A longstanding Calgary Stampede staple is back this year, and as always, a few Okotokians are in the mix.
Among this year’s roster of performers from the Young Canadians School of Performing Arts are five Okotoks youths.
The oldest of them, Jack Leathwaite, is in his eighth and final year with the company.
“I’ve practically grown up in the Young Canadians program, which I’m so grateful for because the Young Canadians has turned me into the performer I am now, singing-wise, dance-wise, but it’s also turned me into the person I am. When I was in Juniros I looked up to the Seniors so much, I just wanted to be them. So I worked really hard and now I am a senior. It’s a pretty full circle moment for me,” says Leathwaite.
The 17-year-old will be heading to Massachusetts to take part in a program from the CLI Conservatory, an opportunity he contributed largely to his involvement with the Young Canadians.
“Between the period of spring show and Grandstand, we do Singer Showcase and Dancer Showcase, and I got to professionally record three solo dances, which I then used to apply to school. So me getting into my dream school is essentially thanks to the Young Canadians.”
Jack Leathwaite and Sage Aleman, another Young Canadians performer leaving the program this year . (Photo courtesy of Lynda Leathwaite.)His fellow Okotokian performers are Hadley Janssen, Natalie Bencharski, Cleavon Laquibla, and Nash Bencharski, all of whom are in their second year with TYC.
Natalie has been enjoying her time with the company, especially in contrast to the competitive scene.
“I was a competitive dancer before, and the energy change from doing competitions to the Young Canadians is such a big change. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive about everything, and honestly, I don’t want to be anywhere else… In competitions, sometimes you’re competing against your best friends and it’s so hard. In the Young Canadians you’re dancing together, you’re a whole unit and it’s amazing.”
Leathwaite’s mother, Lynda, is proud to see Jack moving on to follow his dream, and is glad to have seen him flourish over the last eight years.
“Even when the kids leave, they always keep in touch, and the alumni come back and support them in the show. It’s a very close-knit little family.
Laquibla shared the sentiment.
“It’s said a lot but I don’t think it’s said enough that the Young Canadians isn’t just a program of a company, it’s like a second home and family to all of us. I feel like the support that we receive is amazing and outstanding.”
More information on the Grandstand show can be seen here.
More information on the Young Canadians, including upcoming auditions, can be seen here
Tue, Aug 20, 12:53 AM
Casual, Administrative
