Posts

Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

/in /by

adult dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaMother’s Day is just two short days away! What do you have planned for that special woman in your life? If you’ve run out of creative gift-giving ideas, have no fear! I’ve got the perfect Mother’s Day present…adult dance lessons!

Now, if you’re the man in her life, you can certainly join in the fun and get her couple’s dance lessons in popular dance styles like Country dancing, Salsa, or Swing dancing. What about the sexiest dance on earth, the Argentine tango. Yes, she would surely love to give that one a whirl too…especially with you!

With Private Dance Lessons for her, or for the two of you, you are giving your amazing gal so much more than a new hobby to enjoy. In fact, the benefits of social dancing are endless! Let’s start with how relaxing it is to learn to dance. Private Dance Lessons are a wonderful escape from your day-even for just an hour. Think about it. She’s kid-free, moving and grooving to her favorite music, and forgetting about work, and outside responsibilities. That’s a great thing! With a little down time, it’s much easier to tackle life head-on!

Country and Latin dance lessons for beginners are also a fun way to re-connect with your sweetie. If you’ve been bogged down with work and/or child rearing, dance lessons for two are quite the romantic getaway! You can meet at your local dance studio after work, or make your lessons a weekly date night. Either way, couple’s lessons are a great investment in your relationship. Making time for each other is a gift that is often more treasured than a new purse or outfit.

Finally, adult dance lessons are an awesome way to build self-confidence. If you’ve got a shy wife, or one that has always wanted to dance but doesn’t feel that she can, now is the time to show her that anything is possible. A self-assured person is a happier, healthier person, so why not help get the ball rolling for her?

Swing on by your local ballroom dance studio that offers lessons in the dances you think she’d love to learn. If you reside in Phoenix, Arizona, Dance FX Studios is a fantastic place to enjoy social dance lessons for adults. We make learning to dance fun and easy! She’ll get to explore everything from Country Two Step dancing to the steamy Latin Bachata dance, and anything in between!

Stop by today between noon and 8 pm or tomorrow (Saturday) between 11 am and 4 pm for a gift card for her. Dance FX Studios is on Dobson Rd and Guadalupe Rd on the southeast corner, just off the 101 highway. We hope we can help to brighten her Mother’s Day with the gift of dance!

Salsa, Swing and Two Step- Dance Tips for Couples

/in /by

adult dance lessons near Chandler AZ“If he could just learn how to lead, I would stop taking over on the dance floor,” she said. “If she would follow me, we could really have fun with this,” he said. As an social ballroom dance instructor for more than 20 years now, I have heard it all over the years. Finger pointing. Fights. Giving up on dance all together, a hobby that can be a game changer for couples and the health of their relationship. What a shame. I always say, “Couples that dance together, stay together,” but the key is getting started on the right foot so that you can enjoy dancing, and not resent it.

Wouldn’t it be fun to go to a wedding and be able to dance when you favorite song is played? How cool would it be to hang out at a Country bar on a Saturday night after a long week at home and work? Social dancing, from Country to Latin to Swing dancing, is a fantastic way to keep the romance alive. All you need now, guys and gals, are a few great tips so you can make couple’s dancing a regular and enjoyable part of your lives. Not a problem! 🙂 Here’s my advice for every couple who wants to dance…

  1. Take Private Dance Lessons for Two. Dance lessons for couples are the best way to begin your journey into social dancing. With Private Dance Lessons, you’ll have an unbiased third party who can help each of you to understand your role on the dance floor. This is a great start! Once you understand your roles, you will get specific tips on how to lead or follow each new move that you learn. That is very important in enjoy the dance as a whole. With an instructor by your side, you can really see how partner dancing works and make the most of it.

While Private Dance Lessons are more of an investment, you will learn much faster than in any other other way (Group Classes, videos) and be able to go out and have fun dancing sooner. Plus you will have a professional by your side to ask questions to if something doesn’t feel quite right.

Remember, you get what you pay for, so contact an adult dance studio near you to see what they can offer you. Trying a New Student Offer is the best way to see how comfortable you feel in your new learning environment, which will make all the difference in how you progress.

