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single's Country dance lessons

Give Your Mom The Gift Of Dance This Mother’ Day 2015!

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single's Country dance lessons ArizonaAs Mother’s Day 2015 nears, have you thought about what you are going to do for that special woman in your life this year? If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your mom or wife this year, boy do we have an idea or you…dance lessons! Yes, Salsa, Swing, Two Step and even Tango lessons are the ideal gift to show her how much you care. So what is so special and unique about dance lessons for mom? Let’s explore…

Dancing is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give the gift of  dance lessons to your mom, you are giving her so much more than just a new hobby to explore. Think about it…she will be gaining a new skill PLUS the opportunity to gain more confidence, meet new friends, add romance, relieve stress and more! How many activities can you think of that will give her all of that? I dare say, very few! With Country, Swing or Latin dance lessons, mom will have a chance to also discover a creative side to her that she may not have known existed. Or maybe she’s been spending more time on that couch than she should and it’s time to get out and socialize. When she comes to her dance lessons, your mom will get to know others who have similar interests, which is a healthy way to connect with others! The benefits of social partner dancing are endless, but those these sound great as a start?

Dance lessons will benefit you both! If you’re married to a lovely lady, couple’s dance lessons are an incredible way to deepen and strengthen your love for one another. How often do you really get a chance to dance to your favorite Country tunes or oldies songs? Social ballroom dancing is both a physically and emotionally intimate way to spend time together, away from the kids and life’s worries. Now that is needed in any marriage!

Dance lessons mean fun and excitement for your special lady! Does mom or your wife need some “R and R”? With Two Step or Salsa dance lessons on the agenda, she will be transported to another place and time, making all of those daily to do’s slip into the “not so important” category as she enjoys life that much more. Every modern woman, with work, a family and so much more on her plate, needs dancing as a wonderful form of therapy and escape.

Give your mom or wife the gift of dance this Mother’s Day 2015 and watch her unwind and blossom into a better version of herself. Husbands, be bold and join her. You’ll be glad you did! How much more rewarding is life when you move through it with ease, rather than anxiety?

For those of you who live in Phoenix, AZ, come visit us in the East Valley at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We offer great Mother’s Day gift packages that will surely put a long-lasting smile on her face. Dance FX Studios is located in Mesa, AZ, on the south east corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rds., bordering Tempe and Chandler, AZ. For questions on what we recommend for mom, including our New Student Offer, please email us or call us today at 480-968-6177.

a couple swing dancing

Top 3 Reasons Why You Need to Start Dancing Now

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a couple swing dancing in ArizonaTo dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful… This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking. – Agnes de Mille 

You’re probably wondering, “Why dance? I have two left, I’m too white, I’m too old, I’m too this or that.” Then the myriad of excuses start stampeding in like bulls. The mind can play many games when it comes to avoiding something new and trying something outside of your comfort zone. Putting aside the idea that you may feel silly at first  learning to dance, social dances, including the Country Two Step, or Swing dancing, actually has many benefits physically, mentally and spiritually.  Let’s take a closer look as to why you should start dancing now rather than putting it off in the new year.

Your Physical Health and Fitness. Did you know that dances like Salsa and Swing are a total body cardiovascular workout than strengthens muscles and bones?  Dancing actually increases blood circulation, and lowers blood pressure, while at the same time reducing the risk of coronary heart disease! How great is that?! Looking toned and fit while having fun exploring a new hobby doesn’t hurt either!

Your Mind. Endorphins are unleashed when the body exerts itself at a certain level. You might have heard of a “runner’s high”. Because dancing is a similar activity, this same emotional boost can happen as you learn to Tango or even Two Step.. Of course, all exercise releases endorphins, but dancing has an increased effect in this realm because it’s not only the physical activity, but also the music, that affect the mind. In a dancer’s context, a “dancer’s high” is felt when you really kick your body into high gear after a few minutes of continuous motion.
Dancing also affects the mind by contributing to a sense of satisfaction. While you may not reach new goals immediately, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you worked hard towards those goals. Sweating through a series of rhythms and combinations can be very satisfying even if change comes about at a slow pace. In the long term, you will see the fruits of your efforts not only from year to year, but on a day-to-day basis, as you grow in your dancing abilities.

In addition, studies have also shown that activities that involve both physical and mental activity at the same time help to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and reduce the chance of developing dementia by 70%. Now that is good for everyone!

Your Soul. Dancing gives a sense of happiness and spiritual fulfillment. Getting swept up in an intimate connection with another person is a wonderful and unique feeling and form of expression, which is why so many people enjoy it…So why not you? Aside from your mind and body; your soul is worth time healing and growing through dance.
Social dancing is an amazing way to escape from life, let go and have some good old fashioned fun! Now, why would you want to miss out on that? Grab your partner or come solo to a local dance studio in your area and see what kind of offers they have for new students in the new year so that you can get in on the action. For those of you who reside in Arizona, you can come see us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We would love to take you on the exciting journey of learning to dance! You too will soon see how there is nothing more rewarding that exploring a hobby with as many benefits as dancing has to offer.
couple salsa dancing AZ

Swing Into The Holidays With Dance Lessons!

