What Social Dancing Can Do For You

Social dancing... It's great for the mind, body and spirit! When you think of learning to Country dance or exploring the Argentine Tango, the first thing that comes to mind may not be all of the ways that social dancing can heal you as a person or as a couple, but in fact dancing can do just that. For example, for couples, partner dancing encourages teamwork: two people engaged in an activity for a common goal. In the case of ballroom dancing, that would be for the purpose of having more fun and looking great. Couples also benefit by simply being more physical with each other. Embracing may not be something that couples who have been together for a while do often enough. In partner dancing, couples get to be intimate, and learn a new hobby, all at the same time.

For singles and couples, social partner dancing may inspire one to go out and meet new people who also love to dance. Heading out to a Latin dance club or Country bar and Two Stepping or Salsa dancing the night away with a variety of partners will surely help with forming new friendships with those who have similar interests. A sense of community and belonging is key and, during the holiday months, may be even more essential when you think of those who don't have much family or are looking to expand their social circle with friends who are enthused about the same things.

That being said, social dancing can offer a way to make deeper connections with others. Because dancing is an international language, through it one can connect with others of different cultures on the dance floor. For those that love to travel, try social ballroom dancing in another country and see how easy it can be to relate to a new friend after a dance or two. It's a pretty cool feeling to know that you can feel more aligned to someone from another place after experiencing a dance with them.

Social dancing is a HUGE stress reliever! Now that the holiday season is in full effect, ways to let go of unwanted pressures are primary.  Regardless of the time of year, life can be stressful. Social dancing not only gives you a healthy way to distract yourself from life's burdens, but it also allows you to physically to unwind. Just getting up and moving releases energy that may be pent up from from a long day at work, or spending time with those relatives that seem to show up at your doorstep every holiday. :) Once you really get dancing, like in the Swing for example, your endorphins will also kick in, making it nearly impossible to be in a grumpy mood. Now for that benefit alone, it is worth learning to dance!

There are many, many more reasons why everybody should learn to dance. Music heals the heart and, coupled with physical activity, dancing is the perfect way to enhance your life. If you would like to see how dancing can elevate your spirit, and if you're an Arizona resident, contact us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. In our New Student Offer, you will get a window into the excitement of partner dancing and how easy it is to learn. To get started today, give us a call at 480-968-6177 or submit a request through our website to be contacted. We would love to share the many gifts that social dancing has to offer with you!

Improve the Quality of Your Life With Ballroom Dance Lessons

If you could do anything (I mean ANYTHING), what would you like to do as a hobby?

Now, are you that person who is ready to give me a whole list of things that you'd love to learn, or are you returning a blank stare to me through your computer screen? No matter how old you are, time certainly slips by quickly, so why put off that dream of yours to learn to dance? 

If you can't remember the last time you invested in yourself or in your relationship with your sweetheart or spouse, then social ballroom dancing is for you! Self-improvement and enhancing the quality of your most intimate relationship is what learning to dance can give you. In just a few short months, you can have a skill that will boost your confidence, add more romance and even provide stress relief for you individually and as a couple. Think about how nice it would be to set aside an hour or two a week to get away from the kids and do something romantic as a couple. That is a great thing! Who knew that taking Salsa dance lessons or learning to dance the Country Two Step could give you these benefits and more? We did! 

At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we customize all of your private dance lessons around your needs. From adding more "adult" time together, to building up your confidence so that you can lead or follow anyone on any dance floor, we will give you the tools to dance comfortably anywhere. Within each lesson, our focus will not just be on dance moves and techniques, but also on the perks that social dancing has to offer. You may not know this, but learning to Swing dance or even dance Argentine Tango also aids in a better memory as well as improved balance and coordination. These physical benefits aid in the prevention dementia and other physical deteriorations as you age. Practicing your dancing will also help with muscle memory-giving you a wonderful hobby that can last a lifetime. 

As you can now see, social ballroom dancing offers so much more than one may first realize. Besides the physical and mental rewards, you can open up your social life by learning to dance. With new friends who share the same interest, you can have a healthy activity that can be used anywhere from Country bars to Latin clubs and all other social gatherings including weddings and holiday parties. 

Now's the time to spice up your life through dance! Whether you want to give Country dancing a try or you want to explore sexy Latin dances like Bachata and Cha Cha, any style of dance that you learn is a great investment in you. For Phoenix East Valley residents, come visit us at Dance FX Studios. Our Newcomer's Offer is a fun way to check out how dancing can benefit you! For more information or to set up an introductory lesson, give us a call at 480-968-6177 today. 

