0:00:02 > 0:00:03Taking The Next Step is back.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Over 2,300 dancers from across the UK applied
0:00:08 > 0:00:10to win the opportunity of a lifetime
0:00:10 > 0:00:14and appear on the hit Canadian TV show The Next Step.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21The Taking The Next Step team travelled all over the UK,
0:00:21 > 0:00:23from Glasgow to...
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Manchester, Manchester! Man...
0:00:26 > 0:00:27We have arrived in London.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31Bore da! That means "good morning", cos today, we are in Cardiff.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Only the very best will perform for our formidable judges -
0:00:34 > 0:00:37actor and dancer Jonny Labey.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Your technique is outstanding.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Founder of dance group Flawless, Marlon "Swoosh" Wallen.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Just chill with it and then attack.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47And returning as head judge,
0:00:47 > 0:00:51professional dancer and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53You have got sass for days.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55But who will make it all the way to Canada?
0:00:55 > 0:00:56The search is on.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- We've got work to do.- Yeah, we do.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Holy Moley!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03This is Taking The Next Step.
0:01:15 > 0:01:16Across the country,
0:01:16 > 0:01:21150 talented performers turned out to dance for our judges.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23And no matter what style of dance...
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Latin.
0:01:25 > 0:01:26Street dance.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29American-style tap.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30Contortion.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32..each performer will need three yeses to get to
0:01:32 > 0:01:34the next stage of auditions.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Congratulations, you have three yeses.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- Thank you so much! - Yeah!- Thank you.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41But with only 50 places available,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43the judges have some tough decisions to make.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Today, for me, it's going to be a no.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Thank you.- Well done. Take care.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It's so hard sometimes.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53In Glasgow, our auditions are about to get under way.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Let's go, Glasgow!
0:01:55 > 0:01:57And first auditionee Freya
0:01:57 > 0:02:00has travelled all the way from Belfast to dance.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- Hello.- How are you?- Are you Mum? - I am.- Hi, Mum.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- How are you doing, Freya? - I'm doing good.- How are you feeling?
0:02:08 > 0:02:10I'm really excited but nervous as well.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- Of course, yeah.- Well, you're going to be, aren't you?
0:02:12 > 0:02:14Cos this is a big deal, we know that.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16But don't be too nervous.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- Be excited more than nervous.- Yeah. - Cos they like that in there.
0:02:19 > 0:02:20And, smile, smile.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Show them your teeth.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23They love that.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Hello, Freya.- Hello!- How are you?
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- Good.- Why are you facing that way?
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- I'm not allowed to watch her. - You're not allowed to watch?
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- No, but we won't tell her. - She'll never know.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36I know, but I promised.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38What does Taking The Next Step mean to you?
0:02:38 > 0:02:40It would mean the world to me.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44I love the programme and I watch it every single night.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46And who inspires you as a dancer?
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Kimberly Wyatt.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49ALL: Oh!
0:02:49 > 0:02:50Yeah.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Very clever choice.
0:02:52 > 0:02:53Come on, come on!
0:02:53 > 0:02:55And what style of dance are you going to be doing for us today?
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I'm going to be doing sassy modern.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Sassy modern! Its own genre.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Great, well, can't wait to see it. Good luck.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09MUSIC: #thatPOWER by will.i.am
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Phew!
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Yes!- Yes!
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- That was sassy.- Very sassy!
0:03:48 > 0:03:52I love your attitude, I love the personality that was oozing out.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55I love the fact that you tried to fuse it up with the different,
0:03:55 > 0:03:56you know, styles in there.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58I really enjoyed it.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59You know, you stand here and speak to us,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03and then you become something else when the music comes on.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06That's a real sign of someone that loves to dance and perform.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Make sure you start fusing everything together,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- cos it can be a bit choppy as far as choreography goes.- Yeah.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14But your musicality is lovely, and you just get lost in the music
0:04:14 > 0:04:15and I was lost with you.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Thank you so much. It means so much coming from you.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19Aww, thank you, babe.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23You know you need three yeses...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26so let's go to Kimberly first.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Freya, as far as Nationals is concerned,
0:04:28 > 0:04:29based on what I've seen today...
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- ..it's a yes.- Thank you!
0:04:33 > 0:04:35And, Swoosh?
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- It's a yes from me. - Thank you so much!
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Sassy modern is a great little genre that you've created.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- Come get your ticket.- Thank you!
0:04:46 > 0:04:47Yay!
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Thank you so much!
