“Mami! Can you show me the move again?” Liseth glides on the dance floor like the swan and twirls with her partner in a tornado-en salsa move.

“The hips girls, the hips!” I never thought a dance could be as thrilling. Once you get your tempo, steps and synchronization right, you’re off for a ride and a very addictive one indeed.

Latin dances are conversations. The two partners connect and bond so profoundly that the woman becomes capable of predicting the following steps of her partner, the man gaining her trust into conducting the dance. They both shape the trajectory in a continuity of actions and compromise. And that is what makes it deeply humane.

If you want to break the monotony of your routine, explore more and meet people in the city, dance is a great way to shake things up.

My experience with Liseth and Jonathan in Euphoria has been amazing this far. Both are professional salseros from Columbia and you can rest assured that your training is top notch. They work rigorously on tempo, movements, styling and attitude and I love the energy in their classes. The music, spontaneity of the people, laughter and dynamic of the room make the experience a real boost of energy. Salsa and Bachata classes are offered for beginners and intermediates all year long. Although the prices are a little expensive, they are reasonable compared to other dance schools in the city. You can choose to go for an individual class at 70 AED or a package of eight and more starting at 480 AED. They also offer free beginner classes in the beginning of sessions so follow their updates on Instagram: @jonathanyliseth!

I had the lovely opportunity to have tango classes with Caesar in Dubai last summer. Luckily, he started commuting to Abu Dhabi for private classes because there are no Tango instructors in the city. Tango is my favorite Latin dance. It is much more reserved than Bachata but is as rich in technique as salsa. Caesar was an excellent instructor for my first class and he made sure to teach me about the history and origin of Tango as a social dance, its types, philosophy and how people use it as a meditation exercise. He offers classes on Fridays and will be going back slowly to group classes and milongas soon. The prices depend on your package availability.

However, if Latin dance is not your thing, the arts scene in Abu Dhabi has a lot more to offer!

Manarat Al Saadiyat offers free movie screenings nearly twice every week. Some screenings are in person while others are online. The diversity and richness of the chosen movies is wonderful. Classics from Fellini, Ventura and Hitchcock to more contemporary movies like Almodóvar or Bong are screened. The experience is as good as movie theaters in the city in terms of quality of image and sound, but in Manarat, you find a selection of movies that are more meaningful, cinematic aesthetic and off-the-beaten-track than movie theaters. Watch out for the niche Bosnian, Palestinian, Indian and many other documentaries or movies. What I love most about Cinema Space is that movie discussions occur from time to time and you can debate the movie with people from all paths living in Abu Dhabi. Through them,I was able to make beautiful connections. Join the mailing list of Cinema Space to book your slot.

Photo courtesy of Sara Ghodbane.

MAS’s on-site workshops are experiences not to be missed during your time in Abu Dhabi, taking place in their beautifully managed studio. It is a great opportunity to try new things and discover a new passion.

The art studio offers Pottery Wheel classes on Sundays. The pottery instructor teaches you how to work your clay, use the turning plate and apply the right amount of pressure. Focus, rhythm and dosing are fundamental to this art.

Hand built ceramics are also offered at the studio. A little different from pottery, ity uses a special clay that dries in the air and is closer to sculpture and carving than to pottery work. The instructor teaches you how to use the special knives and carving tools, sculpt and create texture. It is easier than the pottery wheel, requires less technical skills and gives space to more artistic and aesthetic work.

Photo courtesy of Sara Ghodbane.

Additional course offerings include handmade papers, mixed media studio and more, which are all priced at 100 AED per session.

MAS often features artists for exclusive classes with which you get the opportunity to learn unique skills and explore new forms of arts and crafts. It is also a great opportunity to network with local artists and explore the arts scene in Abu Dhabi

MAS also enables participants to drop-in and use the equipment for a few hours without the supervision of an instructor. If you love painting, drawing, collages or ceramics, the art studio is an inspiring space where you can put on music and drift away or socialize with other artists and students.

Photo courtesy of Sara Ghodbane.

To book a slot for any of these classes/sessions, email masartstudio@dctabudhabi.ae.MAS also has a Photography Studio currently offering photography workshops in October in collaboration with NYUAD, many art exhibitions and even group workshops. Make sure to join the mailing lists to not miss any of their opportunities!

The Cultural Foundation offers a variety of opportunities at a reasonable price: quilling, scented stones making, fashion design courses and jewelry design and making. The Cultural Foundation also offers a rich calendar of performing arts: Outwitting the Devil by Akram Khan, Step Afrika! and Miguel Poveda are currently ongoing performances. Make sure to book on their website and enjoy!

Art Central is another great spot to stir your dormant creativity. Originally an art supplies store, Art Central has become a great space to share, explore and get creative. It offers drawing, sketching, oil painting, acrylic still-life painting, geometric hand-building pottery, wheel-throwing pottery and urban sketching workshops. For photography buffs, Art Central will also be offering printing and framing services soon.

If pottery and ceramics are of interest to you, you can choose to attend weekly classes with ABU DHABI POTTERY. Their sessions are held by professional potters and sculptors and go deep into the arts of ceramics, wheel-throwing, Raku, hand building and glazing techniques. They also hold workshops occasionally, so make sure to email them at mail@abudhabipottery.com or call +971 2 666 7079 to be kept informed of their activities.

From dancing, ceramics to painting and jewelry making, various workshops in the city offer a diverse range of artsy experiences for those interested in exploring and appreciating the richness art has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Sara Ghodbane.

Art House Cafe is your best destination if you’re searching for a vibrant cool coffee or study space where you can get artsy with friends. There’s also an art gallery within the cafe where you can view artworks, paintings, sculptures and many other exhibitions. You can choose to paint either plates or clay masks and the outcomes are so cool to decorate your suite with.