How to Spot A Good Leader (on the Dance Floor)

Have you ever gone out dancing and spotted one couple on the dance floor that just looked AMAZING? Chances are, you can thank the guy for that. Now, don't get me wrong... The lady is doing her fair share of hard work to look good, but she can't do it without the help of a strong leader. No matter how pretty the painting, you can't look at it if there isn't a solid frame holding it up, right? Right. A good leader can be hard to find, but he is definitely worth the hunt. Here are a few helpful hints from the professionals at Dance FX Studios for spotting a great lead so you can guarantee yourself a phenomenal dance.

The lady looks comfortable and the dance looks easy.

If someone looks like they're trying really hard, they probably are. Dancing on a social floor isn't necessarily easy, but it should generally look that way. Whether you're Salsa dancing at a Latin dance club or dancing the Country Two Step in a local Country bar, a good leader is consistent in his lead and knows how to guide a woman properly. When a leader knows what he's doing, his follower shouldn't have to struggle to get through the dance. If the woman looks lost and confused, her leader is in all likelihood giving her mixed signals.

Now, a lady could look confused on the dance floor because she doesn't know how to follow. This only brings up my next point that...

He dances to his partner's level, not above it.

If a good leader is dancing with a less-than-experienced follower, he isn't going to try tons of crazy moves. Since it's his job to make the lady look great, a good leader will determine the level of his follower and go from there. By simplifying his moves, he can keep the lady looking and feeling good instead of one-upping her. If you know a lady isn't necessarily the best follower, but she still looks like a competent dancer, her partner is doing something right.

A good leader also knows how to up his game with more advanced followers. He can pull out the tricks AND lead them with the right lady. But be aware... Just because someone knows cool moves, it doesn't mean he knows how to lead him. If the lady is struggling with the basics of Swing dancing and her leader is trying to drag her through flips and tricks, he isn't a considerate leader. Be wary.

Ladies ask him to dance.

The biggest telltale sign of a good leader? He doesn't have to ask women to dance... because they ask him. I don't mean a random girl happens to ask a random guy who happens to be standing next to her. I mean ladies beeline toward him the second they see he is free for a chance to dance with him. You think I'm kidding? I'm not.  If a guy is a good leader, ladies will compete to dance with him all the time. Watch for it, and stand in line to snag a dance.

He acknowledges his mistakes.

I'll be honest... This doesn't really mean a guy is a good leader. This just means he's a leader I want to dance with. Bad leaders will blame you for their poor lead and good leaders will blame themselves even if it's your fault. If a turn isn't executed perfectly or they end up off the music, a good leader will apologize and fix it. If that happens, he's probably been trained properly through private dance lessons to know how lead and follow works. (Hint hint, guys: if you get to be in charge, you get to claim the mess ups. Sorry not sorry.)

If you're looking to become the leader on the dance floor that everyone wants to dance with, or the follower that every good leader wants to dance with, check out Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. As the only social partner dance studio in Arizona, we focus on teaching true lead and follow techniques so you can be the best dancer out there. Although you can get a lot more out of the one-on-one experience of private dance lessons, even our group dance classes focus on creating amazing leaders and followers. Just off the 101 and the 60, Dance FX Studios is easy to access from Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Phoenix. Join us to become the best Latin, Country, Swing, or Argentine Tango dancer on the dance floor in Arizona!

Ballroom Dancing in Arizona is Amazing!

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”

                              -   Wayne Dyer

Learning to ballroom dance is process. You don’t have to be a perfect Tango dancer or know every variation of Swing dancing to enjoy social ballroom dancing. We can help you to become a confident social dancer at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Our focus here at Dance FX Studios is on your enjoyment and helping you to reap the benefits of dance. We do this by providing the best social ballroom dance lessons in Arizona!

While we strive to help our students become proficient in what we call the language of dance as quickly and as efficiently as possible, learning to dance is a journey. There are endless types and variations of dances that people enjoy around the world, offering options for anyone with any interests. Here in Arizona, it would be practical to learn Latin dances to take to Salsa clubs and you could also become a Country Swing or Two Step connoisseur if you plan to seek out good times at any of the numerous Phoenix Country bars. With any dance type that peaks your curiosity, you will get the most out of your private or group dance lessons with both time and practice.

Many students here at Dance FX Studios are amazed by how much their lives are impacted when they take dance lessons with us. Dancing helps you to get in shape, relieve stress and improve communication and intimacy between partners. It also serves as a healthy challenge, and provides a host of new social opportunities for you. You will gain confidence and walk with a certain air about you with your shoulders back, light on your feet. Dancing actually enhances and creates new connections in your brain because of the physical and mental challenges it provides. Almost every aspect of your life will be enhanced by dancing-all you need to do is come and see for yourself how beneficial dancing can be!

