Abu Dhabi has a well-established ballet scene offering classes for children, teenagers, and adults, with studios ranging from recreational training to structured pre-professional pathways. Many schools follow internationally recognised syllabuses such as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Vaganova method, and the British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA) frameworks.
This guide covers the best ballet classes in Abu Dhabi, including locations, fees, teaching approaches, and what each school is best known for.
- Top ballet schools in Abu Dhabi
- Comparison of the top ballet schools in Abu Dhabi
- Exams and annual performances
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Top ballet schools in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s ballet schools range from early-years programmes to structured training pathways for teens and adults, with many studios combining classical technique, recognised syllabuses, and performance opportunities.
Bodytree Studio – Emirates School of Dance
Bodytree Studio operates the Emirates School of Dance, a programme developed to build strong technical foundations while supporting artistic expression and physical wellbeing. The studio is widely recognised for offering both recreational ballet and structured progression for committed students, alongside a strong adult programme.
Classes
- Beginner ballet classes focusing on alignment, posture, and classical vocabulary
- Progressive ballet levels for children and teens
- Teen and adult ballet classes combining barre work, centre practice, and choreography
Additional disciplines
Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Dance Prep (ages 3–6), Barre, Pilates, and functional fitness
Assessment requirement
Students at the above introductory levels are assessed to ensure correct placement based on technical ability.
Location
Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street, Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi
Contact information
Phone: +971 2 443 4448
Email: info@bodytreestudio.com.
Highlights
Strong adult ballet offering, integrated strength and conditioning, and clear pathways for recreational and advancing dancers.
Melodica Music & Dance Academy
Melodica is one of the largest music and dance academies in the UAE, with multiple branches across Abu Dhabi. The academy follows a British-based curriculum and is well known for its structured ballet programmes for children and adults.
Curriculum
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) with elements of the Vaganova method
Classes
- Ballerina programme for ages 4–5
- Pre-Primary to Grade 8 ballet for children and teens
- Adult ballet classes focusing on posture, flexibility, and strength
Fees
Monthly packages typically start from around AED 180 for once-a-week classes, with higher packages available for increased frequency.
One-time registration or administration fees may apply.
Location & Contact information:
| Branch Location | Full Registered Address | Phone Number |
| Abu Dhabi Mall | 3rd Floor, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 679 4643 |
| Dalma Mall | Second Floor, Unit SF160a, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 556 3689 |
| Yas Mall | G-045, Ground Floor, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 565 0665 |
| Masdar City Centre | Ground Floor, My City Centre Masdar, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 440 3320 |
Email: info@melodica.ae
Highlights
Vast branch network, internationally recognised syllabus, and accessible entry points for beginners
Juli Music Institute (IMIG Dance)
Juli Music Institute, part of the International Music Institute Group (IMIG), provides classical ballet training led by instructors with extensive international teaching and performance experience. The institute supports multiple examination frameworks.
Curriculum
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Vaganova method, and British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA)
Classes
- Classical ballet for beginners and advanced students
- Progressive ballet programmes for children, teens, and adults
- Modern and contemporary dance options
Assessment requirement
Technical assessments are required for placement beyond beginner levels
Locations & contact information
| Branch Location | Full Registered Address | Phone Number |
| Saadiyat Island | Manarat Al Saadiyat, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 585 2786 |
| Khalidiya | Villa No. 7, Al Bateen Street (opposite Al Khubairat British School), Al Rowdah, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 621 1949 |
| Al Bandar | Al Bandar Marina, Ground Floor (near Spinneys), Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 557 7602 |
Email: info@julimusic.com
Highlights
BTDA exam pathways, international faculty, and structured academic-style progression
Dance Waves Studio
Dance Waves Studio is a fully licensed dance centre offering a comprehensive range of classes for all ages and levels, integrating ballet alongside a variety of complementary dance styles.
Classes
Ballet, Pre-Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro-Ballet, Zumba, Contemporary, Jazz, Latin, and Bollywood styles.
Levels
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels are available, with assessments required for placement at higher levels.
Location
Building M3, Mezzanine Floor, near Dana Hotel, Zone 1E-10, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information
Phone: +971 2 633 5144
Mobile: +971 54 445 5881
Email: info@dancewavesstudio.com
Highlights
Multi-style environment suitable for students exploring ballet alongside other disciplines. They are known for frequent student showcases and workshops with visiting international instructors.
Mosaic Dance & Music Institute
Mosaic Dance & Music Institute is a specialised academy known for providing high-level technical training. While it offers beginner classes, it is particularly recognised in Abu Dhabi for its advanced ballet curriculum and its focus on developing the physical and technical strength required for classical performance.
Focus
- Technique Refinement: Deep focus on the Vaganova and RAD methods to ensure precision in footwork and body alignment.
- Strength Development: Specialised sessions in Pointe work and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
- Complex Choreography: Advanced students work on classical repertoire and contemporary fusion.
