Kick off 2014 Country Dancing!

Calling all Country music lovers! Looking for a fun night out Country dancing? Then, sashay your way over to Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ, on Saturday, January 11^th, 2014 for an evening of live music and dancing with one of Phoenix’s top County bands, Two-bit Shotgun. This exciting band offers a variety of Country and Bluegrass music, along with some Rock and Pop favorites and is known for fantastic music and a wonderful time. Mark your calendars now for this electrifying event!

We encourage current students, former students,  and non-students alike to participate in our dance party, so no need to feel like you have to already know how to Country dance in order to attend. To kick things off, we start with a beginner Country Swing dance class, at around 8:15, where you will learn some basic moves and how to navigate around a crowded dance floor. You will also learn about leading and following, as well as how to hold your partner in a correct dance frame.  Sounds like a really fun way to get started, doesn’t it? Even if you already know how to Country dance, it will still be a lot of fun to take part in the class, or if you prefer, you can sit it out and enjoy watching.

Once the class concludes, then the party really begins with Two-bit Shotgun playing some great tunes for listening and dancing! They will performing a mixture of older and newer Country tunes for dancing to Country Two-Step, West Coast Swing, Country Waltz, Nite Club Two-Step, and Country Swing. Two-bit Shotgun really knows how to inspire people of all ages to kick up their heels two-stepping, swinging, and waltzing their way out onto the dance floor!

The Country dance party is from 8-11 pm, so feel free to drop in any time, but come early if you do want to participate in the group class. In addition to dancing, Dance FX Studios will be offering some yummy snacks and beverages for you to enjoy throughout the evening.  With all the dancing you will be doing, it is a perfect opportunity to refuel and get back out on the dance floor! The cost is only $15 per person, in advance, or $20 per person at the door.  Talk about a cheap date! You can purchase your tickets on our website, by phone, or in person- whichever works best for you.  Feel free to bring your friends along too- the more the merrier! 

Our dance parties are an excellent opportunity for our students to meet and mingle with fellow students and for those who are new to our studio it’s the perfect chance to see what we can offer you , as well as just having a fabulous time. Our instructors will be on hand to dance with everyone and to offer assistance with your dancing throughout the night. How great is that?  If you have any questions about dancing or lessons, feel free to ask any of the instructors- they are very friendly and accommodating and love to help everyone.

If you are looking to fit in in a few private Country dance lessons prior to next Saturday night’s dance, it’s not too late! Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 12 to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. Dance FX Studios is located at 1859 W. Guadalupe Rd, in Mesa, AZ, on the south east corner of Dobson and Guadalupe. We are minutes from Gilbert, Chandler, downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona. 

So, do not hesitate, hop on the website or give us a call, 480.968.6177, to make a reservation now- you know this is something you really want to do. Think of all the fun you, your partner, and your friends will have spending the night listening to an awesome live band and dancing the night away! Come meet the staff of Dance FX Studios and see how much fun it is to Country dance on Saturday, January 11^th, from 8-11 pm. Hope to see you there!

Wedding Workshop for 2014 Brides and Grooms

Planning to get married in the new, upcoming year? Wouldn’t it be great to have some assistance getting a number of ideas for planning your wedding from various wedding professionals? Well, are you ever in luck! DanceFX Studios in Mesa, Arizona will be hosting a Wedding Workshop on Saturday, February 22^nd from 11:30 am-3:00 pm. This is an ideal opportunity for brides and grooms to be able to explore a variety of possibilities for the big day- all in one place! Why not take some of the stress out of preparing for your wedding by attending our exclusive workshop?

For over 12 years, Dance FX Studios has been helping plenty of couples in the Phoenix East Valley prepare for their special day with wedding dance lessons. Whether your vision is a simple first dance or a more elaborate choreographed routine, we will work with you to create a cherished memory that will last forever.  We start couples off with our wedding consultation that includes obtaining information about the wedding, finding the perfect song that suits your personalities, and a dance lesson. From there, you and your consultant can then determine exactly what is needed to make you and your fiancé dazzle everyone on the dance floor with your customized routine!