While most of us these days seek instant gratification and want to have the best and be the best we can instantly, the payoff for learning a cool, exciting, and sometimes challenging, skill like dancing is everlasting. Enjoy the journey and remember this, dancing is an investment in yourself and, if you have one, your partner. As the quote above reminds us, enjoy the journey of learning to dance-it is so worth it! i

Have Fun and Dance in Arizona!

Do you need something fun and exciting to get you up off the couch? A new hobby that is more exciting than watching Netflix in your sweats? Social dancing is a stimulating, challenging, and engaging hobby! You will get a lot more entertainment and enjoyment out of dancing than you would binge-watching Breaking Bad. Plus, you know that you have always wanted to learn to Country Two Step, Salsa or Argentine Tango dance. 

Dancing is an important investment in yourself and your partner. You will never lose the skills you learn and the memories you make. You will have a new hobby that lasts a lifetime-one that you only get better in the more you age. How cool is that!? We all deserve fun hobbies that serve as an outlet for stress relief and smiles, and ballroom dancing on a social level is just that. At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, you can obtain the skills and confidence you need and want to dance your nights away! We are located on Dobson and Guadalupe just off the 101, in the Phoenix East Valley, situated perfectly amongst several local cities including Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale, AZ.

Social dancing is not only fun while out dancing in clubs and bars, but we work hard to make your private dance lessons enjoyable and engaging here in the studio as well. We like to provide a stress-relieving environment where men and women from 18 to 80 invest in themselves by taking dance lessons in every social dance from Swing to Cha Cha. In group dance classes and during our dance parties with live music, students socialize with each other and enjoy sharing their progress on the dance floor by practicing together. The camaraderie of Dance FX Studios' students and staff alike is one of many aspects of our studio that set us apart.

Taking a chance and learning something new can be tough or scary for some of us. We understand that change can be hard and learning new skills can be difficult, so we tailor every dance lesson plan and program to the individual student and their needs, goals, and learning capabilities. With over a decade of experience, the Dance FX Studios team has the knowledge and desire to keep every student comfortable and satisfied. With so many types of dances to choose from, from the sexy Salsa to the boot-scootin’ AZ Two Step, you are sure to find something that suits you!

Not only do we have many types and styles of dances for you to learn, but we have many different ways you can learn as well. Our Private Dance Lessons are the best way for you to become a confident and capable dancer in the shortest amount of time. You will get the undivided attention of your instructor with personalized lessons, which is the best way to learn. 

We also have couples’ Group Dance Classes four nights a week, where you and a partner can learn to Country Two Step, Salsa, Jitterbug, and Country Swing. Group classes are a great way to have fun with your partner and learn the basics of any of these four dances! No matter what you are interested in or where you see yourself dancing, if you live in Arizona, our private lesson Introductory Offer is a great first step! For just $40, you get a full hour to learn new dance steps and set dancing goals with your instructor. You will fall in love with your new skills on the dance floor, and from there the fun just begins!

Dance Tips for Social Ballroom Dancers in Arizona

Social ballroom dancing, including Country Two Step, Salsa, Argentine Tango and Swing dancing,  is a wonderful hobby for couples and singles to explore. You learn about yourself and your partner, get a little exercise, relieve stress, and enjoy some new! Private dance lessons are a great way for beginners and advanced dancers to grow in their dance skills. Dance lessons should be structured, detailed and FUN! With a great dance instructor, you are sure to grow quickly and get out on the dance floor in no time.  But what about when you are out at a club or bar? When you are applying the steps and skills your instructor taught you, finding dance partners or enjoying your spouse or partner in the “real world”? We make a point at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona of teaching our students dance floor etiquette and giving them tips to stay safe and smiling on the dance floor anywhere from a crowded Salsa club to a wedding. In any type of dance lesson, from the Country Two Step to the Jitterbug, and more, we incorporate social dancing skills into each of your private dance lessons. 

Here are just a few of the tips that every social dancer must know:

•   Gentlemen, when you spot a lady that you would like to dance with, keep your invitation to the dance floor simple and polite. “Care to dance?”, “Would you like to dance?”, and “May I have this dance?” are all nice ways to ask a lady to the floor. Unless she requests it, avoid asking the same person to dance several times in a row. Invite different women to the dance with you so as to improve the social dynamics of a dance and practice leading different types of followers. This will vastly improve your ability to ultimately lead anyone, anytime as your confidence increases through time and experience.