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Face the wall, face the wall, face the wall.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54CHEERING
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- Oh, sorry, sorry. - What a complete surprise!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00She didn't see anything, she kept her promise,
0:05:00 > 0:05:01she was facing the wall the entire time.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04That's not strictly true, is it, Sam?
0:05:04 > 0:05:05Good job, Freya.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10In London, waiting patiently backstage with his mum
0:05:10 > 0:05:13is a dancer who is no stranger to the spotlight -
0:05:13 > 0:05:1513-year-old Theo.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I've been dancing with Diversity for about six years now.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20And we've done a lot together.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21We've been to Wembley,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24we've done the O2 Arena five times
0:05:24 > 0:05:26and we've had lots of fun.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Freestyle is my very favourite thing, so I don't really prep,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I just go in and do it.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Hi!- Hey!
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- How are you doing? - I'm good, I'm good, thanks.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39I have just recently watched you in...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Diversity.- Yeah, man.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- That's big.- I remember you when you were just this high.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- You've grown up.- Yeah. - It's good to see you again.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52What's your ambition, why Taking The Next Step?
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Cos I just want to try something new and see where I go with it.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Great, man. All right, well, I'm excited to see what you got.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07MUSIC: Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Cool, man. Wow. Freestyle.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Um, you need three yeses to get yourself a ticket.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Kim.- It was really great to see you dance.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56You've really matured as a dancer and in your movement.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I thought that you could have used the space a bit more,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00I could have seen your face a bit more,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I really wanted you to perform for me.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06It's a tough one, cos I know how good you can be.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I don't know if you brought the fire I know you have in you
0:07:11 > 0:07:12to this audition.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16I'm going to take a chance on you and give you a yes.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Swoosh.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20I can see what you're capable of doing,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22and it wasn't a bad audition,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25but I know that you could be better than that.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26There were missing qualities
0:07:26 > 0:07:29and the standard is very, very, very high.
0:07:29 > 0:07:30I'm not sure.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I think, for this competition, it needs so many more different levels.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39I get the attitude and stuff,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43but I need... I need the deep drive that you want to do it.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48And so, for me today, it's going to be a no.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49OK, thank you.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53So, Theo's freestyle didn't convince the judges this time.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58I was confused of where the hunger was.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Like, there wasn't the hunger. Like, he didn't really seem to want it.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Kind of felt like I was doing the same thing
0:08:04 > 0:08:07and it just, like, stopped at a level and I couldn't go any further.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Like, I was trying and trying, but it wasn't...
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Just wasn't working today, was it?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14But there was no shortage of hopefuls
0:08:14 > 0:08:17who were hungry for the chance to impress.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20From ten-year-old Charis with her freestyle hip-hop...
0:08:21 > 0:08:25..to 12-year-old Dylan, who showed off some street dance swagger.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31To 14-year-old Malook, who threw down a fusion of hip-hop styles.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37To 11-year-old Keon, who flaunted some freestyle house.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39And then there was 14-year-old Aliyah,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41who showed off some sassy street.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Plus, self-taught freestyler Ben...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51..house dancer Kytan...
0:08:51 > 0:08:53and amazing backflipper Cavan,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55who were all 13 years old
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and came in to attack the dance floor with some serious skills.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01But unfortunately,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03it was a no for these talented street dancers,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06as the standard of the competition is so high.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07It's a no today,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10but it's a no to encourage you to get out there and keep dancing,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12cos you've got something to offer.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- It's a yes.- Thank you.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Only those who convinced all three judges
0:09:17 > 0:09:19got a place at Nationals...
0:09:19 > 0:09:20Come get your ticket.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26..moving them that bit closer to the top prize.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27And it's not just any prize.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30The winner of this competition will travel to Canada
0:09:30 > 0:09:32to appear on the hit show The Next Step.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37They'll join the cast to make a star appearance in a brand-new episode.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39The winner of Taking The Next Step is actually going to be here,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41in Studio A with us,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43and we are going to have so much fun.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45The winner will be able to meet the cast,
0:09:45 > 0:09:46be on set and dance with us.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48I'm so excited to meet them.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56In Cardiff, two dancers who are chasing the Canadian dream -
0:09:56 > 0:10:0013-year-old Imy and her good friend from dance class Holly.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04We've been dancing together at our dance school since we were three...
0:10:04 > 0:10:08and have girls' sleepovers and water fights.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Imy, come on over.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Oh, my goodness, what an outfit!
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Who have you brought with you today? - My mum.- Come on over, Mum.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17Come join in the fun.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19What are you wearing? This is incredible.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Can you give us a spin?
