0:00:02 > 0:00:03This is Taking The Next Step,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the show where talented young dancers compete for an amazing
0:00:06 > 0:00:10prize - to guest role on the hit TV dance show The Next Step.
0:00:12 > 0:00:151,300 dancers applied to take part.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18I'm going to do my audition for Taking The Next Step.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25And we've travelled the length and breadth of Britain...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28CLOCK CHIMES ..on a quest to find the best.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Today we're in Cardiff. Glasgow. London. Manchester, are you ready?
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- ALL:- Yes!
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Nervous!
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I've been practising and practising like crazy.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- If I was in The Next Step... - It'd be a dream come true.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Show us what you've got.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45From ballet to bhangra, performers from every discipline turned out
0:00:45 > 0:00:49in a bid to impress our three judges.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51We're making dreams come true in here.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53THEY SCREAM
0:00:53 > 0:00:59They are - professional dancer and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03star of stage and screen John Partridge,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and director and choreographer Simeon Qsyea.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12But which dancer will join these guys and the rest of the cast?
0:01:12 > 0:01:14It's Taking The Next Step.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15CHEERING
0:01:27 > 0:01:29The clock is ticking on our regional auditions.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Time is short and the pressure is on.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43As our remaining auditionees fight to secure the last few
0:01:43 > 0:01:44slots at Nationals.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50We only have a few places left and we need to know that the people
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- we're giving this ticket to deserve it.- Don't make us fight for it.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57When it's your time to shine, shine, turn it on.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59We're making this show right now, right here, today.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02There is no time, dude. You've got to be ready now.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06LINDSEY: As ever, John is focused on performance,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Kimberly on technique,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11whilst for Simeon, quality of movement is key.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19So can 13-year-old Ellie deliver that killer combination?
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- How are you feeling? - I'm nervous but I'm excited as well.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- Now, I've got to say, you look phenomenal.- Oh, thank you.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30You look absolutely amazing. Can you give us a spin, a little twirl?
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- You look brilliant. Are you ready to go in there?- Yeah.- High-fives.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Go impress those judges. Off you go.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- Hi, Ellie.- Hello.- How are you today? - I'm fine, thank you. How are you?
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Oh, you're nice and bubbly. I like a bit of confidence.- Yeah.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46What style of dance will you be doing for us?
0:02:46 > 0:02:47I'm doing modern today.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Modern. All right, well, the floor is yours.- Thank you.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Work.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01# I can't help myself
0:03:01 > 0:03:04# I'm addicted to a life of material
0:03:04 > 0:03:09# It's some kind of joke
0:03:09 > 0:03:12# I'm obsessively opposed to the typical
0:03:12 > 0:03:17# All we care about is runway models
0:03:19 > 0:03:22# Give me something
0:03:22 > 0:03:25# I wanna be retro glamour
0:03:25 > 0:03:27# Hollywood Yes, we live for the fame
0:03:27 > 0:03:28# Fame
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- # Doing it for the fame - Fame
0:03:30 > 0:03:35# Cos we wanna live the life of the rich and famous
0:03:35 > 0:03:36- # Fame - Fame
0:03:36 > 0:03:37- # Doing it for the fame - Fame
0:03:37 > 0:03:42# Cos we gotta live the life of the rich and famous. #
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Ellie, you better work.
0:03:46 > 0:03:47HE LAUGHS
0:03:47 > 0:03:49That's what we like.
0:03:49 > 0:03:50Ellie, really solid audition.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54It takes confidence to do what you just did and to come up here
0:03:54 > 0:03:57and just give Johnny that snap and say, "Work!"
0:03:57 > 0:03:58I really enjoyed it.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Oh, thank you.- You need three yeses to get through to Nationals.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03Johnny?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I loved your dancing, but to be honest,
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- that's not really what I'm liking the most, I like you.- Oh, thank you.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12I think you've got sass, I think you've got confidence.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Cos we're not just looking for a dancer in this, Ellie,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18we're looking for somebody that can act and hold a story arc
0:04:18 > 0:04:21and I think that just might be you.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22Thank you so much.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24I loved it. It's a yes from me.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Hmm.- Oh, stop messing about.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Now, a lot of dancers come out here and they're dancing to the music
0:04:35 > 0:04:37and they don't always connect with it.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41You gave us the vibe of the track and then even the clap-clap,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44you was like bap-bap, and I was like, "Oh, OK, so someone
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- "who actually listens."- Simeon?
