A dance school in north inner-city Dublin is asking for the public’s support to help get them to the Dance World Cup in the Czech Republic this summer.
Arkins Dance Academy, which is located on Seán McDermott Street in north inner-city Dublin, has been chosen to represent Ireland at the Dance World Cup finals, which take place in Prague between June 27 and July 6.
However, the school will have to raise around €40,000 to be able to compete in the upcoming championships. Twenty-eight dancers will represent the school at the Dance World Cup.
“We train in the parish hall and sometimes our fees are not even enough to cover the electricity bill so getting to Prague is proving to be very difficult but we are going to do everything we can to raise funds to get us over on the stage to represent Ireland and make our country proud this summer,” the school said in a post on GoFundMe.
Alysia Arkins, who runs the school, told the Irish Independent that members pay €3 per class “to cover electricity bills” and said it can be a “struggle” to keep the heating on.
“At our dance school, we provide a supportive environment for children from working-class families and broken homes, despite facing challenges such as gang feuds, violence, child trafficking and addiction within our community,” Arkins told the Irish Independent.
“These children work tirelessly to become the best versions of themselves, and this opportunity would mean everything to them.”
Arkins Dance Academy has raised around €9,000 through raffles and other fundraisers, while a GoFundMe has raised just over €24,000.
Arkins said it would be a “life-changing event” if children at the school were able to compete at the Dance World Cup.
“We believe they have what it takes to bring home the gold, and any donations will provide these young stars with an unforgettable experience.”
