Episode 10 Taking the Next Step

-# Stand up! #

-Welcome to Canada,

where the battle to win a guest role on hit TV dance drama The Next Step

nears its conclusion.

# Rewind! #

1,300 dancers applied...

I'm going to do my audition for Taking The Next Step.

..over 200 came to regional auditions...

-Show us what you've got.

-# Do it! Do it! #

..but only the best won a place at nationals.

We're making dreams come true in here.

Now only four dancers remain in the contest.

The stakes are really high today.

They must act...

You're not listening to me so I'm not going to listen to you.

-No, I'm not doing this any more. I'm done.

-Hey, yes, you are.

-Get back here.

-..and dance...

-There it is. Wow!

-Careful! Careful!

-Are you good?

..for the chance to reach the final.

I feel like that's the right decision.

Oh, wow!

But who will take the next step?

I'm scared.

Welcome to Taking The Next Step.

THEY CHEER

Today, these four finalists are one step closer

to fulfilling their dream and landing a guest role

on The Next Step.

-So, how are you feeling, finalists?

-Pumped.

-Ready to go.

-Excited.

-Good.

-But a little bit nervous.

Well, the people you have to thank for how far you've come

in this contest are these guys.

It's our judges - Simeon, Kimberly and John.

Hello, judges.

Well, I'm going to hand over to Kimberly

to tell you what your challenge is today.

So today has a theme, and that theme is going to be duos

and working together as partners.

Today is a dual challenge - a two-part challenge.

The first part of your challenge will be to learn choreography.

The second part of your challenge to incorporate that choreography

into an improvised scene, just like they do here at The Next Step.

The stakes are really high today

because sadly one of you will be going home.

Today, you guys really need to bring it, step it up.

I have some very special people coming to help me

with this challenge,

by the name of Isaac and Victoria.

Tell the guys some of the challenges you face when dancing in a duo.

When you're doing a duet, it's all about the connection,

and I think that's the biggest struggle in a duet

-is to keep that connection all throughout the routine.

-Hm-hm.

Dueting in Studio A means our four dancers

will be following in the footsteps of some of The Next Step's

biggest stars.

James and Riley...

..Giselle and Amanda...

..Thalia and West...

..and in a Taking The Next Step exclusive, Eldon and Michelle,

who will be performing to this classic track

for the very first time today.

MUSIC: Hurricane by The Next Step

Get over here.

So how do you feel, Erin, about learning this piece?

It's going to be amazing. I can't believe we're actually

following in the footsteps of them!

This performance, we're going to break you into duets.

I would like Harriet and Joe,

Erin and Kyrese, you'll be the next duet.

The music is, and the piece, is about a break up.

Now, I want you to figure out what the storyline is

that each of you are going to be telling.

It has to be genuine.

You can't create something that's not you.

You have to find it within yourself.

-OK.

-All right, let's do it.

So, the way we start off, the girl's going to start behind the guy, yeah?

Isaac and Victoria are walking our dancers through the routine...

..seven, eight. One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight. One...

..and helping them to memorise the steps.

So, boys, you're opening up... Voom!

Girls, you're taking a split leap onto your left leg...

One, two. ..to come into cou-de-pied.

Some parts of the routine

are proving easier to pick up than others.

Just watch us for now.

Yeah, yeah.

-JOHN:

-Just relax, yeah.

Get that clear at the beginning.

That's what's going to give you stability.

And then that will give you a nice platform to...

-Yeah, there you go. That's really good.

-Nice, guys. Perfect, yeah.

-There it is. Wow!

-Careful! Careful!

-You good?

-Are you OK?

-Yeah, I'm good.

Despite the odd stumble, things seem to be moving in the right direction.

Even though you've got the choreography,

it's the bits in between that you get to take as yours

and your personality and what you're trying to portray.

Don't forget those. Those might even be the most important bits.

But finding the emotional connection

that will really bring the performance to life

is down to our duos themselves.

Three, four, five, six, seven, eight...