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- It's a yes from me. Come on. - Sweetheart, it is a yes from me.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- Come get your ticket to Nationals. - Yes!- Thank you so much.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- Well done.- Thank you.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55- Go celebrate.- Go celebrate.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Bye, Ellie!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Ellie, what happened?!- I made it!
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- How are you feeling? - I'm so excited. I'm so happy.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- Yes, yes, yes.- Work.- Work.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08LINDSEY: Success for Ellie.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Now time to let Nan know the good news.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- OVER PHONE:- 'Hello, Ellie. How have you got on?'
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- I got through to the next part.- 'Oh, I bet you're over the moon.'- Yes.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Ellie's confident performance wowed the judges...
0:05:26 > 0:05:30..but with so much at stake, not every audition ran smoothly.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- MUSIC STARTS MOUTHS:- Sorry.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38That's OK. Can we...
0:05:40 > 0:05:43MUSIC STOPS Hey. Hey, that's OK.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Take a deep breath and know that we're on your side.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58# Well, you only need the light when it's burning low
0:05:58 > 0:06:02# Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
0:06:02 > 0:06:07# Only know you love her when you let her go
0:06:09 > 0:06:12# And you let her go. #
0:06:12 > 0:06:16You're just absolutely scared to death, you poor thing.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Auditions aren't ever easy, but just remember that the show must
0:06:19 > 0:06:22go on and it's just your one time to dance.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It's a no from me today.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29And the outbreak of nerves was proving infectious.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43I'm worried, being a performer with
0:06:43 > 0:06:45so much other competition around you,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47how will you handle those nerves?
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- I'm sorry, but it's a no from me. - OK.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52You've got to take that nerve
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and you've got to let it fuel your performance.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57And I think today, they went the other day
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and pulled your performance down.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01It's a no today.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03I know that you're nervous but you've got to find ways to battle
0:07:03 > 0:07:08through that and really show us that you deserve a spot in the Nationals.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11'Next to perform, it's 13-year-old Ovie.'
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Ovie, my friend, come on over.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Now, on just the other side of this door, there are three judges
0:07:16 > 0:07:18waiting to see you dance.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20I hope it goes well for you and I hope you can impress them.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Get in there. Go for it. Good luck.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26But will he keep his cool under the spotlight?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Hey, Ovie.- Hello.- How are you? - I'm good, thanks.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Do you watch The Next Step?- Yeah.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Yeah, what's your favourite character?- West.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38OK. Are you going to show us a bit of West today?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- A little bit, maybe.- A little bit. All right, then, let's dance.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42The floor is yours.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54# Begging, begging you
0:07:54 > 0:07:57# Put your loving hand out, baby
0:07:57 > 0:08:01# Begging, begging you
0:08:01 > 0:08:05# Put your loving hand out, darling
0:08:05 > 0:08:08# Walked away, won me then. #
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Ovie, have you ever auditioned before?- Not really.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- So this is your first audition? - Yeah.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Ovie, your nerves worry me. Your nerves really worry me.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Come out of yourself, dude.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29Ovie, I can see you've got everything there. It's there.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I can see it. And I was just like, "Just perform, a little performance.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35"Just give me a face, give me a smile, give me a mood."
0:08:35 > 0:08:40Now I'm stuck. I'm thinking to myself, "Do you have what it takes?"
0:08:40 > 0:08:42We want to give you a chance. We like you.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46But we need to know that when you go to the Nationals, you're not
0:08:46 > 0:08:48going to be just another guy in the Nationals.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51We only have a few places left and we need to know that the people
0:08:51 > 0:08:54we're giving this ticket to deserve it.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Let's run the track again. Give it to us, yeah?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Give me face, Ovie. - Let's have some fun!
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Face, come on. Don't be so... It's only us.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07LINDSEY: It's Ovie's time to shine and now he needs to deliver.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21# Begging, begging you
0:09:21 > 0:09:24# Put your loving hand out, baby
0:09:24 > 0:09:28# Begging, begging you
0:09:28 > 0:09:32# Put your loving hand out, darling
0:09:32 > 0:09:35# Walked away, won me then. #
0:09:42 > 0:09:45You need three yeses to get to Nationals.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46- It's a yes from me, mate.- Thank you.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49I feel like you've done enough.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52I feel like that even in that small change, that small progression,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- you progressed enough. So I'm going to say yes.- Thank you.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59How long have you been dancing?
