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young canadians to celebrate 45th anniversary in style The Young Canadians (YC) of the Calgary Stampede are celebrating their 45th anniversary in Broadway style performing at their first-ever fundraiser gala hosted in Calgary on March 9, 2013, at the University of Calgary Downtown Campus. “This is an exciting new era for the Young Canadians,” says Phil Heerema, YC business administrator and production services coordinator. “They are embarking on the next 100 years as they showcase performers for the Calgary Stampede. It will be an exciting time for this dynamic group and they are planning to start it with a bang with their first-ever fundraising gala.” Each year, hundreds of young dancers and singers audition for a chance to become one of the 150 YC that perform for over 170,000 audience members during the 10-day Calgary Stampede. Once selected, the perform-
ing group – who range from seven to 21 years old – begin year-round training each September at the Young Canadians School of Performing Arts that is funded through the Calgary Stampede Foundation. “In order for our youth to be the best, they need to be exposed to the best, which includes workshops with Canada’s best choreographers, performers and producers as well as continued performance opportunities and instruction from the best in the business,” says Angela Benson, the YC artist director and choreographer. Additional training costs which enhance the delivery of excellence in programs will be covered through funds raised at the inaugural Steppin’ Out gala. The event will include exclusive performances from the Young Canadians and will feature hostess Jill Belland from Breakfast Television. Maria Hodge, gala committee chair,
20 • February 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com
adds, “This is a great opportunity for companies to show their support and give a warm thank you for the passionate performers of the past, present and future Young Canadians.” BiC