Dubai Opera launches weekly online dance classes for children aged 5 to 18

The world-famous opera house is working with a local training institute to keep children entertained and active at home

Ballet classes are part of the new weekly online dance class series. Courtesy Dubai Opera

Children under the age of 12 might not have many entertainment options outside their homes in the UAE at the moment, but at least a whole new world of digital activities has opened up amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai Opera is now adding to that virtual portfolio, as it launches weekly online classes in collaboration with Diverse Performing Arts School.

The series, which runs every Tuesday on the opera house’s Facebook channel, includes sessions in hip hop, ballet, contemporary dance, tap dance, singing and drama.

These are specifically targeted towards children aged 5 to 10, and young adults aged 11 to 18.

It all kicks off on Tuesday, June 9, with a hip-hop dance class from 5pm for children and 6pm for young adults, who will be asked to groove along to the likes of Ritmo (Bad Boys Remix) by Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin and Jaden.

The companies are also offering participants the chance to win free virtual or in-house classes at Diverse Studio over the summer, by taking part in a social media challenge over the next six weeks.

The young dancers will be asked to upload videos of themselves taking part in the lessons and challenges in order to win first prize, which is 10 free classes or a full week at the school’s musical theatre camp or summer course.

Second prize-winners from each age group will get five free classes.