Sagkeeng’s Finest get ready for prime time

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A trio of Manitoba teens are in Toronto this weekend preparing for the final of City TV's Canada's Got Talent.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/05/2012 (5211 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A trio of Manitoba teens are in Toronto this weekend preparing for the final of City TV’s Canada’s Got Talent.

Vince O’Laney and Brandon and Dallas Courchene from Sagkeeng First Nation danced their way into the finals this Sunday and Monday.

The group, called Sagkeeng’s Finest, put together a routine based on traditional square dancing.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
From left, Sagkeeng's Finest (Dallas and Brandon Courchene and Vincent O'Laney) rehearse before they head out to compete in the finale of Canada's Got Talent.
JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS From left, Sagkeeng's Finest (Dallas and Brandon Courchene and Vincent O'Laney) rehearse before they head out to compete in the finale of Canada's Got Talent.

The Free Press caught up with the teens in Winnipeg this week as they perfected their routine in a local dance studio.

Video by John Woods

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Updated on Friday, May 11, 2012 11:31 AM CDT: adds video

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