2. Let him lead. Ladies, I beg of you, please let your man lead on the dance floor! If this is a bad habit that you’ve had for years, share it with your dance instructor immediately so that we professionals can focus on making your man a great leader. Back-leading causes problems on so many levels, and for both of you. For you as the follower, you can’t possibly enjoy yourself if you are twirling yourself around the floor and secretly wishing he could do it for you. And you really doing the worst of all by disempowering your man and not letting him learn to lead. There’s nothing better than a great leader on the dance floor, trust me, I have one, but if you don’t give him a chance, you’ll never know how great it feels.

3. Don’t play the blame game. The blame game is old. We all know that we can only change ourselves, so let’s take a minute to look within and see what we can adjust before pointing the finger at our partner. Blaming is not only demotivating, but completely counter-productive in a learning environment. If something doesn’t feel right, try it with your instructor and let him/her see how to make it better.

I will always believe that every couple should learn to dance together. Social dancing is not just romantic, but it helps with teamwork, intimacy, communication and connection. Couples, don’t miss out on partner dancing! With dance lessons, patience and personal responsibility, you can have a hobby that you can enjoy for years to come!

couple country dancing AZ

Dancing…So Much More Than Just “Steps”

/in /by

You did it! You began the summer by fulfilling a resolution that took you years to get up the nerve to do. You went for it and signed up for dance lessons! How exciting! How glamorous! How…SCARY! Now, literally steps closer to the dance floor than you have ever found yourself since prom 20 years ago, there is still one thing holding you back… that dreaded first step on to a “real” dance floor. Suddenly, the tapes that have been “dancing” around in your brain all of these years are being put to the test. “What am I doing out in this Country bar? I can’t dance!”, you say to yourself. Even with 30 plus hours of private dance lessons under your belt in the last few months, you have the biggest hurdle in front of you yet…YOU! The fear of failure, looking stupid or drawing a blank is right in front of you and the pressure is on. Thanks to Nike, telling yourself to “Just do it!” does build some confidence, but becoming a great social dancer is more than just knowing your steps. Getting over that psychological hump of not feeling good enough is a process that everyone goes through when they are first learning how to dance. If you can relate to this, you’re not alone. The good news is that, because you’re not alone, we have developed tools and tips just for you to put those jitters to rest once and for all.

1. Remember that fear is normal and healthy. Now let’s put this fear thing into perspective. While dancing may seem as scary as jumping out of an airplane or swimming with sharks, it is actually a lot easier, (and much safer) than both. First, you can burrow yourself and your partner in the middle of the dance floor if you truly choose to go unseen. This will surely easy the fear of being watched. Also, keep in mind that at one point or another, every person in the Country bar or at your cousin’s wedding has had their first time social dancing too. In other words, you’re not alone. In fact, some of those very same people may be experiencing their first time social dancing on the same night that you are! See…you can do this! Just get out there and give it a try.

2.  Set yourself up for success. If you’re learning to Country Two Step or Salsa dance just for the fun of it, then there’s no need to stress yourself out on your first night on the dance floor. For your first few times out, choose a less crowded night, usually a weeknight or a Saturday, to go dancing. Why put yourself out there with the seasoned dancers when you are just getting your feet wet? Take the pressure off of yourself and plan ahead to get the most out of your first few times social dancing.

Another way to set yourself up for success is to be patient. Have a drink, relax and wait for the right song to come on before jumping out there just to get it over with. In fact, find a few songs that you have practiced to at the place where you take private dance lessons and request those songs throughout the night. That way, you’ll be even more comfortable and relaxed when it comes time to hit the floor and take off dancing! 🙂

3. Focus on your frame. As you have hopefully learned by this point in your dance lessons, your footwork is not nearly as important as a solid connection between you and your partner. Scan the room for the good leaders or followers, the ones that look like they are well-connected and moving as one. If you are coming in with your dance partner for the first time, then make your frame a priority over reviewing steps. Just feeling the connection and supporting each other in that way will ease the tension of having to be flashy simply to fit in. You have all the time in the world to go show off after you feel good about navigating around the dance floor without freaking out.

Becoming a confident social dancer is a process. If you’ve ever learned a second language, remind yourself how you felt going to that other place and giving it a whirl. It was a bit rocky at first and then, before you knew it, you were fluent over time with practice and effort. Going out dancing can feel bumpy the first few times, but my advice is to stick with it so that you can make the most of your investment. There’s no real point to paying for dance lessons if you aren’t going to apply your skills along the way. In fact, applying those skills will enhance your lessons and bring more value to them. Remember to let your instructor know when you plan to go out and once you have gone out so that you can both prepare and review what happened. Then, you can get ready for your next outing! Before long, your social calendar will be filled with dancing and fun!

