“I demonstrate to them occasionally,” Brough said. “It’s funny. People find out that I’m a dancer, and in the middle of the lunch room (they’ll say) ‘You should do some dancing right now so I can get some video!’”
>> MORE: Get a jump on your St. Patrick's Day fun this weekend with 3 events
If Brough is ever fazed by the attention, he doesn't show it. After all, he's been training at the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance in Riverside and performing in front of thousands yearly since he was a small child.
All that sweat and toil paid off last fall when Brough, while at the Mid-American Regional Championships in Chicago, qualified to compete in his age group in the world championships held by the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin, Ireland next month.
>> MORE: Your guide to Dayton St. Patrick's Day events in 2017
“I had to work long and hard to get up into the preliminary championships. It’s a tough level to get up to, especially for me when I started off,” he said.
>> MORE: 4 ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with FOOD in Dayton
Since the word has spread, Brough, who is also a gifted violinist and will continue his music education at Wright State University next fall, has been bolstered by both his teachers and peers.
"They've all been really supportive. I'm really happy that I have everyone (at the Celtic Academy)," Brough said. "It's like a big family."
>> MORE: 10 things to do this week
In the meantime, between his schoolwork and performances, Brough is using whatever free time he has to rehearse his solo performance and hone his technique -- all while trying to handle the enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
“I’m excited because it’s a fun chance to go dance my heart out somewhere new and meet some new people. It’ll be interesting to go to Ireland,” he said. “I’m psyched for that.”
About the Author