Mangalika Jayalath

PROPRIETOR

By the end of 2008 Mangalika was stated as the principal of the Ballet Centre. She handled the accounting, financial, media and staff management as well as assisting in the reception from time to time. In 2012 she officially became to owner of the Ballet Centre. Over the past few years she has helped the Ballet Centre grow. Making an initiative to start a new branch of the Ballet Centre in Motor City, facilitated the biannual dance productions and in January 2018 used the Ballet Centre’s production of Alice in Wonderland to raise 75,000 DHS for Cancer research.

This is some of the few things of many Mangalika does for the Ballet Centre. She is a mother of 2 whose compassion and care extends to all the students and teachers. She is a strong woman whose goal has been to create a family-friendly school for everyone; somewhere she would be proud to send her own children to.

Sabum-Abdurahiman

TAEKWONDO TEACHER

6TH Dan Black belt

Chief Instructor of UAE ITF TKD
International Instructor and Examiner
International Umpire (Class – A)

Sabum. Abdurahiman has 32 years of experience in teaching ITF Taekwon-Do and 17 years of experience in UAE ITF TKD. With these 32 years, Sabum taught Kids, Adults, Army Commandos, Air force Police, and Forest Department. He is an expert in training kids. In many championships Sabum was the top winning champion, 1984 received best fighter award and also 2009 the best instructor award from Russia. Sabum. Abdurahiman is the member of Asian Taekwon-do Association and International Taekwon-do Federation. He is the vice president of Taekwon-do Association of India and Umpire chairperson of India. He is the president of UTAK (United Taekwon-do Association of Kerala).

Tala Kudrya

DEVELOPER/LEAD & PIANO TEACHER

Tala is an Early Childhood Educator, with practical experience since 2015. Developer of a unique approach to the child’s early years development based on the world’s recognized and approved Early Years’ practical methods. Author of unique media materials, composed for the course (exercises, music, songs and finger play rhymes) that help children achieve their best results in a natural way and thrive in life.

Additionally, Tala teaches piano since 2011 both for leisure as well as exams, pop and classical. For beginners, she would usually devise ways to foster good reading skills and also proper hand techniques to ensure that they become independent music readers and fluent players. This will propel them further in their musical journey.

Tala selects appropriate materials and writes lead sheets at times to introduce chord learning and composition skills. She tries to find the right motivation for students and is methodical to impart concepts so that they can be applied in children’s learning. She has taught students of different ages – from kids to teenagers!

Debra Gush

Debra Colleen Gush

DANCE TEACHER

RAD Ballet Teacher & Royal Academy of Dance Examiner

Miss Debra Gush is a highly experienced ballet educator, choreographer, and coach with an extensive career in dance education. Originally from South Africa, she brings a wealth of international expertise to The Ballet Centre.

As a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Registered Teacher and Examiner, Miss Debra has worked with dancers of all ages and levels, preparing students for RAD examinations while inspiring them to achieve their full artistic potential. Her role as an RAD Examiner has given her the unique opportunity to assess dancers worldwide, allowing her to bring global standards and valuable insight into every class she teaches.

With many years of teaching, coaching, and choreographic experience, Miss Debra is passionate about nurturing confident, disciplined, and expressive dancers in a positive and supportive learning environment. She believes in developing strong technical foundations while encouraging each student’s individuality and love for dance.

At The Ballet Centre, Miss Debra is dedicated to helping every student grow in confidence, artistry, and excellence, making ballet an enjoyable and rewarding journey for all.

Ravien Prakash George

HEAD OF MUSIC

With over 25 years of extensive experience in Teaching Music from beginners up to Diploma students, Ravien has vast knowledge, deep understanding of methodologies in the subject. He was a teacher for both Academic and Studio settings. In Dubai, He worked as a Music teacher in a prominent Music Institute since 2000 and became the Head of Music in 2010.

He started learning Music from Sr. Veronica, a Catholic Sister, where he learnt up to Licentiate Diploma in Piano and Amus TCL Diploma in Music Theory conducted by the Trinity College of Music, London. He also Completed Grade 8 Flute from ABRSM London. And during his training, he was a trainer and a Conductor of both the School Choir and Orchestra.

Ravien has also been a Music teacher at the School of Knowledge, (St. Mary’s Group of Schools, UAE) and St. Benedict’s College, Colombo, where the schools won several Music competitions “All Island Championship”, “Best Choir” awards. Also, he was the Director for several productions for the Primary School and also organized numerous concerts and shows for the secondary level.

As the Head of Music, he has put in place a student progress plan, got several higher achievers for Music Exams conducted by the Trinity College of Music London in both Practical and Theory of Music. Also, his students have participated in several Gulf Talent competitions and won several awards.

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Deepika Kodithuwakku

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

Deepika Kodithuwakku is a dedicated Junior Accountant with over 9 years of professional experience across multiple industries. She specializes in accounting support, administration, document management, and client coordination, bringing strong organizational and communication skills to the team.

At the Ballet Centre, she supports daily financial and administrative operations while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and smooth coordination across departments. Deepika is known for her attention to detail, professionalism, and positive approach to teamwork.

She is experienced in using accounting and office management systems including Xero, Odoo, Tally, and QuickBooks, and is committed to maintaining high standards in every aspect of her work.

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Ailyn Elcanto

ADMIN STAFF

Ailyn Elcanto is a dedicated and highly approachable professional with a warm personality and a positive outlook on life. With several years of customer service and administrative experience in Dubai, UAE, she has built a strong reputation for her professionalism, reliability, and excellent communication skills.

Ailyn began her career in Dubai in 2019, working as a Cashier and Sales Assistant, where she developed strong customer relations and organizational abilities. Through her hard work and commitment, she later progressed into a Receptionist role within one of Dubai’s leading companies, gaining valuable experience in front-desk operations, client coordination, and administrative management.

In 2022, Ailyn joined The Ballet Centre family and was initially assigned to the Motor City branch. Due to her dedication, efficiency, and excellent interaction with students and parents, she later became a regular part of the team at our Jumeirah 1 branch.

Known for her friendly nature and welcoming smile, Ailyn plays an important role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations at the reception. She is always ready to assist parents, students, and visitors with class inquiries, schedules, registrations, payments, and general support.

Her caring attitude, professionalism, and commitment to providing excellent service make her a valued member of The Ballet Centre team. Parents and students are always welcome to approach her for assistance, and she will be more than happy to help.