Nationals Day 2: Only The Best will Progress Taking the Next Step

This is Taking The Next Step,

this show where some of the UK's top dancers are competing

for the opportunity of a lifetime.

The chance to travel to Canada and appear on the smash hit show,

The Next Step.

The Taking The Next Step team

travelled all over to find the most talented young dancers in the UK.

Over 2,300 hopefuls applied,

but only the very best auditioned at Regionals

in front of our three judges.

Actor and dancer Jonny Labey.

Make us excited to watch you.

Founder of dance group Flawless, Marlon "Swoosh" Wallen.

So just chill with it and THEN attack.

And returning as head judge,

professional dancer and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.

You have got sass for days.

Our judges picked their top 50 dancers from the regional auditions

-to come to Nationals.

-Now is when the hard work really begins.

On day one, only 20 dancers made it through the judges' challenges.

Congratulations. You're through.

Those that remain will battle it out for just six places in the studio

finals. The pressure is really on.

This is Taking The Next Step.

We're back in London, along with our top 20 dancers from the competition.

Day two of the Nationals - we've got two challenges left.

That's right, the judges are in, the dancers are in.

So we should probably be in there as well?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, let's go.

-Let's go.

You are our top 20.

Well done, you guys.

So in today's first challenge,

we're going to see how you guys are when working with scripts.

It's all about the acting.

Make sure you make it your own.

You are playing a character,

but keep it in your own voice and put YOUR stamp on it.

Bring a bit of yourself to that character.

And to help with your rehearsals

and give you some hints, tips and tricks,

I've brought along an amazing friend of mine.

He's an absolute West End theatre star and legend.

Please welcome Adam Garcia.

First of all, congratulations for making it this far.

That's fantastic. Acting can be kind of daunting,

so I'm here to help you break down the scenes,

find clues about the character

that the writers have given you inside those scenes

and hopefully, make you feel at ease when it comes to perform them.

-All right.

-Yeah.

-Are you excited and ready?

-ALL:

-Yeah.

-All right, let's get to work.

-Hey.

-Hey.

-So...what's this all about, again?

Well, since you asked,

our performers have just an hour on the clock

to rehearse an entire scene from The Next Step.

Imagine you guys are in the telly and we're watching

The Next Step. We're at home watching The Next Step.

-TV screen!

-Yeah, there's a TV screen there. You guys are doing a scene.

Go, go.

They'll need to work in their pairs and quickly, too, to deliver

their lines clearly, convincingly and with conviction.

It's about listening and responding.

And our special guest mentor Adam Garcia

has some acting techniques to share.

You've got to be very direct.

And I think...

it'll help your physicality if you almost sit into him, if you like.

"OK, I'm here to help you. Tell me what you want."

Most of these kids haven't actually ever picked up scripts before.

This is quite a tough challenge,

cos they're used to dancing. That's their comfort zone.

A lot of them are doing really, really great.

I don't want to give anything away, of course.

Of course.

-But they seem to take to acting like a duck to water.

-Nice.

So with rehearsals over, it's now time to perform for the judges.

First up are our street dancers Kaymia and good friend Charlie,

who's looking to prove he's listened to Jonny.

As soon as you leave this room, work on your acting,

cos you've got everything else.

They're taking on a Next Step scene where Eldon and West visit London.

Oh, my gosh.

This is Stonehenge, bro.

Dude, Stonehenge is not even in London.

What are you talking about?

Dude,

Stonehenge is not even in London!

What are you talking about?

I know Stonehenge...when I see Stonehenge.

I can feel it.

Really vibing with me.

It's magical, man.

I can feel its energy everywhere.

This...is Stonehenge!

You guys looks pretty happy.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-It was fun working with Charlie, so...

-Oh, good!

-Yeah.

You could see the chemistry.

Yeah, you guys are great. Sort of, you could tell your friendship

-really just comes out on screen.

-Yeah.

-And in the scene. So...

Don't be too good. Don't be nicking our job!

Next to act it out in the audition room

is 14-year-old contemporary dancer Jessica,

who really impressed in London and 14-year-old Immi,

who we met in Cardiff.

It was beautiful!

I absolutely loved this performance.

-LINDSEY:

-But will their acting performance

live up to their dancing?

So what's this about again?

Their Next Step scene is with Michelle and Piper.

-You must enjoy it.

-Yes,

I have enjoyed every single moment of being on A-Troupe.

-No complaints.

-So, you've been in A-Troupe for a long time now.

Yes, I have.

-I'm a lifer.

-You must enjoy it.

Yes. I've enjoyed every single moment of being on A-Troupe.

-No complaints.