0:09:59 > 0:10:02For as long as I can remember.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- CLEARS THROAT - As long as I can remember.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Ovie, I love you to pieces and I saw some really special
0:10:13 > 0:10:17qualities in you, but I think you need some more experience.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19It's a no today, Ovie, though.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Thank you. Keep dancing. - Thank you. Keep on dancing.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24'It's just so annoying you need those three yeses, isn't it?
0:10:24 > 0:10:25'Cos you were so close.'
0:10:25 > 0:10:28But I think, if anything, that shows how brilliant you are
0:10:28 > 0:10:30that you were that close to getting through to Nationals.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32That's a very high level to be at
0:10:32 > 0:10:35and you should be really, really proud of yourself.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Ovie's dancing impressed
0:10:37 > 0:10:40but his nerves stood in the way of a place at Nationals.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46For a professional dancer,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50learning how to handle these nerves is simply part of the job.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54My kind of nerves, when I get out on stage, it turns into adrenaline.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56It turns into, "OK.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59"The audience is here to watch me, I'm going to perform my best."
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's all in the way you think about it.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Next to dance, it's 11-year-old Lance.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12I first got into dancing when my sister brought me
0:11:12 > 0:11:15to a dance class and then I started doing it from there.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23I do break dancing, locking, house, hip-hop and yeah, that's it.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- Feeling ready?- Mm-hm.- Fist pump. Go smash it.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30I like that spin!
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Well, he certainly seems confident enough but will that natural
0:11:33 > 0:11:37swagger survive under the scrutiny of our three judges?
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Hello.- Hi.- Lance.- Yeah.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- Do you watch The Next Step?- Yeah.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- Who's your favourite character? - I like the one that's, you know,
0:11:45 > 0:11:46that break dance all the time.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- He always tries to impress the girls.- That's West, yeah?
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- To impress the girls? - THEY LAUGH
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- Is that what you do?- Huh?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Is that why you break dance, to impress the girls?
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Sometimes.- Yeah, sometimes. - A little bit, maybe?- Lance...
0:11:59 > 0:12:00I'm excited.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Do it. Blow us away. We can't wait, yeah?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06# When I signed my deal I felt pressure
0:12:06 > 0:12:10# Don't wanna see the numbers I want to see heaven
0:12:10 > 0:12:14# You say, "Could you write a song for me?"
0:12:14 > 0:12:17# I say, "I'm sorry I won't do that happily"
0:12:17 > 0:12:23# When I go home I tend to close the door
0:12:24 > 0:12:27# I never wanted more
0:12:27 > 0:12:29# So sing with me
0:12:29 > 0:12:31# Can't you see?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34# I don't have money on my mind
0:12:34 > 0:12:36# Money on my mind
0:12:36 > 0:12:38# I do it for, I do it for the love
0:12:38 > 0:12:41# I don't have money on my mind
0:12:41 > 0:12:43# Money on my mind
0:12:43 > 0:12:47# I do it for, I do it for the love I do it for the love. #
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- How old are you?- 11.- Amazing!
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Thanks.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00This show we need dancers,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03but we also need performers and you gave us that today.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05But I want to see a bit more in your character.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08That means a bit more right now. I want to see Lance right now.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11I want you to stand there and be like, "I'm Lance.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13"I just throwed down."
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Great dancing, great work.- Thanks.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19I really liked it. I liked your dancing.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22I wasn't that hot on your performance, Lance.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27I think there's more in you though. I'm going to go to a vote.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30It's a yes from me.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36What can I say? I believe in you, Lance. It's a yes from me.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37That just leaves me.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- Have you got more performance in you, Lance?- Yeah!
0:13:45 > 0:13:46- HE CHUCKLES - That's it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50What does that say?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52"Ticket to Nationals."
0:13:52 > 0:13:53That's yours, mate.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55That's where you're going.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- Thanks.- Well done, dude.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Well done. Did a good job, yeah? - Go celebrate.- See you, Lance.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Thank you.- Peace!- Peace.- Peace out.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05THEY SCREAM
0:14:08 > 0:14:12I loved him. I just want to bottle him up.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15See you at Nationals.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Whoohoo!