-Nice.

-Fabulous.

Well done, you guys.

Come close. You guys can come join us.

The amount of focus and attention and hard work

you have been putting into learning this has been fantastic.

This is the hard work it's going to take from now on.

This is a contest, and although you're performing together,

we are looking at you as an individual.

There is only one slot on this show.

Only one of you can win.

We're going to give you some time to head to rehearsal room,

just sprinkle a little magic over it. Make us proud.

-OK.

-Let's go.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, guys.

There's plenty of hard work ahead for all four of our dancers.

Come on, guys! Bus tour, let's go.

But yesterday they had a rare day off -

a chance to recharge their batteries...

..and see the sights of Toronto.

CN Tower.

-SHE GASPS

-Look at that wall. That is so cool.

Joe, turn around.

# Let me take a selfie

# Selfie, selfie Let me take a selfie. #

I got it.

Spending time with our final four away from the dance studio,

it's clear just how tight-knit the group has become.

One, two, three, four!

You guys have become really close.

Even when you talk, you all finish each other's sentences!

We're like a big family.

Doing the things you love with the people...

The people that you love too.

Do you think the pressure is going to really pick up tomorrow, though?

-Yeah, I think it is.

-Yeah.

I don't think we'll be sort of against each other

cos I think we're all rooting for each other,

but inside, I think we'll all be hoping that we do the best.

THEY SHOUT

From our regional auditions to Canada,

these four have already been on an incredible journey together.

The friendship between them is real,

but which duo will be able to channel that emotional connection

into their performance?

Back at the studios, both Erin and Kyrese, and Joe and Harriet

are going all out to perfect their routines.

Joe and Harriet seem to be taking the dance element

of today's challenge in their stride.

At the beginning of the challenge,

I was worrying about how we're going to connect

cos of the different styles and everything,

but I think it's going to work well.

For ballerina Harriet, performing as one half of a duet is nothing new.

I've done a lot of partner work in the past,

so it's kind of natural to me.

Joe's a really good partner to dance with

because he takes into consideration where you are.

It makes you trust your partner a lot more.

Oh, my hat!

But street dancer Kyrese was finding dancing with a partner

more of a challenge.

I have danced in a duo before, but it wasn't like this

with lifts and telling a story, in a way.

It's definitely a new lesson to be learnt and I'm having fun with it.

I had a little fall with Kyrese when we tried to do the lift,

but I think we've got it now.

Hopefully, we can support each other and not fall.

So, with the choreography under control,

Kyrese and Erin could turn to the storytelling side

of their performance.

Portraying the emotions is in my comfort zone

because it's something that I always like to do

whether it's even part of the dance, but I always like to make it my own

and tell the story through my face, not only my dancing.

Yeah, that's good. I like that. Just don't slap me in the face!

Both of our duos have their strengths and weaknesses,

and the contest between them is simply too close to call.

-It's tough to call.

-I can't really say at the moment,

but it just depends on the overall outcome.

It's just doing a good performance and trying to get through yourself.

But also supporting...

The dance rehearsals are at an end.

We'll see the results of all that hard work later

when our duos perform their routines in front of the judges.

Now it's time for our final four to find out about the second part

of today's challenge.

Welcome to part two - improvisation.

The focus is shifting from dancing to acting.

We would like you to improvise a scene

which leads directly to the choreographed piece

you learnt earlier.

Victoria and Isaac are here with us,

and that's because they will be acting alongside you

in this improvised scene.

The Next Step is based off of improv.

So basically, we get an outline

of our scripts, but it's not like a regular script

where we have lines to memorise.

So, that's something that is really awesome about The Next Step

is that we get to use a lot of our input in our acting skills.

Be yourselves.

Say the things you would normally say, talk how you would talk.

Yeah, just let it be natural.

OK, guys. Michelle and Eldon, they are now studio owners themselves.

And they're teaching you one of their iconic dance routines.

It is the night before Nationals

and you are returning as defending champions,

but this rehearsal is not going well.

