Actor, Director and Choreographer, Ibraheem Aoun moved to Dubai in 2013 from Syria and started Ds2dio in 2014.
With a love for performing arts his whole life, Ibrahim’s passion for the industry first started when he joined the Russian Cultural Center in the late ’90s for music, ballroom and Latin dance classes. After intense training and becoming a teacher in 2004, Ibraheem joined Syria’s’ pioneer contemporary dance company, Ramad, where he toured internationally performing year after year with different dance groups and within various high-profile shows.
In 2013, Ibraheem moved to Dubai to start a fresh life along with his wife Lina, where they decided to ground their roots and put all their efforts into launching a performing arts school, Ds2dio, just a year
later.
Since opening, Ibraheem has dedicated a lot of his time to create a performing arts community, attracting the best dancers and performers across the region. Ds2dio students and teachers have
since been involved in many shows at iconic locations, from La Perle, attended by Prime ministers
from around the world, to choreographing a play written by HH Sheikh Sultan Alqasimi, ruler of
Sharjah with 77 professional dancers and 10 Actors.
But launching Ds2dio isn’t Ibraheem’s only success, he has also written, directed and choreographed two original musicals for UAE kids theatre festivals, choreographed dance and performances for Arabic TV shows, and has appeared on many high profile TV channels.
Moving into 2020, the lockdown acted as a huge speedbump for Ds2dio, bringing their classes and shows to a halt. However, from 2021 and beyond, Ibraheem plans to expand into seven more locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the aim for Ds2dio to one day, become the premier performing arts school in the GCC.
Lina Hunedi – Co-founder and Ds2dio Manager
Wife to Ibraheem, Lina is co-founder and day to day manager of Ds2dio who also has an expert background in performing arts. Having started training at the Russian Cultural Center in 2002
specializing in Ballroom dancing, Lina has also participated in multiple shows and national competitions over the years.
Certified as an international Ballroom dance teacher, professional photographer, professional stage makeup artist and yoga teacher, Lina also holds a diploma in nutrition and french literature, making
her an all-around superstar!
Neal Serra – Managing Partner
After taking his son to Ds2dios performing arts and dance classes, Neal instantly fell in love with
Ds2dio after seeing how inspired and confident his son became. He saw the vision that the brand had to mould future stars of Dubai and inevitably partnered with the brand in 2020. As a businessman
with a background in real estate, he has helped expand its studios, finding many strategic locations to cater to Ds2dios growning clientele across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Since joining the company, the
team has doubled in size and they now have eight locations, with a view to expand further into 2022
and beyond—all without loosing the community feel and musical spirit of the original location in JLT.
Cathy Ballinger – Head of Ballet
With 41 years of experience teaching ballet, Cathy drives the ballet division at Ds2dio and is also the only RAD examiner in the region. She has extensive knowledge in not only teaching but also as an
examiner so she is able to direct her team of highly accomplished ballet teachers to bring out the
best in their students.
Kem – Head of Music
Kem is a highly accomplished musician who has played on some of the biggest stages in over 30 countries. He has had a very successful career as a producer with his productions also appearing on
American National TV. He is a classically trained Jazz pianist, who also plays bass and the drums. His knowledge of music is extraordinary and he has this innate ability to bring out the best in his students
very quickly. Kem leads the Music division at Ds2dio creating a curriculum using Trinity and ABRSM
but with his added flair!.
