Dubai Associates
Dubai
About Us
Italia Conti Dubai is the first international branch of Italia Conti Associate Schools.Founded in 1911 the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts is Britains oldest performing arts college. Now in Dubai a legacy of excellence spanning over 110 years, we are dedicated to providing exceptional training for students aged 5 to 18.
We offer two audition-only programmes as well as open classes available to all. Our two specialised programmes are the Dance Company and the 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 don’t just train performers; we inspire the next generation of artists to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry.

MeeT The Team
- Alice Forde-Standish - Principal
- Claira Vaughan - Vice Principal
- Sara Benzi - Senior Ballet & Lyrical Tutor
- Fleur Webber - Vocal Coach
Alice Forde-Standish is an award-winning performer and established choreographer. Scouted at age 14 as a gifted choreographer she has since competed and performed across the UK in various arenas and theatres, including on ITV’s Got to Dance. Alice has trained in various dance styles, including Ballet, Tap, Street Dance, Commercial, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. She holds an IDTA Teaching Qualification, she is a member of the ISTD and has a Master’s Degree in Dance Technique Pedagogy. Her choreography expertise spans theatrical productions, music videos, fashion shows and competitive routines. Alice has organised multiple dance workshops and events across Qatar and the UAE, including bringing big names such as Kimberly Wyatt, Brian Friedman and MOVEIT! to the region.
Alice’s influence has nurtured rising stars, with her students securing placements in prestigious institutions like the Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet, Urdang, YDA, The Joffrey School of Hip hop, Laines and more! Since relocating to the Middle East, she has established and managed multiple dance schools and choreographed dance showcases, competitive routines and musical theatre productions. In Dubai since 2017, Alice has taught students to a high technical standard, achieving numerous award-winning entries in regional and international competitions. She has also taught, as part time faculty at the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, teaching on the Level 6 Trinity diploma in Dance and the Musical Theatre BA program.
Claira is a dynamic International Dance Facilitator, workshop leader, Choreographer, and Movement Director renowned for her work on stage, screen, and large-scale events. As the creator and Artistic Director of P.O.D (The Post Olympic Dance Company), Claira combines her expertise as a Yoga Alliance qualified yoga instructor with extensive training in diverse dance forms such as Musical Theatre, Jazz, Tap, and Commercial Jazz. Known for her innovative choreography, Claira has left an indelible mark with credits including “The Beautiful Game” at Arts Educational London, “Flashdance” at Italia Conti, and “Teenage Dick” at The Donmar Warehouse. Her choreography credits include “The History Of a Pleasure Seeker” (Disney +) and “Pennyworth” (S1–3) (Warner Bros).
As Associate Choreographer/Director, she has worked on projects such as, “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Acrss New York)“ (Criterion Theatre), People Places and Things” (UK Tour), As You Like it (RSC) “Stepping Out” (Vaudeville Theatre/UK Tour), “The Rocky Horror Show” (Ambassadors Theatre Group/UK Tour), “Dusty – The Musical” (UK Tour), “Saltburn” (Warner Bros), “The Crown” (S4-6) (Netflix), “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Warner Bros), and “The Little Stranger” (Pathe). She has also contributed to notable television projects like “The Great” on Channel 4. With a commitment to nurturing talent, Claira has worked with performers of all ages and abilities, enriching their skills and inspiring audiences worldwide.
Sara Benzi is a highly accomplished professional dancer and teacher with extensive international experience. Trained in Classical Ballet, she holds a diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance in London and has studied various dance techniques, including Vaganova, Contemporary, and Modern/Lyrical Dance, under renowned instructors from institutions like the Cuban National Ballet and La Scala Theatre. Sara’s performance career spans prestigious theatres across Italy, where she has danced in iconic ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty. She has also won several international dance competitions.
As an educator, Sara has collaborated with professionals from prestigious theatres in Italy, including La Scala Theatre in Milan, San Carlo Theatre in Naples, and the Rome Opera House. She has played a pivotal role in preparing students for RAD exams, competitions, and placements in ballet companies, with many achieving top honours in international competitions. Sara is dedicated to nurturing young talent, offering high-quality ballet and contemporary dance education, and has been instrumental in organising and leading dance intensives. Her commitment to excellence in dance education has made her a respected figure in the dance community.
With patience, optimism and passion forming the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy, I am dedicated to fostering positive connections and outcomes for my students. My empathetic nature and natural inclination towards understanding others’ perspectives allows me to connect deeply with each student, understanding your unique challenges and tailoring my approach to meet your needs effectively. I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, ensuring that every obstacle becomes a stepping stone to success; a win for you is a win for me!
My musical journey has been enriched by invaluable mentorship from esteemed professionals, and I have truly honed my craft through cultivating my extensive background in performance, vocal training and nearly every area of music, making me a seasoned professional in the nuances of the music field.Through teaching, I believe I can learn just as much from my students as they do from me. I look forward to embarking on this musical journey, where we can all learn, grow and achieve great things together!

