A YOUNG Irish dancer who trains in Birdwell has become the under 15 world champion.
Joseph Howarth, 14, was crowned champion at the competition in Glasgow.
He has been dancing since he was seven, and trains six days a week at the Glendarragh Dance Academy which has four sites at Birdwell, Catcliffe, Derby and Nottingham.
His mum Kathy, of Sheffield, said: “He was in the best form he could have been physically and mentally, and he danced amazingly.
“The whole hall was in uproar when it was announced that he had won. The whole crowd was delighted for him.
“He’s so focussed and determined. He’s done five world championships finishing fifth, then fourth for the last three years and then first. He is currently unbeaten in the regional championships. He is eight times regional champion with a perfect score.”
Joseph is now training for the British National Championships in August, the All Scotland Championships in September and the All Ireland Championships in February.
If he manages to win at those three competitions, he will have won every major title over his career.
