A School Full of Stars – Showcasing Talent, Growth, and a Partnership with Juilliard

AL KHOR, QATAR – The Nord Anglia International School – Al Khor (NAISAK) courtyard was transformed into a glittering stage before Ramadan for A Sky Full of Stars, a spectacular showcase of creativity, talent, and the culmination of months of hard work. The event celebrated the outstanding performances of NAISAK students and highlighted the profound impact of a unique partnership with Juilliard, one of the world’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. This collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the students’ growth, blending expert guidance with their own dedication, and providing them with the skills needed to shine on stage.

Families and friends filled the school courtyard, eagerly awaiting the performances that would demonstrate the students’ remarkable abilities in music, dance, drama, and entrepreneurial ventures. The event featured powerful vocal performances, impressive instrumental renditions, and original skits in English, Malay, and Indian languages, leaving the audience captivated. Alongside the performances, Year 10 Business Studies students ran a vibrant night market, offering a variety of snacks and refreshments that reflected the spirit of creativity and enterprise at NAISAK.

“The students displayed remarkable discipline on stage during A Sky Full of Stars. Their focus and dedication allowed their creativity and talent to truly shine, captivating the audience and making the performance unforgettable,” said Ms. Laura Opperman, Head of Performing Arts at NAISAK and Juilliard Regional Lead for the Middle East. The energy and pride in the audience were palpable, with parents expressing how much they had seen their children grow not just in skill, but in confidence and stage presence. “It’s been an outstanding performance, and we’re excited for more events from the school. We’re so proud of our Salma,” shared Mr. Yasser Mohammed, a parent of one of the standout performers.

This unforgettable evening was the result of not only the students’ hard work but also the ongoing development of NAISAK’s performing arts curriculum. One of the most impactful moments leading up to the event was the visit of Ms. Salla Saarikangas, a distinguished Dance Curriculum Specialist from Juilliard. Ms. Saarikangas spent several days at NAISAK, offering the students a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s foremost dance educators. Her visit was a significant part of the integration of Juilliard's renowned curriculum into NAISAK’s performing arts program, bringing technical precision, creative expression, and classical training to the forefront of the students’ learning.

Ms. Saarikangas led a series of dynamic demo lessons focused on building a strong foundation in classical dance while also encouraging creative freedom. “Taking the Juilliard curriculum to the stage is not just about performing; it’s about applying the discipline and creativity we learn in class. Each lesson helps us master our skills and connect with the audience, turning what we learn into a vibrant art experience,” Ms. Opperman shared, reflecting on how Juilliard's teachings are woven into the students’ daily learning.

During Ms. Saarikangas’ visit, students learned the discipline required to pursue dance at the highest levels, while also discovering how to express themselves artistically in ways that would captivate an audience. These lessons were seamlessly incorporated into the ongoing performing arts curriculum, enriching the students’ experiences in drama, music, and dance. Ms. Saarikangas’ visit was not only a moment for students to gain invaluable insights but also a testament to the school’s commitment to providing world-class education.

In addition to Ms. Saarikangas’ demo lessons, NAISAK’s own Movement Teacher, Ms. Victoria Hughes, worked closely with the students to ensure they could apply what they learned in their ongoing coursework. “It was an enriching experience that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our students’ growth as dancers and movers,” said Ms. Hughes. “The opportunity to work with a Juilliard expert like Ms. Saarikangas was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for our students, and it’s something they will carry with them in their artistic journeys.”

The success of A Sky Full of Stars was also a reflection of how students at NAISAK are evaluated and encouraged in their performing arts journey. “Grading a musical performance is about more than just technical skill; it’s also about creativity, expression, and the ability to connect with the audience,” said Ms. Opperman. At NAISAK, performance assessments go beyond technique, looking at how well students can convey emotion, tell a story, and engage their audience, all key aspects of what was showcased in the Sky Full of Stars event.

The overwhelming support from the Al Khor community played a vital role in making the event a success. Families came together to celebrate the talent and hard work of the students, with parents like Priyanka Batlanki, mother of performer Karthikeya Batlanki, expressing her gratitude: “The thoughtful planning and execution were clear, and it provided an amazing opportunity for our children to engage, learn, and grow. The variety of activities kept everyone involved, and I was especially moved by the concluding song, A Sky Full of Stars. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged and excited about what they were learning. This event not only enriched their knowledge but also brought the whole school community closer together.”

Ms. Opperman also emphasized the role of community in the arts: “The Al Khor community truly embraced ‘A Sky Full of Stars,’ showing incredible support and enthusiasm. Their involvement transformed this showcase into a celebration of talent and togetherness, highlighting the power of community in the arts.”

The success of A Sky Full of Stars demonstrated how the collaboration between Juilliard’s expertise, NAISAK’s committed staff, and the dedication of the students can come together to create something extraordinary. Thanks to the world-class guidance from experts like Ms. Saarikangas, upcoming experts visits for music and drama like Mr. Brian Drye and Mr. Raphael Peacock in April and the ongoing mentorship of NAISAK’s performing arts team, the students are prepared to take their artistic skills to new heights, both on stage and beyond.