Solihull Pupil Wins World Dance Championships
20 Apr 2007
Dancing since age 7, Joe had a single focus of winning the world championships. Dancers are able to dance at the Worlds from age 10 onwards. The past two years Joe has come 2nd place and last year was within points of winning.
This year he finally succeeded. He danced in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 2nd and gave a flawless performance. In front of a panel of 7 judges from Ireland, England, Australia and the United States, he secured a first place mark from all judges giving him a perfect score of 700. Joe was amongst 47 world qualifiers from around the world competing for this title. Dancers must first qualify at their regional championships.
In addition to winning the solo world title his team dancing also gained two first places in both 16 hand figure choreography and ceili dancing.
Joe practices about 16 to 20 hours a week for most of the year. Practice intensifies as the world championships approach each year at Easter time. He attends the Doherty Academy where is principal teacher Danny Doherty is well known in the Midlands for many world titles in both solo and team dancing.
From Joe:
“Winning the world championship was my long awaited dream, it had to be the happiest day of my life and I am so grateful to my dance teachers and family for helping me achieve this great success - it is something I will treasure all my life”.
From his parents:
“We are so pleased for Joe’s winning title. We’re also grateful to Solihull School for providing a framework for success - Joe has gained in both self confidence and discipline in the past three years - it is a great model for success whether it be academic, social or sport”.
Joe has under his belt, over 17 national Championship titles. He remains the undefeated Great Britain, All Ireland and American Champion
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