0:14:21 > 0:14:26So as our whistle-stop tour around the country gathered pace...
0:14:28 > 0:14:31..who would join Lance in the next round?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36# I've got thick skin and an elastic heart. #
0:14:36 > 0:14:39In Cardiff, we saw Milan, 15.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Ticket to Nationals.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Boom. That just happened.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Alongside 14-year-old Jamie.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56It's a yes from me. We'll see you at Nationals, Jamie.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Congratulations. Yes!
0:15:01 > 0:15:05While London witnessed the unique skills of bone breaker Damani.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08# It was nothing but a quick think kids games, kiss chase
0:15:08 > 0:15:09# Just a quick fling
0:15:09 > 0:15:11# Now I'm hoping you never go missing
0:15:11 > 0:15:13# Now I'm telling you you can hold this ring. #
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- How long have you been doing it? - Two months.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Two months?- Yeah.- Two months?!
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Two months!
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Wow! You're going to Nationals.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31Over 300 miles away, in Glasgow, we saw Imogen, 15.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35# Unconditional
0:15:35 > 0:15:38# Unconditionally
0:15:38 > 0:15:45# I will love you unconditionally. #
0:15:45 > 0:15:49I feel like you need to come over here and take one of these.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Welcome to the Nationals. - Thank you.- Go celebrate.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55And then Manchester, with 14-year-old Ilia.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59# Say something I'm giving up on you. #
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Come get your ticket to Nationals. - Thank you very much.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Thank you, love. Well done.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14Finally, back to where we started - in Wales with 11-year-old Reyaz.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16# Love sick I've got that fever
0:16:16 > 0:16:18# Love stupid, I know it
0:16:18 > 0:16:22# I know cos I'm a fool in love. #
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Here's your ticket to Nationals. - Yes!
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Well done.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28Talk to me. What's happened?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I did it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31So why are you crying?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Because I'm really happy.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36THEY SHRIEK
0:16:36 > 0:16:37It's party time for Reyaz
0:16:37 > 0:16:41and for every other performer who's made it through to Nationals.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42I got through!
0:16:45 > 0:16:48But that 11th hour flurry of tickets has
0:16:48 > 0:16:52piled on the pressure for the dancers who are yet to audition.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58And as the clock continues to tick, it's time...to tap.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Those feet don't lie. Those rhythms don't lie.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Those rhythms had me going.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I'm a rhythm baby. I like the rhythm in the body
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and the rhythm of how we relate to music and you delivered.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Boom! Boom! Boom! I liked it. It was really, really good.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Looks like you're going to Nationals, Sophia. Bring your taps.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33And for one tapper, winning a guest role on The Next Step would really
0:17:33 > 0:17:35be something to shout about.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38I go to an all boys school and I don't tell anyone there
0:17:38 > 0:17:39that I dance.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42It's a bit annoying because I sometimes win cups and trophies
0:17:42 > 0:17:47at festivals but I have to, kind of, hide it and not tell anyone.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I know that other boys at my school watch The Next Step so it would be
0:17:49 > 0:17:53quite funny if they see me just pop up in one of the episodes.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I think this would be a cooler way
0:17:55 > 0:17:56than me just telling them that I dance.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Alex, come join me. Are you feeling confident?
0:18:01 > 0:18:02- Yeah, I'm confident.- Good luck, OK?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Thank you.- I'll be right here. Go for it.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- Hello!- Hello.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- What's your name?- Alex.- Alex.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- How long have you been tapping, Alex?- Three years.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- Three years. Try not to be nervous. - No.- We're on your side. All right?
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- In your own time, mate. - Thank you.- Good luck.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24# Hit the road, Jack
0:18:24 > 0:18:25# And don't you come back
0:18:25 > 0:18:28# No more, no more, no more, no more
0:18:28 > 0:18:30# Hit the road, Jack
0:18:30 > 0:18:32# And don't you come back no more
0:18:32 > 0:18:34# What you say?
