Cover Photo: Dragonfly Art Cottage
From arts and crafts to dance, music and theatre, the juniors will love these 10 artsy joints in the Klang Valley

1. Dancesteps Studio

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Above Photo: Dancesteps Studio

Founded by prolific choreographer and dancer Shirena Hamzah, this vibrant dance academy just celebrated its 20th anniversary with a record-breaking concert in July 2019.

Dancesteps Studio offers classes in genres of ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary, taught by trainers qualified by the Royal Academy Of Dance and The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Find it at: 20, Jalan Solaris 5, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur | 03-6211 1753

2. Julia Gabriel Centre Kuala Lumpur

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Above Photo: Julia Gabriel Centre Kuala Lumpur

This enrichment centre in Bangsar uses a specialised 'EduDrama' approach, teaching kids to be better communicators through the use of drama, role play and imaginary play.   

Related: 8 Eco-Friendly International Schools In Malaysia

Julia Gabriel Centre's partnership with Trinity College London means that your budding thespians aged 6 years old and above will be able to attain speech and drama qualifications from TCL upon completing the programmes at this centre. 

Find it at: 123, Jalan Bukit Pantai, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2095 5500  

3. The Actors Studio (TAS) Academy

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Above Photo: The Actors Studio Academy @klpac

The Actors Studio Academy @klpac (or The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre) offers classes in acting, directing, writing, dancing, singing and even gamelan for both children and adults, along with special masterclasses and workshops from visiting artistes. 

Interestingly, The Actors Studio's 30th anniversary in 2019 has seen an exciting slew of productions and training sessions, some of which have been conducted by TAS founders themselves, Dato’ Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham OAM. 

Find it at: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur | 03-4047 9063

4. Dragonfly Art Cottage

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Above Photo: Dragonfly Art Cottage

Do creativity and self-confidence go hand-in-hand? The artsy folks at Dragonfly Art Cottage believe so. 

See also: 18 Asian Artists To Follow On Instagram

Founded by Joy Chong, this arts centre equips kids with visual arts skills like including painting, drawing, clay craft, up-cycling and much more, operating on the belief that art is a springboard for learning other subjects.   

Find it at: 221, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur  | 012-3967047 (Joy Chong)

 

5. Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC)

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Above Photo: Damansara Performing Arts Centre

Performing arts workshops, master classes and a chance to interact with renowned artistes visiting from around the world: adults and kids alike can learn much in just one weekend at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre.       

Related: Datin Jane Lew, CEO of Damansara Performing Arts Centre, on dancing to her own tune

Find it at: H-01, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-4065 0001

6. My Art Studio

Conducted in a bright, cheerfully decorated space, classes at My Art Studio encourages kids to use visual art as a form of self-expression and a tool for psychological and emotional development. 

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The courses offered here – the children's graphic art course, for instance – are based upon art concepts introduced by Dr. Frank Cizek and Viktor Lowenfeld of Pennsylvania State University.  

Find it at: 10, Jalan Haji Abdul Karim 29/KS2, Sungai Jati Industry Park, Klang, Selangor | 014-333 0941

7. MuzArt International

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Above Photo: MuzArt Sri Hartamas

Social skills, emotional intelligence, creativity: these are just some of the crucial skills that MuzArt's Heuristic Creative Art curriculum aims to develop in young learners, using art and music as holistic platforms of learning and offering individualised strategies to help students of varying levels of ability.     

Related: Malaysia Tatler's Guide To Best International Schools In Malaysia

Find it at: M-1-16, Block M Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur | 016-681 9696

8. The Jumping JellyBeans

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Above Photo: The Jumping JellyBeans

A theatre company founded by Malaysian singer, actor, and director Shanthini Venugopal, The Jumping JellyBeans offers workshops and classes in speech, drama and creative storytelling.

While Shanthini and other Jumping JellyBeans facilitators often collaborate with other institutions to conduct workshops at schools, community centres and performing arts hubs like the Damansara Performing Arts Centre and Ruang By Think City, they also work to inspire an appreciation of the arts in special needs children and underprivileged students.          

Find it at: Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

9. British Academy Of Performing Arts

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Above Photo: The British Academy Of Performing Arts

Beyond just teaching kids to ace music exams and collect certificates, the British Academy of Performing Arts aims to ignite in students a passion for the performing arts, offering them a solid education facilitated by teachers hailing from some of the world's finest universities and music conservatories.          

Find it at: A01-10, Sunway Nexis Mall, 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-7624 4740 

10. Lara's Place

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Above Photo: Lara's Place

Touted as a learning and recreational activity centre for all ages, Lara's Place offers personal development programmes, character-building holiday workshops, fitness classes and fun day trips.

A unique range of classes are offered here, from belly dancing and Latin dance to jewellery-making, kickboxing and kung fu.     

Find it at: 26, Jalan 19/31, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-7956 8768 

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