When I first started tango, I was intimidated by the intricate footwork, close embrace, mysterious combination of posture and balance that I was convinced I will never be able to master. Then I came to Fuad and Ozlem's class and step by step I got rid off my fear and doubts. They showed me how relaxing, creative and fun tango can be. The very first class I watched them dance together in a graceful yet playful manner that inspired me not to give up. Without hesitation I recommend their classes to anyone interested in learning and dancing Argentine tango. Fuad is extremely dedicated to his art, he always makes sure to leave us wanting more. And Ozlem is my aspiration. As a follow, I hope one day I can dance like Ozlem. I am truly lucky to have met this amazing tango couple so far away from my home country. I wish I could take them with me to Kazakhstan.

ALFIYA MEDEKENOVA

 

 

Fuad and Ozlem's tango class is a time and place to breathe. In the rest of my life, I often hold my breath, over-analyze, and bite my tongue. I regularly close myself off to deep experiences by checking impulses to express and connect. But as I enter the dance studio, I start to open. The background music and Ozlem's warmth invite me in. Then I start to move, and my teachers' words guide me, both in real time and into the future, in trusting my body's intelligence and letting others lead. Through their gentleness of spriit, clarity of instruction, and inspirational demonstrations, Fuad and Ozlem have equipped me with a means to speak simply and beautifully and to truly be with another.

LARA APPLEBY

 

 

Houston Texas is a far cry from the bohemian whimsy of the dance halls of Argentina. And yet it is somewhat fitting that here, in the energy capital of the world, reside this Turkish and Lebanese powerhouse of a couple. Ozlem and Fuad dance with the sort of sinuous force you would expect to find in BA, at the best milongas and with the best dancers, trust me I would know. They combine years of refined technique with something perhaps less perceptible, call it prose or grace of movement, call it musicality, call it what you will. This is hard to imitate, harder yet to teach and yet each time you train with them you walk away with a greater understanding of it. They understand the structure and music, and yes of course they are perceptive to what is holding their students back like tango gurus or body shaman, something they have no doubt acquired only after years and years of training. But perhaps more importantly Ozlem and Fuad are adept at not just translating the beauty of the dance but teaching you to speak it. Be in their presence and you will understand how.

ANA GUADALUPE CAMPOS

 

 

I began learning Tango two years ago after more than 12 years of dancing and competing in West Coast Swing so I understand the process of learning an ‘educated’ dance. Since then, I’ve been to Özlem’s and Fuad’s Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced Tango classes and 3 things stand out for me regarding their classes: First, they look good dancing together so when they teach, it makes you want to look and dance like they do! Second, they are rock-solid on Basics, so taking their Beginner Class (or dropping back to a Beginner class for polishing up your Basics) ensures that your dance will have a solid foundation on which to grow. They focus on proper Lead/Follow technique but more importantly, Özlem and Fuad make musicality a part of everything that they teach. Learning new Tango moves is only the format - musicality makes it a dance! And third, the theme of their instruction, from Beginner to an Advanced level, is to ‘extend and improvise’ what you have just learned in class. They encourage creativity and make it fun to try different variations. They give us dancers the personal attention we need to feel the embrace, to improve how we execute a move and to help us learn how to create the ‘communication’ with your partner that makes Tango so exciting. That, therefore, is a complete Tango instructional package!

WAYNE BRODD

 

 

Fuad and Ozlem are a gem for Houston tango.  They have a wealth of global tango knowledge and are eager to share their expertise with their students.  Their classes always include new dance vocabulary, technique, musicality, posture, etiquette, and grace in a relaxed studio setting.  More importantly they are delightful, vibrant, modest people to spend time with because no one enjoys being taught by unapproachable or haughty instructors, no matter how learned they are.  I regret not discovering Fuad and Ozlem sooner.

