Blending global opportunities with a deeply embedded culture of creativity, NAS Abu Dhabi is redefining performing arts – giving every student the chance to find their voice, on and off the stage
PARTNER CONTENT: For Marie Connolly, Director of Creative Arts, that vision has been clear from the outset. “When we opened the school, we wanted performing arts to be intrinsic to the DNA of the community,” she explains. “Music, drama and performance bring people together in a way very few things can.”
A stage for every student
At NAS Abu Dhabi, performing arts are deliberately inclusive. Students do not need prior experience to get involved, and there is no single pathway into performance.
“There are many different ways to get involved,” Connolly says. Some students begin by joining a choir or ensemble, others take part in class performances or assemblies, and many go on to feature in large-scale productions such as Matilda or High School Musical. The emphasis is on exploration first, allowing students to build confidence before specialising.
Where performance becomes everyday
One of the school’s most distinctive features is how visible performing arts are within daily life. The bi-weekly busking sessions in the central atrium have become a hallmark of the school’s culture. These informal performances create a low-pressure environment where students can share their talents in front of peers.
“It creates a platform where performing becomes normal,” Connolly explains. “When students see their friends performing, they start to imagine themselves doing it too.”
For many students, this is where their journey begins. What starts as a tentative performance often evolves into a growing sense of confidence, with students increasingly willing to step forward and take on new challenges. These experiences develop far more than artistic ability. They nurture communication, resilience and self-belief – skills that benefit students across all areas of learning.
From Abu Dhabi to the global stage
What truly sets NAS Abu Dhabi apart is how these everyday opportunities connect to a wider global platform. As part of the Nord Anglia Education network, students have access to exceptional regional and international performing arts experiences.
A standout example is the Nord Anglia Middle East and India Performing Arts Festival (MEIPAF). Hosted by NAS Abu Dhabi in 2025, the festival brought together students from across the region for workshops and performances in dance, drama and music. Guided by expert practitioners and guest artists, students collaborated with peers from different countries, culminating in professional-level performances. The experience fosters creativity, confidence and cultural exchange – giving students a sense of what it means to perform beyond their own school environment.
Students can also take part in global initiatives such as the Nord Anglia Education Global Campus Virtual Young Musician of the Year Competition. This worldwide event invites students to submit performance recordings across categories including vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles, piano, composition and music production. With entries judged by expert panels and participants from Year groups 3 – 13 across the entire Nord Anglia Education network, it offers a unique opportunity to perform on an international stage.
These experiences help students see themselves not just as performers within a school, but as part of a global creative community.
Learning from world-class experts
A key strength of the programme is its connection to world-class expertise. Through Nord Anglia’s collaboration with The Juilliard School in New York, students and teachers benefit from masterclasses, specialist teaching resources and visiting artists. The Juilliard Creative Classroom supports learning across music, drama and dance, bringing an added level of depth and aspiration to the programme.
“It raises awareness and aspiration,” Connolly says. “Students begin to see what’s possible beyond school.”
Culture and community
In a school representing more than 100 nationalities, performing arts also play a powerful role in celebrating diversity. Students explore a wide range of musical traditions and performance styles, helping them connect with their own cultural identities while discovering new perspectives. “When students see their culture reflected in what we are learning, it creates a powerful sense of belonging,” Connolly explains.
Skills that last a lifetime
The long-term value of performing arts lies in the skills students develop. Through rehearsals, productions and collaborative projects, students learn discipline, time management and how to respond to feedback. They develop confidence in presenting, teamwork and the ability to step outside their comfort zones. “These are real-life skills,” Connolly says. “They prepare students for whatever path they choose.”
At NAS Abu Dhabi, performing arts are embedded in the culture of the school. From a first performance in the atrium to representing the school on regional and global platforms, students are given the opportunity to find their voice.
And in doing so, they gain far more than performance experience. They gain confidence, connection and a sense of belonging, qualities that will stay with them long after the final curtain falls.
For more on the Nord Anglia approach to the arts and how it benefits a rounded education, visit nordangliaeducation.com
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