Jesse
Cougot
featured artist
Hope your day is a little funky and a little zen.
Founded in 2023, Funky Zen is a fresh and vibrant hair haven that dares to be different. Our owner, Jesse Cougot, has spent over 2 decades sculpting locks and transforming lives with a pair of scissors in one hand and a pen in the other. Yes, you heard that right—Jesse is not only a talented hairstylist but also a published poet, infusing art and inspiration into every strand of hair.
Chris
Spicks
Chris Spicks is a visionary photographer known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and transforming imaginative concepts into stunning works of art. With a passion for exploring new methodologies and artistic techniques, Chris brings a unique perspective to every project. His ability to blend technical expertise with a bold artistic vision allows him to capture not just images, but evocative narratives that resonate deeply with viewers. Whether through whimsical underwater portraits or the use of fire and water in his photography, Chris Spicks consistently delivers breathtaking visuals that inspire and engage.
Your Creative & Versatile
Photography Team
Fred Astaire Dancers
Elisavet Mantani
Elisavet Mantani, hailing from the captivating Greece, where my passion for dance has flourished for over a decade! As a seasoned professional dance instructor, my mission is simple: to share the joy and beauty of dance with you. My dance journey began with a diverse array of styles, from the exotic allure of belly dancing to the urban rhythms of hip hop. However, it was ballroom dancing that captured my heart from the very start.
Roman Nikiforov
Roman Nikiforov - professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. Dance instructor in the Fred Aster dance studio.
International competition winner, American 10-dance champion, Texas champion in ballroom dancing. Silver Medalist of the European Championship (Moldova), Silver Medalist of the Euro-Asian competition “Silk way” show performances.
Victoria Preobrazhenskaya
Victoria is a professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. Dance instructor in the Fred Aster dance studio.
International competition winner, American 10-dance champion, Texas champion in ballroom dancing. Silver Medalist of the European Championship (Moldova), finalist of international competitions in Beijing, Silver Medalist of the Euro-Asian competition “Silk way” show performances.
Tilemachos Fatsis
Hi there my name is Tilemachos Fatsis and I am from Greece and I have a beautiful Greek accent in my English language.
I started dance at the age of 17 years old, immediately I felt in love with the ballroom dancing. The reason why I start dancing was, a girl brought to the dance studio and we had our first private lesson. My competitive nature started to say to me you can be better in that and we all know how challenging is ballroom dancing.
Olga Kobleva
Born in Russia - International experience representing Russia, Belarus, Portugal, Brazil and the USA - Professional ballroom dancer and advanced dance instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio Texas - Texas Regional Dance Council Member - Associate Dance Director
Experience:
Dancing: 27 years - Teaching: 16 years
Achievements:
American Open Dance Championships Professional Open Rhythm Champion - FADS World Rhythm Rising Star Finalist - FADS National Rising Star Finalist - Master of Dance by Russian Dance Union - FADS Texas Open Rhythm Vice Champion - Finalist and winner of various competitions in Russia, Portugal, Belarus, USA - Chairperson of judges at Brazilian National Dancesport Circuit and judge at the National Dancesport Championships.- Dancing with the Woodlands Stars winner - Regional Top Female Teacher and National nominee - FADS Rising Star Award winner - Silver Freddy Award winner - FADS Rising Star Professional award winner - Texas Regional Dance Council Member
Emanuele Magnasco
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Champions Manager
Viktoria Blewett
I was born in Southern Hungary and started ballroom dancing at the age of 6, because I was too hyper to handle. Moved to the capital, Budapest, when I was 13 all by myself and have been on the move to pursue my dancing goals since then. Some people say I'm an accomplished dancer and instructor, been on TV and danced on cruise ships but I'm too shy to talk about them, since I know I can always do better.
I ended up in Houston 9 years ago, found the love of my life, got married, adopted six rescue pitties and welcomed my first two-legged baby in June. (Those are the things I love to brag about, not my dance competitions :) )