0:18:34 > 0:18:35# Hit the road, Jack
0:18:35 > 0:18:36# And don't you come back
0:18:36 > 0:18:39# No more, no more, no more, no more
0:18:39 > 0:18:41# Hit the road, Jack
0:18:41 > 0:18:45# And don't you come back no more
0:18:45 > 0:18:46# Whoa, woman, oh, woman
0:18:46 > 0:18:47# Don't treat me so mean
0:18:47 > 0:18:49# You're the meanest old woman
0:18:49 > 0:18:50# That I've ever seen
0:18:50 > 0:18:53# I guess if you said so
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- # I'd have to pack my things and go - That's right
0:18:56 > 0:18:57# Hit the road, Jack
0:18:57 > 0:18:58# And don't you come back
0:18:58 > 0:19:01# No more, no more, no more, no more
0:19:01 > 0:19:03# Hit the road, Jack
0:19:03 > 0:19:06# And don't you come back no more
0:19:06 > 0:19:08# What you say? #
0:19:08 > 0:19:10JUDGES CLAP
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I loved it. I really loved it.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16You're so at ease when you start tapping and performing.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19You're doing some serious tapping, some advanced moves,
0:19:19 > 0:19:20and you don't miss a thing.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- But you're so comfortable.- Yeah.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- It just comes.- He's like, "Yeah, I agree, I agree."
0:19:25 > 0:19:28"I'm pretty comfortable." The charisma is awesome.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Really enjoyed it. Well done.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35I really, really enjoyed it and I really enjoyed your performance.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- Oh, thank you. - It was loose and I liked it.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Choreographically, I'm very rhythmical, especially
0:19:40 > 0:19:44when there's music involved. And you were, like, getting down.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48I like when I see dancers sit on tracks, no matter what style it is.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51A lot of the time I wasn't even watching you, I was listening. Are
0:19:51 > 0:19:54you, not just in time, but how are you playing around with the music?
0:19:54 > 0:19:55And then when I physically saw you,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57I was like, "I'm looking at this cool cat."
0:19:57 > 0:19:59You're performing, you're da-da-da-da-ba-ba.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- So, yeah, well done.- Thank you.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Alex, we need to take a vote.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06You need three yeses to go to Nationals.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- It's a very excited yes. - Oh, thank you.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Simeon?
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- Of course it's a yes from me. - Thanks.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- What does that say?- "Ticket to Nationals."- It's yours, dude.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- Thank you.- Well done.- Well done. - Thank you so much.- Thank you.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- Nice, nice, nice.- Loved it. - Go celebrate.- Congratulations, Alex.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27See you, mate. Bye-bye.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31LINDSEY: So Alex taps his way to Nationals.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36His natural rhythm really impressed our judges, especially one of them.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Choreographer to the stars Simeon was always on the hunt for dancers
0:20:44 > 0:20:46who could bring a track to life.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49That track's about feeling
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and I wasn't getting that feeling from you.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I want something very internal, something very true.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56Do you like to improvise?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Um... Kind of.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Tell me why you don't.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01Just in case I go wrong.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Exactly. And that's, for me, where lies the problem.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Dance is not about getting it right and wrong,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08it's just about expressing yourself.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12What I was getting was a bit move, move, move.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15And I really wanted to get this, more of a dance sense from you
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- and I wasn't really getting that connection.- OK.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19Technique is important
0:21:19 > 0:21:22but that won't necessarily get you to the Nationals.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25These auditions are not about tricks and flips.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I'm looking for a dancer that has musicality and passion.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34So will our next auditionee, 15-year-old Khalid
0:21:34 > 0:21:38have what it takes to win over Simeon and his fellow judges?
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Hi.- Hey, what's your name?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Khalid.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44Are you a bit nervous, Khalid?
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- Yeah, very.- It's totally cool. Shake it out.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Everything will be fine.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Have you trained in any styles?
