The Do's and Don'ts of Social Dancing (Part 2)

Welcome to part 2 of Dance FX Studio's social dancing etiquette! Did you read our DO's of social dancing, yet? Okay, go do that first. Caught up? Good! Now that you know a few things you should be doing, let's move on to some of our DON'Ts for social dance - be it country, swing, ballroom, or latin:

Don't #1

DON'T ask if you don't know the dance.

Identify the dance style before asking for the dance. It's uncomfortable for both you and your partner to say "Let's salsa!" only to discover 30 seconds in that it's actually a bachata… and you don't know how to bachata. Listen to the music, find the rhythm, then ask for your dance once you know you're in familiar territory.  If you aren't able to identify the music yet, there's nothing wrong with asking others near you or sneaking a peak at what others are doing.

There's a part two to this one… Don't know how to waltz? Don't ask someone to waltz. Now, I don't mean "You're new to dance, so stay off the floor!" Advanced dancers are more than happy to help beginners through their basics. But walking on a dance floor without an inkling of what the dance even looks like can only lead to trouble. Be nice to your fellow dancers and take a group dance class or even private lessons first! It'll make you AND your new partner more comfortable.

Don't #2

DON'T dance above your partner's level.

I'm really happy you can do a triple free spin, a rag doll dip, and then flip me over your shoulder, I really am. But, dancing is a partnership, not a competition. If your partner is struggling with the basic, forcing them through crazy turns and tricks isn't your best option. Avoid the embarrassment and potential danger by keeping it simple and comfortable. You'll thank me later!

If they seem like they are a bit more advanced, ease into the harder moves. Test the waters a bit before throwing out multiple turns and harder leads/follows.

Side note: No flips or aerials on the dance floor!! With lots of people and little space, it is incredibly dangerous to you and those around you.

Don't #3

DON'T give lessons on the floor.

You are not a teacher, and (even if you are) the social floor is not a proper teaching space. Think about it - there is little room, it's impossible to hear, and no one asked you for a lesson. Even if you do have truly helpful info for your partner, unsolicited advise can make your partner feel uneasy. Social dance is supposed to be fun, so laugh off the mistakes and move on!

If your partner does ask for help, try to move away from the main dance area. Find a space with plenty of room, so you can break things down without getting in the way.

Now that you know some manners for the dance floor, come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ and learn your moves! As I said earlier, you've gotta know the basics before you jump out on the floor, so check out our private dance lessons. We are conveniently located off the 60 near Tempe and Chandler, minutes away from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Queen Creek. We teach everything from Jitterbug to Argentine Tango, so no matter what kind of music or dance you like, we've got you covered!

The Do's and Don'ts of Social Dancing (Part 1)

Let's talk etiquette for a second. Everyone knows basic table manners - keep those elbow off the dinner table! - but do you know the rules of the dance floor? They may seem self-explanatory, but you'd be amazed at how many dancers go out with little to no concern for everyone else (at least here in Phoenix). Whether it's salsa, ballroom, swing, or tango, dancing is a joint effort. We at Dance FX Studios are here to help, so let's talk about a few of the "do"s of social partner dancing!

Do #1:

DO ask for a dance. 

I understand. She's gorgeous, a great dancer, and super intimidating. But, she's there to dance just as much as you are! Dancers are super friendly, so give it a shot. The worst she can do is say "No, thanks." If she does, move on to the next one. There are plenty of fish in the proverbial sea who'd love to tear up the floor with you!

Ladies - a tip: Make yourself accessible if you want to dance! If you're seated in the farthest away corner from the dance floor, you don't exactly look ready to boogie. Stand near (but not ON) the dance floor, and let those guys know you're available for a dance. If you're feeling extra bold, find that shy guy and ask him yourself! We ARE in the 21st century, after all.

As a side note, I do mean ask for a dance. Walking up to someone and dragging them onto the floor sans invitation (unless you're already close friends/partners) generally leaves a bad taste in said partner's mouth. Use your words!

Do #2:

DO know how to navigate the dance floor.

