The Academy of Dance and Art is a dance haven meant to offer Kenyans real time opportunity and experience to an array of dance styles and techniques. It is essentially a place where artistic and academic growth of students is nurtured to enable them fulfill their greatest potential.

The Academy of Dance and Art is a bonifade affiliate member of the Royal Academy of Dance founded by Pernille Duckworth in 2009. This affiliation to the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) comes with a silver lining that affords the students a chance to participate in the classical ballet annual examinations organized by RAD London. This was inspired by the need to render to Kenyans similar opportunities in the field of dance as experienced in Europe, America and South Africa.

The Academy is guided by the able school principal, Mr. Robert Policarpio who is a RAD Registered Teacher. He is assisted by Rachel Kinyanjui, Arnie Umayam- RAD Registered Teacher and Juliet Duckworth-Co-Artistic Directors of ORIGINS.

The Academy of Dance and Art studios are conveniently located within Nairobi with one being at Rhino House- Karen Road and the other at Allamano Center-Consolata Shrine, Westlands. These studios cater to students from all walks of life and is a doorway to the field of performing arts and dance in the broadest sense possible. The Academy offers contemporary, modern ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom, hip-hop, voice lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons and musical theatre class. The classical and modern ballet is highly sought after since it is not age restricting. Ballet lessons are offered to both children and adults and enjoyed in equal measure and is known to improve balance, co-ordination, stamina, spatial awareness to name but a few. Fitness activities such as gymnastics, zumba, pilates, yoga, and martial arts are also taught.

The Academy also boasts of also owning the only dance shop in the entire East Africa region. Here, clients can find anything dance related such as costumes and outfits. The options in terms of size, color and brand are limitless. The canvas ballet shoes, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, character shoes, tights, leotards, skirts and tutus will be sure to leave one spoilt for choice.

Also, a noteworthy achievement of the Academy of Dance and Art is an in-house dance company known as “ORIGINS” that was founded in commemoration of its 10th year anniversary. The Origins Dance Company Kenya was formed to help showcase the products of The Academy of Dance and Art in a more professional setting. An example is the feature in the concert of the famous band UB40 “Labour of Love in 2020”. Origins have also performed in numerous productions including The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, UN-flow and collaborated with local and international artists.

Further information on the Academy can be found on their website www.academyofdanceandart.com. The contact number to either of the studios is +254790499377.The links to the school’s social-media accounts are as follows:

FB: https: //www.facebook.com/theacademyofdanceandart
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theacademyofdanceandart