Young Canadians School of Performing Arts

The Young Canadians were first featured in the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show in 1968 and have wowed audiences ever since.

The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts is a dynamic program designed to develop confident, strong and empowered young people. The school offers youth the opportunity to train in dance, voice, and performance, while inspiring both artistic and personal excellence. Training is provided by a diverse team of professional faculty who foster technical development and artistic creativity. 

Supported by the Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Stampede Foundation, the school promotes citizenship and education, and enhances leadership skills and personal growth.

The school is comprised of over 100 dedicated youth from the Calgary area, ages 8-21. From September to May, the program provides performance training, vocal instruction, ballet, jazz, tap, and acrobatics. Throughout the year, members have the opportunity to perform in dance and vocal showcases, and to participate in workshops with internationally-known performers, choreographers, and educators.

Beginning in May, members train and rehearse for their participation in the Calgary Stampede’s iconic Grandstand Show - ten exciting days in July where Young Canadians perform for an international audience of over 150,000 spectators. 

Many alumni of the Young Canadians program have gone on to become leaders in their communities, as well as leaders in the entertainment industry – Sean Cheesman (internationally renowned choreographer, judge and choreographer for SYTYCD), Megan Lawson (creative director/choreographer for Madonna), Gillian Abbott (graduate of The Julliard School, performer with Cirque du Soleil), Louise Hradsky (choreographer, actor), Maddison Krebs (country singer, recording artist), Charmaine Baqurain (dancer), Hannah Smart (musical theatre performer), Jenn Stafford (dancer, actor, choreographer). 

Celebrating more than 50 years of performance programing, Young Canadians will continue to captivate audiences with high energy performances that inspire our community’s most talented youth.

Contact Us

Barb Fleet
Operations Coordinator – Young Canadians School of Performing Arts
bfleet@calgarystampede.com

Facebook: @YoungCanadians
Instagram: @youngcanadians_cs
YouTube: Young Canadians