Eastchester Step Dancer Makes The Right Moves To Claim National Title

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. - An Eastchester dancer stepped her way into the hearts of her judges recently at the North American Dance Championships to claim the first national title in her young life.

Eastchester step dancer Christina Mariel Wiltz earned her first national title in Orlando.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Step dancing champion Christina Mariel Wiltz with some of her coaches from the McGough Academy in Eastchester.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Zak Failla

08/03/2016 12:00 p.m.

After training for years under the watchful eye of the world class staff at McGough Academy in Eastchester, 9-year-old Christina Mariel Wiltz won the girls nine-and-under championship, topping a field of more than 100 top competitors from around the country.

Each year, Irish dancers from all over the world train for months before heading to Orlando for the North American Irish Dance Championships. In total, the McGough Academy a dozen dancers to compete this year.

To get ready for this year’s championship, Wiltz trained six days a week with her coaching staff that includes Ciara Sexton, a five-time world champion and Riverdance star.

This is Wiltz’s first major national title. Previous titles include a record breaking three consecutive Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships in the eight-and-under division as she competed with older dancers. She also holds top five international rankings from the All-Scotland Championships in 2014 and 2016.

"Winning the nationals was such an exciting and unforgettable moment,” Wiltz said. “I am very thankful to my teachers at the McGough Academy and my parents for making my dreams come true."

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