OPALA - Academia de Dança e Belas Artes

OPALA is a multidisciplinary arts academy founded in 2021 by Marta Oliveira, a dancer, neurobiologist and architect. The school teaches Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Acrobatic Dance, Tap Dance, Belly Dance, Musical Instruments, Choir, and Visual Arts including Drawing, Painting and Ceramics.

Marta Oliveira is a RAD Registered Teacher and Acrobatic Arts Registered Teacher. She began dancing at 3 years old, training in Classical Ballet using RAD Technique, Vaganova Technique and Pointe Technique, and completed her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts through the Acrobatic Arts Acro Program and has trained with Kenan Dinkelmann. Beyond dance, she holds a Master's in Neurobiology and is currently studying for an Integrated Master's in Architecture at the Superior Artistic School of Porto. She has been teaching Classical Ballet since age 18, preparing students for exams, international auditions and performances, and has choreographed classic, contemporary and acrobatic pieces and produced multidisciplinary shows and video-dance short films.

Classical Ballet classes develop posture, musicality and discipline. Students from age 4 to beginner adults through advanced levels are welcome. OPALA is Certified by the Royal Academy of Dance, and students are invited to perform in International Examination Settings where they are evaluated on Technique, Musicality and Artistry, with opportunities to compete and win scholarships for higher dance degrees. Contemporary and Acrobatic Dance classes teach free movement and floor work, with acroflow incorporating acrobatic elements and pair and group figures. Acrobatic Arts Certified Examinations are available. Tap Dance and Belly Dance classes teach both technique and cultural context. Musical Instruments classes are offered individually or in pairs, covering Singing, Piano, Violin and Guitar, with optional Choir Practice for group participation. Visual Arts includes Drawing, Painting and Ceramics in regular group classes or workshops, plus an Open Atelier on Mondays for self-directed creation.

The school operates weekdays 17:30–21:30 and Saturdays 09:00–17:00. Studio A spans 115 square metres with high-impact sprung floors, 11-metre barres, 11-metre mirrors on two walls, natural light, and access to sound system, mats, balls, weights, elastic bands and foam rollers. Studio B is 40 square metres with high-impact sprung floors, a 2-metre mobile barre, a 3-metre mirror, natural light and the same equipment. The Music Studio (25 square metres) has soundproof wavy cork on walls and ceiling, and includes a Yamaha Piano, acoustic guitars (including one for left-handed students), a full-size violin, and 12 chairs with small tables. The Arts Studio (25 square metres) has storage shelves, three long work tables, two adjustable drawing boards, seven easels, and brushes, ceramics materials and drawing and painting books. Small offices (7–11 square metres) are available for private study and tutoring.

Your first class is always free, allowing you to experience the school before deciding. The founder describes the space as intimate: white walls decorated with works by Painting teachers, small plants throughout, and an atmosphere where students spend time between classes with snacks and notebooks—evidence of a second home for many.

Your first class is free. You'll find a multidisciplinary school where dance, music and visual arts classes run concurrently throughout the day and evening, and the space functions as a creative hub where students linger between lessons.

Marta Oliveira, founder and director, is a RAD Registered Teacher, Acrobatic Arts Registered Teacher, and trained Ballet, Contemporary and Acrobatic Dance instructor with a Master's in Neurobiology. She has taught Classical Ballet since age 18 and creates choreography and multidisciplinary productions.

Classical Ballet welcomes everyone from age 4 to beginner adults through advanced students; your first class is always free.