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Sitting is The New Smoking…So Get Moving!

social dancing in ArizonaDo you remember a time when cigarette smoking was accepted, and even considered cool? What about smoking inside, or while you were pregnant? If you didn’t already know it, this was OK at one point in time. Can you believe it? Now that we’re (mostly) all educated on the horrible effects of cigarette smoking, many of us have quit to get healthy and take care of our bodies.

There’s a new norm, though, and that has come with X Box and endless television channels (not to mention all the amazing Netflix Originals that can keep you glued to the couch for hours on end). This leads me to share what is now a “thing”, and that is that what everyone seems to be talking about these days, “sitting is the new smoking”.

You see, our bodies are actually meant for movement, and being inactive can lead to many unwanted effects. From increasing the risk of heart disease to slowing down the digestive process (which can lead to bloating, constipation and heartburn), a sedentary way of life is not ideal. According to an article titled, “Here’s What Sitting Too Long Does to Your Body,” by Dr. Mercola, too much sitting can take years off your life. He writes, “The more hours you spend sitting in a day, the shorter your lifespan may be. One study found, for instance, that reducing the average time you spend sitting down to less than three hours a day could increase your life expectancy by two years.” Now if that doesn’t make you want to get up and move, I don’t know what will.

So what can you do to get moving and have a little fun in the process? How about exploring popular social dances like Country dancing, or Latin and Swing dancing? Dancing is like a workout, but without knowing it! And, in my humble opinion, going out dancing on a Friday night is so much more intriguing than spending an hour on the treadmill. So if you’re ready to make a change for your health, I say give social dancing a try! Here are just a few of the health benefits that social dancing has to offer:

  1. Dancing raises your heart rate. Again, you’re enjoying a new skill while getting fit at the same time. You can even burn up to 500 calories in an hour’s time, just through dancing! With faster social dances like Salsa dancing and Swing dancing, you can be swept off your feet at the same time you shake off the pounds. Now that’s fantastic! Grab a partner, head out to your local Country bar or Latin club, hit the dance floor and get that heart pumping as you dance the night away!
  2. Dancing releases endorphins. When your endorphins are released, you are feeling great! Who can’t use a little more happiness in their lives? Plus, dancing brings people together, and making social connections is so much more fun and important than staying at home night after night in front of the tv.
  3. Social dancing strengthens your muscles. As stated on our website, “Stronger core muscles earned through dancing over a period of time will keep the spine in alignment and improve spinal flexibility. These physical benefits can aid in relieving or erasing upper back and neck pain, not to mention improving balance, coordination and body presence.”

If you’re a Netflix junkie and need a bit more balance in your daily routine, reward your body with dance lessons! With social dance lessons, you will get some great tips on how to go out and look your best social dancing. Trust me, dancing is tons more fun when you know how to lead or follow in all of the styles that you see out today. So get off the couch and contact your local dance studio asap! You’ll be so glad you did. 🙂

What We Offer at Dance FX Studios

adult dance lessons in Mesa ArizonaHave you been thinking about taking adult dance lessons? How exciting! You’re about to embark on a super fun new activity that is both popular and useful, not to mention pretty cool! With beginner’s dance lessons for couples or singles, you will discover social dances like Salsa, Swing and Country Two Step, as well as have a new hobby that has numerous benefits, from weight loss to stress relief. Are you intrigued? I hope so!

I also hope that you live here in Phoenix, Arizona with me so you can begin your journey into social dancing with all of us at Dance FX Studios. Dance FX Studios is located in the Phoenix East Valley, technically in Mesa, but we are right on the border Tempe and Chandler, AZ, just off the 101 highway.  If you live nearby, you’re going to want to check us out because we are the only adult dance studio in the Phoenix valley that focuses strictly on making you a confident dancer in any social situation, from weddings to date nights to cruises. Here’s more about what we offer:

  1. Private Dance Lessons: If you’re looking for the fastest way to be a fantastic social dancer, I highly recommend Private Dance Lessons. At Dance FX Studios, we offer Private Dance Lessons to both couples and singles. Singles will dance directly with their instructor, which is amazing for reaching even quicker results as a beginner social dancer. “Why?”, you may be wondering. When we can feel what you’re doing as we dance with you, it’s that much easier for us to help make any adjustments that may be needed. This really speeds up learning time, so you can get out there to the Country bars, Swing clubs and Latin venues sooner and have some fun!

