As Country Thunder draws near, a four day concert event in Florence, Arizona, that practically sells out at each previous year’s venue, we are reminded just how popular the cross-market genre of Country Music is and why all styles of Country Dancing are drawing dancers out on crowded dance floors across the world.  Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona we are finding the majority of our students are here to learn the popular styles: Country Two Step, Country Waltz, West Coast Swing, Country Swing and Line dancing.

One of our favorite students, Josh S., who has just completed 25 hours of private Country dance lessons, took the time to sit down with me and explain how and why he decided to take lessons here at Dance FX Studios.  As I talked with Josh it became easy to understand why he is here almost every day, fully committed to becoming the best Country dancer he can as well as be taken in by his obvious passion for Country Dancing.

Q: What brought you in to our studio to take dance lessons and why did you want to learn Country Dancing?

Josh: Actually it was a New Year’s resolution. I just decided it was something I wanted to do and do well because I am very competitive. I searched on the internet looking for dance studios that offered what I was looking for; freestyle Country dancing. I found this place right away. A lot of the other places that offered dance lessons were not teaching what I was looking for. After doing the research, it kept leading me back to this place. The reviews were really good on Dance FX Studios and, even though I live about an hour away, I decided to come here.

Q: Why Country Dancing?

Josh: I enjoy Country Music and I’m a Country boy at heart. What happened was I went out with a couple of friends that Country dance and they were moving through the dance floor and spinning. I so wanted to join in the fun. I play a lot of sports so, for me, not being able to dance was like being on the bench instead of playing in the game. I don’t want to be on the bench. I had absolutely no dance experience. I just came straight here and the dance instructors were great. When I started learning here, it was just so different. They began teaching me things that you don’t see out on the dance floor which is cool because that sets me apart from the other dancers.

Q: What dance is your favorite and why?

Josh: That is tough because I like them all for different reasons. I like the Country Two-Step a lot, and I really like Country Swing dancing. I also really like the Night-Club Two Step. Night-Club just has a different feel, something you’re not used to. I mean growing up dancing to a slow song, well … I’d just sway… lol. So instead of just swaying, to be able to go to a slow song and go with the music, to be able to do spins and turns or the grapevine and stuff, it feels more like floating, than when you do fast paced stuff, like Two-Step or Swing, Night-Club – it’s more romantic.

Q: What do you feel are the benefits you are receiving by taking these dance lessons?

Josh: I think definitely when you go to a scene like that, like a Country Bar or something, I now have confidence. Even if that wasn’t what I was looking for, I feel confident now that I can recognize a song and see other people out there dancing and I can get out there and Swing and look different from what everybody else is doing. For me, it’s also a stress reliever, it’s also relaxing. It’s fun after a busy day at work or busy week, you have a ton on your mind, you been dealing with a lot of stuff just turn on the music and go. To be able to put moves together and flow and have fun, the stress and frustration just kind of melts away. Dancing is really great for that for sure. Also for health reasons too, because of the stress relief and the extra exercise, dancing is great for that!

Q: Are our instructors making it fun and easy for you?

Josh: Yes, it’s intense for me because I am trying to learn so much all at once. I come here to have a good time, but I want to learn quickly and know more because I want to be the best I can be. The instructors have a way of building an atmosphere where it’s welcoming and inviting, but not intimidating. Here, the instructors take the time to get to know you, they break the ice. To be able have that while they are teaching you makes it an all-around pleasant and worthwhile experience.

A big thank you to Josh for taking the time to share his experiences at Dance FX Studios with us. We are blessed to be able to instruct such great people, Josh being at the top of the list. 🙂

If you’re interested in getting ready for Country Thunder, or any upcoming Country dance night out, get started with our New Student Offer. It’s a wonderful way to see how dancing can enhance your life!