Irish Dance Nationals- Texas or bust!

The DBA Booster Club goes to support the students of The Debarra Academy of Irish Dance in Manhattan Beach, California.

The founder is Riverdance's leading lady Tara Barry-Phelan. Tara, a two-time World champion herself, knew she wanted to offer a higher standard of Irish dance coaching in a disciplined form to help students learn resilience in training and the art of winning and losing graciously. Her studio's motto is, "We fall down 8 times, but we get up 9". Since its opening in 2018, Tara has trained 10 kids who have qualified to compete at the World championships - the highest level of competition for Irish dancers.

The mission is to strengthen, grow, develop, and nourish DeBarra Academy students at each stage of growth in their Irish dance careers by raising money to provide scholarships to students and teachers. To foster not only Irish dance competition success but a community where students learn humility, determination, hard work, and support of one another.

Accomplishments

Although the DBA Booster is in its infancy, together with your help, it made a big difference in its first year. Five students qualified for the World Championships and 3 for the National Championships. They all received scholarships to attend their competitions. Also, it is crucial for these dancers to have their coaches by their side. The booster club made that possible as well.