Both duos have the opportunity to quickly block through

their improvised scenes, under the watchful eye of the judges.

Now, our first couple will be Joe and Harriet,

so could I ask Kyrese and Erin to step outside, please?

Remember, the dance routine this scene will be building up to

is about a break up.

Hey, guys, how's it going?

-It's all right.

-I don't think it is at all.

-I don't think it is.

-It's not what? It's not working?

It's getting there. It's just...

No, it's definitely not.

I really think this is the toughest challenge because it's, like,

straight on the spot improvisation and it's like...

'Yeah, also, where you're trying to join'

the acting into the dancing,

it's harder to make it blend and make it smooth.

Well, he's not really listening, to be fair.

-I'M not listening?

-You're blaming it on me, but it's not only me.

You're the one not listening.

I've been doing it so full out and then you're the one just doing this.

What is this? I'm not ready.

Hey, you stay here.

'I am feeling pretty confident about it.'

It's just with the improvisation,

you just need to be yourself and bounce off each other

and that's what the judges will like.

Nationals is tomorrow and we're coming home with that title.

-Good luck.

-We'll try.

Relax, cool? You don't have to just be static in that corner.

It can go much, much further. OK?

Much further.

'It's one of those things that once I get in there,'

it'll be fine and I'll just do it and I'll just go for it.

And with the dancing, again, we've practised it a lot,

so we know the dance and we know we know the dance,

so, yeah, I'm confident with that as well.

OK, guys, thanks very much.

Keep working, yeah?

Yeah.

Mastering a new piece of choreography is one thing,

but acting is new to all four of our finalists.

And learning how to improvise convincingly

in such a short space of time will clearly be a massive challenge.

-Hey, guys.

-Hi.

-You all right?

Good. How's rehearsal going?

-Erm...It's going all right.

-It's just frustrating.

-MICHELLE:

-Why is it frustrating?

You get distracted all the time and...

'It's the final four now, so everyone's really fighting for it,'

and although we're still supporting each other,

I think we are really fighting for it now.

You didn't tell me that you were leaving the day after Nationals.

Well, I can't help it, you know. I've got other things to do and...

'The stakes are high'

for myself, so I definitely know

'I'll try my best to make both of us look great.'

-You guys do realise that Nationals is tomorrow?

-Yeah.

I know. Come on, we need to get on with this.

I think I am quite nervous cos I don't want to let you down.

I'm going to do my best and obviously, hopefully,

we will both get through, but I don't kn...

OK, OK, hold on.

You guys have got to figure this out.

-JOHN:

-Remember, when you're doing the scene,

really make it believable.

Erin, you have a tendency to be a little bit caricature.

A little bit... Yesterday, in the piece you were doing yesterday,

-it was kind of over the top, a little over the top.

-Yeah.

Whilst that is good for some things,

try to make this really naturalistic. Make it really real.

With so much to take onboard, it's time for a much-needed break.

And that means a trip to A-Troupe's latest hang-out,

where I have a special treat in store.

It's Britain versus Canada.

Finalists versus cast, in our...

-Who's nervous?

-Me.

-You should be.

This is very serious.

Question one. What is the nickname for James and Riley?

-This was first.

-Jiley.

Boom! One point.

-OK, question two.

-Come on, Michelle!

What's the name of Miss Kate's sister, the A-Troupe choreographer?

-Wow!

-Phoebe.

Phoebe? Boom!

-It's 1-1. All to play for.

-OK.

Who was voted

to be the new dance captain in series three.

-Kyrese again.

-Giselle.

Yes. Correct.

What was the name of the juice bar

in series two?

-Oh, Hidalgo's.

-Yes!

No! It was Culture Shock!

OK, there's been so many. There's been Juice Bar, there's been...

Excuses, excuses. It was wrong.

I can't give you not even half a point for that. I'm sorry.

It's OK, we got it.

Who is the head coach of Elite?

-I think that was you.

-Lucien.

Well done!

