Zumba Rocks at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ!

Zumba fitness classes are all the rage at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona! Fun-seeking, healthy people from all over the Phoenix East Valley have been coming to our studio to get their groove on for years. Zumba fitness is a unique, energetic approach to combining a cardio and targeted toning fitness workout with dance. Belly dancing, Latin dances, Country dancing and International music all fuse together and create an hour-long class that people everywhere are addicted to! Every Zumba class is like a dance party, and our awesome Zumba instructors are positive and encouraging, keeping the whole class pumped and enjoying a workout like they never thought possible!

Zumba has a way of making you forget you are working out with sexy but simple moves to dance music like Cha Cha, Salsa, Reggaeton, Bachata and more. Best of all, you don’t need any previous dance experience! It is fun AND effective; it uses interval training combining fast and slow rhythms to give you an excellent aerobic workout and keep you on your toes. Our instructors select different target zones to focus on for each class. Zumba Toning is an especially great way to shape your arms, legs, abs, back, and booty! If you have old injuries or don’t feel comfortable doing certain movements, don’t stress. The instructors at Dance FX Studios here in the East Valley of Phoenix, AZ make sure each and every person in their class is comfortable, happy, and safe!

The Zumba workout is basically  a “watch and follow” type of fitness class. The moves are repeated often enough for you to catch on to and they’re not complicated. For those of you who are nervous to join in with the “regulars”, know that routines are repeated week after week with additions every now and then to spice things up!

Zumba fitness has become an international sensation, and for good reason! Even those who loathe working out find themselves working up a sweat and having fun with this high impact dance-based workout. There’s nothing like cranking up the music and letting your body go. Zumba does just that, not only giving you a workout, but also serving as an outlet for stress and tension and letting you express yourself.

Zumba is a fun way to get in shape for the swimsuit months that are coming so quickly (why is it already 80 degrees??).  We have multiple packages and a low drop-in price, so you can fit and have fun whatever your budget allows! We have three classes a week, Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. You can beat the weekday humdrum and start your weekend off right with us every week! Visit our Zumba page on our website today to find out more, or call us at 480.968.6177 today!

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.

Real Men Two-Step

We at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona are avid Country dance fans! Anything from the AZ Two-Step to Country Swing, we just love the fun, energetic dances that come along with Country music. So let's talk about a few of the different boot-scootin' dances that you can whip out at your favorite Country dance bar!

AZ Two-Step

Arizona Two-Step is a great dance for your mid to fast-tempo songs. Think along the lines of "Wagon Wheel," "How Bout Them Cowgirls," or "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy", to name a few popular Country dance songs out today. These songs keep a comfortable walking pace and are fantastic for the relaxed, but fun feel of  the Country Two-Step. This is a dance that can look and feel effortless while still keeping your partner entertained!

Country Swing

Country Swing is a super exciting dance for your uptempo songs! With lots of turns and pivoting around your partner, the Country Swing is the perfect choice for crowded dance floor and fast beats. Songs like "Guitars and Tiki Bars," "Knee Deep," and "She's Country" are a few examples of the tempo you want to look for. Just be sure to take your Cowboy hat off before you try all those spins and twirls!

Country Nite Club

Country Nite Club is our (and your!) go-to slow dance. It's a romantic, smooth dance that can be simple and beautiful, or a bit showier, depending on your personal style. It matches just about any genre, but fits incredibly well with songs like "Bless the Broken Road," "I Do (Cherish You)," and "Desperately". With smooth gliding steps and a nice closed embrace, Nite Club 2 Step is basically a grown up version of what we like to call "the 8th grade sway."

Country dancing is pretty much a staple in the greater Phoenix area. The best way to hone your skills and gain confidence on the dance floor is through private dance lessons here at Dance FX Studios in Arizona. We can even introduce you to other country dances like the Country Waltz and West Coast Swing if you want to become a Country dance superstar! We are just minutes away from Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler,AZ but anyone from Queen Creek to Flagstaff is welcome to come try out lessons with us. Country isn't your thing? We also teach Latin, Swing, Ballroom, and Argentine Tango, so anyone can find the dance that's right for them.

