E65: What makes Fuquan Ferrell with Fuego y Hielo a good neighbor?
E65: What makes Fuquan Ferrell with Fuego y Hielo a good neighbor?
The Good Neighbor Podcast recently welcomed Fuquan Ferrell, owner of Fuego y Hielo, a Latin dance studio that brings authentic social dancing to the Atlanta community. In this illuminating conversation, Fuquan shares his passion for dance and how it transformed from a college hobby into a global career that takes him everywhere from Turkey to Vietnam.
Fuego y Hielo isn't your typical dance studio—it has recently expanded into a new space called Fire Knight Studios, offering comprehensive dance instruction including salsa, bachata, cha-cha, and more styles on the horizon. What distinguishes this studio from others is its focus on authentic social dancing rather than competitive ballroom styles. As Fuquan explains, "We are what they would call 'street'—the authentic style you would dance if you were to go out dancing at a salsa club." This authenticity is a cornerstone of their philosophy, training dancers to confidently participate in Latin dance communities anywhere in the world.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Fuquan's approach is how he views the dance journey. Unlike studios that cater primarily to casual dancers looking for a fun night out, Fuego y Hielo specializes in developing dancers who want to genuinely progress in their skills. "We love taking dancers through a dance journey," Fuquan explains, detailing how they welcome everyone from absolute beginners to those with professional aspirations, guiding them through each milestone of their development. This commitment extends beyond technical instruction to include cultural context—incorporating food, music, history, and cultural traditions into the learning experience.
The community aspect of Fuego y Hielo stands out prominently in the conversation. Fuquan proudly describes how students not only dance together but build meaningful relationships, going on hikes, hosting parties, and supporting each other's progress. He shares a touching story about a student who, through dedicated practice, won a social dancing competition during a group trip to Reno—a testament to both her personal growth and the supportive community that celebrated her achievement. This sense of belonging seems as important to the studio's identity as the dancing itself.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented enormous challenges for a business centered around physical proximity and large gatherings. Fuquan candidly discusses how the shutdown affected both the financial viability of his business and his personal well-being as an extrovert who thrives on social interaction. The contrast between regularly being surrounded by hundreds or thousands of people at dance events to being confined at home was stark. Yet, the studio adapted and persevered, offering online classes and eventually reopening when possible.
For those intrigued by Latin dance but hesitant to try, Fuquan offers encouraging words: "Don't be afraid to come and check out the website, see what we're about. Come check out a class—you might end up finding your new love of your life, both in the classes or just in the community." In a world where many people are "stuck in their ways," as he puts it, Fuego y Hielo offers the opportunity to discover unexpected passions and connections through the universal language of dance.
To learn more about Fuego y Hielo go to:
Fuego y Hielo
(404) 444-0444
