Vandernaalt finishes in ninth at World Irish Dance Championship

Graham Vandernaalt

Graham Vandernaalt, recently competed in the World Irish Dance Championships in Scotland, March 27, and he placed ninth.

In order to compete at the world championships, a dancer must qualify at their own regional Oriechtas first (dance competition in Eastern Canada).

Vandernaalt is a 17-year-old student at UCC, graduating this year. He has been dancing since he was seven years old and trains 3 to 4 times a week at the Cornell School of Irish Dance in Chatham. On his “off” days, he also practices at home. Devin Cornell is his dance teacher and he also receives instruction once in a while from one of the dancers from the world-renowned show, “Riverdance”.

This is Graham’s fourth World competition, receiving 13th place in Ireland when he was 11 years old in 2017. He has also competed in North American Competitions (Montreal, Nashville, North Carolina, Toronto). Last summer in Nashville, he came in fouth place.

Vandernaalt is a seven time winner for the Eastern Canadian Championships.