No one wants to run into the other dancers on the floor, so it's the leader's job to know the rules of navigating the dance space. Are you dancing foxtrot or Country Two Step? Make sure you follow that line of dance! And practice going around those corners (and other dancers) with something a little more exciting than a rotating sway. Swing? Salsa? You may not be traveling quite as much, but you definitely have limited space. Keep an eye out for flying arms and feet of the dancers around you. It's your job as a leader to guide your follower out of danger at all times. And my lovely followers, give your lead a helping hand. He has blind spots that you can see, so don't be afraid to let him know (with either words or a slight tug) that a couple magically appeared behind him. 

Lucky for you, we at Dance FX Studios are here to help you learn floor navigation as part of our lessons. We know that there is more to dancing than just knowing the moves, so we're happy to put your driving skills to the test and help you grow.

Do #3:

DO practice good hygiene.

It seems like I shouldn't have to say this, but I've encountered my fair share of smelly guys and girls on the dance floor. Be kind to your fellow dancers - shower, brush your teeth, and use deodorant. Dancing is cardio! You are also putting yourself into someone's personal space while performing said cardio. Do I need to say more? 

Careful not to overdo it though! A lot of people are sensitive to strong smells, so be respectful of your allergy prone friends and leave the AXE/Victoria's Secret body sprays at home. 

Want more DO's? Come on down to Dance FX Studios in Mesa and ask our instructors! We all have plenty of dance floor experience that we're happy to share with you. We are conveniently located off the 101 and the 60, near Tempe and Chandler, just minutes away from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert. We have private lessons as well as super fun group classes, so you have no reason not to come visit us. No matter what your preferred style of dance, we'll teach you some killer moves, as well as how to achieve them successfully on the dance floor. Now, take these tips and go bust a move!

Guys, Are You Ready For Valentine's Day?

We are just two short weeks away from Valentine's Day-every woman's favorite holiday and the one time of the year that guys could do without. Well guys, if you would like to make your wife/girlfriend happy this February 14th, do we have the perfect gift-giving idea for you! Can you imagine a gift that includes quality bonding time together, light exercise, tons of romance and is jam-packed with FUN and EXCITEMENT? And, to top it all off, you get to be in charge the whole time that she is enjoying this gift? Well, we have the solution to every relationship, old and new, this Valentine's Day. Couple's dance lessons in Salsa, Swing, Country Two-Step, Argentine Tango or Ballroom dancing is exactly what she wants and, believe it or not, what both of you may really need.

Yes, it's true! Ballroom dance lessons for couples are a wonderful way to re-connect, or to build something really special, with the lady in your life. Whether its been 30 years or just a month, private dance lessons for two are quite the remedy when you want to feel closer than ever to your lover.

If you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, you can begin your romantic adventure into a new and exciting hobby that will keep you united with your sweetie with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Dance FX Studios is THE place when it comes to focusing on all of the many benefits of learning to ballroom dance. We are not just here to have you memorize foot patterns. Oh no, we want you to enjoy dancing for years to come! With that, each of our private dance lessons is geared towards giving you an experience that you will always treasure.

Let's say that she has always wanted to take a spin around the dance floor at that Country bar you always go to. Sounds great, but there's one glitch. You don't know how to dance. We know that guys usually won't tackle the dance floor until they absolutely have a clue what to do. That's where we come into play. Let us show you how to overcome your intimidation of that not-so-scary dance floor with Country dance lessons for two!

In our private dance lesson introductory offer, we will take the mystery out of learning to Country dance or Latin dance and show you how to have a date night made just for you for the rest of your lives!

Each private dance lesson here at Dance FX Studios is geared for your goals and abilities. Let us show you how to how to Swing dance or Tango into each others hearts once again and ignite something new, beginning this Valentine's Day. Dance FX Studios is just off of the 101 freeway in Mesa, right next to Tempe and Chandler. We are less than 10 minutes from Scottsdale and Gilbert and oh so worth the drive. Take a peek at our Valentine's Day special offers to see how we can help you to sweep her off of her feet this year. It's never too soon or too late to show her how much you care with the perfect gift from us at Dance FX Studios.

Make Zumba Fitness Classes Part of Your Healthy Lifestyle!