We are inviting 40 couples to participate in exclusive vendor shopping, dancing, and setting up appointments for your wedding day’s most crucial details on your list including catering, the cake, flowers, hair, make-up, and more. There will also be time to try some yummy samples from our featured caterer. What a treat! Our onsite florist from Bobbie's Flower Shop for the day will be on hand to help with your floral arrangements for the wedding and reception, so no need to worry about coming up with ideas on your own. Not to mention, we offer a 30 minute mini dance class so we can help you to really make an impression at your reception.

Brides, have you thought about the look you want to achieve for this all important day? Well, rest assured- our hair stylist and make-up artist will be here to discuss various options to make you feel confident and even more radiant for the wedding. Why wait for the last minute to make this decision? Just think, knowing ahead of time how you want your hair and make-up to look and scheduling an appointment in advance will help take some of the stress out of having to make that decision later on, when you have so many other things to plan. And also for the brides- you will have the opportunity to actually look at and try on wedding dresses. With an array to choose from, we are sure you will find the dress that is just perfect for you. How fun and exciting!

Additionally, we will have a raffle drawing with some awesome giveaways! We are in the process of finalizing our vendors, promotions, and schedule and will keep you updated on our website to let you know when everything is in place for this exceptional event. In the meantime, give us a call now, 480.968.6177, to reserve your space and ensure you are one of the lucky 40 couples to join in the festivities of this awesome event!

If you have a wedding to prepare for, do not hesitate to mark your calendars and call for Dance FX Studios’ Wedding Workshop coming up soon!

Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
~ Elizabeth Browning ~

Learn to Line Dance at Dance FX Studios!

Line Dancing is a unique, engaging form of dance that is mainly danced to Country music. Its likeness is also seen in many Folk dances. Great for Bridal Party dances, group dances, and parties, you can learn Line Dancing at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Near Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Queen Creek in the Greater Phoenix area, we can choreograph Line dances and teach steps to any group! With our Create-A-Class offers and Wedding Packages, you’re sure to find what you need with us.

This type of dancing typically involves a choreographed dance consisting of repeated sequences of steps. Groups of people, without regard to gender and usually without touching each other, dance in lines or rows facing each other or in the same direction. The dance steps and moves are executed at the same time and in synchronization. Some Line Dances require the lines of dancers to face each other, some take place on a circle formation, and some involve the dancers following a leader in a line around the dance floor. 

Popular opinion sometimes seems to be that Country Western music spawned Line Dancing, but it actually only caused resurgence of its prevalence. The Country music genre has many “danceable” songs, a trend started by Billy Ray Cyrus. After Cyrus recorded “Achy Breaky Heart” in the early 1990s, many other artists began to record songs that could be adapted for Line Dancing, and the dance gained popularity. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn, “Hillbilly Bone” by Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins and “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)” by Luke Bryan are all also Line Dance favorites, as well as many other very popular Country songs.  Country Line Dancing would be an entertaining addition to your upcoming wedding reception or your next group party. With our Create-A-Classes geared for groups and packages for Wedding Receptions, we can choreograph steps and teach them to your bridal party or host a class at a gathering! With many years in the dance business, Dance FX Studios has plenty of experience coming up with just what our clients want and “mending” left feet.

Many types of Folk dancing incorporate Line Dancing, where dancers dance in unison in certain formations. The Balkan countries (those in the Southeast corner of Europe) including Greece, Italy, Croatia and Romania, have histories rich with traditions like Line Dancing, which still exist today. Dancers of many Folk dances, like Balkan dances, can form pairs of lines facing each other, create circles to dance on, or engaging audiences by dancing around the floors. In Folk dances like these, dancers oftentimes are connected by holding hands or shoulders or holding each other’s’ belts. This is unlike Country Line Dancing, where the dancers do not maintain physical connection.

