For over a decade, husband and wife Blue Siytangco and Anna Schkade-Siytangco have combined their passions involving movement and mindfulness through their business, Oriental Phoenix Arts. The business focuses on blending martial arts and the art of belly dancing to promote healing and inclusivity.

“It's really a synthesis of the two things that we do. I do martial arts, and she does belly dancing. And it's a space where both of our arts can flourish and where both our cultures of the arts that we teach are able to be taught,” Blue Siytangco said.

What they offer

After years of working in IT and struggling with severe social anxiety, Anna Schkade-Siytangco discovered an art form that transformed her life. What began as a personal outlet became her passion and purpose, inspiring her to teach others.
Oriental Phoenix Arts offers dance classes for all ages. (Courtesy Oriental Phoenix Arts)
Oriental Phoenix Arts offers dance classes for all ages. (Courtesy Oriental Phoenix Arts)
“When I started dancing, I actually suffered from extreme social anxiety, enough to where I couldn't even go through a drive-thru because I was so afraid of talking, not knowing what to say to people, I was frozen in social anxiety,” Anna Schkade-Siytangco said. “And so I didn't go for help for my social anxiety, but I just fell in love with the art, so much that I felt very compelled to start sharing what I had learned.”

Today, Anna Schkade-Siytangco not only teaches the art of belly dancing but also teaches the culture and origins behind each style, fostering respect and empowerment through art. Anna Schkade-Siytangco offers a full belly dancing curriculum for beginners, professionals and aspiring instructors.
Blue Siytangco has 40 years of experience practicing martial arts. (Courtesy Oriental Phoenix Arts)
Blue Siytangco has 40 years of experience practicing martial arts. (Courtesy Oriental Phoenix Arts)
What else?


On the other side of the business, operated by Blue Siytangco, a 12th generation lineage holder for Chen-style Tijiquan and a 20th generation honorary family member of the Chen clan, Blue Siytangco has taught authentic martial arts for over 16 years in Houston.

Blue Siytangco’s martial arts experience dates back to his fathers teachings while growing up in Macau, China. With 40 years of experience in martial arts, Blue Siytangco said the Chen-style Tijiquan is a sophisticated martial art form that requires tremendous dedication and effort to achieve high levels of development.

To further foster community and continue teaching history and culture, Oriental Phoenix Arts holds trips to Egypt and China, going back to the origins of their teachings to provide the community with an authentic experience.

“Oriental Phoenix Arts plays upon the idea of rebirth, second chances, growth and evolution,” Blue Siytangco said.


Along with martial arts classes including kickboxing, Chinese wrestling and practical self-defense, Blue Siytangco offers past life regression therapy and spiritual life coaching.