Michael Holland has been Irish step dancing all of his life.
"I've been dancing since I was five," said Holland, a freshman in Exploration. "My grandpa is from Ireland, so there is a lot of Irish culture in my family."
Holland's dance instructor, Ann Richens has been helping generations of Holland's family learn to dance.
"He used to watch the older boys and girls and would try to do the moves they were doing when he was only nine," said Richens, who has been teaching Irish dance for 43 years and is co-owner of the Richens/Timm Academy. "I had absolutely no doubt that he would be something special."
Richens was proved correct. Holland has made multiple appearances at the World Championships of Irish step dance. He won the World Championships at the age of 12, and has placed second and fifth in the last two years. He has qualified for the 2009 competition as well.
Holland was recently in Killarney, Ireland, competing for the All-Ireland championship, where he placed first.
"It's very hard for Americans to win," Holland said. "Four thousand people entered, and there were 30 in my age group. The last time I won I was 12, so it felt great to win."
Holland has worked hard to reach this point. In addition to his classes, Holland practices on his own time, at his dance academy two days a week and with a personal trainer.
His instructors have "always helped me out," Holland said. "I wouldn't be where I'm at without them."
The World Championship will be held April 5-12 in Philidelphia, Pa. Despite his years of experience, Holland is nervous.
"I got second last year but I am getting into the older age groups," Holland said. "It has been my goal to win worlds, so I'm hoping this will be my time."
Richens said she is keeping her fingers crossed about Holland's victory.
"I've got very high hopes," Richens said. "He has worked hard enough to be the top winner, but it's up to the judges, of course."
Kelli Gardner can be reached at gardner.789@osu.edu.
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