It begins with movement…
Join Layali Arts Center.
Movement. Creativity. Community.
We invite you to be part of the story
Marija Rakic Dotti dances as Dr Rehab Ras Romani, Bahraini artist captures this moment in a creative collaboration.
Video: Kamal Sami
Welcome to Layali Arts Center in Seef, Bahrain — a family hub where children, mothers, and communities grow side by side. Rooted in Bahrain’s tradition of storytelling and cultural exchange, Layali was created as a space where creativity meets confidence, and where every family can find a sense of belonging.
At Layali, we believe in nurturing both children and parents. Our two specialized studios — Studio A for movement and dance, and Studio B for arts, writing, and imagination — are designed to give families the unique opportunity to learn and explore together. While one child is in ballet, another may be painting in Studio B, and at the same time a mother might join a writing circle or confidence workshop. This dual-class system makes Layali one of Bahrain’s most family-friendly creative centers.
Rooted in Bahrain, Open to the World
Located in the heart of Seef, Bahrain, Layali embraces the island’s cultural richness while opening doors to global ideas. We welcome partnerships, guest workshops, and cultural exchanges that connect Bahrain with the wider GCC arts and education community. At the heart of Layali Arts Center in Bahrain is ballet — the art of discipline, grace, and self-expression. From the first plié to the thrill of performance, ballet and creative dance give children and adults the tools to discover confidence, balance, and strength. In Studio A, movement is the foundation where artistry meets resilience.
Join Our Story
Layali Arts Center is more than classes. It is a space for creativity, community, and confidence in Bahrain. A place where ballet, arts, and writing come together — where every plié, every brushstroke, and every story adds to a shared journey.
And now, we invite you to be part of it.
Ballet comes alive at Layali
At Layali Arts Center, Studio A is the heart of our dance and movement program. Designed with professional flooring, mirrors, and a safe learning environment, led by Marija Dotti, Russian Vaganova trained, and member of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO, is where children, teens, and adults discover the elegance of ballet, the rhythm of contemporary, and the joy of movement.
Professional dance studio designed for performance and practice
Classes for all ages, starting from 3 years old through adults
Small group sizes for focused learning
Options for private training alongside group classes
Convenient central location in Seef, Bahrain, accessible from Manama, Saar, and Budaiya
Whether your child is just beginning their ballet journey or preparing for advanced performance, Studio A at Layali Arts Center is where passion for dance grows.
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Ballet Classes by Age Group
Baby Ballet (Age 3–4) – Gentle, playful introduction to rhythm, balance, and movement.
Pre-Ballet (Age 5–7) – Builds coordination, musicality, and basic ballet foundations.
Primary Ballet (Age 7–9) – Focus on posture, discipline, and classical ballet technique.
Level 1 Ballet (Age 10–11) – Expands strength, flexibility, and alignment.
Level 2 Ballet (Age 11–12) – Develops technique, performance skills, and stamina.
Level 3 Ballet (Age 12–14) – More advanced training with emphasis on artistry and stage presence.
Intermediate Ballet (Age 15–17) – Intensive classes preparing older students for higher-level performance.
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Adult Ballet – Elegant, structured classes designed for strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.
Contemporary Dance (12+ & Adults) – A dynamic style blending ballet technique with creative, expressive movement.
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We also offer private ballet sessions in Studio A. Perfect for exam preparation, performance coaching, or personalized progress, private classes ensure focused attention from our instructors.
Creativity, curiosity sparks at Studio B
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Writing Classes by Age
With fun activities and guided exercises, children learn to express themselves with confidence while developing skills that carry into school and life.
Builds imagination through storytelling and character creation.
Strengthens writing skills across age groups
Boosts confidence in self-expression and sharing ideas.
Storytime (Age 3–4) – Gentle, playful introduction to rhyming and books
Storytime (Age 5–7) – Builds foundations for reading and listening
Review club (Age 10–13) – Expands critical thinking, research skills, creative writing skills
Young Reviewers Club (Ages 14+) – A teen program where opinions turn into confident voices through writing, critical thinking, and group discussions.
