About Us

Italia Conti Dubai is the first international branch of Italia Conti Associate Schools.

Founded in 1911, Italia Conti is Britain’s oldest performing arts college. Now in Dubai, with a legacy of excellence spanning more than 110 years, we are dedicated to providing exceptional training for students aged 5 to 18.

We offer two audition-only programmes alongside open classes available to all students.

Our specialised programmes are the Dance Company and the Teen Theatre Company, where students develop understanding, foundations, advanced techniques, repertoire, and performance projects. These programmes provide a well-rounded educational and technical foundation, preparing students for auditions, university applications, and careers in the performing arts.

At Italia Conti Dubai, we do not just train performers. We inspire the next generation of artists to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry.

Dance

Our extensive dance programme covers Broadway Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics, Aerial Silks, Repertoire, and Advanced Technique. Highly qualified instructors focus on each student’s growth and technical development.

Musical Theatre

A complete triple-threat training programme covering acting, singing, and dance.

Voice

Exceptional vocal coaching helping students understand and develop their voice and vocal capabilities. Preparation for Trinity and ABRSM examinations is also available.

Acting

Classes designed to help students discover themselves and the art of acting, with a focus on both screen and live theatre performance.

Termly Fees

For pricing information, students should contact the reception team directly.

What We Do

Available to all students.

Subjects include:

  • Dance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Voice / Singing
  • Acting


Dance training includes Broadway Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics, Aerial Silks, Repertoire, and Advanced Technique.

Voice coaching also includes preparation for Trinity and ABRSM examinations.

Audition-only programme for students aged 8 to 18.

Groups include:

  • Junior Pro’s: Ages 8–10
  • Upper Junior Pro’s: Ages 11–13
  • Advanced Pro’s: Ages 14–18

 

Students receive advanced technical training and preparation for performing arts university auditions and professional careers.

Audition-only programme for students aged 12 to 18.
Students receive comprehensive training across acting, singing, dance, rehearsal techniques, and performance skills, preparing them for advanced professional training and full-time study.

Alice Forde-Standish

Principal

Alice is an award-winning performer and established choreographer.

She was scouted at the age of 14 as a gifted choreographer and has since competed and performed across the UK in theatres and arenas, including ITV’s Got to Dance.

Alice trained in Ballet, Tap, Street Dance, Commercial, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. She holds an IDTA Teaching Qualification, is a member of the ISTD, and has a Master’s Degree in Dance Technique Pedagogy.

Her choreography experience spans theatrical productions, music videos, fashion shows, and competitive routines.

Alice has organised workshops and events across Qatar and the UAE, bringing industry names including Kimberly Wyatt, Brian Friedman, and MOVEIT! to the region.

Her students have secured places at the Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet, Urdang, YDA, The Joffrey School of Hip Hop, Laines, and more.

Since relocating to the Middle East, Alice has established and managed multiple dance schools and choreographed showcases, competition routines, and musical theatre productions.

She has also taught as part-time faculty at the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy on the Level 6 Trinity Diploma in Dance and the Musical Theatre BA programme.

Claira Vaughan

Senior Musical Theatre & Dance Tutor

Claira is an international dance facilitator, workshop leader, choreographer, and movement director.

She is the creator and Artistic Director of P.O.D (The Post Olympic Dance Company) and is also a Yoga Alliance qualified yoga instructor.

Performance and choreography credits include:

  • The Beautiful Game
  • Flashdance
  • Teenage Dick
  • The History of a Pleasure Seeker
  • Pennyworth

Associate Choreographer and Director credits include:

  • Two Strangers
  • People Places and Things
  • As You Like It
  • Stepping Out
  • The Rocky Horror Show
  • Dusty – The Musical
  • Saltburn
  • The Crown
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • The Little Stranger

Sara Benzi

Senior Ballet & Lyrical Tutor

Sara is a highly accomplished professional dancer and teacher with extensive international experience.

She trained in Classical Ballet and holds a diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance in London.

She has studied Vaganova, Contemporary, and Modern/Lyrical Dance under instructors from the Cuban National Ballet and La Scala Theatre.

Sara has performed in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty in prestigious Italian theatres and has collaborated with La Scala Milan, San Carlo Naples, and the Rome Opera House.

Many of her students have achieved top honours in international competitions and secured placements in ballet companies.

Fleur Webber

Vocal Coach

Fleur’s teaching philosophy is built on patience, optimism, and passion.

She has an extensive background in performance, vocal training, and music, and believes in fostering positive connections whilst tailoring her approach to each student’s individual needs.

Book a Free Trial

Free trial classes are available for new students.
Complimentary assessments are available for Dance Company and Teen Theatre Company classes.

Book via the interactive timetable on the website, or contact the team directly via WhatsApp or email.

WhatsApp: 0581729914
Email: associatesdubai@www.italiaconti.com

    Term Dates

    2025/2026

    Term 1

    25 August - 13 December 2025

    Term 2

    5 January - 13 March 2026

    Term 3

    30 March - 3 July 2026

    Entry Requirements

    Age Range

    For students aged 5 to 18 years.

    Open Classes

    No audition required. Classes are open to all students

    Dance Company Entry

    Entry by successful audition only. ​

    Audition Requirements

    Teen Theatre Company Entry

    Entry by successful audition only.

    Audition Requirements

    Audition fee: 200 AED payable upon booking. For audition deadlines, contact the team directly via email or WhatsApp.

    Uniform

    Uniforms are available to purchase directly from the studios.

    Additional Information

    Ready to Get Started?

    Book a free trial session — no audition, no commitment.

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