Sometimes some of us have a hard time sticking to a healthy lifestyle. Let's face it; cookies, chips and soda usually taste pretty dang good. The guilt, weight gain and energy slumps from these types of foods are not so great, though. But for some reason, we eventually crave them again like junk food fiends. This is because the processed sugar and carbohydrates in unhealthy foods can actually become addicting. The lack of energy you experience from eating foods like these (after that sugar high) results from the absence of nutrition and energy-giving vitamins and minerals in them. Without energy, it can be a challenge trying to find the motivation and drive to exercise. It's just a vicious cycle! While we can't change your eating habits for you, we can offer a fun way to exercise: Zumba Fitness Classes! At Dance FX Studios, we offer Zumba classes three times a week and offer a few varieties of Zumba. Our studio is in Mesa, Arizona, near Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix area, and our Zumba Instructors were hand picked and come to our studio to teach these fast-paced, unique exercise classes and keep the Zumba craze alive.

Zumba Fitness is a dance-fitness class that incorporates great music, exciting dances from Salsa to Belly Dancing and cool, choreographed, easy-to-learn routines all into one hour of FUN. It’s a workout without knowing that you’re working out! In each high energy, hour long Zumba Fitness class, you can burn between 500 and 600 calories! Stress and tension relief is also a perk. You can improve your endurance and cardio abilities, as well as tone your whole body, especially your legs and core area! At Dance FX Studios we offer three different types of Zumba Fitness Classes: Zumba, Zumba Sentao and Zumba Toning. In regular Zumba classes, your instructor will pick a target zone to focus on and use specific dance moves to work these target areas. Zumba Sentao involves using a chair as a tool; doing push ups holding the back of the chair and do leg raises and other movements while sitting. Your instructor will lead you through moves using light weights in Zumba Toning, also targeting certain focus areas. Zumba Toning classes are especially great for sculpting your upper arms and forearms, your back and your chest. No matter which class you choose, our instructors make sure each student is comfortable, motivated and hydrated throughout the duration of the class.

The group class aspect of Zumba creates a community of individuals that keep each other motivated and coming to class consistently. Fitness classes are a great way to meet new people who are like-minded as you and are driven to be fit and healthy. Many of our students have become close friends with each other and their Zumba instructors. In fact, some of our instructors are attending the Zumba Convention and will meet up with other instructors and students. They love their Zumba family!

If Zumba Fitness Classes sound like something you could see yourself enjoying, we have several memberships, class packages and a Newcomer's Special for you to do so! Visit the Zumba Fitness page on our website to view the packages and learn more. Come join the Zumba craze at Dance FX Studios!

Enjoy Learning to Dance with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ

Happy New Year! Has it hit you yet that 2014 is here? And it's almost February already! How are those new year's resolutions coming along? Well, don't throw in the towel just yet on those plans of learning to dance in 2014 as the year is still new and it's definitely not too late to begin. That's right, if you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, you can start your journey into becoming a confident social dancer as soon as tomorrow! Located right in the East valley of Phoenix, in Mesa to be exact, lies one of the most wonderful places to learn to dance Salsa, Country Two Step , Swing, Argentine Tango (and even more fun social dances). We offer both private dance lessons and group dance classes for you to enjoy! Come join in the fun with us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ and see how easy we will make it for you to dance comfortably in no time.

Have you imagined yourself in a Latin club in Scottsdale dancing the night away? Can you envision yourself NOT at the bar nursing a beer and actually participating in the FUN?  Let us get you ready for your next outing with Salsa, Bachata and Merengue dance lessons! You will be out there shakin' your hips with the best of them before long. And what comes with knowing how to dance? Of course, you will soon be able to enjoy a new hobby with your partner, have an exciting date night to look forward to and meet new friends once you can Salsa dance.

What about those Country bars here in the East Valley and around Scottsdale and Phoenix? Country dances like the Two Step and Country Swing are very popular right now. In fact, they are must-haves if you want to sweep any Arizona gal right off of her feet! Give Two Step dance lessons a try and see how your nights will fill up with fun at all of the local Country places to dance right here in town.

For those who have a flair for the dramatic, learning to dance Argentine Tango must have been on your New Year's resolution sheet, right? If not, now is the time to add passion and romance into your life with the sensual tango, a dance that is not to be missed!

Dance FX Studios is just off the 101 highway in Mesa, on the border of both Tempe and Chandler. We are less than 10 minutes from Scottsdale, Gilbert and Phoenix. We serve residents from as far as Flagstaff and locals from Queen Creek to Gold Canyon, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley and more neighboring cities. Set up your first dance lesson and let the excitement begin! You choose the dances that you want to learn and we will do the rest! Remember, the year is just getting started. Now is the time for you to give yourself the gift of dance.

