Learning doesn’t stop once you leave the classroom. In fact, getting creative, learning a new skill or feeling the rhythm has a way of igniting a child’s full potential. Academics are important, but learning to dance, get creative at an art studio or learning to quite literally overcome obstacles is just as important.
We explored 3 excellent venues where your child can learn to be creative, strong and free!
Artology – The Art Commune
There’s nothing quite like art to ignite a child’s creativity. Artology – The Art Commune Events was established in Bahrain in 2010 and is a unique private studio space, located in Saar, which promotes arts culture and supports local, regional and international artists.
People of all ages, skill sets, nationalities and from every school are welcome to unleash their creativity at Artology. A hands-on teaching method is incorporated to allow students to develop their skills, express their emotions and have a space that they can call their own.
Taking in all ages from four years and above, their classes work on project bases integrating fun facts about the artists, the art movements and styles. Every project is based on a technique and medium – students are given basics and then given room to get inspired and create their own. The aim is to create original artwork.
For more information, check out @artology.bh on Instagram.
Bahrain Ballet Centre
Bahrain Ballet Centre is the island›s first performing arts studio established in 1982.
From dance and music to summer camp and drama, the activities on offer at the Bahrain Ballet Centre will keep your kids engaged physically and mentally. Currently, the studio runs its popular ‹Dance & Creative Camp› for the months of July and August, alongside its regular classes of Ballet, Modern, Tap, Mother & Toddler, Hiphop & Music in addition to specialised Dance & Drama workshops. In an effort to promote regional dance forms the studio, has introduced Khaleeji & Belly dance classes taught by local and internationally-trained instructors.
The studio conducts annual examinations based on the leading dance examination board, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Classes are open to all ages from toddlers to adults and all experience levels, whether beginner or advanced.
The centre also hosts annual dance shows at the Cultural Hall. Past shows include adaptations of ‘Aladdin’s Magical Ride’, ‘Alice’ and ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’.
For more information, call 17 693-232 or 33 719-180 or visit www.bahrainballetcentre.com.
Big Up Sports
Located in Janabiyah, Big Up Sports is an exciting fitness-related centre which gives you a chance to learn calisthenics, parkour and a form of karate called Sil Jeon Moo or even be part of a bootcamp. The unique centre is run by a vibrant team that is keen on making fitness fun and a rewarding process for kids and adults alike. Big Up Sports currently has 18 classes every day of the week (except for Fridays) for kids, teens and adults.
For those of you that do not know, calisthenics is a form of strength training that doesn’t rely on anything other than the individual’s bodyweight. It is one of the most natural forms of training, it is great for building natural strength and staying fit.
Parkour, also known as free-running, is the act of getting from point A to point B while using obstacles or your surroundings to do it in the most efficient manner. It consists of running, jumping, climbing and tricks such as back flips. It really helps to make people stronger both physically and mentally, building both their strength and confidence.
In the wake of the pandemic, the team has taken extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Equipment and touch points are sanitized between classes, face masks are worn when training and social distancing is encouraged as much as possible aside from other precautions. Big Up Sports, undoubtedly, gives kids a safe space to get fit, learn a new skill and have fun – a truly unique experience.
Get in touch with Big Up Sports through their Instagram account @bigup_sports.