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The new season of Canada's Got Talent airs this month, and one of the contestants is from Fort Saskatchewan.
Chris Hammer and his dance crew Cool Giraffes are competing for the chance to take home a huge cash prize.
Hammer wasn't always a dancer, he said. Originally, he started out figure skating.
"I got put into dance to help my skating, and then I eventually just loved it, so I stayed in it for many years," Hammer said.
Chris is the son of Clyde Hammer, a figure skating coach who found success in the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Hammer says they got on the show when he and his crew put together a video audition and submitted it online. Their unique dance style is what sparked the producers' interest.
"We do hip-hop dances, which is like the musical hip-hop commercial choreography. It's a powerful piece."
Filming took place throughout October, with Kardinal Offishall, Trish Stratus, Lilly Singh, and Howie Mandel serving as the show's judges.
"There were a lot of people, and meeting Howie Mandel and stuff was pretty scary," Hammer said. "When I was there, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had."
"I can't really say how it went, but I'm really excited for everyone to see it."
Throughout the whole experience, Hammer said his favourite moment was seeing Canadian actor Howie Mandel, who is most well-known for hosting the game show Deal or No Deal.
"When I was on stage, it felt like I was watching a TV screen. It didn't even feel real."
On the flip side, Hammer said that the rehearsals were the biggest challenge, with them practicing as late as 3 a.m. sometimes.
Hammer hopes that his appearance on the show will help pave the way for more television appearances in the future.
The third season of Canada's Got Talent premieres March 21 on Citytv.