Ballroom Dance Lessons Are For Everyone!

The world of dance has so many styles, types of music, environments, personalities and emotions to offer. No matter what kind of music you listen to or what type of personality you have, Dance FX Studios can prepare you for dancing in any social setting you see yourself in. Latin, Swing, Tango and Country dancing styles are all very popular categories of dance, with multiple dances within each category.  Located in Mesa, Arizona near Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix area, Dance FX Studios specializes in these four popular types of dance.

 Do you like sexy Latin music? Consider yourself a passionate or sassy person? The Argentine Tango is perfect for expressing your sensual side. Not only will our awesome instructors teach you steps and movement to Tango, but they also discuss how to connect with your partner. This is vital for such an intimate, connecting dance. Dancing the Tango is all about expressing yourself and embracing the feeling of the music through your movements, which makes it great for self-expression and enhancing your connection with your partner! Dance FX Studios can help you realize a whole new side of yourself when you take Tango dance lessons.

From the Jitterbug to the Jive, Swing dancing can be enjoyed to an impressive variety of music genres. At Dance FX Studios, we teach the West Coast Swing, Jitterbug and Country Swing dance. You can Swing to almost any type of music: Jazz, Big Band, Country Western, Blues, Rock and Roll and oldies! Not sure which type of Swing would suit you best? Try our $40 Introductory Offer for private Swing dance lessons, in which you can discuss what types of music you enjoy and where you see yourself dancing with your instructor. From there, they will create a lesson plan tailored specifically to you and/or your partner’s goals, preferences and needs, no matter which type of dances you are interested in learning. Have a busy schedule and a tight budget? Check out our Jitterbug Couple’s Group Classes on Thursdays at 7 pm. Only $15 per couple, they are a great way to learn and have fun with your partner at a bargain!

In Arizona, the most popular Latin dances are Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Bolero and Cumbia. Salsa dancing is especially popular; there are numerous Salsa clubs in the Phoenix area where thousands of people are enjoying the passionate, playful dance. This makes Salsa dancing another must-know dance, especially if you consider yourself a flirty person (or want to become one!). Luckily for you, Dance FX Studios has been a leader in the world of social ballroom dance for over twelve years! With one on one instruction or partner lessons, you will be enjoying yourself at the Salsa clubs in no time! You can also check out our Group Couple’s Salsa Lessons on Tuesdays at 7 pm.

Perhaps the most popular type of dance in our area is Country dancing. You can become a capable, confident Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Nite Club Two Step or Country Waltz dancer in no time with lessons from us! You are sure to have a blast at places like Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill, Spurs and Cactus Moon when you learn dance steps, dance floor navigation skills and how to connect with your partner. Some Country bars are known to get a little rough and rowdy, so we make sure our students know how to keep themselves and their partner safe and having fun on the dance floor! We offer Couple’s Group Classes for Country Swing on Wednesdays and Country Two Step on Mondays as well, making it easy and affordable to join the Country craze.

No matter your style, taste, or personality, there is no doubt you can find a type of dance that you love and enjoy learning at Dance FX Studios! We can equip you with the skills and confidence to take what you learn at the studio out to social settings. The most important thing for the Dance FX Team is for students to take what they learn out to dance floors everywhere and have FUN! So come learn from Dance FX Studios and prepare yourself for a whole new world of social opportunities and excitement!

Learn to Ballroom Dance in Arizona with Dance FX Studios!

Want to try a new, fun activity that you can do with your family, friends, or co-workers? How about social  dance lessons in cool styles like the Salsa, Swing or Country Two Step? Learning to dance is an enjoyable and beneficial way to spend time together each week on something that you will all be able to use for any occasion.  It can be challenging at times to find the time to do something entertaining with a group of people, so at Dance FX Studios here in Mesa, Arizona, we offer our Create-A-Class option as a way to spend quality time with those you enjoy. What a nice change from the usual pursuits, such as dinner or a movie.