Besides Country Line Dancing and Folk dances emanating the Line Dance style, many other types of music have accompanied Line Dances, like Latin, Jazz, disco, pop, and Swing music. Here’s a list of some Line Dance songs that you may have already boogied to:

• “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex
• “Jump On It” by Sugarhill Gang
• “Macarena” which has a few versions, but was originally done by Los del Rio
• “Chicken Dance” which most of us have done for ages
• “Electric Slide” by Marcia Griffiths

Explore The Sensuous Argentine Tango

When watching a couple dancing the Argentine tango, you can almost feel the passion between them, as they focus solely on each other, shutting out the rest of the world. This dance is exceptionally intimate and romantic and can help to awaken the desire in your relationship with your partner.  Wouldn’t that be nice? The Argentine tango is an ideal way to emotionally connect with each other, as well as providing an opportunity to share a unique endeavor and spend some time alone together.

If you have been thinking of taking up a new hobby, or maybe you have seen people doing the Argentine tango and thought, “Wow, that is definitely something I would love to learn”, then now is the time to do something about it! At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we have been teaching this sexy, exotic dance to many students in the past decade with private tango dance lessons. Private dance lessons are the best way to learn any new dance, since your lessons are customized for you and your rate of learning. Sounds very inviting, doesn’t it?

For those of you who may not be familiar with the Argentine tango, it began in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the late 19^th century in the lower-class districts on the outskirts of the city in bars, cafes, and courtyards. The themes were usually about ordinary men, their troubles, the city and memories. This led to the tango becoming a depiction of Buenos Aires and its inhabitants.

In the early years of the twentieth century, the tango began its journey to Europe when dancers and orchestras from Buenos Aires toured the major European cities. The Argentine tango became a huge hit in the key capitals, such as Paris, London, Berlin and Rome. At the same time it was also becoming very popular in New York. In 1913 the tango really peaked all over the world since it was now the dance everyone wanted to learn! Rudolph Valentino soon became a sex symbol, especially in the United States, as a result of his sensual portrayals of this dance in the movies. 

By the 1920s, the Argentine tango moved out of the lower-class areas and started to become a more reputable form of music and dance. This era, known as the "Golden Age" of tango, was the most impressive, with people from all stages of society packing the dance halls dancing this erotic dance. The Argentine tango finally became accepted all over the world and is still a popular dance folks enjoy today.

The Argentine tango can be danced in a variety of styles and accompanied by different types of music, fluctuating in tempo and basic movements. The main categories for this tango style are open embrace and close embrace. The open embrace has the couple standing further apart and allows them a wider range of movement. In a close embrace, the couples dance very close to each other and frequently actually touch shoulders and heads. What a great way to rekindle intimacy and desire back into your relationship!

In addition to the romance that can be reignited while learning the Argentine tango, it can also improve your confidence and coordination. It has been proven that this dance enhances motor skills and balance, as well as your memory.  The Argentine tango is a great choice for expanding your mind and lifting your spirits.  So, not only will you have a great time dancing, but you will become more intimate with your partner, boost your self-esteem and increase dexterity.  Can you believe that something this much fun can also be so beneficial?

Are you ready to get started? Great! Give Dance FX Studios a call at 480.968.6177 to begin this beautiful journey of passionate, romantic dancing.

The Rich History of the Bolero

The term “Latin Dance” refers to types of ballroom dance and folk dance and includes a wide range of dances originating in Latin America, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Popular social Latin dances include Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Bolero, and the Argentine Tango. Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona we teach all of these dances! Not only are these dances exciting and sensual, they have interesting histories as well. Today, we will delve in to the unique story that is the history of the Bolero dance.

The Bolero originated in Spain, but there are both Spanish and Cuban versions of the dance. Dancer Sebastiano Carezo is credited with inventing the dance in 1780. Fusing two dances, the Contradanza and the Sevillana, Carezo created this combination dance that has a moderately slow tempo. The Spanish Bolero is performed to music which is sung and accompanied by castanets (hand-held percussion instruments) and guitars.  It is danced by either a soloist or a couple. In Spain, during the 18th Century, the Bolero actually had many different names. It was called 'Escuela Bolera', 'Baile de Palillos' and 'Goyescas'. Bolero originated as a fusion of popular dances and classical ballet in order to produce a dance that was fit for shows, and not just for fiestas. Classical Ballet steps were added to the Bolero in Castilla-La Mancha, an area in central Spain where the famous Spanish text Don Quixote is based! The Spanish Bolero was spread by performers who danced the Bolero in other countries in Europe and it soon became the dance to know in many European capital cities. The Bolero also benefited from the contact with European Romantic and Post-Romantic Ballet, from 1835 to 1880.

