Express & Star

Dancing king Aidan lands another national title

A 10-year-old has Irish danced his way to success after claiming a third consecutive national title.

Published

Aidan Ward, who takes part in the Marie Connell School of Irish Dance classes at the Ormiston SWB Academy in Bilston, claimed the title of Great Britain Champion after going head-to-head with fellow dancers from all over the world at the Brighton Centre in Brighton.

The 10-year-old has also had success in the British National Champion and the All Scotland Champion competitions.

Katrina Ward, Aidan's mother, said: "I'm originally from Ireland but we live in Manchester.

"We commute to go to the school and we felt it was the right move for Aidan and for all of the family.

"We commute four times a week.

"It's incredible. It's well worth it for the teaching that we get.

"I couldn't be prouder of him. I'm over the moon.

"He's such a hard worker and he practises constantly, even when we're not in the class.

"He just has a passion and if he is not practising he's watching videos about it."

The competitions are all in preparation for the World Irish Dance Championships next Easter in Greensborough, North Carolina.

Aidan first took up dancing when he was six-year-old, following in the footsteps of his four siblings who had similar success.

The school will now commence training for the regional qualifiers which take place in November and are the last opportunity to qualify for the World Championships next year in North Carolina.

The school currently hold classes at the SWB Academy, Bilston, on weeknights and at the weekend.

For more information, visit Marie Connell School of Irish Dance on Facebook.