Performing Arts Centres In Dubai – A Guide

It is no secret that participation in the performing arts can reap boundless rewards, with numerous studies undertaken around the world definitively concluding that a child’s involvement in drama, music and dance is directly linked to improved scholastic attainment and overall social development. Jane Talbot guides you through the benefits, and how you can reap them via the options you have available to you in Dubai…

HIGHER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

A recent study by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) found that participation in performing arts resulted in improved vocabulary, visual memory, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and perseverance.

According to the US NatioAdd Newnal Assembly of Sate Arts Agencies report in 2006, other major benefits associated with extra curricular study of the arts includes not only general reading, language and math skills but also social intelligence and importantly increased motivation to learn. Directly contributing to improved exam results, leveraging greater potential for acceptance into the higher educational facility of choice.

And the benefits don’t stop there.

LIFE SKILLS

Confidence And Self-Esteem

One obvious benefit of participation in performing arts is the development of self-confidence: a vital life skill.  Familiarity with presenting oneself in front of an audience goes a long way the development of effective communication. This in turn increases self-esteem and the ability to overcome anxieties.

• Self Expression: helps children to understand their own emotions and to develop coping strategies to successfully express and manage them
• Perseverance: success requires concentration, focus and determination; a skill learned through the age-old adage ‘practice makes perfect’ required for learning lines or to play a musical instrument
• Empathy And Compassion: the arts engage the body and the mind interdependently, allowing a child to feel, think and imagine outwards, which generates an aptitude for empathising and feeling compassion for others
• Teamwork: allows for the development of key interpersonal communication skills and allows the child to identify and accept their strengths and weaknesses

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

With the movement of educational focus from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Maths) it is clear that the importance of the inclusion of performance arts within the school curriculum is key to incorporating creative thinking into the classroom. However it is also important that children develop a sense of their place within the wider community to cement their future as global citizens.  Taking part in extra curricular activities that occur outside of one’s own school is a simple and effective way of broadening a child’s social circle and providing them with expansive social opportunities.

So where to go…

PERFORMING ARTS CENTRES IN DUBAI

There are a huge number of clubs and academies that specialize in a single category from the performing arts genres. SchoolsCompared.com has created a guide to the performing arts hubs in Dubai that combine a full spectrum of classes and courses that include dramatics or theatrical studies, a variation of dance, music and singing lessons. Arranged in no particular order. 

DUCTAC DUBAI COMMUNITY THEATRE AND ARTS CENTRE

Since 2006 DUCTAC has played a major role in hosting the development of performance arts and arts and crafts and has expanded over the years into a key provider of eclectic hobbies. A non-profit organisation, it is currently located within The Mall of the Emirates, expansion plans will see them move to their new City Centre Mirdif venue from September 2018.

Course include arts and crafts, drawing and painting, photography, interior design, music, drama, career guidance, dance, fitness, creative writing, pottery, jewellery design, fashion design, public speaking, languages, chess, calligraphy and graphic design. A variety of service providers deliver a thorough assortment of programmes in one location.

COST:
Prices vary across categories and providers.

CONTACT:
Web: www.ductac.org
Theatre: [email protected]
Arts Centre: [email protected] 
Management: [email protected]
Venue Hire: [email protected]

DUBAI PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

Picture Source: The National Newspaper

Launched in September 2014, DPA was founded by professional performers, Lisa Scott-Lee from the pop group Steps, and Johnny Shentall-Lee, from the group Hear ‘say, who also appeared in the West end shows Footloose and Starlight Express.

Originally established in conjunction with Fitness First, rapid growth has seen DPA partner with Taaleem to offer classes at British School, Jumierah Park, (which boasts a 600-seat purpose-built theatre) Dubai British School Springs and Dubai British Foundation Springs.

Courses include RAD Ballet, ISTD tap and modern, LAMDA, contemporary, street, dance fusion, acro, musical theatre, private singing lessons and Glee club. The academy achieved the Top 3 highest results from across Dubai in their recent Trinity Musical Theatre Exams.

COST:
Classes start from AED70 per class.

CONTACT:
Email: [email protected]; 
Mobile: 056 173 7545;
Web: www.dubaiperformingarts.com

DIVERSE CHOREOGRAPHY AND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

Launched in 2008 by husband and wife team Scott and Lisa Marshall, who have an extensive background in professional performance, choreography and event production.  Diverse operates out of The Curve Building in Al Quoz with a secondary venue at Nord Anglia International School, Dubai.

Their comprehensive dance classes include, Jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and street jazz as well as RAD ballet and ISTD modern and tap. Auditioned entry musical theatre classes combine dance, drama and singing designed to cater to all levels from beginner to semi-professional, who have the opportunity to showcase their talents in the Diverse annual production.

COST:
Prices vary across age and category.

CONTACT:
Web: www.diversechoreography.com;
Telephone: +971 433 07338;
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

DRAMA SCENE

Ferne Reynolds Lategan is the founder and creative director of Drama Scene, which was established in 2008 as a platform for children from 3 to 18 years to develop a full dramatic skill set and has grown to become the largest skill based performing arts school in the Middle East. With operations in Muscat and the UAE, Drama Scene holds classes at a number of locations throughout Dubai.

Its comprehensive programmes includes acting, singing, musical theatre, dancing and public speaking. Drama Scene is now the largest LAMDA exam centre in the UAE and the centre has maintained a 60% distinction rate for all exam students since 2009.

COST:
Prices vary across age and category

CONTACT:
Web: www.dramasecene.com;
Email: [email protected];
Tel: +971 4 341 4777 Ext 225;
Mobile: +971 55 310 0984

THE BALLET CENTRE

Miss Terry Dean founded the Ballet Centre in 1986, making it the longest established dance institute in Dubai.

The Ballet Centre is founded on a traditional ethos of discipline and etiquette and has a main focus on ballet, Modern and Tap dancing. However it also provide an eclectic mix of classes including acrobatic dance, drama, Taekwondo, Piano, Irish dancing, acrobatics and much more in its fully equipped studios located in Jumeirah 1 and Motor City.

COST:
Prices vary across age and category starting at AED400 per term.

CONTACT:
Web: www.balletcentredubai.com;
Phone: +971 4 3449776;
Email: [email protected]

STEPUP ACADEMY

Located in the centre of Motor City, Step Up Dance Academy was established in 2011, founded on the principle that performing arts can be a means of enrichment for the whole family.  It provides an enormous range of classes by qualified instructors in 14 locations throughout Dubai.

Step Up is the only licensed provider in the UAE to offer the Kinderdance (an American Franchise), which provides six programmes especially designed for children of 15 months to 12 years old.

COST:
Prices vary across age and category

CONTACT:
Web: www.stepup.ae;
Phone: +971 4 453 4360;
Mobile: +971 55 8552797;
Email: [email protected]