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Wow! What would you call this, a sort of dance leotard skirt?
0:10:25 > 0:10:26Yeah, it's like a butterfly skirt.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28I love it.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Hello!- Hey.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Hi!- Welcome to Taking The Next Step. - Thank you.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35And what style are you going to be doing for us today?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Contemporary lyrical.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- Beautiful. Well, the floor is yours. - Thank you.- Take it away.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46MUSIC: Glow by Ella Henderson
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Whoa!
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Look, Jonny loved it!
0:11:27 > 0:11:29It was beautiful!
0:11:29 > 0:11:33I absolutely loved this performance.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36You're such a strong, effortless dancer.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Your technique is gorgeous.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Choreography was fab.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41You used the floor.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43You brought the music to life.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44But more than anything,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47you've got this real unique ability
0:11:47 > 0:11:50to just put you in everything that you do,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54and that smile is just gorgeous.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Well done! I loved it!
0:11:56 > 0:12:00You need three yeses to get through to Nationals.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01- We're going to go to Kimberly. - Yes!- Yes.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Yes!
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I think Kimberly's a yes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- Swoosh?- That's an easy yes for me as well.- Thank you.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13So, we take everything into account, the audition, the way you walk in,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15your aura and everything,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- so, if you were given a script, would you do it?- Yeah.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Would you work on it?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Would you practise reading aloud? Would you...?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27I feel like this means a lot to you.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Well, in that case, come and get your ticket.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30It's a yes.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32CHEERING
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Well done, beautiful.- Beautiful.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36See you at Nationals!
0:12:38 > 0:12:40With Imy through to Nationals,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42can her buddy Holly convince the judges
0:12:42 > 0:12:44that she's got what it takes too?
0:12:44 > 0:12:46The floor is yours, best of luck.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51MUSIC: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Good girl! That was a good audition.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Wow!- It was beautiful.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39You're such a gorgeous dancer.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- You make everything look really effortless.- Thank you!
0:13:42 > 0:13:44You've got serious talent.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- Well done.- Thank you.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50So graceful, yet so much clarity in your movement,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52it's beautiful to watch.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- Great job, well done.- Thank you.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- You need three yeses to get to Nationals.- OK.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Kimberly.- It's a yes from me.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Thank you.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Holly, it's a yes from me as well. - Thank you.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05It was... Yeah, it was beautiful. Brilliant.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Come on, Jonny, just say yes!
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- It's a yes.- Oh, thank you!
0:14:11 > 0:14:12You're going to Nationals!
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- Well done.- Thank you so much!
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- Well done, it was beautiful. - See you later.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Brilliant that they both made it through.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23They look pretty pleased with that result.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Bet they can't wait to tell the rest of their dance mates the good news.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Bye!
0:14:28 > 0:14:32And it's clear dance friends really are best friends.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Being part of The Next Step is more than just a TV show.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38When I first was introduced to it, it was like a dream come true,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40and I think that it's really important to me, because
0:14:40 > 0:14:43not only are these people other actors and dancers,
0:14:43 > 0:14:44they're also a big family to me.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54New friendships have been blossoming backstage at our regional auditions,
0:14:54 > 0:14:58like street dancer Paisley and lyrical dancer Ellie,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00who's returning to audition for a second time.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Last year, I got to the top 12
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and it was, like, a really, like, good experience,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07and I've just learned from it, and that is why I've came back.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I've just made friends with Paisley, and seeing everyone get through,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13it just made me want to do it more and show that I can do it as well.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Hi.- Hi! Hello, lovely.- Hello!
0:15:18 > 0:15:19And what styles do you do?
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Krumping, breaking, popping, basically freestyle.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25And what would it mean to you to get through to Nationals?
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It would just mean the world. Like, last time, it meant a lot,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31but now it means more, to show you how much I've, like, improved.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I can't wait to see you dance.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34The floor is yours.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42MUSIC: Trouble by Iggy Azalea
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Go on, Paisley!
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Way to throw down!
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Holding it down for the chicks.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23You've been, easily, our best B-girl on the show.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24Swoosh?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Yes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27Jonny?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- Yes.- And me.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- Yes!- Thank you! - Come get your ticket, lovely.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Well done!- Well done.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Yay!