-But when you started,

you were the most celebrated

and then, last year, you were an alternate.

Isn't that hard?

Next up is Immi's friend Holly,

a 14-year-old ballet dancer we met in Cardiff.

She's teamed up with 12-year-old lyrical dancer Eleanor

from our London auditions.

They're hoping to impress with the same script.

So, you've been an agent for a while, now.

Yes, I have. I'm a lifer.

You must really enjoy that.

Yes, I enjoy every single moment...of being on A-Troupe.

No complaints.

Well, when you joined here,

you were the most...celebrated, but now,

you are a...alternate. That must be hard.

How are you feeling?

-Relieved!

-Yeah!

LAUGHTER

That was tough. And even though you fluffed the line,

it doesn't matter, because

you maintained your character the whole time.

Next to act is 13-year-old street dancer Kiana

and 15-year-old lyrical dancer Yasmin.

The technique is really good.

I can't fault you in anything.

But will their acting technique be faultless?

Their scene is between Riley and Michelle,

who are reminiscing.

Sometimes, I wish I could just go back,

when I was a dancer and things weren't so complicated.

You know, life goes on. People change and they move on.

Sometimes, I wish that I could just go back.

When I was a dancer...

..and things weren't so complicated.

Life goes on. People change.

They move on.

But maybe we could delay that for just a little bit longer.

-How?

-Do you want to take a walk down memory lane with me?

Sure.

Come on.

Hey!

Hey, we were into that.

Yeah, it's like we were watching The Next Step.

-That was really good.

-How did it feel doing it,

cos I know you were a little bit nervous?

It's kind of like in the middle,

like you knew you were there but you were calm.

I forgot that the judges were there, but like, I just was...

..pretending that we were just in a coffee shop.

-Oh, you were in the moment.

-That's acting.

-Yeah, exactly!

There you go.

Taking to the stage is Next Step fan,

11-year-old lyrical dancer Kaitlyn,

who's teamed up with jazz dancer Chloe, who is also 11.

But can they impress the judges with their acting?

Sometimes, I wish I could just go back and be a dancer,

when things weren't complicated.

Well, you know, life goes on.

People change and they move on,

but maybe we should just delay that for just a little bit longer.

-How?

-Do you want to go a walk down...

-..memory lane with me?

-Sure.

Come!

Hoping to show off their acting skills is

our 15-year-old technical Trojan Casper,

who wowed the judges at Regionals,

and 14-year-old gymnast-turned-dancer Amy,

who we met in Manchester.

You've got the personality for it.

When I hear you speak, I can see you on The Next Step.

They're acting out a Next Step scene between Noah and Amanda.

I have an opportunity to leave The Next Step,

and go on the world tour with Gisele.

Hey, Amanda. I just got your text. What's up?

-Noah, I have something really important to tell you.

-OK.

I have the opportunity to leave The Next Step,

and go on world tour with Gisele.

But it means I'll have to leave Regionals and you'll have to do it.

Oh, my goodness.

It also means that I'll have to leave right before

the final 10-person dance.

-But you're in the 10-person dance.

-I know. What should I do?

You guys were really convincing.

Like, in the way that you reacted,

the way that you were worried that you had this problem,

so you succeeded in bringing across the scene in a convincing way.

Next to perform is 11-year-old Cameron,

who auditioned in Manchester,

and 12-year-old Lucy, who we met in Cardiff.

Hey, Amanda. I got your text. What's up?

-Noah, I really need to talk you about something.

-OK.

I have an opportunity to leave The Next Step

and go on a world tour with Gisele.

But it means leaving the team and...

-You have to do it.

-Oh, my goodness!

That was really impressive.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-It was gentle,

like you were really, really worried. You were really...

It was just a really touching scene. Like, we were all...

I think I was just worried anyway.

Looking anything but worried are our next pair, Ellie and Christian,

who we first met in Manchester,

and they are recreating a scene between Riley and James.

A horse and a goat meet for the first time,

and you won't believe what happens next.

We'll see about that.

That goat is so funny!

How did he get the shoes on?

-Riley?

-Yeah?

-What are you doing?

I'm watching a video where a horse and a goat

meet each other for the first time,

and you won't believe what happens next.

That goat is so funny!

What are those shoes he's got on?

I don't even know how he got them on!

Oh, I bet the horse put them on, with his teeth!

Oh, so weird!

Finally, our last pair to take the stage is 14-year-old Kai,

who tapped his way to nationals in Cardiff.

Kai, you're the guy, man!

And 13-year-old contemporary dancer Harrison,

who left our judges speechless in Manchester.

Just come get your ticket!

They're playing a Next Step scene featuring James and Eldon,

who just happens to be Harrison's idol.

