About Us

Dara Irish Dance Academy is a Utah based school registered under An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), built on a foundation of discipline, integrity, and high standards. Our training blends modern athletic development with the traditions and structure of competitive Irish dance, creating dancers who are powerful, consistent, and technically strong.

Every class is a commitment to focus, precision, and pride — to giving all we have and growing stronger every time we step onto the floor. Our mission is simple: stronger bodies, stronger minds, stronger dancers. We rise through work ethic. We grow through purpose. We excel through integrity.

Every dancer — at every level — receives direct coaching, honest correction, and consistent expectations. We don’t train for shortcuts or quick results. We train for longevity, strength, and true skill. When dancers walk into Dara Irish Dance Academy, they step into a space defined by pride, focus, motivation, and drive. We push each other, support each other, and celebrate excellence in every form. This is a place where dancers stand tall, bring their best, and train like athletes — mentally and physically.

OUR TEACHERS

Amelia Walker

Owner & Director

Amelia is a certified T.C.R.G. with two decades of experience in competitive Irish dance as a performer, coach, and choreographer. She began dancing at age 10 and quickly rose through the competitive ranks, developing a deep love for both performance and high-level training. Throughout her career, Amelia trained with leading instructors and gained extensive experience teaching and mentoring dancers at every level—from first-year beginners to elite championship competitors.

In addition to her competitive success, Amelia has performed and toured across the United States and Ireland with multiple professional Irish dance productions. She has continued to create choreography for performance companies, competitive dancers, and stage productions, while building a reputation for strong technique, athletic precision, and expressive performance quality.

After earning her T.C.R.G. with honors, Amelia spent years teaching at the championship level, coaching dancers toward major competition milestones and developing her signature coaching style rooted in discipline, confidence building, and individual growth.

Work hard, stay coachable, trust the process, and rise through effort.

Amelia brings this philosophy to Dara Irish Dance Academy, where her mission is to help dancers become not only exceptional performers, but exceptional people.

Competitive Achievements

6-Time World Qualifier
Multiple World Recall Medalist
Top 10 All Ireland Championship
Top 15 in North America
Western U.S. Regional Champion
Multiple Top-5 Regional placements
Competed annually at the regional, national & international majors.

Performance Credits

“Take the Floor” (2012 & 2013)
“Rhythm in the Night: The Celebration Tour”
Collaborated with performers/choreographers from Riverdance, Beoga, Celtic Woman & Danú

Teaching & Professional Background

TCRG certified with honors
Choreographer for competitive dancers, stage productions & company shows
Accredited certified mindset & confidence coach for high-performance dancers

Kenzie Barron

Instructor

Kenzie began Irish dancing at the age of seven and instantly fell in love with the art form. With over ten years of dance experience, she especially enjoyed the competitive side of Irish dance and loved traveling to competitions. She was recalled at the Western Region Oireachtas, reflecting her dedication and commitment to excellence.

Kenzie is currently attending Utah Valley University, where she is studying Psychology and Nutrition. She is a Dean's List student and is enthusiastic about applying her academic knowledge to teaching and supporting young dancers both physically and mentally.

Recently returned from serving an LDS mission in Norway, Kenzie speaks Norwegian and brings a global perspective to her teaching. Known for her outgoing personality and genuine love for working with people, Kenzie will be assisting with beginner classes and is excited to help dancers build a strong foundation while fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment.

WHY CHOOSE DARA?

Championship-Driven Training

Our curriculum is built for dancers who want serious growth. Classes emphasize technique, conditioning, precision, and competitive readiness at every level.

Clear Standards & Structure

We train under the official rules and guidelines of CLRG, ensuring dancers receive accurate, up-to-date preparation for all levels, feiseanna, and major qualifiers.

Confident, Strong Coaching

Instruction is direct, supportive, and rooted in competitive experience. Dancers receive honest feedback, high expectations, and the tools to improve with purpose.

A Culture of Pride & Professionalism

We set the tone in the studio, on stage, and at every event. Dancers represent Dara with discipline, respect, and pride — training hard and carrying themselves with confidence.

At Dara, we value:

Discipline: We show up with purpose, train with focus, and hold ourselves to the highest standard – every class, every rep, every step.
Intention: Every movement, correction, and effort has meaning. We train with clarity, awareness, and purpose-driven action.
Integrity: We work honestly, compete fairly, and earn everything through effort.
Excellence: We pursue mastery through precision, consistency, and grit. Excellence is not perfection – it’s giving all we have, every time.
Resilience: We rise through challenges, setbacks, and pressure. Strength isn’t avoiding difficulty – it’s growing from it.
Respect: We honor the work, the craft, our teammates, and ourselves. Respect guides how we train, how we speak, and how we carry ourselves.
Growth: We believe in constant progress – stronger bodies, stronger minds, stronger dancers. We move forward with pride and purpose.
Presence: We stand tall, dance boldly, and step onstage with confidence.
Community: We build each other up across the Irish dancing community. We train hard, support harder, and rise together. At Dara, every dancer has a place and a purpose.