The Cuban Bolero originated in Santiago de Cuba in the last quarter of the 19th century. Most historians agree that the first Bolero was written by Cuban Jose “Pepe” Sanchez in Santiago de Cuba around 1885. While it is debatable, this version of dance is probably the first more widely known Bolero, so it is accepted that Sanchez gave the formal origin to this genre and its classical style. Cuban Bolero is accompanied by guitar and percussion and has evolved from music in canteens to serenade music. Sanchez was an untrained musician with a great deal of natural talent. Most of his pieces are lost, save a dozen or so, because he never wrote his compositions down. The romantic touch of Bolero allowed it to spread through all classes, and the technological advancements like the radio, help to spread it all over. The Bolero and its music have been perpetuated through vinyl discs, television and cinema. 

While learning to dance is a great experience, sometimes we are removed from the rich history and unique origins of the dances we learn. You can learn the steps and styles of many Latin dances at Dance FX Studios, including the Bolero! If you have never taken a dance class and are interested in starting, our $40 Introductory Offer for Private Dance Lessons is perfect for you! You will learn the proper dance form, a few dance floor tips, and you can discuss with your instructor the kinds of dances and venues you’d like to take your skills to. If you already know how to dance a few styles and want to join in on the Latin fun, we have Holiday Specials happening now! Check out our Gift Cards page and see what kind of steals we have for you this Holiday Season.

Learn to Dance To Your Favorite Tunes With Us At Dance FX Studios!

The New Year is just around the corner- a time to reflect on the past year and maybe make some  changes in your life.  Change can sometimes be a little scary, but without it, we cannot move forward and experience new things in our lives, which really is beneficial for all of us. What about a new hobby or activity that will be fun and rewarding? Do you find yourself tapping your feet to music, moving to songs you enjoy? Then, social dancing like the Country Two Step, Salsa or Swing lessons may be just the ticket! 

Social ballroom dancing is a pursuit that can be used for any occasion from weddings to nights out on the town and something you will have with you forever and talk about beneficial! Dancing is an ideal way to relieve tension, keep fit, and boost your confidence, to name just a few of the benefits. At Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, AZ, we have been helping so many people in the Phoenix East Valley area to learn to dance with private dance lessons. We would love the opportunity to provide any singles or couples with the skills and tools to become self-assured dancers.

OK, so now you are intrigued, but where do you go from here? Perhaps you just are not sure what type of social dancing you would like to learn. Well, let’s start with the music- what type of music do you prefer and find yourself wanting to move to? We are going to explore some possibilities that may help with that decision.  And keep in mind, we do not limit you to just one dance, you have the option of incorporating several different types. The advantage to this is that this will make you a more versatile dancer, so that you will be able to dance to a variety of music, from something slower that is more romantic to something faster where you can really shake it up!

Dance FX Studios is thrilled to announce that now as a student, you will have access to our Spotify account, for a variety of playlists so that you can practice any of the dances you have learned at home.  So, if you are drawn to the Latin dances, like the Argentine tango, Salsa or Bachata, you can login to our account and find our playlists for these dances. To get to our playlist, "Like Us" on Facebook and then follow this link. Those of you who love the romance of tango, you may want to listen to “La Yumba”, by Osvaldo Pugliese. Songs like “Yamulmau”, by Joe Arroyo are great for dancing to Salsa. For the Bachata, try “Obsesion”, by Aventura. These are just some of the Latin dances that are available.