Couples also benefit tremendously from one-on-one instruction. As we can develop and fine tune your skills on an individual level, you will also grow much faster in a much shorter time frame than as you would receive in a group setting. The detail and technique that both couples and singles who take Private Dance Lessons receive far surpasses any other form of learning when it comes to social dance instruction.

2. Night’s Out/In-House Dance Parties: As you get to the point in your Private Dance Lessons where you will need to test your talents, you can be assured that we will be by your side as we take you out on the town to local dance venues on our Night’s Out, and invite you to attend our In-House Dance Parties. These are such fun ways to try out what you know, with your instructor right by your side. We offer social events such as these monthly so that you have time in between each party to grow in your dancing. When you attend our parties, you will also get a new move or two in a Group Dance Class, which is always included in the night’s agenda. You won’t want to miss our monthly parties!

3. Wedding Dance Lessons: Are you, or is someone you know, getting married? If so, Wedding Dance Lessons are the perfect finishing touch to the most special day of your lives. We often hear from friends and family who want to thank us for putting together a customized first dance for those they love. It is a true gift to each other as bride and groom, and most definitely to your guests, as all will treasure your wedding dance for years to come. Wedding dance lessons are always one-on-one with one of our amazing dance instructors who specialize in making couples shine on the dance floor.

It’s your turn to join in the fun of knowing how to social dance. As I mentioned above, there benefits of knowing how to dance as an adult are endless. Build your confidence with dance lessons from us at Dance FX Studios. We are here to help you to reach your goals on the dance floor, and get you ready for any event that may come your way!

adult dance studios

What is Your Ideal Wedding Dance?

adult dance studios near Gilbert ArizonaAhhh, your first dance. It’s romantic, sweet and elegant. Wait. You don’t want a “sweet” wedding dance? What type of wedding dance do you want? The great news is that today’s first dance can be ANYTHING you want, as long as you’re in capable and qualified hands, of course.

Modern brides and grooms are looking for more and more when it comes to making their wedding dance one to remember, and that means that no idea is off the table. At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley, we have literally choreographed it all. From the cheesy 1980’s Journey songs with the groom sliding across the dance floor on his knees playing air guitar, to dramatic Argentine tango routines that require costume changes (and a fedora, of course), we have brought many a vision of the perfect first dance to life. In 2016, dream big, or small, because your options are limitless.

For those of you who are on the conservative/traditional side, not a problem! Make sure to 1. Find an adult dance studio in your area that choreographs wedding dances for brides and grooms, and 2. Let your choreographer know what ideas you may have/what overall look you’re going for. A great dance instructor will listen to your vision and give you something that you’re comfortable with for your first dance. A slow song is most likely in order here, so doing a little research on wedding songs that you enjoy prior to setting up a Wedding Dance Consultation. Videos from YouTube will also be helpful when it comes to articulating what excites you. Video really says a lot, so we as choreographers can use that as a place to start when customizing your wedding dance.

For those of you who want to rock your reception with an unexpected and surprising first dance, the sky is the limit. As a dancer, it’s wonderful to be creative and choreograph something unique! Here’s a bit of advice that I always give my wedding couples who want a more elaborate wedding dance.

1. Don’t dance for more than 3 minutes. Keep your edited music short. Two to three minutes is plenty so that you can capture your guest’s attention and keep them intrigued. They will definitely remember your wedding dance, as long as you keep it short and sweet.

2. Never include a lift in your wedding dance. Please, for the safety of you and your guests, keep all four feet on the floor for the entire dance. While lifting your bride above your head, a la Dirty Dancing, sounds like a really cool idea, too many “accidents” can occur, making your dance one that no one will forget, and for all the wrong reasons. Avoid this disaster by staying away from lifts and tricks that can cause harm to anyone, especially the bride and groom.

3. Consider your clothing. An out-of-the-box wedding dance that may include Hip Hop, Salsa, or another non-traditional dance style may require a costume/shoe change. Five inch heels or a tight, fitted dress will not be ideal or comfortable for something out of the ordinary, so consider changing into a reception gown, or a different pair of shoes, if even for only the dance.

Wedding dance lessons are great fun for brides and grooms! You can discover a romantic, new hobby that you can use for years to come once you know how to dance. The key is to finding the right dance studio for you with a comfortable learning environment.

If you’re getting married in 2016, it’s not too early to begin your search for that perfect dance studio for you. Wedding Dance Lessons will be one of the best investments you will make into your big day. Enjoy!