Family Channel gets its groove on in the new Canadian original series, THE NEXT STEP. It will be a reality/drama-style series, premiering on Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. ET. The show follows an elite group of dancers trying to make it in the competitive dance world.
The Next Step Dance Studio acts as a second home for the dancers in A-Troupe. The group trains, rehearses, and hangs out everyday. Emily, the current Dance Captain played by Alexandra Beaton, and her group of friends (the E-Girls) are at the top of the social food chain. Many are thrilled when newcomer Michelle (played by Victoria Baldesarra) joins the studio, as they now have an even bigger chance of winning at regionals. However, the hierarchy of the studio is questioned and some of the girls let jealousy get the best of them. The regionals are fast approaching, and the dancers need to learn to put aside their differences in order to work together as a team to qualify for nationals.
The first episode of the series is called “Get the Party Started,” where The Next Step Dance Studio is holding auditions for ten spots on A-Troupe that could take the studio to the regionals. Check out a sneak peak below!
THE NEXT STEP stars include a wide range of talented dancers that have appeared in music videos, on television and in theatre. Victoria Baldesarra was a member of the 2010 Team Canada dance team and won a Bronze medal for their performance in Germany. Two stars have appeared on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA: Tamina Pollack-Paris (Tiffany) was a Top 16 finalist on season 1 and Jordan Clark (Giselle) was the season 4 winner. Former Family Channel host Shamier Anderson also appears in the show as Chris, who is the head choreographer at the studio.
On Friday nights, after the premiere of the episode, fans can go to family.ca/thenextstep to catch The Next Step Aftershow. This series will give viewers behind the scenes content, interviews with the cast, commentary on storylines and a chance to learn some of the cool dance moves on the show. Fans can also log onto family.ca to create their own dance mashups, vote in interactive polls and watch videos that can be unlocked.
Hosts of the Aftershow include Asha Bromfield (best known as Stella on WHAT’S UP, WARTHOGS!), Lovell Adams-Gray, Luke Watters (2009 MARITIME IDOL winner), Kelly McNamee and Samantha Munro (best known as Anya on DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION).
Family OnDemand will offer new episodes weekly beginning on March 8.
Will you tune in to the premiere of THE NEXT STEP on March 8? Let us know by sounding off in the comments below or sending us your feedback on Facebook and Twitter!