Upaj Dance Academy, Jebel Ali First
About Upaj Dance Academy
Upaj Dance Academy is a dance, music and art studio in the IBN Gate Building, Jebel Ali First. Classical styles on offer are Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Mohiniyattam, alongside folk, Garba, Bollywood and Zumba, plus singing, tabla, keyboard, guitar, art and craft, and drawing and painting classes. The academy says its classes are for all ages and skill levels, from first-timers to advanced dancers. Kathak is taught by Debosmriti Dandapat, a Dubai-based Kathak dancer, performer and choreographer who started training at six and is a graduate of Prayag Sangeet Samiti. By the academy's own figures it has been inspiring dancers for 17+ years, hosted 42+ events and guided 423+ students. Parents' Google reviews shown on its site mention daughters learning Kathak here for more than a year, and one for 6+ years. Fees and class times are not published: call, WhatsApp or use the site's callback form to ask.
The activity
Indian Classical Dance, explained
Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi teach children precise footwork, hand gestures (mudras), facial expression and storytelling, set to classical rhythm cycles. Kathak is known for its fast rhythmic footwork and spins; Bharatanatyam for its structured poses and expressive storytelling; Odissi for its fluid, sculpture-like stances. Beginners usually start with posture, simple footwork and counting beats before moving on to longer choreographed pieces, and many children go on to perform at student shows. Bollywood and Zumba sit alongside the classical styles as more energetic, fitness-led options. No previous dance experience is needed to start, and the right starting age depends on the child - ask the studio about its class groups.
Who it's for
Children and adults. The academy says its classes are for "all ages and skill levels", from beginners to advanced training, and its guide for parents says children need no previous classical dance experience to start Kathak. Parents' reviews on the site mention daughters in the Kathak classes. Specific age bands are not published - ask the provider.
What to expect
The academy's Kathak guide for parents says beginner training starts with the building blocks rather than difficult choreography: basic posture and body alignment, Tatkaar (rhythmic footwork), taal (counting beats and keeping time) and hasta mudras (hand gestures), moving on to longer sequences as a child progresses. For Bollywood, the academy says no prior dance training is needed. The website does not publish a timetable, kit list, fees or trial policy; it invites families to call, request a callback or visit the studio, so that is the first step before booking.
Highlights
- Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, folk, Garba, Bollywood and Zumba taught at one studio (upajacademy.com)
- Singing, tabla, keyboard, guitar, art and craft, and drawing and painting classes too (upajacademy.com)
- Kathak taught by Debosmriti Dandapat, a Prayag Sangeet Samiti graduate who trained from age six (upajacademy.com)
- 17+ years, 42+ events and 423+ students, by the academy's own figures (upajacademy.com)
- 4.9 on Google from 14 reviews (Google listing)
Why parents rate it
What parents say on Google
Upaj Dance Academy has 4.9 on Google from 14 reviews: 13 five-star and 1 four-star. Reviews shown on the academy's site describe the Kathak teacher as patient, dedicated and disciplined, and parents mention daughters who enjoy learning and have stayed for years.
The facts
- Not published yet
- Ask about ages, prices and trials
- Where
- 404B, IBN Gate Building Office, Jebel Ali First, Dubai
- How to book
- upajacademy.com/dubai/contact-us · +971 50 550 1362 · +971 4 452 1107 · wa.me/971505501362 · [email protected]
- Opening hours
- Every day9am–10pm
Questions parents ask
Good to know
- Studio address: 404B, IBN Gate Building Office, Jebel Ali First (upajacademy.com)
- On-site parking (Google listing)
- Wheelchair-accessible car park, toilet and seating (Google listing)
- Online classes are offered as well as studio classes (Google listing)
- Women-owned business (Google listing)
Prices, ages and times change — confirm with the provider before you book.
Location
Skip mapIbn Battuta Gate Building - Jabal Ali First - Dubai
Interested in Upaj Dance Academy?
Message them directly — ask about classes, times and prices.
Message on WhatsApp