Kizomba, Urbankiz & Tarraxo Instructor in Amsterdam
International workshops • Movement Lab creator • Private lessons
About Phiiaz
The instructor behind the movement
Mahmoud Fayyaz
Known as Phiiaz
I'm Mahmoud Fayyaz — known in the Amsterdam dance community as Phiiaz. I've spent over 11 years immersed in African-influenced partner dances.
My focus is on three deeply connected dance styles: Kizomba, Urbankiz, and Tarraxo. Each has its own language — Kizomba's grounded connection, Urbankiz's contemporary flair, and Tarraxo's slow, meditative groove — and I love helping students discover what resonates with them personally.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I am a nerd when it comes to the details, In my prevous life as a software engineer I learned the importance of clean code and efficient algorithms, and I bring that same mindset to my dance teaching. I believe in breaking down complex movements into simple, understandable steps, and helping students build a strong foundation that they can use to develop their own unique style.
I run regular classes as Tarraxo Toolbox, intensives, and the Tarraxo Movement lab workshop series at Haven Amsterdam — one of the city's most vibrant cultural venues. My events bring together dancers of all levels in a warm, inclusive atmosphere where curiosity is always welcome.
Upcoming Events
Join me at these exciting dance events and workshops
Practical Tarraxo Tuesdays — September 2026
Some things you can't rush. Tarraxo is one of them. The weekly classes are where it actually builds. The muscle memory, the connection, the feel for the music. Practical Tarraxo Improvers and Practical Tarraxo Intermediate run every Tuesday at Haven Studio from 1 September. Two levels, back to back. Come to yours. Each week is different. Body isolations. Footwork. Partner work. Musicality. Solo shines. The material changes but the approach doesn't: understand why something works, then put it in your body until it does. Every Tuesday from 1 September Practical Tarraxo Improvers · 19:30–20:45 Practical Tarraxo Intermediate · 21:15–22:30 Haven Studio, Hendrik van Wijnstraat 10, Amsterdam €45 one class · €80 both classes
Tarraxo Toolbox: CrossStep Masterclass
🎯 One concept, fully analysed: the cross step — in all three of its forms. Every cross step runs on the same three-phase structure: Creating Space → Crossing → Resolving. We use it to break down each type, then bring them together in a real dance context. 🔙 Back Cross — how space is created behind the follower ➡️ Front Cross — same structure, different axis 🔄 Circle Cross — space built through arc, not line 🤝 Integration — connecting all three, choosing between them 🙌 Open to all levels with cross steps already in your vocabulary. Connection fundamentals useful but not required. 🎂 August 23 is also Fayyaz's birthday — social after the session! 📍 Haven Amsterdam · Hendrik van Wijnstraat 10 📅 Sunday, August 23 · 13:00 💶 €35 · 3 hours + social
Practical Tarraxo — August 2026
💃 Floor Ready — two classes back-to-back, with social dancing between them. Same evening, same studio, two ways in. 1️⃣ IMPROVERS · 19:00–20:15 The starting point — figures, partnering basics, and the mechanics you need to navigate a Tarraxo social. Practical from day one, not theory. 🙋 New to Tarraxo, or want stronger foundations. Kizomba/Urban Kiz background helpful but not required. ☕ LA PAUSA · 20:15–20:45 30 minutes of free social dancing between classes — try what you learned, or warm up for Intermediate. 2️⃣ INTERMEDIATE · 20:45–22:00 Building on the basics — more figures, variations, and combinations for the social floor. 🙋 Already have Tarraxo basics in place. Unsure? Start with Improvers. 📍 Haven Studio · Hendrik van Wijnstraat 10, Amsterdam 📅 Every Tuesday in August · Aug 4 · 11 · 18 · 25 💶 €45/month each · €80/month for both
Book a Private Lesson
Ready to take your dancing to the next level? Schedule a personalized one-on-one session tailored to your goals.
Personalized Training
Customized lessons focused on your specific needs and goals
Flexible Scheduling
Choose a time that works best for your schedule
Expert Guidance
Learn from an experienced international instructor
Questions? Email me at me@phiiaz.com
“Really like the safe space that you created for me and the level of depth in our conversation about the topics where I can achieve more growth. You di...”
“Really like the safe space that you created for me and the level of depth in our conversation about the topics where I can achieve more growth. You did that with sincere questions and you're open, energetisch & authentic personality. It felt safe to be vulnerable and that is something beautiful in a session and a must for real growth. You focus on me as a dancer and what I need as a person to get more confidence in my dancing. Your preparation was on point with the topics I indicated in advance of the session. I noticed that you put some work in the preparation, that really felt professional and that you take the session seriously. And there was a nice balance between conversation and dancing. Your feedback and tips are really helpful and dosed so that it is not overwhelming. They are practical, so that I can take them with me to practice more after the session. You have a positive and realistic approach. So I'm really grateful for the time and energy that you put in the session and al the feedback and your thoughts that I received from you, the beautiful conversations and the dances!!”
Tamara
Kizomba Private Lesson