Don't get me wrong, man. There's no way I'm stopping dancing.

But just not on A-Troupe.

I guess I've got to look deep into my heart now.

Yeah, right now, man.

Close your eyes.

I guess I've just got to look deep into my heart now.

Yeah, yeah. Right now.

Come on, close your eyes. Hey, just do it, yeah?

And focus.

And look into your heart.

What does your heart want?

Right now, it's a little crowded with a lot of Thalia stuff.

No, no, no, no. We're going to go deeper than that.

Go down. Go right.

There's studio A, and there's A-Troupe.

Do you want to be a part of A-Troupe?

-OK, I think I know what I have to do.

-Yeah?

-Is that the best you've done it?

-Yeah.

-Yeah. Definitely.

-Yeah.

-Did it feel good?

-It felt amazing, didn't it?

You guys work well together, too.

Utterly convincing. It was like we were watching a TV show.

Our hopefuls learned and delivered their Next Step scenes.

Now all they can do is wait for the judges' decision.

-We do need to lose ten of our 20.

-Half, yeah.

-We have a few standouts.

-Absolutely, absolutely.

I think clearly, this group was just phenomenal.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Is that fair to say?

-She was phenomenal.

-Absolutely.

-She was phenomenal.

-He was an absolute natural.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Even if you don't get through, you've done so far.

-You're the top 20 out of everyone that came out.

-Yeah?

I think these two really struggled.

Yes, they did. And these two struggled as well.

I want all of us to stay! It's so sad.

The further we get, yeah, like,

the harder it gets if you get sent home.

-We've got nine.

-We've got nine, so it will be one more place.

I feel like his accent was better than hers.

If you want to swap those over, then...

How do you feel about that?

-I agree with that.

-Yeah?

-Yeah, I agree with that.

Ooh!

Can I just stay now?

-I just messed up.

-I'm sure you didn't.

Probably the hardest deliberation we've done so far.

Oh, this isn't... Yeah.

How do we feel about...? Look at this.

I feel really good about that.

Decision made!

Brilliant, isn't it?

One, two, three. Let's do this!

All right, let's bring them back in and let them know the news.

Let's do it.

Our final 20 have been called back and split into two groups,

but only one of these groups will be continuing on

to the final challenge at Nationals.

Guys, wow! Welcome back.

We were really pleasantly surprised with all of your acting scenes.

We really got to know a little bit about your personalities as well,

which is really, really lovely to see,

and you have to all know that the decisions that we made just now

have been the hardest decisions we've had to make

in this competition so far.

You have been split into two groups of ten -

Group 1 and Group 2.

Only one group will continue on to the next challenge.

Group 2,

I'm sorry, this is the end of the road for you.

Keep working hard.

You guys have proved to be absolutely incredible dancers.

There's much potential in all of you as actors and actresses.

Thank you so much for all your brilliant hard work.

You've been absolutely amazing.

Well done, guys!

Unfortunately, it's the end of the road for Group 2,

but they are leaving the competition with great advice and new friends.

As for Group 1, the journey continues.

Congratulations to you guys. You're our top ten!

You're all through to the final challenge, so we'll see you soon.

Go get ready.

-You're in the final ten of Taking The Next Step.

-Ridiculous!

Look around! One of you is going to win this show.

Yeah!

-Well done. Well done.

-Lovely.

Oh, they're running!

And that one winner will travel to Canada,

to appear in the smash hit show, The Next Step.

They'll join the cast and make a guest appearance

in a brand-new episode.

The winner of Taking The Next Step is actually going to be here,

in Studio A, with us, and we are going to have so much fun.

The winner will be able to meet the cast, be on set and dance with us.

I'm so excited to meet them.

The final challenge of Nationals is a solo performance.

Well done for making it to the final ten.

-Can't wait to see you dance again.

-Thank you.

-It's your time to shine.

It's the last opportunity for our remaining ten dancers

to wow the judges and prove they have what it takes.

Only six will make it through to the finals.

If I get through, then I'll be even more happy, but if I don't,

then I've made it this far, so I'm just happy.

I just don't feel anything when I dance.

Like, I'm just in the moment, really,

so, fingers crossed it went good!

-It went quite well.

-Quite well?

Out of ten, what are we talking?

-Eight.

-I think you're being modest with an eight.

-Yeah!

-I like your modesty.

It's good, it's going to serve you well.

-They were all smiling, so I think they enjoyed it.

-That's good.

And Jonny... Jonny seemed into it.

Any cheeky moves, new moves in there the judges haven't seen before?

I've put a bit more, like, creativity into it.

I've got one for you, I've got one for you. Yeah!