•   Ladies, do not be afraid to ask a guy (or a few!) to dance. Enjoy yourself and practice following the lead of men with different skill levels and styles. You should only decline a dance if you need a rest, promised the dance to someone else, or haven’t learned the dance (men, take note of this as well!). If someone declines you a dance, don’t get discouraged, just find a different partner.

•  If you are leading a lady around the dance floor, guys, be sure to keep her safe and comfortable. Lead her in an area where she won’t back into someone or be run into by another dancer on the floor. Avoid any lifts or low dips, especially if the floor is crowded or you aren’t a seasoned dancer. Girls, take small steps and let the man lead you to a spot where he feels comfortable and confident. Partner dancing is all about communication and cooperation, so pay attention to each other and ladies, follow his lead.

•   Make sure to make eye contact with your partner throughout the dance. You don’t have to stare them down, but staring at your feet is a no-go, too! Be warm, positive, and friendly; you and your partner are both out to enjoy yourselves! Make the most of it!

•    If your partner is more advanced than you or is stumbling a little, don’t stress! Everybody starts somewhere, so dance to your partner’s level and be patient. Ladies, avoid leading, even if the guy seems to have no idea, because leading is his job on the dance floor. He could be shy, and what better way to practice than on the floor with a positive, patient woman? Both ladies and gents, avoid teaching your partner during a social dance if your partner doesn’t ask, because this can make your partner feel uncomfortable or frustrated. Again, you are both out dancing to enjoy yourself and have FUN!

•   At the end of a dance, be sure to lead your lady back to where she was sitting before, and thank each other for the dance.

If you follow these guidelines on the dance floor, chances are you will have more fun and make your partner more comfortable on the dance floor. If you haven’t started up with private dance lessons yet, we can help you learn key tips and techniques to the dances you want to learn, like the Country Swing or Bachata. Tips like these to keep you dancing the night away happily. Our $40 Introductory Offer will give you a taste of how great dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios in Phoenix, Arizona can be!Within a short amount of time, you will be able to tackle any social dance floor with confidence and ease.

Dance Your Stress Away!

Day to day life stresses and challenges can leave us all feeling tense and unhappy. Stress, if left unchecked, can cause chemical imbalances in your body. This can lead to serious illness by weakening your immune system. The improved muscle and heart function and increased oxygen levels in your body that come with dancing can atone for these negative effects of stress. Irritability, poor memory, aches and pains, sickness, and sleeping and eating more than usual are just a few symptoms of stress that goes unchecked. Managing your stress is so important for your health every day of the year. Dance FX Studios, one of the best dance studios in Arizona, can help you combat stress! We have great deals on lessons, including our $40 Introductory Offer and private dance lesson packages. 

Dance, whether it is the Country Two Step, the saucy Argentine Tango, or the passionate Bachata, is an excellent form of stress relief for many reasons. It provides an enjoyable level of healthy stimulation that improves your overall well being physically and mentally. Physically, dance is a great form of exercise. It helps muscle coordination and reduces the tension in muscles and glands that our bodies hold onto when we get stressed.  Ballroom dancing also requires you to think about multiple parts of your body and how certain movements and parts of your body feel. This can help you become more in tune with your body physically and be appreciative and aware of what is going on with yourself. Stress can attack your body in various ways, so when you are in tune with yourself, you are better at knowing when you are stressed and what you need to do (or not do) to relax. You can release negative emotions in your lessons and the endorphins released when being physically and mentally active will recharge your mood.  You will be working off extra weight and getting yourself revved up to accomplish what you need to! 

Self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-expression are enhanced through dancing and are all beneficial. Mentally, dance spurs the growth of connections in your brain, since it requires you to constantly think about where your body is and where it needs to be. This improves the coordination of your muscles and how well your brain controls and keeps track of the rest of you. Keeping your stress in check is made easier by this self-awareness as well. Dance is also beneficial emotionally in a few ways. When you let yourself loosen up in a lesson at Dance FX Studios, dance can become a great outlet for the various things you may be feeling every day, both positive and negative. Focusing on your lesson, your partner if you bring one, and the music you are moving to can take your mind off of your responsibilities and stressors, giving you the clarity and energy necessary for tackling it all. The more aware of your body and feelings you become, the better equipped you are to know when stress is taking over.

With our current deals on lessons and classes, now is as great a time as ever to get started on those Big Band Swing lessons and Zumba Fitness classes! We can help you fight off the stresses of a busy life and maintain your positive attitude at Dance FX Studios. Talk to your instructor or call us today at (480) 968-6177!