The Young Canadians program has been a part of Kristina Turner-Hannem’s life for more than three decades.
The middle of three sisters, she joined the Young Canadians in 1991 after auditioning alongside friends from her dance studio and quickly found herself immersed in the program’s performances, friendships and traditions. Her sisters followed her lead, and their mother became involved behind the scenes, volunteering during Spring Shows and even performing in several Grandstand Shows herself.
"I basically grew up in the program," Kristina says.
Although she originally joined as a Dancer, Kristina soon discovered another side of her talent.
“I received a letter that said 'Apprentice Singer' and I'm like, oh, I think there's a mistake – I'm not a singer!" But the Young Canadians had, as she puts it, "unleashed this hidden talent" she didn't know existed.
Kristina graduated from the program in 2003 and nearly two decades later, the Young Canadians became part of her family’s story once again when her daughter Mya joined the program in 2022.
"Growing up, I'd heard all these stories, but I never really pictured myself doing it,” says Mya. “As soon as I did a Spring Show, I knew that I wanted to continue.”
Watching her daughter perform on the Grandstand stage brought back memories of Kristina’s own years in the program. "I'll never forget the first time I saw her on the stage for Sneak-A-Peek in her first year," she says. "My sister and I turned to each other and we both had goosebumps. It's just this crazy nostalgia, yet pride. It's really cool that she gets to go through this too."
Today, Kristina's mom and sisters are still active volunteers with the Youth Performance Committee. The Young Canadians program has become a shared connection across generations in their family and a lasting part of their Calgary Stampede experience.
Auditions for the 2026–2027 Young Canadians season will take place June 13, 2026, at the TransAlta Performing Arts Studios for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Companies.
Learn more and register to audition here.
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