Little ballerinas were getting ready to perform for the official opening of the new premises of Music Palace, which is now known as the Royal Academy.
They were also excited, as their parents were there to watch their performance. Children moved swiftly from Movement Hall to Ballet Studio to Music Studio and Art Studio.
And they performed, moving to the music and even narrating part of the Cinderella story.
Royal Academy is the first institution in Oman to introduce baby ballet from the age of three, alongside graded ballet pathways leading to international certification through annual examinations, contributing to the development of structured ballet education in the local cultural landscape.
Royal Academy, previously known as Music Palace, has been active in arts education in Muscat for almost 15 years and was formerly located in Al Mouj.
They are entering a new chapter under the name Royal Academy, at a new location on 18 November Street.
The founder of the academy, Sayyidah Susan al Said, speaking to Observer, said, "In this busy world today, where there are so many digital distractions, it is important to have that quality time to just be themselves and create their own personal movement in art and music".
The academy offers programmes in ballet, music and visual arts, with a strong focus on classical ballet education. The ballet programme is accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), London and follows an internationally recognised syllabus.
Students in the RAD track receive structured training and internationally accredited certification, with the academic year divided into two semesters and official examinations held annually in May/June.
"We have had parents requesting something like this for a while now. One thing I am proud of is the inclusivity, as it is not just for Western students who may have a background in ballet; we also have students with lahaf and the covering. So it is very much a form of dance that creates composure and elegance. It is for everyone", Sayyidah Susan pointed out.
There are also open ballet classes that are for students who enjoy ballet purely for passion, fitness, or artistic expression.
"In the structured world, music and dance give the young, growing body and mind the freedom to have ecstasy and celebration that they so deserve in growing up because there are so many constrictions in the world and this is a release and joy", she concluded.
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