What ages does British Dance Academy teach?

Children from 2 to 16. The youngest class is Baby Stars Ballet for 2-3 year olds, and graded ballet runs up to Grade 7 for 14-15 year olds. There are also ladies-only adult classes.

What dance styles can my child learn?

The 2026-27 timetable has ballet, pointe (by teacher recommendation), hip hop, AcroDance, jazz and lyrical. Musical theatre dance (ages 3-9) is on the subjects page but not on the current timetable, so ask the provider.

Monday to Friday from mid-afternoon into the evening, plus Saturday mornings. The earliest are Baby Stars Ballet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30-3PM, and the last finish at 8:30PM. There are no Sunday classes on the 2026-27 timetable.

Can we try a class before committing?

Yes. Book a free trial class through the form on the website (terms and conditions apply), or WhatsApp Student Support on +971 58 850 3743.

Does the academy offer dance exams?

Yes. BBO exams in ballet, AcroDance, musical theatre dance and jazz, plus the BBO Performance Award for hip hop, are held each year towards the end of April. The teachers only enter children who are ready.

How much do classes cost?

Fees aren't published on the website. Ask the provider for current term fees and packages.

British Dance Academy, My City Centre Al Barsha

DanceBallet

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Al Barsha South

Free trial

See timetable

British Dance Academy is a dance school at My City Centre Al Barsha in Arjan, Al Barsha South, which describes itself as the exclusive British Ballet Organisation (BBO) examination centre in the UAE. Classes follow BBO syllabi, and pupils can sit Ofqual-regulated BBO exams, held each year towards the end of April with an examiner from the UK. The 2026-27 timetable runs from Baby Stars Ballet for 2-3 year olds up to graded ballet, pointe, AcroDance, jazz, lyrical and hip hop classes for teens, with weekday classes from mid-afternoon and Saturday morning sessions. The academy has two studios with wooden floors, mirrors and barres, and a waiting area for parents. It also runs holiday dance camps for ages 5-10, birthday parties and ladies-only adult classes. It's rated 4.8 on Google from 44 reviews, and new families can book a free trial class through the website.

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The activity

Dance, explained

Dance classes teach children rhythm, coordination, flexibility and musicality through structured, styled movement - ballet builds posture and technique, hip hop builds rhythm and confidence, and jazz or musical theatre dance adds performance skills. Most schools start children as young as 2-3 in a pre-primary or creative movement class, then move them into graded levels as they get older. Regular classes build strength, balance and body awareness, and many schools offer optional exams or end-of-term shows so children can work towards something and perform in front of family.

Who it's for

Children aged 2 to 16, by subject: ballet 2-16, hip hop 4-16, AcroDance 3-12 and jazz 5-11 on the subjects page, with lyrical for 10-12 and 13+ and pointe by teacher recommendation on the timetable. Boys are welcome - there is a boys' uniform for ballet, musical theatre and jazz. Adult classes are ladies only. Ask the provider about special needs support.

What to expect

Book a free trial class through the website form (terms and conditions apply) and the Student Support team will be in touch to arrange it; you can also WhatsApp them on +971 58 850 3743. Classes last 30 minutes for the youngest (Baby Stars and Little Stars) and up to an hour for graded ballet. A BBO uniform is compulsory, with set leotards or a boys' t-shirt and shorts, sold at the academy's dance shop. Hair is tied back, jewellery comes off and dance shoes are never worn outside. Parents of children under 5 must stay inside the academy during class. Ask the provider what your child needs for the trial itself.

Highlights

Describes itself as the exclusive British Ballet Organisation examination centre in the UAE, with Ofqual-regulated exams (britishdanceacademy.com)
Classes from Baby Stars Ballet (2-3 years) through graded ballet, pointe, hip hop, AcroDance, jazz and lyrical (britishdanceacademy.com)
Reports a 100% pass rate in its 2026 BBO exams: 76% distinction, 24% merit (britishdanceacademy.com)
Free trial class, booked through the website (britishdanceacademy.com)
Holiday dance camps for ages 5-10, 8:30am-2pm at the studios (britishdanceacademy.com)
4.8 on Google from 44 reviews (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

British Dance Academy is rated 4.8 on Google from 44 reviews, with 42 five-star and 2 one-star ratings.

The facts

Ages: 2-16 years for children's classes (ballet 2-16, hip hop 4-16, AcroDance 3-12, jazz 5-11); ladies-only adult classes (britishdanceacademy.com)
Prices: Not published - ask the provider
Schedule: 2026-27 timetable (31 Aug 2026 - 4 Jul 2027): classes Monday-Friday from 2:30PM to 8:30PM and Saturday 10AM-1:45PM, none on Sunday. Examples: Baby Stars Ballet (2-3 years) Tue & Thu 2:30-3PM; Hip Hop Hoppers (4-7 years) Tue 4:45-5:30PM, Wed 4:15-5PM, Sat 10:30-11AM (britishdanceacademy.com/class-schedule)
Trial: Free trial class, booked through the website form; terms and conditions apply (britishdanceacademy.com)
Where: My City Centre Al Barsha (Unit B019), Arjan, Al Barsha South 3, Dubai
How to book: britishdanceacademy.com/book-free-trial-class · +971 58 850 3743 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Mon–Sat9am–10pm
Sun10am–10pm

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Questions parents ask

Good to know

Parents of children under 5 must stay inside the academy during class; older children are dropped off and collected on time (britishdanceacademy.com)
Waiting area for parents - kept quiet, water only, and no photos or videos (britishdanceacademy.com)
Compulsory BBO x Dansez uniform, sold at the academy's dance shop (britishdanceacademy.com)
All teachers are BBO registered teachers (britishdanceacademy.com)
On-site parking, including a free car park, and wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet and parking (Google listing)