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social dancing AZ

We Bet You Did Not Know This About Dancing…

social dancing in ArizonaThere are so many fun facts about dancing, we almost don’t know where to begin! From the Country Two Step to Salsa to Swing dancing, discover some surprising details about dance below. Once you do, you may be that much more intrigued to begin learning to social dance yourself. That’s where we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona come into play! Join us for the fun of social dancing and the numerous benefits too! Yes, from stress relief to weight loss, exciting dances like the Argentine Tango can enrich your life in so many ways. Until then, enjoy these cool tidbits about dancing…

The first archeological proof of dance comes from nine-thousand year old cave paintings in India.

One of the earliest uses of dancing was for use religious ceremonies. Dance routines were used for storytelling as much of the culture’s history was passed to younger generations through oral tradition. Adding dancing made it much easier to remember.

Egyptians are an example of a culture who used this kind of visuals in their rituals, using dance both for entertainment and religious purposes.

Dancing was also an important part of many Greek and Roman religious ceremonies. Ancient Greeks and Romans annually celebrated their God’s Dionysus (Greek) and Bacchus (Roman) with several day’s long festivities. Since both oversaw aspects of fertility and agriculture, ie: plants that created wine, the celebrations were filled with alcohol, song and lots of wild dancing.

Much of Europe is filled with folk music and dancing that has been passed down from generation to generation.  It is commonly believed that simple folk dances were practiced amongst both poor and wealthy classes. During the Renaissance period in Europe many new dances evolved or were created.

The Waltz can be traced back to the 16th century and was performed with arm’s length between male and female dances. The shocking transition to a “voluptuous intertwining of the limbs and close compressure of the bodies” happened in England when Queen Victoria fell in love and performed the dance close up with Prince Albert.

Ragtime music is very similar to classical and has been cited as the American equivalent of Minuets by Mozart. The dance began in the red-light districts of cities like New Orleans and enjoyed its peak during Prohibition.

Jazz replaced Ragtime and Pre-WW2 brought many new waves of dance styles. During the war dance played a very important role in keeping morale up and it seemed every town and village that had a hall was filled with dancing. There were popular dances like the Lindy Hop, Balboa, St. Louis Shag, Jitterbug, Lindy, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, and Murray being used everywhere.

Even people in wheelchairs can dance! Wheelchair dancing is growing in popularity around the globe and is recognized as an official international paralympic sport.  In more than 40 countries, people of all ages and physical abilities participate in dance activities with their manual or power mobility chairs. Popular wheelchair dances include: Square Dancing, Line Dancing, Ballet, Jazz, Latin Dancing, and traditional Ballroom Dancing.

The Lion Dance was often mistakenly referred to as the Dragon Dance and is one of the most popular religious and ceremonial dance in China as well as the surrounding countries of Taiwan, Korea and Japan. This dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year or business openings to bring in good fortune and ward of evil spirits. The fundamental movements of the Chinese Lion dance can be found in Chinese martial arts.

It may surprise you to learn 11,240 people currently hold jobs as professional dancers.

Today professional dance is regarded as one of the most demanding physical abilities or sport.

In 2014,Americans spent 3 billion hours a week sitting on their backsides playing video games. Why not become a part of the statistic of the people who are moving their bodies dancing each week? Call Dance FX Studios and take advantage of our New Student Offer and be the fun that you may be seeking!

salsa dance couple AZ

Heat Up Your Winter With Salsa Dance Lessons!

salsa dance couple in ArizonaAre you looking for something steamy to heat up your winter season? Push that hot cocoa aside and give Salsa dance lessons a shot! Grab your special someone or come solo and learn to dance one of the sexiest and most flirty social partner dances out there. Salsa dancing is THE dance to explore any time of year, but why not add a little passion to the cold months and learn something exciting, healthy and new. What will you gain from learning to dance the Salsa? Let’s explore…

Sass!: That’s right! Most people need a little push to bring out their inner flirt and that’s exactly what you’ll get by exploring Salsa dancing. You see, in order to capture the essence of the Salsa, you must let go and “become one” with the music and your dance partner. Believe it or not, the footwork for the Salsa is easy-much easier than you would think! What makes this dance exciting is adding personality to the dance-bringing it to life by freeing yourself and becoming uninhibited. There are very few places that some of you have been able to capture this feeling, so learning to Salsa dance may be totally out of your comfort zone. That’s OK. It’s a part of growing and being the best YOU possible! Once you’ve captured your inner sass and brought it to the dance floor, you’ll feel a sense of joy and freedom like never before. That passion may even transfer into other areas of your life! How fun and exciting is that!?

Health!: Are you ready for a workout in places that you didn’t know existed? Be prepared to burn calories and fat in your Salsa dance lessons. Once you get through the basics and you can dance an entire song from start to finish, you’ll be in for an evening of fun and fitness. Salsa dancing can burn up to 350 calories per hour and is great for the hips and thighs. With all of that shaking going on, you’ll be able to eat whatever holiday treats come your way without worry.

Salsa dancing can also replace one of your trips to the gym weekly. It’s a wonderful way to mix up your cardio workout and never get bored. For those who really want to warm up their winter, ask you dance instructor about Bachata dance lessons too. Now that’s a dance that will spice up any season! Get moving this winter with Latin dance lessons!

Passion!: Salsa dancing is not just intimate and playful, but it is a wonderful way to connect with your sweetie. Think “time alone with no kids” and feel instantly relaxed as you head off to your Salsa dance lessons. Social dancing is a cool way for couples to bond after a long day at the office. Spend some quality time away from your crazy Aunt this holiday season and give each other a gift that never ends-romance, excitement and a deeper connection.

Do you live in the Phoenix metro area? If so, come visit Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona for private or group Salsa dance lessons! Try out our New Student Offer for a taste of how dancing can get you through the holidays and beyond!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

 

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.