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Imagination Hour
Our Imagination Hour blends drama, storytelling, and movement to spark curiosity in children.
Encourages creativity through stories and role-play.
Builds confidence in speaking and performing.
Develops teamwork and collaboration with peers.
Ages 4–6
A playful class where children build imagination, confidence, and early communication through stories and creative games.Ages 7–9
An engaging mix of drama and storytelling that strengthens creativity, teamwork, and public-speaking confidence. -
Art Classes
Our kids’ art classes in Bahrain give children the chance to explore colors, textures, and techniques while building skills at every age level. From early craft play to advanced drawing, art at Layali is joyful, hands-on, and inspiring.
Ages 4–6: Colors, textures, and creative confidence.
Ages 7–9: Drawing basics, patience, and storytelling through art.
Ages 10–13+: Perspective, mixed media, and personal expression
Art for Teens (Ages 14+) : Advanced art classes that help teens refine technique, explore personal style, and build confidence through creative projects.
Community and connection
At Layali Arts Center in Seef, Bahrain, our community workshops are designed for adults and families who want to connect, learn, and grow. These sessions go beyond classes, offering support, creativity, and inspiration in a welcoming community environment.
Creative Writing for Adults
Explore journaling, storytelling, and memoir writing to express yourself and build confidence in your voice.
Art Workshops for Adults
Relax and recharge through painting, crafts, and hands-on projects that inspire creativity and mindfulness.
Expat Mom Circles
A supportive space to share experiences, build friendships, and find community while raising kids in Bahrain.
Confidence & Communication
Practical sessions to help you speak up, present with confidence, and lead with clarity.
Career Pivoting & Growth
Workshops that guide you through new career paths, creative entrepreneurship, or building second careers.
Talks by Artists & Cultural Figures
Inspiring discussions and Q&As with well-known artists, writers, and cultural leaders from Bahrain and beyond.programs for children, teens, families, and adults.
Meet the Team
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Marija Rakic Dotti
FOUNDER and Movement Director
Marija began ballet at the age of eight and went on to graduate from the prestigious Serbian National Ballet School Lujo Davico, followed by advanced training at the Perm State Ballet Academy in Russia. Her professional career has taken her across Europe, Russia and beyond — performing in Petrozavodsk and Moscow, touring with Russian ballet companies in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland, and bringing ballet workshops to India in New Delhi and Mumbai. She also spent a year with the Sibiu Ballet Company in Romania before moving to the Gulf.
For the past decade, Marija has dedicated herself to teaching — first in Qatar, and now in Bahrain, where she has inspired dancers for the last five years. At Layali Arts Center, she shares her passion for the renowned Vaganova ballet method, widely regarded as the finest ballet technique in the world.
For Marija, Layali is more than a studio — it is a creative home. A place where children, artists, and dreamers come together to move, to grow, and to belong.
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Farrah Francis
FOUNDER and Creative Arts Director
Farrah has always believed that words have the power to connect people and to change lives. With more than 15 years of experience as a writer and editor, she has worked across arts, culture, entertainment, and tourism — bringing stories to life for audiences in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Over the years, she has pivoted her career to meet new challenges, using her writing skills in journalism, PR, social media, and corporate storytelling, while always keeping creativity at the center of her work. She has consulted on books, developed scripts and campaigns for digital platforms, and was recognized with the Editor of the Year Award for her innovation in shaping content that resonates. She also spent time as the editor of a leading parenting website in South Africa, offering advice and support to mothers navigating the everyday challenges of family life.
Now a mother herself, Farrah understands the importance of safe, inspiring spaces where children can explore who they are — and where mothers can feel supported too. For her, Layali Arts Center is exactly that: a welcoming community built on creativity, connection, and the joy of growing together.
Contact us
info@layaliartscenterbh.com
+973 3385 2751