If you live in the Phoenix East Valley area, Dance FX Studios provides you the opportunity to get you own group together to socialize and learn how to dance.  Social dancing is an ideal way to reconnect with each other, learn a new hobby and make new memories together.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to learn dances like the playful Jitterbug, the sassy Bachata, or the sensual Argentine tango? This way, the next time you are invited to a wedding or want to go out dancing, you and your group will be all ready to go!

Our Create-A-Class consists of 4 or more in your group, with everyone having a partner, so that each person has someone to dance with in class. We recommend you begin with at least two dances, since believe it or not, learning multiple dances is actually easier than learning just one!  Learning to ballroom dance is a pastime that can help to build solid communal relations and encourages socializing, which boosts self-esteem and a positive outlook in anyone. The great thing about this is that when you feel confident and optimistic, it affects every area of your life.  Who wouldn’t benefit from that?

Do you have a group of friends you have been trying to get together? Well, this is a wonderful way to gather up some friends, decide on a few dances that you would like to learn and set up your first appointment. It's that easy! Keep in mind that we offer every social dance from the Foxtrot to the Cha Cha so we can help you get ready for any upcoming event. It can be hard trying to coordinate everyone’s schedules and make plans with your friends. This way, you can all arrange to get together once or twice a week learning to social dance. And as you progress with your lessons, the whole group can then go out dancing together.  What a great time you will all have strutting your newly acquired skills out there on the dance floor!

Maybe you and your co-workers could use some team building exercises.  Instead of the usual corporate team building practices, why not try something out of the box?  With Create-A-Class dance lessons, your team will learn to work together as a group, improve attitudes, stay focused, develop better relationships with each other, and help to reduce stress.  Taking the classes together will teach you how to work together achieving a common goal and have a good time while doing so.  For employers, you will be amazed at how positively this can affect the atmosphere and productivity at work.  Think about it this way- an investment in your employees is an investment in your company’s success.

For those of you who would like to spend more time with your family, what better way than to learn to dance together.  Why not make a plan to get together sometime during the week to get out as a family to do something that is exciting and beneficial for all? Sure, playing board games or going to the movies can be fun, but having everyone learn a new skill as a family is very bonding. And no matter where you go, everyone will always have the ability to kick up their heels!  How cool is that?

Ready to get started?  Dance FX Studios is here to assist you, your family, friends, or co-workers with group dance lessons.  Keep in mind, if you decide you want to continue with lessons on your own or with your partner, we also offer private dance lessons, in everything from Salsa to Tango, every Monday-Thursday, from 12-8 pm and Saturdays, 11 am – 4 pm.  We would love to help you become an assured and proficient dancer!

Wedding Dance Lessons in Arizona in 2014

Congratulations to all the 2014 wedding couples out there! What an exciting and hectic time in your lives preparing for your wedding day. One thing you may not have considered is your first dance for your wedding.  It is definitely something to think about and plan ahead of time, so you feel confident, natural and fantastic when the big day arrives!

Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona is the perfect place to get prepared with wedding dance lessons, from a customized first dance to being able to dance throughout the night.  Whether you want a classic wedding dance, by learning the Foxtrot or Waltz, something spicy like the Latin Salsa or Bachata, the romantic and passionate Argentine tango, or popular Country dances, we have you covered. We will start you out with our Wedding Dance Consultation- an hour long session of gathering information about your wedding, song selection, and a mini dance lesson, for only $20! This is an ideal opportunity for couples to find out what we can do for you to get you ready for this most important day of your life. 

If your first dance is important to you and you want to make it really exceptional and memorable, you need to make the time to do so. We suggest that you do not wait until a week or even a month before the wedding to start taking lessons. Allow several months to be able to learn, get your moves down, and feel comfortable in your dancing. This way you won’t have to stress about having enough time to get ready and will be so glad you didn’t wait until the last minute when you both dance the night away with proficiency and self- assurance!

Today, we are going to explore possible song choices for your first dance. This is an important choice, because ensuring you have selected the right song not only reflects who you are as a couple, but it sets the tone for the rest of the reception. As you begin going through a variety of music options to find just the right song, we have a few tips to remember.  The perfect song will help you to feel fabulous, poised, and make a lasting impression on your family and friends.

