Family Channel debuts a bold Canadian original series, The Next Step, a reality‑drama that dives into the lives of a gifted group of young dancers chasing big dreams in a highly competitive world. The show premieres Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. ET and will be available across Family channels and platforms, inviting viewers to witness daily practice sessions, intense rivalries, and enduring friendships that shape these performers. Set inside a premier dance studio, the series blends choreography, teamwork, and personal growth as the dancers navigate pressure, pride, and the joy of artistic pursuit.
In The Next Step Dance Studio, the A‑Troupe serves as a second home where dancers train, rehearse, and hang out together every day. Emily, the Dance Captain, is portrayed by Alexandra Beaton, and her circle of friends—the E‑Girls—holds sway at the top of the studio’s social ladder. The arrival of Michelle, played by Victoria Baldesarra, brings fresh talent and bigger hopes for regionals. Yet the new dynamic stirs jealousy and raises questions about leadership as the team faces the looming regional competition and the pivotal journey toward nationals. The dancers must learn to put differences aside and unite as a team if they want to qualify for nationals.
The first episode, Get the Party Started, centers on auditions for ten spots on A‑Troupe, with the chance to secure a place that could change the studio’s trajectory. The stakes are high as performers showcase precision and energy, while the group dynamics shift under pressure. A sneak peek gives viewers a glimpse of the fierce dancing, evolving friendships, and the undercurrents that accompany joining a tightly knit company.
The Next Step brings together a diverse cast with backgrounds in music videos, television, and theatre. Victoria Baldesarra previously trained with Team Canada and earned a Bronze medal at a competition in Germany. Tamina Pollack‑Paris, known for a standout performance on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, reached the Top 16 in the show’s first season. Jordan Clark, crowned as the winner of season four, adds a championship pedigree to the ensemble. Shamier Anderson, a former Family Channel host, appears as Chris—the studio’s head choreographer who guides daily routines and shapes the creative direction for the group.
On Friday nights, after the premiere, fans can visit The Next Step Aftershow on Family’s platform for behind‑the‑scenes content, cast interviews, and lively commentary on ongoing storylines. Viewers can also learn some of the show’s signature moves, explore dance mashups, vote in interactive polls, and unlock exclusive videos. The platform invites both dancers and fans to engage with the world of The Next Step in a deeper way.
The Aftershow is hosted by a lineup that includes Asha Bromfield, Lovell Adams‑Gray, Luke Watters, Kelly McNamee, and Samantha Munro. Each host brings a distinct perspective from television and theatre, offering fresh insights into choreography, storytelling, and the experience of being part of a dance company. The conversations aim to keep the audience connected to the studio’s energy and the characters’ evolving journeys.
Family OnDemand will deliver new episodes weekly beginning March 8, ensuring the dance drama remains accessible for fans who want to catch up or revisit favorite moments. Will you tune in to the premiere of THE NEXT STEP on March 8? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter to weigh in on the studio, the auditions, and the road to nationals.