So, you’ve taken the leap and signed up for social ballroom dance lessons. You have always wanted to learn to Country Two Step, Salsa or Swing dance here in Phoenix, Arizona. Good for you for trying something new! You will soon discover the world of social partner dancing and its many benefits. But, what now? What should you remember and what is there to expect in your private dance lessons? We at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona want you to thrive on that dance floor. We want you to be confident and comfortable, with all of the tools that you need to really shine out there at any Country bar, wedding or Latin club. With over a decade of experience training the everyday person useful social dances like Country Swing and Argentine Tango, we have come up with a few things that you should keep in mind when attending your private dance lessons.

1. Be Comfortable. Even though traditional “ballroom dancing” may bring some swanky scenes to mind, there is no need to wear your Sunday best when you come to your private dance lessons with us Dance FX Studios. In fact, we want you to be as comfortable as possible since we will be preparing you to dance out in the real world, from Country bars to Latin dance clubs. Comfortable clothing that allows movement is best-as opposed to tight skirts or jeans-so that you can move freely . For shoes, we do not recommend wearing tennis shoes or flip flops, however a pair of heels with straps around the ankles or Cowboy boots will be just fine. (Rubber soles of tennis shoes tend to grip the floor, which is not ideal for dancing.) Also, since dancing requires backwards movements-mostly for the ladies-in which you can easily lose your shoe, trip or fall, those straps will really come in handy. Comfort is key, but appropriate shoes are a must.

2. Be on Time. Make sure you arrive a few minutes before your private dance lesson starts. This gives you time to mingle with other students, get your proper footwear ready and get settled. Additionally, learning to dance is an investment. Make the most of it by coming in early and getting ready to dance! Arriving late to a lesson results in a loss of the time you have paid for and the time that your instructor has reserved for you. Another fun part of coming early is that you can relax for a bit and watch other dancers while you wait for your lesson to begin.

3. Practice. Everybody knows that practice makes perfect! The fun and easy homework assignments that your Dance FX Studios’ dance instructor gives you will include great ways to practice and apply what you learn here at Dance FX Studios. If your memory is less than stellar, then you can even take some shorthand notes to help you remember steps and movements. If you are a visual learner, you can record parts of your private dance lesson for review. Dance FX Studios’ Nights Out, In House Dance Parties, Group Dance Classes and going out on your own are all also great ways to practice. Whatever your preference, just make sure you get those moves down and don’t forget to practice.

4. Have Fun. You probably signed up for dance lessons because you want to have some fun, right? Take a deep breath if you have to, but don’t be reluctant to shake things off. In no time, you will be able to get the dance steps, so don’t get discouraged when you don’t nail something right away. Frustration and loss of confidence in your abilities will actually hinder your performance even more, so breathe, smile, and enjoy yourself!

If you are ready to sign up for your first private Country, Latin or Swing dance lesson, come into Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, or give us a call today at 480-968-6177. Dance FX Studios offers Private Ballroom Dance Lessons, Group Dance Classes and social events. To get a taste of what we offer, try our private dance lesson Introductory Offer. You can learn  the basics of several fun social dances as well as tips for how to be a great social dancer. Also, meet with your instructor to discuss where you see yourself dancing so they can maximize your dance goals. Our Introductory Offer is only $40, and you are sure to get hooked! And when you do come in, don’t forget to be comfortable, be on time, practice and have FUN!