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country dancing AZ

How to Have More Fun Social Dancing

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country dancing near Chandler AZMore fun while out social dancing is always the goal, right? I mean, what’s the point of even going out Country dancing or Latin dancing if you’re not enjoying time with new friends, in addition to brushing up on your cool moves. The key, though, is to figure out how to have the best dance experience possible. Social dancing is an amazing hobby when a little forethought is put into what your night is going to look like. Here are three tips from me to you on how to make your night out dancing a memorable one.

 

  1. It may be easier said than done, but my first piece of advice is to relax. Going out social dancing for the first handful of times can be quite nerve-wracking. For a leader, feelings of rejection, looking “stupid” or drawing a blank are usually front and center. For a lady, wondering if anyone will ask you to dance, or if he will be a good leader may be a worry. Social dancing is all about taking a deep breathe, knowing that everyone’s eyes are not on you, and taking the night for what it is…an opportunity to let go and unwind. Of course, social dancing is so much more than that, but why put the pressure of meeting that “special someone” or trying to be perfect on yourself? It’s just not worth it. So, tip #1, relax, have a few laughs and get out on that dance floor. Every dance you try is going to bring you one step closer towards gaining the confidence you are seeking.
  2. Tip #2: Be aware of your surroundings. Guys, please don’t Swing your partner into others in an attempt to show off and look cool. All this does, besides rip her arm out of the socket, is make her uncomfortable and unsafe. I know that may not be your intention, but why risk losing another dance with her? Another suggestion for new leaders is to make sure to protect your dance partner. There may be other guys out there that you can’t control who will inevitably fling their partners into you. Make sure to guard your lady and keep her safe. She will surely appreciate you looking out for her. 🙂
  3. Lastly, be kind to your dance partners. It is really scary to ask a lady to dance, or to be asked to dance by someone you don’t know. If you are not interested in accepting a dance, be nice. A polite, “No, thank you” will suffice. Even better, give him a shot. He may surprise you with his Two Step or Salsa dancing skills. Men, if you are finding that you’re dancing with a partner who is below your skill level, treat her with respect by leading her through simpler moves that she can feel comfortable following. Showing off  does not do any good for either of you, and it certainly won’t earn you another dance with someone who you may find attractive.

Well, I could go on and on about how to have a great time social dancing anywhere, and I will in incoming blogs! Until then, take these tips to heart, get off the couch and have a blast on that dance floor.

If you’re looking for a place to start with beginner’s social dance lessons, Phoenix residents, look no further! Visit our Arizona dance studio for social dance lessons. In no time, you’ll be ready to get on any crowded dance floor with confidence.

Ballroom dancing AZ

Treat her like a lady: Three Types of Leaders on the Dance Floor

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Ballroom dancing ArizonaDo you love to go out social dancing at your favorite Country bar or Latin dance club here in Phoenix? So do I! What makes dancing that much more exciting is finding a leader that makes us feel beautiful, elegant and sexy, right girls?? It’s so true! Alright guys, it’s time to have a serious chat about how you are treating your lady on the dance floor.  Without fail, I deal with one of these three types of leaders, and I can speak for every woman when I say, we only want to experience one.  It’s really disheartening when a woman goes out to have a fun night out Country, Swing or Latin dancing and gets hit with one of these leaders instead.  It ruins our excitement and makes dancing not only uncomfortable, but sometimes even painful.  Let me explain further…

 

The Unaware Leader: The first type of leader is unaware of their partner.  What do I mean by this?  I mean this leader knows their steps but is absolutely clueless to the woman in their grasp.  I want to applaud this leader, for know his steps!  However, I want to scold him for not being more aware of how is actions are affecting his partner.  It is his job to make the dance smooth and keep his partner safe. What happens when a leader is unaware?  Let me tell you from personal experience what has happened, and I’ll warn you it is not pretty.  I have been dipped by an unaware leader, and as a result was kicked with a boot (in my jaw might I add) by the couple next me.  I have also been dropped by a leader, and then hit my head on a railing on the way down.  Both were extremely painful experiences, and made me very skeptical about going out dancing again.  It made me a nervous follower, unsure of my ability to trust the people who asked me to dance.  No leader should cause this to happen to a follower, so I beg all leaders out there, please be aware of your partner and know how your actions affect her.  Don’t be the one to blame for injures caused while a woman is under your care.

 

The Assertive Leader: The second type of leader is the assertive leader.  This person is often too focused on showing off his moves that he becomes forceful. You can often find this type of guy out Country dancing here in AZ. What starts off as a fun ride quickly begins to make the follower feel like a ragdoll being tossed about.  This also results in your follower tensing up and resisting your lead because you scare them!  They have zero control and can’t get their bearings long enough to prep for the next move, as they are being whipped about so fast.  This is terrifying, and again has the ability to lead to disaster.  You are leading a follower, but she is volunteering that access to you.  Be gentle and respectful with it, or you won’t get the luxury again.

 

The Graceful Leader: Ah, the third type.  He is the graceful leader.  He takes care of his partner and leads her with finesse.  He has style and confidence, and he leads his follower around the floor protecting her from harm.  Realizing she is being vulnerable by accepting his lead, and being mindful about how his movements affect her.  This type of lead is not weak.  He is strong and steady, and this type of lead is the lead every follower longs for.

Gentlemen, treat her like a lady, and if you don’t know how, let us teach you. At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley, we are here six days out of the week; willing and ready to show you how to sweep her off her feet and keep her out of harm’s way.

Whether you are with a partner or not, begin with Dance FX Studios’ New Student Offer, one hour-long private dance lesson, to get healthy habits from us right from the start. With private dance lessons for beginners, you will learn to be that graceful leader that every woman adores.