At first glance, Shale Wagman seems like any other kid his age. But put him on a stage, and you’ll see just why the extraordinary Thornhill youngster has captured the hearts of Canadian audiences.

The 11-year-old dancer’s graceful and controlled movements have helped him climb the ranks to the finals of the reality television show Canada’s Got Talent. He faces competitors more than three times his age vying for first place.

He said it was quite the shock.

“I didn’t think I was going to be the finalist,” Wagman said. “And then I heard I got the most votes, and I was so surprised. It felt like heaven.”

Wagman first started dancing at the age of five, after his mother enrolled him at Vlad’s Dance Company, near Elgin Mills Road and Bayview Avenue. He was competing solo by the age of seven.

Now, he’s practising 32 hours a week for the final round.

Thanks to support from his family, friends and dance colleagues, Wagman was advanced to the national semifinals following a unanimous decision from the show’s judges.

And if he wins? He will use the money to fund his dream of going to Julliard School, the famed New York performing arts school and conservatory.

But first, Wagman will have to beat out the other finalists, including a Toronto beatboxer, Scott Jackson. Also competing is country crooner Ivan Daigle and an opera singer, Emilio Fina.

The winner of Canada’s Got Talent’s first season will be announced on May 14.