise that we recommend is to imagine that you are stroking velvet drapes. Bring your arms up and down slowly while extending your fingers. This motion will help you to begin to move with exquisite form. Are you starting to envision looking like an elegant Ballroom dancer yet? Keep reading for more advice on how to be even more smooth on the dance floor.

Bring gracefulness to your social Ballroom dancing by elongating your neck and standing up tall. Posture is everything in partner dancing. Did you know that your head can weigh up to 11 pounds? If you let it slip forward and down, it will affect your posture, frame, and ability to lead and/or follow. Pull those shoulders back and down and round your elbows forward for an upscale look and great feel on the dance floor. Stand tall and confidence while social dancing is sure to follow.

As with any hobby worth having, it can take time to master some of these ideas. Keep practicing and, before long, you will shine on the social dance floor in your Ballroom dances.

To discover social Ballroom dancing for yourself, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Arizona! We have an amazing New Student Offer that will give you a window into all of the fun and excitement that social dancing has to offer. Happy Holidays!

Get Inspired by Wheelchair Dancers

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dancing lessons mesa azYou will find that when you ask people what do they like so much about Ballroom dancing, they will reply that it lifts their spirits. In one particular case in San Diego with student Beverly Weurding, she stated that dancing had renewed her spirit. However, this was not your ordinary situation. Beverly was previously diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and was told that she would not be able to walk, climb, dance, or play sports. She would experience extreme muscle wasting and pain, which would lead to the use of a wheelchair.

After years of being unhappy, Beverly thought she might be able to “experience the joy of dancing while in a wheelchair.” After a lot of searching on her part to find a dance instructor who was willing to work with her, she learned some of the amazing health benefits that came with Ballroom dancing. Even for her, she experienced what many of you can, this includes better balance, muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, increased coordination, and positive emotional and psychological effects.

Beverly is an inspiration to many people and has helped other challenged people see how wheelchair dancing can benefit them. So why don’t you let Ballroom dancing help rejuvenate your spirit too with reduced stress, increased energy, better muscle tone, improved coordination, and more flexibility. There are so many wonderful and positive benefits to Ballroom dancing. Feel free to go and take a couple classes to see for yourself.

If you live in the Phoenix area, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, has Private Ballroom Lessons as well as Group classes. Try our introductory offer of $40 for a 1 hour-long, Ballroom dance class. To get more information about this offer, please visit
https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-lessons-mesa-arizona/
If you would like to see or read about some of the Group Classes that we offer, you can find that information at https://dancefxstudios.com/dance-classes-mesa-arizona/

Ballroom Dancing Melts Away Stress

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Wake up the kids, get them ready for the day, drop them off at school, go to work, pick up the kids, make dinner and then pass out. Sound familiar?…Or is this just a sample of one of my days as a mom and business owner? I know I can’t be alone in feeling like “me” time is a thing of the past.

Making time for ourselves is one of the most challenging habits for us busy people (especially us ladies) to do. Not to throw my husband under the bus, but I do notice that he manages to get his weekly golf game in on his schedule EVERY WEEK.

So what are busy adults, moms and dads or not, to do to unwind from lifes everyday stresses? My solution: learn to ballroom dance. While every woman is fantasizing at how romantic and elegant ballroom dancing is, I know I have just lost every male reader out there. So ladies, now that I have your attention, you can pass my reasons for how and why ballroom dancing is such a great stress reliever.

This part is for you to pass along to your man:

1. On the dance floor, the man is the leader. (I may have just reeled back in a few guys with this news flash.) That means that you, guys, get to be in control! Yes, as I jokingly remind my husband, when we are on the wood, you’re in charge. What man doesn’t like the sweet sound of that? Yes, it takes a bit of time to learn to lead, but it’s so worth it when you are THE MAN at every social gathering because you are the only guy who knows what he is doing on the dance floor.

2. Like golfing, learning to dance requires focus and skill. It’s nearly impossible to think about bills, that crazy co-worker that you’re stuck sitting next to or every other daily weight that keeps you from living life to the fullest. While you are learning to dance, you can be in the zone and get away from it all. For those over-achievers who love a challenge, you will get one in learning to ballroom dance and the benefits are well worth it. Oh, and FYI: ballroom dancing, unlike golf, can be done under all weather conditions- even at night! 🙂

3. Like golf, ballroom dancing is a great distraction from the outside world. Instead of holding a club, though, you will be wrapped around your special someone, or someone to-be, adding a deeper connection and much more romance to your relationship (wink, wink).

4. Ladies love a guy that can be in control and do it well. They want to be swept off of their feet and feel beautiful in your arms. Be her Superman, her Prince Charming or whatever character she wants you to be on the dance floor and she’s yours!

Ladies, listen up here:

1. Ballroom dancing allows you to relax, unwind and NOT be in control for a bit. Sound scary? I know the feeling. It is a daunting thought to leave it up to him on the dance floor. But, with some lessons under his belt, you can really find a hobby together that gives you a chance to catch your breath and take a load off.

2. Ballroom dancing is a great way to burn calories without even knowing it! You will be grooving along and toning up to your favorite tunes and unwinding at the same time.

3. Ballroom dancing is “me” time. Demand it or it will not be up for the taking. You’ve earned it so give yourself a treat that will enhance your life and fill your cup.

4. Ballroom dancing is exciting! Who doesn’t need a little more excitement in their lives? I know I do! Meet all sorts of people and get out there and dance!

Could you go to the gym, hit a few balls or belly up to the bar? You could… or you can give yourself a gift that allows you to learn a new hobby, add excitement, meet new people, add romance, challenge yourself, build your confidence and (should I go on?) so much more by learning to ballroom dance! The choice is yours. As LeAnn Rimes says in her song, I hope you dance!