How Has Juilliard Shaped 10 Years of Performing Arts Excellence at NAS Dubai?
Imagine stepping into a rehearsal room at NAS Dubai. The air hums with music and the quiet intensity of students perfecting their craft. Across the school, young dancers leap across the stage, musicians tune their instruments, and actors confidently prepare their lines. For the past 10 years, this has been the rhythm of life at NAS Dubai, a school where performing arts meet world-class education and creativity is not simply taught, but experienced.
This vibrant scene is made even more extraordinary by our partnership with The Juilliard School, one of the world’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. From the first day of the collaboration, Juilliard specialists have flown to Dubai to teach, mentor, and inspire our students. In return, NAS Dubai students have travelled to New York City to train in Juilliard’s legendary studios, gaining experiences that few young performers ever have the chance to encounter. It’s a partnership that has transformed not only our students’ skills but their confidence and passion for the arts.
Abigail Mack, Head of Drama, has been part of the Juilliard journey from the beginning:
“I am delighted to have been involved for the whole 10 years! The Juilliard–Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme has grown a community where NAS Dubai students are empowered to become the next generation of creative leaders, confident, expressive, and ready to shape the world of tomorrow!”
Her words reflect the essence of what makes the programme special. It’s about more than technique or performance; it’s about giving students a voice, nurturing individuality, and helping them step into the world with creativity and self-assurance.
For Holly Young, Head of Dance, the Juilliard collaboration has opened doors for both students and teachers:
“The Juilliard collaboration is such a unique addition to our school. Students benefit from professional lessons designed by Juilliard specialists, including performance work not available to the public. I was lucky enough to visit New York and experience Juilliard firsthand and the energy and creativity I saw there now inspire everything we do at NAS Dubai.”
And for Kate Rochell, Head of Secondary Music, the programme’s impact goes even further:
“Juilliard ensures that all students can access musical learning, from those with a general appreciation to those aspiring to professional careers. Collaborating with Juilliard staff and colleagues around the Nord Anglia network allows us to grow as educators and give our students the very best opportunities.”
This term, the results of this decade-long collaboration were on full display. In Primary, drama lessons sparked imagination, choirs performed for Peace Week, and young musicians prepared for festive events like the Tree Lighting at Al Habtoor Polo Club. In Secondary, over 120 students auditioned for Shrek the Musical, Year 10 students honed their skills for GCSE Drama, and our talented musicians performed in busking events and band showcases, including workshops led by Juilliard’s own Andrea Lee.
As we celebrate ten years of Juilliard, it’s impossible not to feel proud of the legacy we’ve built. This is a school where curiosity drives learning, passion fuels achievement, and every student's voice is heard and valued. The arts are not only performed here; they are experienced, shared, and integrated into the fabric of a truly global, world-class education.
Experience the magic for yourself. Watch highlights of our Juilliard partnership and performing arts programmes on @nasdubaiperformingarts