Last question, all to play for.

You guys need this. No pressure.

What prank did Riley and Ella play on James?

-That was Kyrese.

-I don't know who that was.

-It was, it was!

-Go on, Kyrese.

They put...

They wrapped James's drum kit with bubble wrap.

Yes! You guys win!

-Wow.

-Well done.

-I'm not going to lie, that was all me.

-Well done. Good job. Guys.

-Guys!

-And I got one wrong!

-Yeah! What!

-I couldn't believe that.

-At least I got mine right.

You guys need to go back to season one and start again.

-Re-watch everything, yeah.

-OK, it's been a while.

-You killed it.

-Well done, Kyrese.

Victory for our final four, courtesy of their secret weapon,

Next Step superfan Kyrese.

Listen, guys, well done. I know you need to get focused

and keep on working for this afternoon, OK?

-Good luck. ALL:

-Thank you.

Back to business and our final four are in the rehearsal room

getting a few last-minute pointers from Victoria, who plays Michelle,

and Isaac, otherwise known as Eldon.

As dancers, you're taught where to place everything, right?

But as an actor,

naturally you have to make those decisions for yourself.

Don't just repeat the "I can't, I can't, I can't."

Have some meat behind that thing in your head that's going on.

The time for rehearsals is over.

This performance decides which of you is going home, so good luck.

-Thank you.

-Go and give it everything, OK?

-We will.

-Thank you.

-Good luck.

-Thanks.

Hi, there. Ready for Joe and Harriet.

-Good luck, Joe.

-Thank you.

One of these four will be leaving after today's challenge.

-I hope they do well, but then I want to do well too.

-Yeah.

Joe and Harriet are the first duo to face our three judges.

-Hey, guys.

-BOTH:

-Hello.

-Take your places and I'll cue you.

Thank you.

-Action!

-Come on, do this move.

-It's not working.

-But we need to do the move now.

-MICHELLE:

-Hey, guys.

-Hello.

-How's it going?

-It's going great.

It's not going good at all. Why are you saying that? It's terrible.

It's all right. I mean, I think it's fine.

When we're dancing, it's just not...

We're not interacting with each other.

He's not really listening, to be fair.

He just kind of does his own thing

and then expects me to get on with it.

'Today's been very interesting, very...challenging

'because we've all done'

separate dance challenges

and separate acting challenges, but we've never actually

blended the two together. It has definitely pushed me further

than the rest of the challenges we've done so far.

No, cos you're not listening to me, so I'm not going to listen to you.

-I'm not doing this any more, I'm done.

-Hey, yes, you are.

Get back here. Nationals is tomorrow. You guys know that, right?

Do you guys realise that?

-There's stuff going on outside.

-And that's rubbing off on me

and then he thinks I'm a moron.

OK. Well, one of the things about being a professional

is coming in and not letting that stuff distract you.

I love dancing with her, I'll take on your advice and we'll just do it.

Doing the improv and then doing the dance with Harriet,

cos we're different styles, it's hard to merge it together,

but I did my best. Hopefully, my best is enough.

MUSIC: Hurricane by The Next Step

Guys, when you walk out of here, hold your heads up high, be proud.

You did a great job, OK? Well done.

-BOTH:

-Thank you.

-Thank you, guys. Well done.

-That was really good, well done.

-Good job.

-Good job, guys.

-BOTH:

-Thank you.

Now, it's over to Erin and Kyrese to show what they can do.

Action!

How's it going?

Yeah, good. I think everything's fine, yeah.

No, it isn't fine.

-Yeah... Wait, what?

-Look, you can't even trust me.

-You can't even do the lift.

-I could, it's just...

'It was really hard,'

like, portraying that emotion,

but I was just trying to think of how I would react

if I was actually in that situation.

I think me and Erin did really well and I think we told a strong story.

-She told me something yesterday...

-No, it doesn't matter.

..and you broke my heart.

You said you didn't even love me anyway.

I do, you know that. Why would you do that to me?

