Sara, a half Mexican half Kuwaiti hybrid, knew from a very young age that she wanted to pursue a career in the arts. Whether it was in the form of dancing, acting or singing, the stage really was her whole world. She shifted her focus more towards dance as she entered her early teens, with a focus on modern, jazz and classical ballet.

Her training was the inspiration behind the Institute of Performance Arts (IPA). Sara felt that she had been very lucky to have access to really good training, and she wanted to extend that opportunity to people in Kuwait when she moved back.

Sara is nothing if not passionate about dance and performing, and she really does want to spread her passion to all those in the country. She tells us a little about what drives her, “I’d say it is an innate desire to create. This is especially true when it comes to dance. My motivation has always stemmed from a deep curiosity to learn and try new things. I appreciate hard work and I love seeing the growth that comes from consistency. I dance because it makes me happy. Performing, teaching, taking class and connecting with other artists. There really is no better feeling. Every time I dance or have an opportunity to perform, I feel like I’m able to step out and express myself in ways that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”

Sara feels that there is a lot of growth potential with IPA, both inside and outside of Kuwait, “For now I would like it to evolve into a space where people can come together to train and grow as movement artists. I’d love to later integrate performance and competition opportunities for the students, as well as continue their training by having more guest instructors come in to teach and share their knowledge,” she shares.

What we love about IPA is that they will be offering more than just dance classes, and since they are just a stone’s throw from our office, we know where we will be spending our lunch breaks! On the subject of offering a variety of classes, Sara shares “I think the most unique aspect of IPA is its holistic approach to movement arts. We’re not just a dance school. IPA offers training in a variety of movement arts. From martial arts, to yoga and pilates. I genuinely believe that being versatile in your training gives artists and athletes the greatest edge.”

We cannot wait to try out some classes and report back! We already love the studio design. Sara shares that she believes that when it comes to creativity it’s always best to start with a blank canvas and add on from there. As a result, the IPA studio space is quite minimalist, but they incorporated large windows to let in a lot of natural light and frame the stunning sea views.

The studio is an impressive space, and Sara tells us that she has received an overwhelming amount of support. So many people, friends, family and even strangers were so helpful and encouraging, and she cannot wait to unveil the long term plans for the studio. She wants to slowly introduce more classes, both for adults and children. They have already got a few guest instructors lined up to come in and give masterclasses this year already. Instructors that are incredibly well versed in their respective art forms. Sara also hopes to integrate performance opportunities at IPA for the dancers.

Sara is not just relying on instructors from abroad, she feels that Kuwait has a massive amount of talent, and she really wanted to hone in on that.

She informs us that the team on board at IPA are fantastic and that she is so excited to have them as part of the family.

It seems that IPA is all geared up to be a fabulous location to practice either some form of dance, or other classes such as yoga or martial arts amongst others! Sara’s energy and her passion for dance is inspiring, but when she’s not dancing or at IPA, she loves to be outside, or travel and just be around people but also enjoys her personal time by curling up on the couch, reading a good book and spending time with her pups.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE

What do you most value about your friends?
Their honesty.

Which living person do you most admire?
My parents.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don’t believe in perfection. So I guess more good times than bad ones.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Definitely Travel.

What is your most treasured possession?
A heart locket I’ve been wearing for 8 years.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing or having bad things happen to the people I care about.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Determination

Which talent would you most like to have?
Being good at learning languages.

What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
Curiosity

What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Arrogance

What is it that you most dislike?
Dishonesty

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“That’s wild” and reciprocity

What are your favorite words to live by?
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

Where would you most like to live?
Mexico

If you could have any job, what would it be?
I think I’m quite happy with what I do already. Otherwise something in the performance space.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Right now, I’d say IPA.

What do you hope for in the future?
To leave behind a positive impact on people and their lives even when I am no longer there.

We are so eager to learn more about the classes, masterclasses, and workshops that Sara will be hosting at IPA! The studio is located in Dalal City Hotel in Salmiya and is already offering classes for both adults and children. To stay up to date with the studio’s fabulous offerings, follow @ipa.kuwait on Instagram.