A young Richmond dancer recently wrapped up his first experience on a world stage with two gold medals.
Drako Cheng, 11, was crowned world champion for the popping and hip hop boys children categories in the recent IDO World Hip Hop Championship in Kielce, Poland.
He told the Richmond News he felt “really good” about representing Canada and winning his medals.
“Even though it’s my first time competing in a world championship, it felt really good and I thought I would have a good chance,” he said.
“I have been training a lot so I feel like I was prepared.”
Cheng had competed in the freestyle categories, which meant he had to improvise his routine and he did not know what the music would be beforehand.
Readers of the News may also recognize Cheng for his stint on Canada’s Got Talent earlier this year when his dance crew, XTREME SOUL STYLE, passed with four enthusiastic YES(s) from judges Howie Mandel, Lilly Singh, Trish Stratus and Kardinal Offishall.
The international dance championship was held from Oct. 23 to 28, 2023 and showcased talented dancers from 31 countries to 15,000 spectators.
Cheng said it was his first time travelling “so far” so it was “a bit scary at first,” but he had “so much fun.”
“I met a lot of dancers from different countries and having support from all my friends in Team Canada made it a lot easier.”
To watch Cheng’s winning routines and check out other performers, visit IDO’s Instagram page (@idoworlddance).
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