Maybe you prefer something fun and lively- then Swing music like the Jitterbug is a perfect choice! Not only will you find some classic swing music, but also some contemporary swing as well. Check out our Jitterbug Swing playlist for songs like “In the Mood”, by Glenn Miller or “Tell Him He’s Yours”, by Michael Bublé.  After trying out a few of these, you will feel rejuvenated and it will be hard to sit it out!

For all of you Country music lovers, learning the various types of Country dances are made for you! From Country two-step to Country waltz, we have it covered. Check out our various Country playlists on Spotify. You will find songs like “Knew All Along”, by Alan Jackson, or “Ain’t That Love”, by Kenny Chesney and will have a great time dancing around to your favorite songs with moves that you have learned in your lessons.

Think of how beneficial this will be to the learning process! As you progress in your lessons, you will be able to pick a song and know which moves to apply to that particular dance and how to put together your own moves, with what you have learned with your instructor.  What a great feeling that will be and how impressive you will be when out on any dance floor!

Why not give it a try? You will be so glad you took the first step towards trying something different and so much fun.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Social Ballroom Dancing is Popular in Arizona

When most people think of ballroom dancing, a couple in formal attire waltzing around an elegant ballroom might be the first thing that comes to mind. While this is ballroom dancing, the Waltz is only one type of ballroom dance and this is only one setting where ballroom dancing skills might come in handy. In reality, there a many more forms of ballroom dancing and you can dance in so many social settings! That is why we at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona teach social ballroom dance lessons. Located in the East Phoenix Valley, we are close to many metropolitan areas of the Valley. Arizona is a great state for dancing, especially Phoenix and its surrounding areas. As the Arizona Guide says; “Live music, great entertainment and an array of great clubs make the Greater Phoenix area the state’s most stimulating nightspot. Dance clubs throughout Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale play a variety of music, from country and western to hip-hop, top 40, salsa and techno.” We can teach you the elegant Waltz if you so desire, but we also offer dances like the Salsa, Argentine Tango, Country Two Step, the Jitterbug and more! With so many different styles and types of dances, there truly is something for everyone. Let’s discuss some popular dance styles and you will see how much variety there is in ballroom dance.

One very popular style of dance in our area is Country Western. Country Western dancing includes Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, Nite Club 2 Step, West Coast Swing, Country Cha Cha and Line dancing. Each type can be danced to different types of music. For example, the Country Swing can be danced to "Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson, "Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown Band and "My Kinda Party" by Jason Aldean. The Country Two Step is especially well known in Arizona and is often danced to songs like "Honey Bee" by Blake Shelton and "Good Girl" by Carrie Underwood.  Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill in Mesa is a great place for popular Country Western dances, as is Cactus Moon in Mesa. We can not only teach you the skills you need to impress anyone on the dance floor, but also how to stay safe and comfortable on the dance floor that can become chaotic on a bustling honky tonk night!

Salsa and Latin dancing is also very popular in the Phoenix area.  Because we live in the Southwest, Latin influence is prevalent in more than just the food in Arizona. In addition to Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha and Bachata are also must-knows in the Latin dance scene in Arizona. The Tango is a sexy, romantic social dance that will also help you embrace your inner flirt. Latin dance lessons are great for couples to spice up the romance, but singles, do not shy away from learning to Latin dance! Latin dance lessons will bring out an outgoing, passionate side of you that may have otherwise been lying dormant. Popular Latin dancing music for Merengue includes "Save the Last Dance for Me" by Michael Bublé and "Enamorame" by Papi Sanchez, "Mi Corazoncito" by Aventura for the Bachata, and "Sway" by Michael Bublé for the Cha Cha. For Salsa dancing, we would recommend Pepin in Scottsdale and San Felipe in Tempe, AZ. Mijana Restaurant in Tempe is a good place for Tango dancing, and they have Tango Thursdays. You can take your partner on a date much more exciting than dinner and movie after lessons at Dance FX Studios! Or you’ll be able to meet someone new on any Latin dance floor with the skills we can give you.