Further Information
Age Range
Location
Times Square Center Ground Floor Opposite Coffee Club.
Dubai Hills Estate Acacia A
Uniform
Uniforms are available to purchase from our studios.
Welfare
The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance at Italia Conti Associates.
Our students are taught and cared for by experienced, trained, DBS checked staff. A minimum of two trained First Aiders are always present.
We recommend students bring plenty of water and snacks with them to sessions.
Fees
Free trial classes are available for new students.
Class fees reduce depending on the number of classes taken. Special packages are available for those who successfully audition for our Theatre Company and our Dance Company Courses.
1 Class – 1365AED. 2 Classes – 2457 AED 3 Classes – 3,481 AED
4 Classes – 4,651 AED. 5 Classes – 5,802 AED. 6 Classes – 6,552 AED
7 Classes – 7,644 AED. 8 Classes – 8,736 AED. 9 Classes – 9,828 AED
Unlimited Classes – 10,803
Dance Company 6 core classes – 6,000 AED. Dance Company Unlimited – 9,829 AED
Teen Theatre Company
3 Classes 3,225 AED.
3 Classes + 1-2-1 Private Singing 5,500 AED
4 Classes – 4,641 AED. Theatre Company 5 Classes + 1-2-1 Vocal Coach 7150 AED
We are currently offering 15% off for those who secure there place before the end of November. We also offer Early Bird Discounts throughout the year to get 10% off your fees if you secure your place before the term starts.
Free trial classes are available for new students.
All bookings must be made in advanced.
Fees are payable on a termly basis.
Where possible, make up classes are allowed during the same term but carrying classes over to another term isn’t permitted.
Refunds aren’t possible however we can offer alternative class suggestions should you wish.
- Multiple Class Discounts are available.
- Bundle packages for available for Pro-courses and Teen Foundation courses.
Term Dates
- Term 1 Monday September 2nd 2024 – Sunday 8th December 2024
- Term 2 Monday January 6th 2025 – Sunday 23rd March 2025
- Term 3 Monday 7th April 2025 – Sunday 29th June 2025

Further information
Age Range
Our Classes are for students 5 - 18 years old.
Please see our rought age guide here when booking your trial:
Mini: 5-7 Years
Junior: 8-11
Intermediate: 11-14
Senior: 14-18
Students are grouped by ability for every class, when they trial teachers will let the student know if they should be in a different class, this helps support each students growth as an individual.
Location
Studio Location is a ground floor unit in
Dubai Hills Estate Acacia A
Waze link:
📍 Use Waze to drive to Italia Conti Associates Dubai Performing Arts School, دبي, دبي: https://waze.com/ul/hthrqc55sm
Google Maps:
📍 Italia Conti Associates Dubai Performing Arts School – Dubai Hills -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wmmtZ38xAbZyWx5u6
You can drop students off right outside! If you would like to come in and chat to us please see the parking links below:
Waze Link
📍 Use Waze to drive to Unnamed Road: https://waze.com/ul/hthrqc5682
Google Maps
📍 RTA parking
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tq8phKBQZ4ofPY5S7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Uniform
Uniforms are available to purchase from our studios.
Welfare
The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance at Italia Conti Associates.
Our students are taught and cared for by experienced, trained, DBS checked staff. A minimum of two trained First Aiders are always present.
We recommend students bring plenty of water and snacks with them to sessions.
Fees
Students can Book in Trials or Auditions Via our interactive Timetable or Via
Email: [email protected]
or
Whatsapp : +971581729914
Term 2 Fees:
Musical Theatre, Acting & Singing - 1800 AED for all of Term 2
Commercial, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Acro, Lyrical, Advanced Tech - 1500 AED for all Term 2
Private Singing, Acting or Dance Lessons - 250 AED per class or 2250 for the Term
Triple Threat Package - Any 3 classes - 4,500 saving 900 AED
Unlimited Classes - Avg 12 classes a week - 12,000 AED per term saving 6,000 AED
Packages are available for those who successfully audition for our Theatre Company and our Dance Company Courses.
All bookings must be made in advance.
Fees are payable on a termly basis.
Refunds aren’t possible however we can offer alternative class suggestions should you wish.
Makeup Classes are only permitted once a term and if their is availability in the same term and require prior booking.
- Scholarships worth 25%, 50% and 80% are available if successful through our audition courses and last for the full academic year.
Terms Dates
- Term 1 August 25th - 13th December 2025
- Term 2 January 5th - March 13th 2026
- Term 30th March - 3rd of July 2026