Ballet Centre students in costume performing together on stage at an end of year show

Dance·Music·Taekwondo

40 Years of
Inspiring Generations.

Classes for ages 3 and above in Jumeirah, Dubai. Explore classes

Founded by Terry Dean in 1985, The Ballet Centre is proudly the UAE’s first and oldest dance school. For 40 years, we have been inspiring generations through a lifelong love of dance and the arts. Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence • Since 1985

KHDA approved 800+ students 15 specialist teachers

Three departments

One Community. Endless Possibilities.

Whether your child already knows what they love or is ready to discover something new, there’s a place for them at The Ballet Centre. Explore our three departments — Dance, Music & Taekwondo — and find the perfect place to learn, grow and shine.

Ballet students lined up at the barre in a studio at the Jumeirah centre

Department 01

Dance

Technique. Expression. Confidence. From classical Ballet to Tap, Modern, Contemporary and more, our dance programmes help students develop technique, artistry, discipline and confidence — both in the studio and on stage.

  • Ballet
  • Tap
  • Modern
Explore dance
A student playing electric guitar at the centre

Department 02

Music

Discover your sound. Find your voice. From Piano, Violin and Guitar to Drums, Vocals and more, our music programmes encourage creativity, confidence and a lifelong love of music — whether learning one-to-one or as part of an ensemble.

  • Vocal
  • Piano
  • Guitar
  • Violin
  • Drums
  • Orchestra
Explore music
Taekwondo students practising a kick alongside their instructor

Department 03

Taekwondo

Strength. Focus. Confidence. Taekwondo develops discipline, concentration, physical strength and self-belief in a supportive environment where students can progress at their own pace.

  • Babies to adult
  • Beginner to advanced
Explore taekwondo

Why families choose us

Learning With No Stress.

Exceptional teaching. Happy, confident students. For 40 years, families have trusted The Ballet Centre to give children more than a class. We provide qualified teaching, recognised programmes and a supportive environment where every child can learn, grow and enjoy their journey.

Recognised programmes. Real standards. We teach recognised international programmes including RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap & Modern, ITF Taekwondo, Trinity Music, ABRSM and MTB. Students work towards clear standards and meaningful progress.
Teachers who know their craft. Several of our staff hold examiner or international instructor status with the bodies whose syllabi we teach, which means the standard in the room is the standard in the exam.
Three departments. One community. A child can try ballet, switch to taekwondo, and pick up piano along the way without ever changing school, or leaving the friends they made in the first class.
Learning that children love. Recitals and showcases run through the year and there are full productions on real stages. Taking part is encouraged, but a student who would rather not is never pushed.

Getting started

Your Journey Starts Here.

Starting a new class should feel easy. Our experienced team will help you find the right programme and level for your child, so they can begin with confidence.

  1. 01 — Tell us about your child Get in touch with our team by phone or WhatsApp and tell us your child’s age, experience and interests. We’ll help you explore the most suitable programme.
  2. 02 — Find the right level Every child is different. Our experienced teachers consider age, previous experience and ability to recommend the class that is the best fit.
  3. 03 — Experience a class Come and experience The Ballet Centre for yourself with a complimentary trial class. Meet the teacher, discover the class and see how your child feels in the environment.
  4. 04 — Begin your journey If your child enjoys the experience and you’re ready to continue, our team will guide you through enrolment and help you choose the most suitable timetable. We believe the right class is the beginning of a lifelong love of learning.

Everything about the free trial

Internationally Recognised Standards

Royal Academy of DanceBallet Imperial Society of Teachers of DancingTap & Modern International Taekwon-Do FederationTaekwondo Trinity College LondonMusic ABRSMMusic Knowledge and Human Development AuthorityApproved

OUR STUDIOS

Where Generations Have Trained.

For over 40 years, our studios have welcomed generations of students. With Harlequin professional dance floors, mirrored walls and purpose-built spaces, every studio is designed to provide a safe, inspiring environment to learn, grow and perform.

Team

The People Who Inspire.

Meet the people behind The Ballet Centre — our leadership and department heads, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of teaching across every programme.

Mangalika Jayalath, proprietor of The Ballet Centre

Mangalika Jayalath

Proprietor

Sabum Abdurahiman, chief instructor for UAE ITF Taekwon-Do

Sabum Abdurahiman

Chief Instructor, UAE ITF Taekwon-Do

Ravien Prakash George, Head of Music

Ravien Prakash George

Head of Music

Meet the whole team

DISCOVER OUR STORY

40 Years in Motion.

Step inside The Ballet Centre and experience the passion, dedication and joy that have inspired generations since 1985.

LIFE AT THE BALLET CENTRE

From first steps in the studio to unforgettable moments on stage, every week at The Ballet Centre is filled with learning, creativity and achievement. A glimpse into life across our Dance, Music and Taekwondo departments.

In their words

Hear It From Our Students.

The best way to understand The Ballet Centre is through the students who experience it every week. Hear their stories, their achievements, and what they love most about being part of The Ballet Centre family. Meet our students. Hear their stories. See all thirteen

YOUR WEEK AT THE BALLET CENTRE

Discover Your Next Class.

From first steps to advanced training, there’s always something to discover at The Ballet Centre. Explore a selection of our weekly classes, or view the full timetable to find the right programme, level and time for you or your child.

View the full timetable

Babies Taekwondo

3 to 4 yrs · Sabum

Primary Ballet

5 to 6 yrs · Miss Magda

Beginner Taekwondo

5 to 8 yrs · Sabum

Grade 2 Ballet

7 to 8 yrs · Miss Stefany

On stage

From the Studio to the Stage.

At The Ballet Centre, training goes beyond the classroom. Our students have the opportunity to take part in full-scale productions, showcases and special performances, bringing together everything they have learned and creating memories that last a lifetime. Building confidence. Celebrating talent. Creating unforgettable moments.

Disney Around the World

Featuring different types of dance and their various styles, showcasing the talent at the school.

Watch

The Sleeping Beauty

Staged in two acts.

Watch

Alice in Wonderland

Performed at Ductac. This production raised 75,000 AED for cancer research.

Archive

Explore Our Past Productions

THE KNOWLEDGE HUB

Explore. Learn. Be Inspired.

Helpful ideas, practical guidance and inspiring stories from the world of dance, music and martial arts — for everyone who loves to learn and grow.

Everything You Need to Know.

New to The Ballet Centre? Here are answers to some of the questions families ask us most often.

Read the full FAQ
Do you offer trial classes?

Yes, we offer free trial classes for new students. You can contact us or message us on WhatsApp to schedule one.

How are students placed in classes?

For ballet and taekwondo, placement depends on age and experience. Our instructors assess each student to ensure they are in the appropriate level.

What should students wear to class?

Ballet students should wear leotards, tights and ballet slippers. Music students can wear casual attire, but flip flops are not allowed. Other programmes may have specific attire requirements, so please check with the instructor.

Are there exams for ballet or music students?

Yes. We follow the RAD, the Royal Academy of Dance, syllabus for ballet, and offer music exams through ABRSM, Trinity or MTB, based on the student's progress and the instructor's recommendation.

Can parents watch classes?

To minimise distractions, parents are usually not allowed inside the classroom. However, we have designated observation days.

We’d love to welcome you!

Start With a Free Trial.

Tell us the student’s age and preferred activity, and our team will recommend the most suitable class and arrange a complimentary trial. Love the class? We’ll then guide you through the enrolment process.

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