Swing dancing is also a favorite of Arizonans. Dances that can be referred to as Swing dancing include the Lindy Hop, Charleston, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Jitterbug, and a few others. The Jitterbug Swing can be done to "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles or "Peggy Sue" by Buddy Holly. You can dance the West Coast Swing to "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson and "Lady" by the Commodores. The Duce in Phoenix, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is a great place for Swing dancing!

With so many styles and places to go dancing in the Greater Phoenix area, there is no reason dance lessons won’t prove useful! Get yourself out there and have some fun at our local dance haunts and enjoy music that is great for dancing. We will even share our music playlists with you each Wednesday on our Facebook page so you have new tunes to practice to! Come join us at our Dance Parties here at Dance FX Studios, which are perfect for getting together with other individuals from the studio and putting your skills to use. With our Introductory Private Dance Lesson Offer, you can also see which dances will suit you best and learn some dance basics. You’re sure to get hooked!

Give the Gift Of Dance This Year!

Do you have someone on your holiday shopping list that is hard to shop for? Someone who has everything or is really picky? Maybe you have been married for ages and want to surprise your spouse with the gift of an activity you can do together. If you have a partner you have been dating for a bit and want to give them a present that will show you really care, the gift of dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona will do just that! Social ballroom dance lessons, in Salsa, Swing or Country Two Step or even the Argentine Tango are a gift that keeps on giving, because anyone who learns can take these skills with them everywhere they go for the rest of their life. If you live in or near Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Phoenix, Arizona our dance studio is close to you! You can make dance skills attainable for any of your loved ones this holiday season with us.

Having been around for 12 years, Dance FX Studios knows just how to teach you and/or your partner, spouse, or friend how to dance, whether they have two left feet or not! Our unique style of teaching will keep you engaged and smiling while learning many dances, from the exciting Country Swing to the romantic Bachata. Our $40 Introductory Offer on a gift card is a great way to give someone a taste of dancing. Even better, it comes with a festive box and bow!  You can come in and see our studio, meet our instructors, learn some basics of dancing and sample a few styles with this offer. You are sure to get hooked when you see how fun and rewarding learning to dance really is!

Dancing is so beneficial and can be much more than just a pastime. Anyone you give the gift of dance to will benefit from its numerous perks. One such perk is how dance is a great form of exercise. One lesson at Dance FX Studios can burn anywhere from 250 to 560 calories! Dancing keeps you on your toes and challenges you to think quickly and learn new body movements, enhancing key connections in your brain. It fights depression and anxiety, and, as we discussed in our Dance Your Social Anxiety Away blog, you can become a more social person when you equip yourself with dancing skills! The self-confidence of anyone you gift lessons to will definitely experience a boost and they will be on the road to a healthier, happier self. AND they will have the skills that you helped them obtain for the rest of their lives and will be able to dance in any social setting!

Help us help you with that difficult person to shop for this Holiday season! With our Holiday Savings Event and awesome Introductory Offer for private dance lessons, the perfect gift for anyone can be yours. Whoever the recipient may be, they will gain new skills and reap the benefits of dance while having FUN with us at Dance FX Studios!

Now's The Time to Plan your 2014 Wedding!

Getting married in 2014? With so many details to take care of, you may not have thought about dancing at your reception. Are you and your fiancé ready to dance the night away feeling confident dancing in front of your family and friends? If not, you may want to prepare now for your first dance and dancing throughout your reception. Instead of waiting for the last minute to learn to become a confident dancer and stressing out about looking good on the dance floor, don’t hesitate- get started now!

Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ, part of the Phoenix East Valley area, has been helping numerous brides and grooms prepare for their wedding, beginning with our wedding dance consultation. This hour-long consultation is only $20 and will allow us to learn more about your vision for the wedding, help you with your wedding song selection, and give you a mini dance lesson. No matter what type of dancing you would like to do, we will give you exactly what you are looking for in a customized first dance created just for you! Whether you want something classic, like the Foxtrot, something playful, such as the Swing, or a something a little spicier with sassy Salsa- it is completely up to you.