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couple salsa dancing in ArizonaIn just two short months, your calendar will surely be filled with one holiday party after another! How are you going to even keep up with all of the functions you have, from work parties to that cousin’s wedding to neighborhood gatherings?! It’s a daunting time of the year for many of us. So what do you need to get you through these most stressful times? Why, social ballroom dance lessons, of course! Think of how cool it would be to actually know how to Salsa, Swing or Country Two Step by New Year’s Eve. Wouldn’t that open up lots more fun activities to do with friends or your special someone, rather than hanging out at a bar drinking? Social ballroom dancing offers up more just fun during these next few months.

Believe it or not, the holidays can be a depressing time for people. It could trigger memories of loved ones lost, or even a sense of loneliness. Don’t let the holiday blues take over your life this year. Gain control of what you do to keep yourself in a happy place mentally. While watching movies with a bowl of popcorn does always sound relaxing, social dancing can take you away from those inner thoughts that can weigh you down. While on the dance floor in your private dance lessons, you can get caught up enjoying your new hobby, not on times past that may get you down. Dance away those negative thoughts and give back to yourself in a way that is healthy both mentally and physically.

Speaking of staying physical during the holidays, Latin, Swing and Ballroom dance lessons will keep you moving all season long! That equals more calories burned and less worrying about gaining those unwanted holiday pounds. Now you can sneak that extra cookie without feeling guilty (who has time for guilt!?). Dancing will keep your muscles toned and your body warm and toasty during the cool winter months. How great is that! Plus, an active body in combination with a distracted mind, makes dancing perfect for an emotionally balanced YOU during the holidays.

Being emotionally prepared for the holidays is key. With relatives visiting for extended stays in your guest room and holiday gift shopping to do, things can get overwhelming. A retreat to a dance lesson could be exactly what you need to maintain your sanity! Finding creative ways to unwind during this busy season will make all the difference to your own peace of mind and for those around you. No one likes a grumpy mom at Thanksgiving dinner. Sneaking away for a fun Swing dance lesson will also help you to stay connected with your sweetie when the house is being overrun by grandma and grandpa.

For those of you who live in Phoenix, Arizona, we have you covered this holiday season at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Give our Newcomers Offer for Private Dance Lessons a try to see how we can keep you in shape mentally, physically and emotionally this winter season. You can find us in the Phoenix East Valley on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe Rd. Don’t wait for the holiday blues to kick in. Give us a call today and we’ll make this season a blast for you!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

History of Salsa Dancing

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about salsa dancingSalsa dancing is one of the most popular social Latin dance styles world-wide!  People from all walks of life enjoy the energy, passion and party-like feel of the dance.  But where did this dance and its music come from? Let’s explore….

“Salsa” is a partner dance form that corresponds to Salsa music.  Musicologists and historians have very diverse opinions on how Salsa dancing came to life.  Most seem to believe it was born through many decades of dancers gradually accepting the name as many styles of music and dance steps became melded together. Others learned that “salsa” music began centuries ago in the islands of the Spanish Caribbean, in a context of slavery and colonialism.  Yet, no one will deny that Salsa dancing is connected to 20th century New York City and the growing, thriving Latino community there. As the Spanish American war of 1898 ended Spanish colonial rule, displaced Puerto Rican agricultural workers migrated from countryside to town, and from island to island.  The transplanted workers from Havana, San Juan, Santo Domingo and other areas brought all of their traditional sounds to New York City.

Because of this “mixture,” the word “Salsa” was eventually adopted.  Salsa is the same as the Spanish word for sauce – or in the case of dance music – flavor or style.  The very first time the word was heard on the radio was in a composition by Ignacio Piñeiro, dedicated to an old African man who sold butifarras (a sausage-like product) in Central Road in Matanzas.  The song is titled Échale salsita.  The major chorus goes “Salsaaaaa! échale salsita, échale salsita.”  During the early 1950’s, DJ “Bigote” Escalona announced tunes that were danceable with the introduction:  “The following rhythm contains Salsa.”

Styles of music travelling from Cuba and Puerto Rico fused their African, Cuban and other Latin-American rhythms together as they migrated into New York between the 1940s and the 1970s.  There is a debate as to which country originated Salsa – Cuba or Puerto Rico.  Since Salsa is one of the main dances in Puerto Rico and is known world-wide, many people give Puerto Rico the credit.  However, the dance steps currently being used to Salsa music come from Cuba.  Those steps, though, were influenced by many other Cuban dances such as Mambo, Cha’, Guaracha, Rumba, Yambu’ and others.  Thus, the debate continues.

With the combined elements of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, African and other music styles, Salsa music can typically be recognized by the complicated percussion rhythms and the faster tempos.  The sounds are vibrant and inviting and attract dancers of all levels straight to the dance floor.

Salsa dance is exciting, full of variety and appealing to almost any social dancer looking for fun and exhilaration.

YOU can learn how to Salsa at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona.  We offer both private classes and group lessons, teaching dancers the spicy flavor of this hot Latin dance.  Phoenix offers many Salsa venues so you’ll be able to take the skills we teach you into any real-world situation with confidence!