BONNIE BARRERA

 

 

I've had the pleasure of not only knowing Özlem and Fuad from their great skills at tango but also as really good friends of mine, and not because of the latter but rather because is true I MUST SAY they have this magnificent way of teaching the tango amalgamating styles, elegance, juvenile spirit which is transmitted to all their students, creating an open arms atmosphere, which becomes a policy to receive everyone with warm and friendly embraces. From the great musicality of Fuad and his fun patterns to the elegant cadence of Özlem's walk, we get to appreciate from a high respect to the traditional codes of tango to its conjunction within the contemporary evolution of IT. A fun thing to watch and learn from. And I state this as a person who has a lot of miles under his walking at milongas all around the world, and couples LIKE THIS.. are priceless to hang with

MARCOS ZAPATA

 

 

If you want to learn how to dance tango, with Ozlem and Fuad you will find yourself in perfect hands. They are both great charming dancers and they are definitely very passionate about what they are doing - both dancing and teaching. My husband has never attended any dance class before and  was quite skeptical about his ability to learn tango at all, but our amazing teachers   managed not only to plant a seed of confidence in him but have made him to enjoy doing tango. Fuad and Ozlem created such a nice informal atmosphere in their class that it always a pleasure to be there.

LEYLA&YURIY ABASOVA

 

 

Ozlem is really into business! Every single student at the Tango Friends class feels a connection as a group in an atmosphere that keeps you really entertained and craving for learning and experience more Tango. Ozlem and Fuad have the ability to make complex simple and explain in a very easy to follow and remember way. I am pretty sure this class is among if not the best Tango class and I am absolutely sure, Ozlem is the best Tango dancer in Houston.

JORGE SANCHEZ

 

 

Beginners of tango! Come to Ozlem and Fuads class if you are seeking both a professional and fun introduction to the world's most sensually intoxicating dance! These two not only have years of experience under their belts, but they are welcoming, encouraging, and always smiling. Another plus is the studio: very smooth floor and a full wall mirror see yourself as you practice. Also, when you reach the advanced level, you continue to pay the same fee and are encouraged to attend the beginners without any additional fee. This class is the highlight of my week!

SARA OMAR

 

 

I have been coming to Ozlem and Fuad's Tango classes for three months and I have nothing but great things to say. Classes are taught in a casual and friendly atmosphere were both teachers make sure you learn each concept. Fuad himself always finds a way to relate each technique to each student's experience which makes it better to remember and often funny too. I definitely suggest these classes to everybody as a way to destress as well as to find a great new hobby and possibly a new passion.

ALFREDO RAMIREZ

 

 

Tangoing with Ozlem and Fuad is awesome! They dance with their hearts and they make tango dancing fun to learn. Each class will leave you thirsty for more!

CAMILLA WILLIAMSON

 

 

Fuad and Ozlem are such incredibly talented tango teachers. They share their love for tango with great passion and generosity. I'm always looking forward to going to my tango classes with them on Thursdays!

SANEMI

 

 

The first time I met Ozlem and Fouad in the tango class, I was impressed by their pedagogy. Fouad is ever charming but also has the gift to make students understand his point with awesome metaphors. They are both great teachers, who know how to get the best out of their students. I personnally also really liked having a female teacher, so that I could see her steps precisely, as she would demonstrate along with Fouad. This helped me a lot. Finally, they are very professional, dynamic and super fun to be with!!

ShADÉE NOT

 

 

I took classes with Fuad and Ozlem in 2010, they expanded my vocabulary in Tango. Their accurate knowledge of how movement works, helped me to make my dance more fluid. Their classes are not only fun, with love, patience and discipline, Fuad and Ozlem have always help me to advance in my dance.

GEORGINA MONDSHINE

 

 

I took my first tango lessons with Fuad and Ozlem. The lessons were a tango intensive with four hours of instruction spread over two days. I should have felt overwhelmed, but I never did. They have a very agreeable style as to the pace of the instruction and the inclusion of tango etiquette. I left feeling encouraged to learn more and feeling prepared to attend a milonga albeit as a newbie dancer.

MARCY SHEA

 

 

Although I grew up listening to Carlos Gardel, Piazzolla, Mercedes Simone, among others, I was new to the tango as a dancing expression. It all started in a small restaurant in downtown Baton Rouge under my favorite "maestro": Fuad. It is commonly said that "Tango is not in the feet. It is in the heart" , and that is exactly what Fuad was able to transmit through his dancing and teachings to all of us. The importance of the art itself, the musicality, the tempo, the rhythm, the basics, were key components of the afternoon tango classes. I was inspired for more than two years while attending his classes and milongas. It was a wonderful experience. I wish I could continue dancing under his guidance. As a "lagniappe", I was also able to dance with the wonderful Ozlem, she is a natural tanguera. She brought so much light to our classes and tango community here in town. Miss you guys. Save the next "tanda" for me!
MAURICIO

 

 

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