First, select a song that will reflect your personalities. After all, your wedding is all about the two of you and sharing this beautiful moment with your loved ones. Deciding on a song that is special to both of you can really reveal who you are when gliding gracefully and joyfully on the dance floor. Think about how magical that will be when your loved ones see the happy couple skillfully dancing together lost in each other’s eyes!

Next, make sure you decide on a song that is meaningful to both of you.  The bride and groom should feel comfortable with their song selection and dance routine. When you both enjoy the music you are dancing to, you will be more motivated to just let loose and have a great time! Your guests will love your energy and will be absolutely be knocked out by your abilities on the dance floor.

And last, but certainly not least, is something you may not have considered- the speed of your music. Choosing a song that is somewhat fast may not be the best choice, especially if you do not have a lot of experience dancing or are on a limited time schedule. If you are not sure about this, talk to your instructor about what they think may be best for you.  After all, we want to be sure every couple looks their best when they are out on the dance floor with everyone watching this enchanting moment!

Let Dance FX Studios help you make your wedding day even more unique and memorable with private dance lessons. If you or someone you know has a wedding coming up this year, give us a call at 480.968.6177 so we can help you with your wedding dance and make you competent and confident dancers!

Line Dancing! Get up and Dance!

Line dancing is a fun, socially-involving type of dance that is extremely versatile and welcomes dancers with any ability to the dance floor. Not only can you perform a Line dance to just about any type of music, any number of people can participate in a line dance as well. This makes it the perfect dance for a group, couple, or person to learn to perform at a wedding or event.   

Group Line dance lessons are also a fun addition to a party or gathering and a great way to create memories with any group of people. Line dancing will definitely comes in handy at other social settings, like nightclubs and bars, making it a useful dance to know. If you live in or near the Phoenix East Valley, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ is the perfect place for you and your family and friends to learn to Line dance! With over ten years of experience, engaging instructors and a unique teaching style, Dance FX Studios has been a leading dance studio in the Phoenix metropolitan area over the years.  We have Dance Parties with live music, numerous private dance lesson packages, group dance classes and more that cater to any dancing and choreographing needs you may have. Our Create-A-Class option for small groups, even co-workers, and plenty of Wedding dance packages for you and your spouse-to-be and bridal party are also great options. 

To show you just how versatile Line dancing is, and what types of Line dances you can do, here is a breakdown of Line dancing:

    Circle Line Dances

        Circle line dances include dancers in a big circle or multiple circles “wrapping” around each other. One popular circle line dance is the Cherokee Kick. It almost looks like a follow-the-leader dance done on a circle.

    Contra Line Dances

        Contra dances usually consist of two lines, typically divided with men in one line and women in the other. With larger groups, there are usually two lines, but they are split off into two lines per section. It is preferred that there is the same number of dancers in each line. The dances consist of segments of steps repeated indefinitely until the song is over.

    Progressive Line Dances

        Progressive line dances, also called traveling line dances, include the Ten Step Polka, the Long Branch Hustle, the Tennessee Walk and the Sway. Progressive dances travel across the floor rather than taking place in a definite limited personal space for each dancer. This, too, is an engaging addition to any group event involving dancing, as the movement around the floor is open to dancers joining in.

    O-Line

        O-line Line dances such as the "Memphis Tush Push" do not require specific lines, but rather are action-related dances where all members in a group do the same movements. This is a great Line dance to use to get a crowd or group of people excited and on the dance floor.

   

There is no genre that can't adapt to Line dancing. Country Music is the most popular music style for Line dancing, as we have discussed in a previous blog. Deriving mainly from Square Dancing, Line dancing developed its own prevalence with its allowance of individual participation and more variety in its styles and steps. However, the Cha Cha, Rumba, Waltz and many original "made for line dancing" styles are excellent forms of line dancing that enjoy great success in nightclubs and gatherings. 

Come check out how much fun it is to Line dance at Dance FX Studios! With our array of private lesson packages and group dance classes that will suit your every need, we will prepare you for any wedding, party, club, or event where any type of social dancing is enjoyed! Call us at 480.968.6177, explore our website, or come in to the studio today to get more information on what Dance FX Studios can do for you.

Ballroom, Country, Swing or Latin Dance in 2014!