0:16:38 > 0:16:41So with Paisley through, fingers crossed her friend Ellie
0:16:41 > 0:16:42has done enough to impress the judges
0:16:42 > 0:16:44to get through for a second time.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- Well done, Ellie.- Thank you. - Your hunger for it was fantastic.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50I can tell how much this means to you
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- and I just want to commend you on your hard work.- Thank you.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53And it's a yes from me.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Thank you very much.- Swoosh.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I feel like you've got character, you've got flair, flavour.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- Yes from me as well. - Thank you so much.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Jonny?
0:17:03 > 0:17:04I know you want this.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Yes.- Oh, my... Thank you!
0:17:10 > 0:17:11CHEERING
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Come get your ticket to Nationals, darling.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Well done, well done.- Well done.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- See you there. - Keep up the hard work.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18I will.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21So, Ellie will be joining her pal Paisley at Nationals after all.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Aww, we like a happy ending.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Aww, they're good friends!
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Only made friends today.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28Yeah, we're not friends.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I hate you.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35At auditions in London, ten-year-old Alex is limbering up
0:17:35 > 0:17:37and preparing to face the judges.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40I want to inspire people to dance,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42because I've only been dancing for less than a year,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46so if I were to get this ticket, I'd be super proud
0:17:46 > 0:17:48and I think other people should go for it,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50even if they haven't been dancing for that long.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- Hello.- Hi!
0:17:53 > 0:17:55What inspired you to get into dance?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57I just liked the idea of it, really.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Just... I really needed to do it.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- I love your confidence, that's fantastic.- Thank you.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04I can't wait to see you dance.
0:18:04 > 0:18:10MUSIC: All Fired Up by The Saturdays
0:18:42 > 0:18:43Yay!
0:18:46 > 0:18:48I must say, you are an incredible performer.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Your energy is magnificent
0:18:51 > 0:18:54and that's not really something you can teach. You're born with that.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55You're a born performer.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57It's brilliant to watch.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58Are you in ballet classes?
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- No.- OK, ballet is the foundation of all dance.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04It's where you learn where every move comes from,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07it's where you learn how to build those core muscles,
0:19:07 > 0:19:08so that when you get off the ground,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11you're flying through the air, your legs are straight,
0:19:11 > 0:19:12your toes are pointed, all of that.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Get in ballet class, cos, girl, you've got it going on.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19You just need that foundation to really hold it together.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- Thank you.- All right, Jonny. What do you think, yes or no?
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- I'm a yes.- Thank you.- Swoosh.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I think there is a lot more work that needs to be done,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31but I think I'm going to say yes as well.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36All right, Alex, I think you're brilliant as a performer.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39I don't think you're quite ready. It's a no from me today,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43but it's a no to inspire you to go away and train like crazy,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46because your potential is unbelievable.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Thank you.- You're welcome. Thank you so much.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Thank you so much, bye!- Bye!
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Our panel felt Alex had brilliant raw talent,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57but they are absolute sticklers when it comes to technique.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00Technique, technique, technique.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03That's always going to help you, that's never going to go away.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06With the training, technique side of things, that comes with time.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Just stick it out and stay in there.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Get in those classes, work on that technique.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The technique is all that's holding you back.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Which is why only the best of the best
0:20:17 > 0:20:21have managed to secure a ticket to Nationals.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24And we've seen some serious talent come through.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25From high kicks...
0:20:26 > 0:20:27..to backflips.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30Pirouettes aplenty...
0:20:31 > 0:20:33..to performance with props.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Only the top 50 will make it through to the next rounds.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42And with most of the tickets to Nationals already taken,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45there's still a roomful of dancers waiting to perform
0:20:45 > 0:20:48at the final day of auditions in Manchester,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51including 12-year-old Connie.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54I'd be really excited to get a ticket to Nationals,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56because I'd make my family really proud.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Is this Mum?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- Yeah, Mum, yeah. Mum and dance teacher.- Oh, really?!
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Two in one. Two in one, excellent.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- So, have you choreographed this? - Yes.- OK, OK.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07Do you have to pay your mum?
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Is she on commission? - She had to do a few chores.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14- Hi!- Hi!
0:21:14 > 0:21:16What inspired you to start dancing?
0:21:16 > 0:21:21Well, since my mum's a dance teacher, she just put me in classes,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23so from then on, I just really enjoyed it.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- You've been born into dance. - Yeah, pretty much.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28Well, I can't wait to see you dance.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Thank you.- The floor is yours.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36MUSIC: Mercy by Shawn Mendes
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Yes! I wanted more, I wanted more!
0:22:15 > 0:22:16He's standing up!
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Wow! Connie, my goodness!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Having a dance mum has paid off for you.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- That was incredible. - Thank you.- Your ability is amazing.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33You're technically flawless.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Well done!
