07 Apr Ulidia Irish Dancer is World Champion
Ulidia Integrated College student Ethan White is to take to the international stage after winning recognition for his Irish dancing skills.
The 14-year-old competed in the CLRG (Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) World Championship of Irish Dance at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on March 22, winning first place in the under-15 boys category.
The award is the highest accolade available for his age group.
Ethan picked up the Globe Trophy, the World Championship Belt and the World Crystal along with a set of World Medal cuff links.
A Year 10 pupil at Ulidia, Ethan has been dancing since he was seven years old, starting with Bentra School of Irish Dance. Two years ago, he moved to commission dancing for Doherty Petri school of Irish Dance, which is based in Belfast.
Ethan was previously ranked as the top dancer in Ireland in 2015 after competing in the World Championships in Montreal. Taking part in the Boys 13-14 category, he achieved sixth place. Speaking about his most recent win, Ethan said: “It was a heart stopping moment; it’s great knowing that you are the best in the world. When I got up on the podium and received my globe, there was a burst of adrenalin when I threw it up in the air in victory.”
The Eden resident is now working towards the Irish nationals, to be held in Dublin in May, followed by the American nationals in Florida in June.
Everyone at Ulidia would like to congratulate Ethan on such a wonderful achievement.