The holiday season is over and a new year has begun! The Dance FX Studios' Team from Mesa, Arizona sincerely hopes that you and your loved ones enjoyed the holidays and are excited and ready to start 2014 anew. This new year means fresh goals, resolutions, hopes and plans to work towards and look forward to. We want to help you with your new plans and goals through social ballroom dance lessons! Resolutions to improve yourself, get in shape, meet new people or try something new can all be obtained when you take dance lessons.  If you’re planning a wedding or an event in 2014, we can help you become prepared to have a blast! Our instructors can help you with wedding dance choreography, learning dance steps and selecting music that’s perfect for your event and venue with wedding lessons and group dance classes. We also offer In House Dance Parties that are great for meeting people and enjoying yourself in a new way.  Be it Country, Latin, or Swing dancing, we can help make 2014 an excellent year!

As we have discussed in previous blogs, dancing is an excellent form of exercise that benefits your body and mind as a whole. It challenges your brain and body in a unique way that most other exercise forms do not. You can work on losing weight, getting in shape and becoming a healthier you when you incorporate dance into your fitness regime. Having the ability to dance opens up an entire new horizon of social opportunities for you. You can take the skills and moves we teach you to your favorite Country bar and Two Step or Swing dance with someone new, leaving a great impression. Salsa and Tango dancing is an excellent way to meet a fun, passionate person at a Latin club or spark some new romance with your partner. Learning to dance will also give you a new confidence that carries over to your social life as well. It is nothing but wins all around!

Your 2014 wedding dance is bound to be spectacular when you enlist the help of Dance FX Studios. Over the years, our staff has choreographed hundreds of bridal party dances and first dances. Our Create-A-Class offer makes it easy to plan lessons for your whole bridal party. It is also a great option for any other event you have coming up, like a birthday or company party. We have multiple package options for whatever your wedding needs may be. Our Wedding Workshop coming up in February is also a great way to prep for your upcoming wedding! Multiple vendors will have specials and samples to offer and a mini dance lesson will be taught as well.

Nights Out and In House Parties have been fun and successful over the years, providing our students, their guests, and nonstudents alike with a great opportunity to dance and enjoy themselves. In fact, on January 11, we’re having an In House Party! We have a live country band coming, Two Bit Shotgun, and they always get our parties going. These parties include drinks, refreshments and, of course, dancing fun! There’s a discount for signing up in advance, so be sure to book your spot soon!

Whatever 2014 involves and promises for you, we wish you a Happy New Year and hope you’ll join our Dance FX Studios family or continue to grow and prosper with us as the new year unfolds. Cheers to 2014!

Learn About the Latin Dance, Merengue!

Did you make a resolution for 2014 to add some excitement in your life and try something new? A promise to exercise more and get yourself in better shape? Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona can help you stick to your resolutions in a FUN way! At Dance FX Studios, you will learn a variety of dances like the fun, easy-to-learn Latin Bachata, the sensual Argentine Tango or the boot scootin’ Country Swing! While learning dance steps is obviously important while taking lessons, knowing the history of dances that you learn is vital to keeping their legends alive. It can also enrich your learning experience and create meaning behind the particular dance style and its music. One dance we teach at Dance FX Studios is the Merengue, which has a unique history unlike other dances. Let's explore more about the Merengue...

Merengue is a style of Dominican music and dance in which partners hold each other in a closed position with their knees bent slightly left and right. Throughout the song, the leader’s and follower’s hips move in the same direction. Merengue dancers may walk sideways or circle each other using small steps. They can switch to an open position and do separate turns while either continuing to hold hands or releasing one hand. Many choreographies of the Merengue are possible, but oftentimes intricate pretzels can be performed while dancers twist and tie their handhold. Although the tempo of the music may be a bit frenzied, the upper body is kept majestic and turns are slow.

The Merengue is one of two national dance and music styles of the Dominion Republic, established as so by Rafael Trujillo. Bachata is the other national style, which we also teach! There are a few theories of the origins of the Merengue.  One story alleges that the dance originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of drums. Another is that a great hero was wounded in the leg during one of the many revolutions in the Dominican Republic. A party of villagers welcomed him home with a victory celebration and, out of sympathy, everyone dancing felt obliged to limp and drag one foot. A different version states that the black slaves saw the ballroom dances in the Big Houses and when they had their own festivities started mimicking the "masters' dances". Hoping to incorporate excitement and their own flare to the European dances, the slaves added a special slight skip or hop provided by drums to the music. 

