Help Ciara to document the Arkins Dance Academy in Prague!

Hi!!

My name is Ciara O’Shea and over the past month I have been documenting the journey of the Arkins Dance Academy as they have been preparing to compete in the Dance World Cup in Prague at the end of June 2024. Formed by Francesca Arkins when she was only 14 years old, the academy’s principal teacher is now her daughter Alysia. Located on Sean McDermott Street, this dance school has always been and continues to be a beating heart in the north inner city community; a place children can go to make friends, express themselves and nurture their talents. Earlier this year, the team was asked to represent Ireland in solo, trio, and group performances across the Dance World Cup — a 10-day tournament hosted in Prague. They were accepted into every category they submitted to. Sending the entire team of 28 kids would require over €40,000. After a month of fundraising within the community, they raised enough to pay a deposit for accommodation. It was when Alysia was asked to speak with Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio One that the rest of Ireland had the chance to hear their story. Alysia, having been apprehensive to ask anyone for money, was compelled to leave her comfort zone if it meant giving these kids this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Over a few days, their GoFundMe reached its target. Since raising this money, and gaining the support of the wider Irish public, the team have spent countless hours practising tirelessly to give their biggest performance yet. Their tracksuits shine with their slogan: “We Were Born Ready”.

Having spent a month documenting this preparation, I am hoping to raise enough to travel with this team to Prague. To be able to capture this team’s journey would be an immeasurable joy. Anything anyone can give would be a massive help in paying for flights, accommodation, access fees to the tournament, equipment hire and festival submission fees. Thank you so much!