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Not particularly.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58I started off as a street dancer because of my siblings,
0:21:58 > 0:21:59my older siblings.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02But other than that, no, I didn't have particular training.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- I just hope I do my best to show you.- And you will do your best.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Yeah, I will.- This is your moment.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Are you ready to take the next step?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Yes, I am.- Let's do this.- Thank you.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17# And not feel your rain
0:22:19 > 0:22:22# Set me free
0:22:22 > 0:22:25# Leave me be
0:22:25 > 0:22:31# I don't wanna fall another moment into your gravity
0:22:31 > 0:22:38# Here I am and I stand so tall
0:22:38 > 0:22:42# Just the way I'm supposed to be
0:22:42 > 0:22:48# But you're on to me and all over me
0:22:50 > 0:22:56# Oh, you loved me cos I'm fragile
0:22:57 > 0:23:02# When I thought that I was strong
0:23:02 > 0:23:07# You're on to me, on to me and all over. #
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Come back, come back.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Now, what's really amazing is that
0:23:15 > 0:23:18when you danced, you really actually drew me in.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Now, technically it's not there
0:23:21 > 0:23:24but what you do have is something special.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Is it enough for you to get to The Next Step? Not too sure.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29John, what do you think?
0:23:31 > 0:23:35I enjoyed it, Khalid, and it touched me and it moved me
0:23:35 > 0:23:40and that's what dance, what art, should do.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Is it right for this?
0:23:44 > 0:23:45I'm not sure.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52You're a little artist and you're just discovering that,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56you're just figuring that out, but I think the possibility,
0:23:56 > 0:24:01the potential, what we could maybe bring out in you is really special.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Are you ready? Are you hungry to learn and improve yourself?
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Definitely.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12I just feel like not everyone does contemporary and is a guy and black,
0:24:12 > 0:24:14yeah, OK, I know that.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17But I feel now... No, I'm not going to hide it away any more.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I'm going to show everyone that I can do this.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23This is what I love to do and I'd love to do this as a career
0:24:23 > 0:24:24and a life choice.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I just really, really want this.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I understand exactly where you are because I've been there.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35And you can see that I'm the proof that there is an end goal.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37And I'm still growing. I'm still learning.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I'm learning off these guys. So it doesn't stop.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42But this is a competition.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45We have to vote.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48John, yes or no?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Yes.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53Kim?
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Do I necessarily think you are THE Next Step dancer?
0:24:58 > 0:24:59I'm not so sure.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04But do I think you offer something that's a bit different
0:25:04 > 0:25:06and might be really interesting?
0:25:06 > 0:25:10Yes, I do. It's a yes from me.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Thank you. Thank you so much.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20So this is the time when you walk to me
0:25:20 > 0:25:22because you are going to the Nationals.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- Thank you so much.- You earned it, Khalid, you earned it.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30You earned this.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- Thank you so much.- Thank you. - I really appreciate it.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35- Thank you so much.- Now go celebrate.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Come back with some fire, yeah?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40'It's a ticket to Nationals for Khalid.'
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Ticket! Oh, my goodness.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46How are you feeling? You look really emotional.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48They gave me this opportunity
0:25:48 > 0:25:51so I'm going to take it with both hands and just keep practising.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53I've got a ticket now. I'm just, like, shaking.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55You are shaking so much.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00He's one of the last to make it through to Nationals.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03So, judges, that's it.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06We're kind of at the end of our first round of auditions.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08How did it go in general?
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Wow. It's been interesting and I will say I'm feeling good.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15It's taken the entire process to get there but I think we've got
0:26:15 > 0:26:17a little bit of everything.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23We've got some really good characters.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27JUDGES CHEER
0:26:27 > 0:26:30I've learnt some things. I've learnt the stank face.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35There has been a few people that really surprised us all, I think.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Wow, Molly. Wow. You're like a little pocket rocket.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43- Maisy, I'm fan-girling over you. It's a yes from me.- Thank you.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think you might be the person that I've been waiting for.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I'm excited about you.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Girl, you brought me to tears.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- What does that say, Sam? - Come get your ticket to Nationals!
0:26:54 > 0:26:55Thank you so much.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57See you at Nationals. Thank you.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Well done, Anna. - I nearly had a heart attack.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03THEY SCREAM
0:27:03 > 0:27:05CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:27:05 > 0:27:07ALL: We're going to Nationals!
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I didn't want it to end.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14That's lucky, Kim, because
0:27:14 > 0:27:16it isn't going to any time soon.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20So this is it - Nationals.
0:27:20 > 0:27:21Next time,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23it's the start of Nationals.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25You're all fighting for that number one stop.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28And if you thought our regional auditions were tough...
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- How was that?- Oh, nerve-racking.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34..hold on, because things are about to get a whole lot tougher.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35What happened?
0:27:37 > 0:27:38# Stand up! #