An eight-year-old boy from Chatham, who developed a love of Irish dancing at a very young age, is now a North American champion.
Thoren Cornell recently competed at the North American Championships of Irish Dance in Vancouver and walked away with first place.
Thoren started dancing at three years old. It's no question as to where his love of dance stems from, as Thoren's father is Devin Cornell, the director at Cornell School of Irish Dance in Chatham. Cornell has coached many champions at the school but said it's especially exciting to see his own son win.
"This was Thoren's first year [at the North American Championships], he's in the youngest age group," said Cornell.
Thoren said he practices dance for about 2.5 hours, three times a week.
"Before I went on stage my knees were shaking so I was very nervous," said Thoren. "I was amazed that I won."
The young dancer said he plans to practice even more now after winning his first championship title.
"It's a very difficult competition to win," said Cornell. "Kids come from Ireland, the UK, even Australia... so it's quite an achievement."
Five students from the Chatham dance school competed in Vancouver this past week. Cornell said Andrea Dick, who is now in the under 15 age group, placed 42nd and Lucy Buchanan-Dusome, who is in the under nine age group, placed 24.