For Arizona residents, let us at Dance FX Studios show you how to be a comfortable and confident social dancer with our New Student Offer. We are located in the Phoenix East Valley, but residents from all around town come visit us to prepare for upcoming weddings, date nights and the like. Our certified instructors will show you how fun and easy it can be to learn to dance! With the holidays approaching, as your loved ones for a gift card to Dance FX Studios for Country, Latin, Swing, Ballroom or Argentine Tango dance lessons. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

dance fx studios

Physical Benefits of Ballroom Dancing in Arizona

/in /by

Many of you know that social ballroom dancing can be a rewarding hobby. In order to be great at popular social dances like Country Two Step, Swing and Salsa dancing, dance lessons are in order. Did you ever realize just how beneficial dance lessons are your physical health? Though it doesn’t seem like exercise in the traditional way we think of lifting weights and running, dancing actually offers a total body workout. When you Cha Cha or Swing dance, you use all of your major muscle groups and improve your cardiovascular health as well! With ballroom dance lessons, you will become more toned, and your heart will thank you too. Located in Mesa, Arizona, Dance FX Studios has been a leading social ballroom dance studio for many years, helping couples and singles enjoy the benefits of dance, while having fun!

Getting fit should be pleasurable, not boring. Ballroom dancing, from the Waltz to West Coast Swing, can actually burn as many calories as a gym workout. For many people looking to get fit, the dance floor offers an exhilarating alternative to the drudgery of the gym, and experts say sticking to an exercise regime is much easier when it’s not a chore. It makes sense – if you enjoy what you’re doing, you look forward to it and won’t be looking for excuses for why not to go. With the stress relief and fun that comes along with Country and Latin dancing, you will be surprised as to just how much you are enjoying a work out regime.

Depending on the dance, like Country Swing, Bachata or even the sultry Argentine Tango, ballroom dancing can burn anywhere from 250 to 500 calories an hour. It is considered a moderate form of exercise, about the same as a brisk half-hour walk on a treadmill. Even better, fast-paced dances like the Salsa and the Cha Cha, can be equivalent to a weight lifting session at the gym (but much more glamorous!). Dancing also improves flexibility, aiding in the relief of chronic pain and stiffness. Wouldn’t you rather be out somewhere at a Latin dance club or Country bar here in the Phoenix East Valley area kicking up your heels dancing, instead of being on a treadmill? You can meet new people with similar interests and let off some steam while enjoying the music, food and culture of our great area! Way better than the gym, right?

If you have noticed a drop in your motivation and energy levels, taking ballroom dance lessons may just help. Research has found that dancing can increase energy levels. A lot of us have sedentary lifestyles, working in offices behind computers and studying for several years in schools and universities. This lack of activity and physical stimulation can take away our energy and leave us feeling drained. Once you get yourself out on the dance floor and put a little Swing dancing or Country dancing in your life,  your metabolism will rev up and get that blood flowing so you will feel yourself starting to come alive again!

Dancing sounds pretty great, right? But what if you don’t even know where to start or you are afraid that you won’t be a good dancer? That’s where we come in! Dance FX Studios here in Arizona has been teaching adults of all ages and abilities to gain the confidence and skills they need to let dance affect their lives in a great way. From the ever popular Country Two Step to the sexy Tango, it doesn’t matter which dance you learn first. Give ballroom dance lessons a try and you will see your body transform itself before long.

Are you ready to experience this enjoyable and beneficial alternative to the gym? Private dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ are made by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm. To get started, we suggest you begin with our Introductory Special, only $40 (per couple or single) for a one hour private dance lesson. We are confident that one hour is all we need to show you our unique method of teaching and how invigorating dancing can be for YOU!

Mark Your Calendars for A Date With Us!

/in /by

Are YOU getting married in 2014? Well, then mark you calendar for a date that you won’t want to miss! Sunday, May 18th, 2014 is Dance FX Studios’ premiere of “Date Night” for Arizona brides and grooms! Join us on this special evening for dancing, fun, a wedding gown and tux fashion show and so much more. Dance FX Studios’ Date Nights are the perfect way to solidify upcoming wedding vendors, from photographers to caterers, or just to come out and enjoy an evening with your honey.

