Young Cape Bretoner wins highland dance world championship in Scotland

Olivia Burke, 17, of Cape Breton is the first Nova Scotian-born highland dancer to win at the world championships in Dunoon, Scotland.

Burke placed first in three of her four dances, snagging the top spot in her age division at the Cowal Gathering, which bills itself as the largest highland games in the world.

"I have been training for this my whole life," said Burke in an interview with CBC on Tuesday, after she returned from Scotland to her home in Coxheath, N.S. 

Burke has been dancing since the age of four, and practices on average about six times per week. Her dance teacher and aunt, Kelly MacArthur, says from a young age, Burke's dedication and discipline set her apart.

"I always knew she had it in her because she always had a little bit of everything. It was just … the drive that separates her from other dancers," said MacArthur. 

MacArthur said it was both Burke's attitude and stamina that got her to the top. While Burke credits MacArthur's principle of 'practicing smart' in helping her avoid injuries.

MacArthur says the sacrifices of time and money it takes to compete mean not every dancer with the skills has the means to compete at this level. 

WATCH: Newly crowned highland dance champions at Scotland's Cowal Gathering

Burke says competing on the world stage doesn't come without a degree of privilege. She said her parent's support with both attending practices and financing travel were pivotal in her chances to compete. 

"[They] allow me to go to all of the competitions that I want to. They take me to national championships, and they take me to Scotland every year.… I'm very lucky," she said. "It's really important to me that they know that I really couldn't do this without them."

She said her support