Local teen competes at World Irish Dancing Championship

Arlington teenager Benjamin Korthuis traveled to Ireland in April to compete in the World Irish Dancing Championship.

The competition was held from April 10 to 16.

Traditional Irish dance has a long history but saw a revival in the 1990s with popular productions by Michael Flatley such as “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance.”

The World Irish Dancing Championship brings together youth and adult dancers from around the world.

“It was the like the Olympics of Irish dance,” said Benjamin’s mother Leana Korthuis, who added that Flatley himself spoke at the event.

Benjamin started practicing Irish dance about six years ago. He is homeschooled and he and his parents were looking for some kind of art activity to round out his education.

They ended up in an Edmonds dance school.

“I have had some really good teachers there,” said Benjamin.

Benjamin said he enjoys how difficult Irish dancing is.

“I like that the dance is a challenge. It really forces me to push myself to get better,” he said.

His practice involves a lot of strength training.

“It really is intense. It’s a lot like a sport and some people call it a sport,” he said.

When he takes the stage he said he is “filled with energy as I’m jumping all around the stage.”

At the Edmonds school Benjamin said he has made a lot of friends.

“I like all the people there,” he said.

“The group he dances with is very upbeat and positive,” said Leana.

Last year Benjamin qualified for the World Irish Dancing Championship by performing well at a competition in Phoenix.

Another student from Benjamin’s school also qualified and the two were able to travel together to Ireland.

They spent some of their time in Dublin before taking a train to Belfast, where the competition was taking place.

“Everyone was glad to be at the competition,” said Leana, who added it was a positive atmosphere after the championship had to be canceled the previous two years.

Benjamin said he was excited to get on stage and compete. “I don’t get too nervous,” he said, and added he enjoyed the event.

He finished 27th out of 38 competitors in his group and said he was happy just to be able to be a part of it.

“Just to compete there in the first place was impressive to me,” he said. “Hopefully I will be able to go again next year."

Benjamin and his brother plan to compete soon in the North American Irish Dancing Championships which will be held in Montreal later this year.