The night will include (our favorite part) a wedding dance lesson for you and your fiance provided by one of our wedding dance specialists.Whether you are getting married in a month or in a year, knowing how to do your first dance is a priority for most wedding couples. The days of getting away with doing the prom sway are out, so this is the perfect chance to get comfortable on the dance floor in order to shine on your wedding day. Our group wedding dance lesson will include key tools to make your first dance a success. These tools include fun turns, a dip and more!

Spend the rest of your date night listening to great music, meeting new friends and seeing how to put the finishing touches on the biggest day of your lives. How fun is that!?

Would you like to attend this special event at no cost? Local preferred vendors, including La Bella Bridal, Celebrity Tux and Tails and SugarLips Cakery, will be handing out free passes upon setting up a consultation with them for their amazing services.Otherwise, couples will pay just $15 to attend Dance FX Studios’ first Date Night. And, since our event is open to the public, you can invite fellow soon-to-be married couples to join you for a great time!

Dance FX Studios is located in Mesa, Arizona, on the border of Tempe and Chandler, just off of the 101 freeway. We are minutes from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Gilbert, Arizona in the Phoenix East Valley. We specialize in wedding dance lessons and private dance lessons for adults in popular social dances like Country Two Step, Swing, Salsa and Argentine Tango. Even if you can’t make our date night, it’s never too late to join in on the fun with us! Read more about our wedding dance packages and what others have to say about Dance FX Studios. We have been in business here in Phoenix for over a decade, serving Phoenix residents with quality social ballroom dance lessons. We would love the opportunity to help you and your fiance look incredible on the dance floor for your first dance so give us a call today at 480-968-6177 or check us out online.

 

Couple’s Dance Classes in 2014!

/in /by

You have been thinking about learning to dance, but are just not sure how to get started or which type of dancing you would like to learn. To be able to dance at any social occasion, your best bet is social ballroom dances like the Salsa, Country Two Step or the Swing. Social dance lessons will get you ready for those upcoming holiday parties, weddings and even nights out around town.  The most efficient way to learn to dance is with private dance lessons, so that you can receive one-on-one dance lessons with your instructor. However, if you have a tight schedule or maybe you’re not sure which type of dances you want to learn and would like to try a variety, then you may want to consider taking group dance classes.

 

If you live in the Phoenix East Valley area, beginning in January 2014, couples group dance classes are returning to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona after a short hiatus for the holidays! We have been teaching group dance classes for years and this time will be offering a variety of weekly, drop-in classes for beginners.  From Country to Salsa to Jitterbug, these 45 minute couples classes will be held Monday – Thursday evenings at 7:00. What’s great about this is that you don’t have to commit to a series of classes. Whatever your schedule allows, just come on in and join in the fun!

 

Group dance classes are an easy, affordable way to begin to learn some of the basics of whichever dance you choose. As the leading social dance studio for adults in Arizona, you have the chance to learn dance steps that you can use in any social dance situation. We will provide you with the tools needed to dance in the real world. And, since each class is held just once a week, it’s an ideal way to fit dancing into your busy life.

 

For some, focusing on a specific dance just once a week within a group may be better suited to their goals. However, if you can’t decide which dance to attempt first for only $15 per couple, per class, why not try a variety? Maybe one week, try the Salsa, the following week, give the Country Two Step a shot! Try a couple of different dances each week- whatever works best for you and your partner! Learning several dances will allow you to be able to dance to a variety of music, so you become a more well-rounded dancer. This way, you won’t be limited to just one type of dancing and will be ready for almost anything!

 

At Dance FX Studios, group dance classes for adults are an excellent way for couples to meet new people and explore new dance styles. Who knows- you may even make friends with other couples and all go out dancing together!  It is also a perfect way for you and your partner to spend some time together each week learning a new interest.  With both of your schedules being so busy every week, it may be hard to find the time for the two of you to just get away from it all and have a good time. What a perfect opportunity to reconnect with each other! Wouldn’t it be nice to spend some time together doing something that is so beneficial and acquiring skills you will use anywhere?

 

So, grab a partner and come join other Phoenix couples in Dance FX Studios Group Dance Classes for a fun-filled night of dancing! See you in 2014!