Location & contact information
| Branch Location | Full Registered Address | Phone Number |
| Al Seef Village Mall | First Floor, Al Seef Village Mall, Al Muntazah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi | +971 50 992 0116 |
| Shams Boutik (Al Reem Island) | Shams Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Shams Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi | +971 50 996 7597 |
| Khalidiyah Mall | Ground Floor, Khalidiyah Mall, W9, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi | +971 50 583 3206 |
Email: info@mosaic-uae.com
Highlights
Advanced-level training for dancers seeking technical precision. The institute features professional-grade sprung floors to prevent injury and frequently organises high-quality annual recitals and internal assessments to track student growth.
The Club Abu Dhabi
The Club Abu Dhabi offers adult ballet classes as part of its wider lifestyle and wellness programme, set within one of the city’s most established private members’ clubs. Classes focus on classical technique while supporting strength, posture, and overall physical conditioning in a refined, structured environment.
Classes
Classical ballet for adults, combining barre work, centre practice, and expressive movement set to traditional ballet music.
Focus
- Classical ballet technique, including foundational positions, alignment, and controlled transitions
- Strength, coordination, and posture, with emphasis on core stability and balance
- Musicality and artistic expression through structured choreography group
Age group
Adults of all skill levels.
The Club also runs a separate junior ballet programme for children aged 3 years and above, creating a family-oriented dance environment.
Membership & fees
- Members only: Ballet classes are available exclusively to members and their guests.
- Annual adult membership starts from approximately AED 3,850, plus a joining fee.
- Ballet class fees are available upon enquiry at the Health Complex Reception.
Location
Mina Saadiyat, Al Mina Road, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information
Phone: +971 2 673 1111
Email: hcreception@the-club.com
Highlights
Ballet classes take place within one of Abu Dhabi’s longest-established private clubs, founded in 1962. Instruction is delivered by professional ballet teachers, with access to high-quality facilities within the Health Complex, including dedicated studios. In addition to ballet, adult members can often access complementary movement classes such as line dancing, belly dancing, and Zumba, depending on the seasonal programme.
Comparison of the top ballet schools in Abu Dhabi
| School | Age groups | Curriculum / Method | Fees (indicative) | Locations | Key features |
| Bodytree Studio – Emirates School of Dance | Children, teens, adults | Classical ballet aligned with global standards | Package-based; on request | Extensive branch network, structured British syllabus, accessible entry for beginners | Strong adult ballet programme, integrated strength and conditioning, assessment-based placement |
| Melodica Music & Dance Academy | Ages 4+, teens, adults | RAD with elements of Vaganova | From ~AED 180/month (once weekly); registration fee may apply | Abu Dhabi Mall, Dalma Mall, Yas Mall, Masdar City Centre | Exclusive private club setting, professional instruction, and access to a full health complex |
| Juli Music Institute (IMIG Dance) | Children, teens, adults | RAD, Vaganova, BTDA | On request, a registration fee may apply | Saadiyat Island, Khalidiya, Al Bandar | BTDA exam pathways, international faculty, and academic-style progression |
| Dance Waves Studio | All ages | Mixed classical and contemporary styles | On request | Al Danah | Multi-style studio, frequent showcases, workshops with visiting instructors |
| Mosaic Dance & Music Institute | Children, teens, advanced dancers | RAD and Vaganova focus | On request | Al Seef Village Mall, Al Reem Island, Khalidiyah Mall | Advanced technical training, pointe and PBT, sprung-floor studios |
| The Club Abu Dhabi | Adults (junior programme also available) | Classical ballet | Members only; annual membership from ~AED 3,850 | Mina Saadiyat | Exclusive private club setting, professional instruction, and access to a whole health complex |
Exams and annual performances
Most professional ballet schools in Abu Dhabi prepare students for graded examinations, commonly following the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, with some also using the British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA) framework. Exams are typically held during the spring term, usually between March and May.
Many schools also organise annual stage performances or end-of-year recitals, generally taking place in late May or June. These productions are an essential part of training, helping students build confidence, stage awareness, and performance discipline in a live theatre environment.
Key takeaways
Abu Dhabi offers a diverse selection of ballet schools catering to all ages and experience levels. Melodica stands out for accessibility and multiple locations, while Bodytree Studio and Juli Music Institute provide structured progression and strong adult and examination pathways. Most studios follow internationally recognised syllabuses and require assessments to ensure correct placement.
FAQs
Most studios accept children from ages 3–4 through preparatory ballet programmes.
No. Many studios offer adult classes for complete beginners, though assessments may be used for placement.
Pricing varies by studio. Entry-level monthly packages generally start from around AED 180, with registration fees often charged separately.
The Royal Academy of Dance syllabus is the most widely used, alongside Vaganova and BTDA frameworks.
Larger academies operate branches in significant areas, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Khalidiya, and Al Manhal. Contacting studios directly is the best way to confirm availability.