Dominican populations migrating to the United States brought the Merengue to New York City in the early 1900s. Migrating Dominican musicians played their music at local clubs and around the neighborhood, spreading the popularity of the traditional music. This also allowed for new types of music such as Hip Hop, R&B, Cuban and Puerto Rican styles to influence the music of Merengue. However, this does not negate the typical traditions associated with the early types of Dominican Merengue. Typical Merengue, which can be heard at Merengue Típico clubs and various areas on the East Coast with heavy Dominican influence, symbolizes the traditional and rural life of its place of origin. It relates to the dance and religious aspects of Dominican life, creating a musical history for Merengue dancers everywhere to enjoy. 

The history of all types of dance and their respective music styles gives reason and richness to the movements and emotions of each type. It is easy to simply learn dance steps and memorize movements and forget the emotions and stories behind dance styles. But, by learning about each dance, you can enrich your experience and get lost in the wonder that is dance! Join us at Dance FX Studios and you can let the wonder and history of dance enhance your life in 2014.

Learn to Ballroom Dance This New Year!

It’s a new year!  As many of us make resolutions for 2014, it is a good time to take stock of our lives, see where we are, where we are going, and what changes we may need to make as we move through the year. If you are like a lot of people, there are things that you keep telling yourself you want or need to do, yet somehow, there is always a reason not to follow through- too busy, other priorities, etc. Sound familiar? We know that for some, learning to dance Salsa, Swing or even Country Two Step is one of these objectives that you or your partner have been talking about it for quite a while, and yet you are still sitting on the sidelines. Well, make the decision now to put this on your list of priorities for 2014 and learn to dance!

We know that it can be a little intimidating going into the unknown, trying something new, but keep in mind, you are not alone. At Dance FX Studios in Mesa Arizona, the Phoenix East Valley’s leading social ballroom dance studios, we have helped thousands of unsure, inexperienced, everyday people turn into confident and skillful dancers with private dance lessons.  We would love the opportunity to do the same for you!  Whether you love the idea of learning some spicy Latin dancing, are a big Country fan, or want to try the fun-loving Jitterbug, we have you covered at Dance FX Studios.

Not sure how to get started?  It’s easy! We suggest that you start with our Introductory Offer. This one-hour private dance lesson is only $40 (per couple or single) and is the perfect way to begin your dancing education!  You will work one-on-one with an instructor sampling several dances of your choice. So, if you are not sure which type of dances you would like to learn, you will be able to explore a few genres. This way, as you progress through your lessons, you will be a more versatile dancer with the ability to dance to a variety of music while also having a fabulous time! 

One of the great things about learning to social dance is that you will be able to dance anywhere, anytime, for any occasion throughout your life.  Whether you are going to a wedding or going out Country dancing or Tango dancing with friends, you will have the skills and knowledge to get out on any dance floor and strut your stuff with confidence!  Who doesn’t like that feeling? And keep in mind, this assurance will also spill over into every area of your life. 

For all the men out there- ladies love men who can dance! If you are single, this is a wonderful way to meet the ladies and really impress them with your moves while sweeping them off their feet. Be prepared, you may find yourself being approached by quite a few ladies to dance, once they see what you can do out on the dance floor.  It sort of makes it worth learning to dance, wouldn’t you say?

And let’s not forget the married men. This is the ideal way to add some passion and romance to your relationship.  Imagine you and your partner being able to spend some alone time together, holding each other close and reconnecting on a level you never thought was possible.  Isn’t your relationship worth going that extra mile to do something nice for her?  And will you ever score big points!  

Learning to social dance is beneficial in other ways as well. It keeps you fit, mentally and physically.  It is perfect for stress, since dancing allows you to leave your worries at the door and just enjoy the moment.  And dancing is ideal for socializing, whether you go out with friends or meet new ones when you are out dancing, is sure beats sitting in front of the TV night after night!

So, why wait? Get this year off to a good start with private dance lessons at Dance FX Studios. The sooner you get going, to quicker you will be out on the dance floor kicking up your heels and having a great time!  We are here Monday-Friday, from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm. Give us a call to begin this awesome journey of dance that you and your partner will appreciate now and in the years ahead.