For one Acushnet family, opening night at TD Garden will be a memory they’ll never forget.
Eight-year-old Mylee Costa, a student at Acushnet Elementary School, took center court during halftime of the Boston Celtics’ home opener, dancing in front of thousands of fans as part of the Lil’ Phunk dance crew, the official junior dance team of the Celtics.
It was her very first game – and her very first time watching basketball – but it didn’t take long for her to become a die-hard fan.
Acushnet 8-Year-Old Dazzles Crowd at Boston Celtics Home Opener
Courtesy Andraya Costa
“She was terrified beforehand but loves it now,” said her mom, Andraya Costa. “She’s never seen a basketball game in her life but is now a Celtics fan. She even cried when they lost.”
From Everett Practices to the Bright Lights of TD Garden
Mylee auditioned for Lil’ Phunk over the summer and was selected to perform at 10 Celtics home games this season, with more possible if the team makes the playoffs. She’s the only dancer from the SouthCoast to earn a spot, making her a true hometown standout.
Acushnet 8-Year-Old Dazzles Crowd at Boston Celtics Home Opener
Courtesy Andraya Costa
The young performer trains twice a week in Everett with the crew, balancing school, rehearsals and performances with impressive dedication. The Lil’ Phunk dancers not only appear at Celtics games but also perform at community events throughout the season.
A Rising Star With Two Studios and Big Dreams
This marks Mylee’s sixth year of dancing and her fifth year competing, but her first season juggling two studios.
She’s currently training at Artistic Dance Studio in Fall River while performing with Phunk Phenomenon in Everett – and loving every minute of it.
“Once she got out there, her nerves calmed down and she can’t wait for the next game,” her mom said. “The messages wishing her luck meant the world, and fans even recognized her as we were leaving.”
Acushnet 8-Year-Old Dazzles Crowd at Boston Celtics Home Opener
Courtesy Andraya Costa
With nine more games to go (and possibly more if the Celtics make a playoff run), this Acushnet dancer is already shining bright under Boston’s biggest lights.
Acushnet 8-Year-Old Dazzles Crowd at Boston Celtics Home Opener
Courtesy Andraya Costa
One thing’s for sure: the Boston Celtics gained a new super fan and the SouthCoast couldn’t be prouder.
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