Shale Wagman appeared on ‘Canada’s Got Talent’ and has been called the country’s Billy Elliot. We meet up with the 16-year-old at Monaco’s Princess Grace Academy, as part of our Q&A series celebrating Canada’s 150th this year
ML: You are from Thornhill, Ontario, north of Toronto. Can you tell us a little about life in your Canadian hometown?
SW: I spent most of my time training and performing but I still got to enjoy so much. I use to go take long walks with my dogs in the beautiful Canadian forests. I always enjoyed bike riding with my brothers all over the city. In the winters my mom would take me, my brothers and our friends tobogganing down the snowy hills near our house. On the way to the dance studio I would usually stop for a Boston Cream donut at the iconic Tim Hortons.
There were many good times at our family and friends cottages in Lake Simcoe and Haliburton, Ontario. We would go waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and have S’mores by the bonfire. I also got to enjoy sleepover camp in Haliburton. I went for five summers to Camp Timberlane, made some amazing friends, enjoyed the outdoors, water sports, performing in plays, drawing, painting and was able to explore different aspects of life.
ML: What does it feel like to be called Canada’s Billy Elliot?
SW: I am grateful. I take it as a big compliment to be recognised for my efforts in pursuing, living and having the opportunity to share my passion with the world. I hope that I can inspire people of any age to go for what they truly want in life. I want young boys to have the courage to go for whatever makes them feel alive without fearing that they will be judged by their dreams and aspirations.