Traditionally dominated by Irish and English competitors, Americans have become powerful contenders in dance in the past ten years. Owen Barrington became the first Alaskan to qualify for and win a World Irish Dance Championship.

 

The 24-year-old Anchorage-born dancer took first place in the Men’s Over 21 competition in Belfast in April, 2008.

 

In 2004, Barrington moved to Tacoma, Washington for college while continuing to train at the Comerford School of Irish Dance. Owen’s talents won him a spot in Riverdance that same year. After two years of touring he left the troupe to train seriously for the World Championships. Aside from World Champion, Owen’s other accolades include two-time Western U.S Regional champion and Men’s All-Ireland champion, 2008.

 

He is currently pursuing a business administration degree from the University of Washington and dreams of one day opening his own Irish dance school.