0:22:36 > 0:22:38It just made me giggle throughout. Like, is this real?
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Like, what did you eat today? I want what you're having.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Connie, you were the total package today.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46Really, like, that's the first time
0:22:46 > 0:22:49I've ever stood up and clapped in an audition.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Like, that was brilliant.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Thank you.- Are we all in agreement?
0:22:54 > 0:22:55Let's not do this in threes.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57One, two, three.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58ALL: Yes!
0:22:58 > 0:22:59CHEERING
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Come get your ticket, lovely.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Thank you. - Well done, well done, well done.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04Good job.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- This is why I love what I do. - What was that?- Amazing!
0:23:08 > 0:23:11So with just a few tickets to Nationals left,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13there's still no sign of the standard slipping.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Have you seen the judges? They're still standing up for you!
0:23:16 > 0:23:17They're still standing up for you.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Hello, Manchester!
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Can our next performer, also named Connie - not confusing at all -
0:23:24 > 0:23:26do enough to get one of the remaining tickets?
0:23:27 > 0:23:31MUSIC: Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur
0:24:03 > 0:24:05APPLAUSE
0:24:06 > 0:24:08That was amazing.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- Who choreographed that?- Me.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- You?- Of course you did!- Wow! - Of course you did.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16There were some moves in there I don't think I have ever seen,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18and I've been dancing for over 25 years.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- That is brilliant. - Thank you.- You're fantastic.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- It's a yes.- Jonny.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24It's a yes.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27You're coming to Nationals.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Thank you.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Superb!- Well done, lovely. - Thank you!
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Manchester's been amazing.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Manchester has been phenomenal.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Waiting in the wings, hoping to take home
0:24:42 > 0:24:48one of the very last tickets to Nationals is 13-year-old Harrison.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49- Hi.- Hello.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Welcome, welcome, welcome.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Are you a fan of The Next Step?
0:24:52 > 0:24:53Yeah.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56My favourite character's Eldon, because of his turns.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58He's absolutely amazing.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- Are you a turner? - I'd like to say I'm a turner.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Well, we'll see. What started you dancing?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Well, I've always, like, danced, like in the house,
0:25:06 > 0:25:07like just making my own stuff up.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09And then when I was like nine,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I went to ballet and tap and modern,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15and then it was only last year I actually felt myself improving,
0:25:15 > 0:25:16and now, like, nothing's stopping me.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Like, I want to dance.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Good man. All right, well, looking forward to seeing it.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Thank you.- Best of luck.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29MUSIC: My Immortal by Evanescence
0:26:23 > 0:26:25What are they feeding the kids in Manchester?
0:26:26 > 0:26:28That was crazy.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- Amazing.- Thank you.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34And you started taking yourself seriously a year ago?
0:26:34 > 0:26:35HE LAUGHS
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Dude, that was special.- Thank you.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40And it just... It just...
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Kimberly.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44THEY LAUGH
0:26:46 > 0:26:47Well...
0:26:47 > 0:26:49THEY LAUGH
0:26:49 > 0:26:50It was really good.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Harrison, we've had an influx of crazy talent
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and a lot of those have been contemporary girls today,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59but let me tell you,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02you just brought it for the boys in contemporary.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Cos you're right up there with the girls
0:27:04 > 0:27:06and it's really beautiful to see.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Thank you.- Well done!- Thanks!
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Harrison, I could watch you all day.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Like, that was... That was absolutely brilliant.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14Flawless, definitely.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Well, you need... Just come get your ticket.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19KIMBERLY LAUGHS
0:27:19 > 0:27:20You're going to Nationals.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- Thank you so much. - You have three yeses.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24- Brilliant.- Flying colours.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- What?!- That was just ridiculous. What is going on?
0:27:29 > 0:27:31My goodness.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Harrison definitely brought it for the boys.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36We've got our final 50.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Wow, that was awesome!
0:27:38 > 0:27:39Regionals, it's been good.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41It's been great.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43We'll see you at Nationals.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Next time on Taking The Next Step...
0:27:48 > 0:27:50it's day one of National auditions.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Now is when the hard work really begins.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55The competition is fierce...
0:27:56 > 0:27:58..tensions are running high...
0:27:58 > 0:27:59Everyone stop shouting over each other!
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- How is it going?- Horrible.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05..and the judges have some difficult decisions to make.
0:28:05 > 0:28:06Not only is it tough on that side of the table,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08it's really tough on this side as well!