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Phoenix ballroom dance

Do You Know Taylor?

Phoenix ballroom dance instructorsHi there! My names is Taylor and I am one of the instructors here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. I absolutely LOVE what I do and just wanted to share a little bit about myself, so below I’ve attached a small questionnaire…
Q: What is your background in dance?

A:I have been dancing since my feet could carry me across the floor. Starting at the young age of four, my mom enrolled me in our family friends’ dance studio and thus began my addiction to rhythm. Whether it be cooking my breakfast in the morning or taking notes in school, I have never possesed the ability to keep my feet still! Along with dance, I delved into cheerleading and gymnastics as well. I love the feeling of being able to send my body through the air and stick the landing to an intricate flip combo.

After spending many years of taking both gymnastics and dance separately, I grew curious as to if I could combine the aspects of each sport that I loved into one hobby and I eventually found that with hip hop/break dancing. Through my new found love, I was presented with incredible opportunities at a very young age such as being able to work with Tabitha and Napoleon Du’mo (two Emmy Award winning choreographers on So You Think You Can Dance).

Q: Why Dance FX Studios?

A: I coached competitive cheerleading and gymnastics for years – which, don’t get me wrong, I loved- but it was a very high pressure industry. I love being able to teach a skill so close to my heart in a way that is fun and usable in the real world. Here, I teach not just a foot pattern that leaves you after a handful of months, but rather an education in dance that holds its value for a life time. It doesn’t ever leave you or spoil. The uplifting environment and homey atmosphere was something that attracted me to the studio from the beginning.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Dance FX Studios?

A: I am a self proclaimed hippie. I love change in environment and am easily bored by routine. Being a social dance instructor, I encounter every type of person there is. I continuously find myself learning from my students. I love getting to know people and finding out their stories as to why they’ve chosen to come to me for this skill at this point in their life. Other people I encounter in life inspire me and here at Dance FX Studios’, my students provide that inspiration. And hopefully they leave me changed for the better as well.

Q: What is your favorite dance to teach and why?

A: That would definitely have to be the Country two step. This dance holds a special place in my heart because most of my family is made up of ranchers. No matter the family event, whether it be a wedding, reunion, etc., the night usually ends with all of us two step dancing. The tapping of me feet brings me acute nostalgia for my days spent on my cousin’s ranches and it is my goal whenever teaching it to create the same endearment towards the dance that I have. Country Two Step is nothing short of a blast once you hit the dance floor with its upbeat and high energy feel.

Name three words that best describe you.

A:That’s s tough one! I’ll go with interested, artsy, and passionate. Interested, because I crave knowledge and insight into all that surrounds me. The universe is a vast, intriguing place that we know so little about! Who wouldn’t want to know more about their home? I try to be a sponge and just absorb as much information that anyone or anything is willing to offer me. Artsy, because I have a firm belief that self-expression is the foundation to a healthy lifestyle. Honestly, could you imagine how boring life would be without art? I like to find the beauty in everyday boring little things like the cracks in the walls, so therefore everything has the potential to be art in my opinion. Passionate, because I commit myself fully to anything I take an interest in. If something is fascinating enough to grab and maintain my attention I want to give it my all, whether it be a person, cause, or art. I’m a dedicated person, so I refuse to ever do anything at half effort.

Q: Fun Facts?

A: I am half Cherokee Native American and can write in my native language, however I am still working on pronunciation. Let me see, I’ve owned various unique pets in my lifetime, including a hummingbird and dingo that we rescued (perhaps that is my native american half kicking in). I am relatively eccentric, if I could I would live in a forest with flowers in my hair and barefoot (I strongly dislike the sensation of shoes. They make me feel disconnected from the earth), I would.

Well there you have it! I hope you enjoyed taking a look into who I am as a person and I hope to see you here in our Studio for a face-to-face introduction soon!

P.S. I love working with beginner dancers, so please come take advantage of our New Student Offer so that I get a chance to meet you!

AZ Country dance instructors

Meet Dance FX Studios’ Staff: Jessie!

Arizona Country dance instructorsHey there! Jessie here. I thought I’d take a little moment of your time and introduce myself.  I’m a dance instructor here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona.  I wasn’t always a dance instructor though. Before dancing, I did many different things.  I love exploring new avenues and am always seeking growth, so exploring dance and all of the exciting popular styles from the Country Two Step to Salsa dancing has been a blast!  I think I’m a fairly eclectic individual, and have always imagined being the kind of person to grow old and share all of my experiences and stories with my grandkids.  Some other things I’m passionate about outside of dancing are:  hot yoga, music (going to shows, sharing it, blasting it in my car and singing at the top of my lungs), the outdoors, books, geology, theology, behavioral psychology, and road trips.  I know, I’m all over the board.  Below is a Q&A section covering more about me and of my dance background.  Enjoy!
Q: What is your dancing background?
A: I grew up dancing.  I did jazz and clogging as a kid.  I loved to make up dancing routines in my living room with my friends to all our favorite pop songs.  We even did a couple talent shows and festivals around the Phoenix valley.  When I got older, I started going out to clubs and bars to dance.  It was at that time that I discovered Country 2-Step dancing.  WOW! I was entranced by it, and desperately wanted to learn.  Apparently those vibes were noticed because someone immediately asked me to dance and offered to teach me.  I’ve been in love with partner dancing from that moment on.
Q: Why Dance FX Studios?
A: Well, I was actually working as an Office Manager before I became a Dance Instructor.  I was steadily becoming discontent with this position.  I have always considered myself to be a very creative, artsy person, but I love helping people too.  My job situation, at the time, was not harnessing either skill.  I went away on holiday one day, and stumbled across a book in a tiny boutique.  It seemed to know exactly the discontent my heart felt.  It spoke of finding your “bliss” or “calling in life” with beautifully painted pages.  I sat down and considered my skills and the desires of my heart.  It was during this time of reflection I ran across Dance FX Studios. I knew the moment I saw it that I had to be there.  I love helping people above all things, and I love social partner dance too!  The combination of the two seemed absolutely golden, and I’ve not looked back since.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Dance FX Studios?
A; The people!  I’ve never been someplace where the people I am surrounded with everyday are so friendly, encouraging, and inspiring!  How often does one person get to say they genuinely love and enjoy their job and the people they work with?  Staff and students included,  Dance FX Studios attracts incredible individuals that are a joy to be around.
Q: What is your favorite style of dance to teach and why?
A: I love teaching the Nite Club 2 Step (Dance FX Studios version).  I love how romantic and smooth it feels.  It’s elegant and beautiful.  I think I also like the type of song that goes along with such a dance.  I’m a sucker for music that makes you feel things, and Nite Club seems to encompass the emotion of a song better than most other partner dances.
Q: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
A: I would say that I am passionate, creative, and empathetic.
Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I would love to own a motorcycle and road trip across the U.S. one day.
So there you have it folks!  Hopefully I’ll get to see you at Dance FX Studios soon, teach you some more about dance, and learn a bit about you too! And…since I get to work with newbies, check out our New Student Offer for beginner dance lessons with me! At the studio, you can learn everything that you will use out in the “real world”, from wedding dances to how to twirl your lady at your favorite Country bar in Arizona. I can’t wait for the opportunity to meet you and share my passion for dance with you!