In order to show you what we can do for you, we recommend that you schedule a wedding consultation as soon as possible.  Keep in mind that you need to be realistic about how long it may take you to learn a new skill that you may not have tried previously.  It does take time to learn and become proficient with your dancing. If you want a customized, choreographed first dance, we suggest giving yourself 4-6 months to really have your first dance routine down. This way, you and your fiancé can feel totally assured in your abilities and dazzle everyone out on the dance floor!

In addition to the first dance, you may also want develop the skills to be able to dance throughout your reception. Dance FX Studios in Arizona can easily add this to your wedding dance lessons! Learning social ballroom dances will not only be beneficial for your big day, but will also provide you with the expertise to be able to dance the rest of your life for any social occasion. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to use this new skill-set long after the wedding?

As we all know, with everyday life being so busy, it really is difficult to be able to find the time to do something fun and beneficial as a couple, especially when you have to plan a wedding.  Dancing is the perfect opportunity to leave everything behind for a little while and just enjoy yourselves out on the dance floor. Dancing together, you  will feel more connected and in touch with each other throughout the process of taking wedding dance lessons. 

Dancing is the ideal hobby for couples to ensure a lifetime of teamwork, trust and time together as well as a romantic way to relax that cannot be found with other activities.  Additionally, what a great way to shed some extra pounds and get more fit, so that you both look even more spectacular in your wedding attire! Since you will be coming in for your lessons anyway, you can now rest assured that you will also be getting a workout, as well.  What an awesome bonus!

Why wait? Start planning ahead for your wedding first dance and give us a call at 480.968.6177 to you set up your wedding dance consultation. Get on your way to making lasting memories for yourselves, family, and friends!

All About Swing Dancing!

Swing Dancing can be enjoyed with many kinds of music, including Country music, Big Band or Swing Jazz music, Rock and Roll and more! It has many varieties that make it an especially versatile dance to learn. If you have ever been interested in learning to Swing dance, come give us a try at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. We will prepare you to be a confident and comfortable Swing dancer in no time! Until then, learn more about the Swing and its array of styles with these fun facts. Did you know that....

-The Swing Era occurred during a period that was full of despair (1935-1945). Racism, gender discrimination, poverty, war and adolescent turmoil were all very much prevalent. The Great Depression (1929-early 1940s) and World War II (1939-1945) both took place at the same time that Swing was thriving.

-Dean Collins was considered one of the greatest male Swing dancers during the Swing Era. He got his big break by choreographing dances for the film "Let's Make Music". This was followed by choreographing dances for and dancing in a long list of movies, including Hellzapoppin', Dance Hall, Playmates, Buck Privates, Ride Em' Cowboy, The Talk of the Town, Springtime in the Rockies, Kid Dynamite, Junior Prom, Living it Up, and more. He is considered a pioneer of the West Coast Swing.

-A scene featuring the Jitterbug, a variation of swing, was cut from the Wizard of Oz. It evidently took five weeks to rehearse and record and cost $80,000 to produce start to finish.  The scene included blue and pink Jitterbugs that bit people and caused them to dance. It was too upbeat, perhaps, for other, darker themes of the movie and was cut when the movie needed to be shortened.

-Swing Jazz music is also known as the Big Band sound. This type of music was characterized by strong rhythms and “call and response” trends between sections of the band. Swing music was dubbed with its name after Duke Ellington’s record, “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” became a hit. During its peak prior to World War II, Swing Jazz was the most universal and widespread genre of music in the United States. 

-West Coast Swing is one of few dances that highlight improvisation.  This variation of Swing, distinguished by its “elastic” moves, is also known as "Western Swing" and “California Swing”. California designated as the style as the Official State Dance of California in 1988.

Here at Dance FX Studios, located in the Phoenix metro area, we offer social ballroom dance lessons, including all of the Swing types discussed above! With our unique teaching style and outstandinginstructors, you can learn a variety of dances you might be interested in, whether it is the passionate Salsa, the fun Country Two Step, or multifacted Swing Dancing. We have great Holiday Savings right now and our $40 Introductory dance lesson offer will not only get you hooked; it comes at a bargain, too!