Looking for a place to practice your new skills? Check out our Country Dance Party on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Live music, a Country Swing Lesson, treats, and a night full of dance si what you can expect! Get your tickets today for just $15 per person and enjoy an evening of fun with us!

Learn A Wedding Dance, Made Just for You!

Planning a wedding takes heaps of time, patience, creativity, and decision-making. Picking the cake, flowers, venue, guest list, etc… The list goes on, as we are sure you know! If wedding dance lessons are on your list and you live here in Phoenix, Arizona,  one of Dance FX Studios' wedding dance choreographers can help! Our Wedding Dance Consultation gives you a full hour to discuss your vision for the perfect first dance for you, along with plans for your wedding day including the dimensions of your dance floor and more key information that will help us prepare the ideal wedding dance for you. We will also take you and your fiance  out on the dance floor to learn some useful new moves in preparation for your wedding dance. Dance FX Studios' Wedding Dance Consultation is just $20! 

Your venue, song choice, dress type, shoes, and so much more all have an impact on what your dance can include and look like. During your first dance consultation, we will get to know that information in addition to your personalities to help create a customized first dance that suits both of you. If you live anywhere near Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, or other cities in the East Valley, we are the place for you!

Your first dance as husband and wife is a significant part of your wedding day. It can set the tone for the remainder of your reception and will reveal your true connection with your new spouse. Song choice, therefore, is very important. Some aspects of your first dance song that you should be aware of are the lyrics, tempo, and rhythm.  These aspects will help to set the mood and give your guests a glimpse of you both as a couple. We have a wide selection of wedding songs (if you don’t already have one in mind) and plenty of years of experience to help you make the right choice!

Along with your first dance song selection, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ can also assist you with customized choreography. Whether you would like a simple and elegant first dance or a "Rock your Reception" style of dance that may include Swing dancing, Argentine Tango or even Salsa, we have done it all! Dance FX Studios has choreographed wedding dances for thousands of couples over the years, so rest assured that you will be in good hands.

Taking private wedding dance lessons with your fiancé can serve as a time for relieving stress and connecting with each other in the midst of the wedding-planning mayhem. It is very important to keep yourself healthy and happy (even if you aren’t planning the big day!), and we love being a positive part of our students’ lives. Dancing burns calories, tones muscle, and releases endorphins in your brain – the perfect combination for pre-wedding stress!

When you come in for your wedding consultation, we want to maximize your experience. It is important to come prepared to get the most out of your visit. Be sure to bring any song choices you think of, reception venue information, pictures of your wedding dress and shoes, your availability for taking lessons up until the big day, and any details of the ceremony and reception that you want to tie in to your first dance. For more information regarding your Wedding Dance Consultation, you can visit our website or call or visit us today!

5 Practice Ideas to Improve Your Social Dancing

Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we highly encourage our students to practice what they have learned in their private dance lessons outside of the studio. But HOW do you practice? Ah, that is a wonderful question that we are happy to help you with! Whether you're trying your hand at Latin dance lessons, Swing, Tango, or Country dancing, here are a few tips for what you should be doing outside of your private lessons or group dance classes to see some great improvements:

1. Practice counting music

Counting music is an incredibly important aspect of dancing. If you aren't a natural at hearing beats of music, private dance lessons with us at Dance FX Studios are a great asset. Your instructor can give you the tools to find the beat in multiple types of music, from the Foxtrot to the Tango. After this, try to count any music you hear. At the gym, while cleaning the house, in an elevator - anywhere there is music playing - try to find the beat! With enough time, assistance and effort, hearing the music in all of your favorite dances becomes second nature.

2. Walk through your footwork

Is that underarm turn giving you a hard time? Go through the steps over and over until you no longer have to think about it. Repetition is the key to success here, so walk through your footwork until it feels natural. Just remember to take nice, small steps while you're dancing up a storm in your kitchen.