-Do what?

-I thought we had a special connection.

OK, what is happening?

I had to fly back to England

and I'm not sure how long I'm going to stay out there

and this might be the last time I get to dance for The Next Step.

I don't actually act, but I actually really love it

and it's something I really want to do.

I really try to be myself and just act natural,

instead of as a character.

This is a last time I'm going to dance, let's make it good.

I know.

MUSIC: Hurricane by The Next Step

Very well done. Make your way outside, guys.

-Good job.

-Good job.

Joe, Harriet, Erin and Kyrese have danced and acted their hearts out.

Now there is nothing more they can do

but wait anxiously for the judges to decide their fates.

-This is one heavy decision to make today.

-I know.

I don't actually know how they're going to decide because honestly...

-It's being done right now.

-They're deciding right now.

Today wasn't just about the dancing, it wasn't just about the improv,

it was taking those two challenges and putting it together.

There's been one person that really delivered today.

-So is it fair to say that this is 100%?

-Yes.

100%.

Probably a front runner from these three would be this one for me.

I was really surprised cos the thing that was not their strongest suite,

not their strongest point actually became a lot stronger.

So that leaves us...

I just think in my mind and in my heart,

I have a clear bottom.

One person that just didn't deliver today.

Heartbreaking for me to say, it's the truth.

So I just don't feel ready to give up on that person just yet.

-I'm nervous but excited.

-I know, right? Yeah.

-We've actually all grown so much in this competition.

-Yeah, definitely.

Are we unanimous, guys?

Yeah. I feel like that's the right decision.

Oh, wow...never saw that coming.

I didn't see that coming, no way.

-It's time to...

-Break the news.

Call them back.

Deliberations over, it's time for our four remaining dancers

to face the judges one by one

and find out which of them will be packing their bags.

I'm scared.

-Hi, Kyrese.

-Hi.

It's been so tough.

We're now down to the final four and somebody does have to go home.

Now, I'm not going to lie,

I've been an absolute massive fan of yours from day one.

Thank you.

But to be honest, I'm kind of surprised you are still here.

You have style, grace, poise...

..and you are without doubt the best dancer in this contest.

Now, over your journey, you've had lots of highs.

You've had a really good run,

but there's been times every now and then you've had some lows,

and the lows are really concerning.

We had to ask ourselves, "Do you have potential to be number one?"

We have to make a choice today...

-You're going through to the next round.

-Wow!

Well done! Graduations!

You'll be going forward to the next round.

-THEY LAUGH

-Oh, my days! No way!

Was it a yes? Hurray!

Oh, my goodness.

-How do you feel?

-I can't believe it.

Can I see some little tears there? Happy tears?

-Yeah, a bit.

-Yeah, maybe.

-Hurray! Well done.

-For Erin and Kyrese, it's time to celebrate.

Their improv and choreography both made a winning impression

on the judges.

So, who will join them in the final,

Joe or Harriet?

So, we've made a decision...

You're not going any further in the competition.

-And you're through to the next round.

-Yes!

-Well done.

-Thank you.

Yay!

-This is for you.

-Thank you.

Do you want to put it on?

For prima ballerina Harriet, the journey is at an end.

-A-Troupe!

-A-Troupe!

-You were so amazing.

-Yes!

But despite the tears, it's been a sensational ride.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Harriet?

-Yes.

I didn't ever imagine for a second that I'd get to this point

because, you know, I went to the Regionals thinking,

-"Oh, I'll give it a go. It'll be fun."

-Pack your bags...

you're coming to Canada.

For me, getting to Canada was my main goal,

so getting to this point, the final four, is absolutely amazing.

I feel very honoured.

And you had a good height, so use your height.

The whole experience has just been amazing. I'll remember it forever.

Three become one.

The pressure is definitely on.

For Kyrese, Erin and Joe, the dream of landing a guest role...

Action!

..is now one step away from becoming a reality.

So, who will claim the ultimate prize?

The winner is...

# Stand-up! #