Abu Dhabi Week meets the director of Expressions of Dance & Drama, a local school spreading the joy of dance in the capital
If you think you are too old, too young or too out of shape to take up dancing, think again. A school in Abu Dhabi is changing the way people think about dance, one pair of ballet pumps at a time.
Expressions of Dance & Drama is a multi-disciplinary dance school open to every age, ability, shape or size. From hip-hop and ballet to cheerleading and Irish dance, it has it all covered.
“Posture is the main thing,” says Leyla Ahu Urfali, the school’s director and a dance graduate from London’s Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). “You don’t need to be a specific size to learn ballet. With dancing, you can be fit and in good shape even if you are not slim.”
Dancing is a great way to stay healthy while having fun, as it enhances muscle tone, flexibility and coordination. Specifically, learning ballet skills is an excellent first step for those who are considering taking up more modern genres as it gives you the foundations to excel in any style. Ballet improves your breathing technique, posture and emotional awareness, as it establishes a strong mind-body connection.
“Ours is the oldest dance school in Abu Dhabi,” adds Leyla. “Dancing has certainly evolved here since we first opened, and it is now more appreciated. People are more knowledgeable and talk more about it. Our students make a real effort to attend the classes, travelling long distances and investing time and money in it.
“Abu Dhabi, gives great importance to performing arts. Our school is regularly invited to ballet rehearsals at Emirates Palace while the American Ballet Company took questions from our students to help them decide if they want to pursue this career professionally.”
All of the school’s branches follow the British RAD syllabus, and students are issued RAD dancing certificates, which are recognised worldwide. The school also offers teaching internships.
Expressions of Dance & Drama students have a lot of chances to be seen around town.
“We have fun while teaching the art of dance. Every year we do at least five charity shows in venues such as Zayed Sports City and the US Embassy,” explains Leyla. “At Christmas we do two or three shows at shopping malls, and at the end of term we hold our final performance at the Armed Forces Officers Club.
Classes are held in 11 locations including Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach and One to One Hotel & Resort Ain Al Faida in Al Ain.
For more information contact: 02 493 0115 www.expressions-dance.net
Laura Volpi
Expressions of Dance & Drama’s next show will be Saturday 28th February at 4.30pm, when the Irish dance students will perform as part of the OMO Carnival at Zayed Sports City. AED 25 single entry to the carnival, hosted from 26th to 28th February 3pm-9pm. For more information contact: 02 403 4444
