What classes can children take at SPANDA?

Spanda teaches Bharatanatyam (from age 5), Carnatic music and art classes to children; Kerala mural painting is for ages 15 and up. It does not list which classes run at each centre, so ask what is on at yours.

What age can my child start Bharatanatyam?

From age 5. Classes run from beginner to advanced levels for children, teenagers and adults.

Does my child need to speak a South Indian language to learn Carnatic music?

No. Spanda says you do not need to already know a South Indian language; students are guided through the pronunciation, meaning and context of each composition.

Where are the SPANDA centres?

Al Nahda (No 2 & 3, The Four Building), Al Quoz (Al Abbas Warehouse, 33B St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 2) and Dubai Investment Park (13th Street, DIP 2). Pick a centre on this page for its details.

How much do classes cost and is there a trial?

Ask the provider. Fees and trial classes are not published on spanda.ae; call or WhatsApp +971 52 92 12 642 or use the enquiry form on the website.

When are the centres open?

Hours differ by centre and come from Google, not from Spanda. They are centre hours, not class times, so ask the provider for the timetable. Pick a centre on this page to see its hours.

SPANDA — Al Nahda: Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam and art classes for kids

MusicMusic LessonsArtDance

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Al Nahda

Ages5+years and up
Where3 branchesAl Nahda, Al Quoz +1See on the map
Not publishedAskPrices and times

Book online

SPANDA is an Indian arts and culture school with three Dubai centres: Al Nahda, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park (DIP). Spanda teaches Bharatanatyam, the South Indian classical dance; Carnatic music, the classical vocal tradition of South India; art classes; and Kerala mural painting. Children can start Bharatanatyam from age 5, Carnatic music and the art classes are open to children, teenagers and adults, and Kerala mural painting is for ages 15 and up. Bharatanatyam follows the Kalakshetra style (bani), with the stress on strong foundations, clean technique and theory, from beginner to advanced levels. Carnatic students get chances to perform, join workshops and try studio recording, and they do not need to speak a South Indian language first: pronunciation and meaning are taught as part of the lessons. Spanda does not list which classes run at each centre, so ask what is on at the centre you pick before you visit.

spanda.ae Instagram Facebook YouTube

The activity

Music Lessons, explained

Carnatic music is the classical music tradition of South India, built on a large body of compositions, intricate rhythms and a detailed system of melody. Beginners learn to find and hold the shruti (the reference pitch), sing the swaras (notes) clearly and steadily, and keep the talam (rhythmic cycle) with their hands. From there, students move on to traditional compositions such as varnams and kritis, learning to sing them with meaning and musicality. It trains the ear, memory and concentration, and rewards patient, regular practice. At Spanda it is taught alongside Bharatanatyam, the South Indian classical dance, which pairs precise footwork and hand gestures with rhythm and storytelling.

Who it's for

Bharatanatyam: children from age 5, teenagers and adults, beginner to advanced. Carnatic music: children, teenagers and adults, from complete beginners up; no South Indian language needed. Art classes: children, teenagers and adults, adapted to age and experience. Kerala mural painting: teenagers 15+ and adults only. Ask which of these run at the centre you pick.

What to expect

Each art form starts from the basics. In Carnatic music, beginners work on holding the shruti (reference pitch), singing the swaras (notes) clearly and learning the talam (rhythm) through simple lessons, with the words' pronunciation and meaning explained as they go. Bharatanatyam is taught as a serious discipline, built on technique, theory and regular practice. Children's art classes begin with hand training, line work, shapes and dimensions, then move on to colouring, pencil shading, watercolour and acrylics. Spanda does not publish trial classes, kit, lesson length or fees: ask the provider on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form on spanda.ae.

Highlights

Bharatanatyam for children from age 5, taught in the Kalakshetra style, beginner to advanced (spanda.ae)
Carnatic music for children, teens and adults, with no South Indian language needed (spanda.ae)
Art classes for kids: line work and shapes first, then pencil shading, watercolour and acrylics (spanda.ae)
Three Dubai centres: Al Nahda, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park (spanda.ae)
Carnatic students can perform, join workshops and try studio recording (spanda.ae)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

On Google, the Al Nahda centre is rated 4.8 from 148 reviews (132 five-star, 8 four-star, 2 three-star and 6 one-star), Al Quoz 4.9 from 71 and DIP 5.0 from 13. Each centre's own rating shows when you pick it.

The facts

Ages: Bharatanatyam: from age 5
Kerala mural painting: 15+
Carnatic music and art classes for children, teens and adults
(spanda.ae)
Not published yet: Ask about prices and trials
Where: No 2 & 3, The Four Building, Al Nahda, Dubai
How to book: app.classcardapp.com/forms?id=4e9d162d5028530333332cab0d00a3e8e5ca5e3a2713a43dbc7bb519ba5c7bc0&type=lead&header=1 · wa.me/971529212642 · +971 52 921 2642 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Mon–Wed10am–9pm
ThuClosed
Fri10am–9pm
Sat–Sun9am–7:30pm

Guide · 7 min readRead: How many activities is too many? A guide by age

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Centre hours from Google, not class times (Google listing)
Paid parking lot and paid street parking nearby (Google listing)
Kerala mural painting is for ages 15 and up, so it is not a class for younger children (spanda.ae)
Spanda's site does not say which classes run at which centre; ask before you visit (spanda.ae)
Al Nahda: paid parking lot and paid street parking nearby; wheelchair-accessible seating and car park (Google listing)
Pick a centre on this page for its address, hours and rating