3. Shadow dance

It's difficult to practice lead and follow without a partner, but you can get serious benefits from shadow dancing. How does one shadow dance, you ask? Pretend you have a partner in front of you! Hold your dance frame as you would with a partner and pretend you are leading/following them. This trains you to maintain a solid frame while giving you a chance to practice leading techniques on your own.

4. Dance with a comfortable partner

The best way to practice is ultimately with another person. If you have a go-to partner (s.o. or otherwise), practice together in a comfortable environment. This is the time to try out any new moves or techniques you want to work on without feeling intimidated.

5. Dance with a NEW partner

Once you're pretty comfortable with your moves, it's time to dance with a new partner. The true test of your lead or follow is to give it a whirl with someone you don't know. The goal is to be able to dance with anyone, right? So grab a friendly looking stranger at that salsa club and give it a shot.

Ultimately, dancing is not about just getting your footwork down, so the sooner you feel comfortable with those feet, the sooner we can show you all of the cool stuff that you can do with your body. From turns to wraps, you can truly enjoy social dancing once your feet are on auto-pilot and you can focus on leading and following. That's when the fun really begins...


These are all fun, simple ways to improve your dancing faster along with your private dance lessons. Private dance lessons will give you the tools you need to be able to practice at home and enjoy any social dance floor, so if you live in the greater Phoenix area, come check us out! We are located in Mesa, Arizona, near Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Phoenix, just off the 60 and the 101 freeways. If private lessons aren't for you, we also have awesome group dance classes and rockin' Zumba fitness classes throughout the week. Let's get you on that dance floor!

Dance Your Way to Improved Flexibility

The physical benefits of dancing have been discussed in many of our blogs, touching on how dancing can improve your muscle tone, coordination, and even provide some cardio work in more rigorous dances. We have also mentioned how your flexibility can be improved when you dance, and today we will discuss this a little further. Flexibility is something that many of us fail to maintain. We all lose some of our flexibility as our bodies age, but dancing can help you stay flexible and discover how important it is to maintain the elasticity and resilience of your muscles. At Dance FX Studios, we make sure that our students stay healthy and comfortable while becoming skilled social dancers, and stretching is a very important aspect of a dancer’s regime. 

Without regular stretching and exercise, you can lose flexibility in your joints and muscles as the years pass by. Stiffness begins to build up and can prevent you from doing everyday tasks safely and comfortably. Arthritis can manifest when this happens, and this is both uncomfortable and unhealthy. Dancing requires you to move your whole body, exercising various muscles and getting them to move in all directions, improving your flexibility and muscle tone. Dance with big, sweeping movements like those in the Argentine Tango, stretch your muscles and joints. Those with faster, smaller movements like the Country Swing require quicker, shorter muscle contractions, which aid in agility and resilience. Variety is the spice of life; learning multiple dances will give your body the most benefit and will also keep you and your mind on your toes.

Spine flexibility is another aspect of muscle and joint health that we often leave by the wayside. Between school, desk jobs, watching TV, and other sedentary acts of our technological modern lives, our spines and necks are many times out of alignment and out of shape. This can cause pain and discomfort in people of all ages. Ballroom dancing can help! With proper dancing in lessons, you can work your core muscles and strengthen your spine and neck’s support system. Constant weight shifting, changing direction, and whole body movements will improve your balance while exercising your core muscles, neck, and spine. The movements required on the dance floor will move your muscles, as will the stretching exercises you do off the dance floor, improving flexibility in no time!

You will quickly see improvements in joints, muscles, and ligaments all over your body when you take regular lessons and stretch consistently at home. Different types of dances require different muscle movements and body positions, so by learning and practicing multiple dances, you can experience a larger spectrum of benefits. The sweeping Tango, quick Country Two Step, and fun Jitterbug all offer a different type of exercise and benefits. No matter what type of dance you want to learn, your body will improve after continuous lessons! Try our $40 Introductory Offer to get a taste of what dance has to offer, or if you know you want to jump right in, take a look at our specials on our Gift Cards page. Today is the day to get up off your couch or chair and get moving, so call us today!