Popular dance academy opens at Dubai British School

One of Dubai's most well-established dance academies has just taken up residence at Dubai British School in Jumeirah Park. Dubai Performing Arts Academy (DPA), founded by British pop star Lisa Scott-Lee and West End star Johnny Shentall-Lee, will open their studio at the Taaleem school this week.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Scott-Lee said the decision to move to a school-based location was very easy, given the huge emphasis today on promoting holistic education.
"Education is no longer just about academics. There is a huge focus on attitudes, values and self-development and what we do is hone in on a student's creativity, so the move felt right."
Though DPA was launched three years ago in Dubai, this is the first time the team will be working in a school campus. "This is our chance to further raise awareness of performing arts in Dubai, but not only that, the health benefits too," Scott-Lee said.
With an aim of developing creativity in children, the team at DPA - made up of professional and qualified choreographers, singers and actors - will be on hand to help students study the three important disciplines of dance, drama and singing. But whether you want to pursue the creative arts as a simple hobby, or use it to further your educational credits, the choice is yours. "We are more than aware that children will differ in terms of their performance level when it comes to the arts, but we are all about developing your character and helping a child gain confidence," Shentall-Lee said.
Offering a written syllabus which is internationally recognised and undertaken at some of the world's most prestigious schools including the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (Lamda), students at DPA who wish to study their chosen art as part of their curriculum can do so.
But self-belief is imperative here, as a great performance is all about confidence, Scott-Lee said.
"After grade 6, students can accumulate UCAS points from DPA to count towards their university entry opportunities. This is a big deal for students who want to go into the arts world once their educational journey has ended."
With around 400 students already part of the DPA family, Scott-Lee and Shentall-Lee will be on hand to share their experiences of the pop and musical theatre world with their students.
"Performing arts is still a young sector here in Dubai, so we are here at a time when we can really make our stamp on the scene. Myself and my husband have been in pop groups but not every gets that chance, so in a way, this is their chance to experience that."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

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