Do that at the end. That'll get you through.

-Don't do that.

-Do not do that at the end.

-You were really nervous before you went in.

-Was I?

How were you when you were actually dancing? Did those nerves go away?

Yeah, cos as the music starts, everything just kind of goes away.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-You're smiling. That's a good thing.

-Yeah, it went really well.

-Did it?

-Yeah.

-Good!

How do you think you'll react, if it's a yes today?

I don't know. I think I'll probably be speechless.

I'll be like...

Thank you, Yasmin. We'll see you once we've made our decision.

-Thank you!

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Our final ten dancers have worked so hard to get this far,

but now they can do no more.

It's up to the judges, and only the six best will progress onwards.

So this is our final decision of Nationals.

-It's going to be a difficult one.

-Yeah, but for me,

watching this last challenge,

-there were three that really stood out.

-Yes.

-This gorgeous one here.

-Yeah.

-And this one really killed it.

-Yeah.

-Mm-hm.

-I thought she did a really good job.

-Phenomenal actress, yeah.

-Two more.

-Two more.

What is your gut saying?

Listen to your gut.

What does it say?

I think dance-wise, she's still above both of them.

We're about to enter semifinals with a live studio audience.

Do we feel that all of these could represent Taking The Next Step

and take on that challenge? I think yes.

It's a nice mix.

I think we've locked it in now.

-Final decision.

-That's it.

Shall we start getting them in?

Of our ten remaining dancers,

four will be leaving the competition,

and first to hear the judges' verdict is Jessica.

You're such a beautiful dancer.

You should be very, very proud of yourself.

It was great to see your acting skills today.

Overall, it was just exceptional.

That last dance that you did just blew me away.

And at this stage, you will be going to Finals.

Come get your ticket!

-Well done.

-Well done.

-Well done.

-Well done, darling!

Will Amy also make it through?

Amy, you are such a natural performer.

With the dancing side of things,

-I do feel like there is room for growth.

-Yeah.

We've discussed and made a decision...

..and we feel that you've truly proved yourself, Amy,

and you are through to the finals.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much. Well done, you.

With Amy through, will Cameron make it into the top six?

Cameron, I think you're a fantastic dancer,

-so thank you for just going for it.

-Thank you.

We had an incredibly lengthy discussion and...

-..it's going to be a no...

-OK.

..but Cameron, you've really, really made your mark

-and we have been blessed to have you here.

-Thank you.

It's been a pleasure.

-Cheers.

-Thank you, Cameron.

-Thank you, Cameron!

Dance competition veteran Chloe is next to hear the judges' verdict.

Your journey on the show has been phenomenal.

I love watching you dance.

You always put absolutely everything into it.

-Well done, it's been a joy.

-Thank you.

The time for the verdict, obviously, has come, and...

..it's going to be a no today, I'm afraid.

How do you feel that you've made it this far? It is incredible.

Yeah, yeah.

I feel so happy and it's been fun meeting everyone. It's really fun.

So Chloe is out, but will street dancer Kaymia claim a place

in the next stage?

You are an absolute natural.

-Mate, your acting really set you apart.

-Thank you.

You bring so much flair and charisma when you're dancing.

Sometimes, it felt like it was too little, too late,

-like, we just needed some real competitive dancing.

-Yeah.

We've made our decision.

And unfortunately, you won't be going through,

but thank you so much for everything, for all your hard work.

Tension builds in the holding area as one by one,

the dancers find out who has made it through to the finals.

It's time for Harrison, Kai and Immi to face the judges.

-Hi, Harrison.

-Hi!

-How are you feeling?

A bit nervous, but just... I'm excited to find out.

-How's it going, Kai?

-I'm good, how are you?

Good, good, good.

Immi, there was a moment in this competition

where you really arrived.

And it's been amazing seeing you come through,

showing us how much this competition means to you.

Harrison, I've loved you

from the moment you've walked in to this very stage now,

and I'm very proud to kind of, like...

be a part of seeing your journey on the show.

You have serious natural talent as an actor.

Your scene gave me chills.

I feel like you need to improve on your dance as a whole,

in terms of being an entire package.

You got to dance for your life,

especially when it means getting through to the finals.

It was an incredibly difficult decision.

Harrison...

.we would absolutely love to have you in the finals.

There's only three places left.

And I'm afraid...

..somebody else is going to be sad,

-cos you're going to be coming through to the finals, mate.

-No way!

We do only have two tickets left...

..and we feel like you deserve one of them.

Oh, thank you so much!

-It's about to go up another level.

-Yep.

-Big studio, big audience.

-Yeah.

-It's going to be huge.

-Yeah.

-Are you ready for it?

-Yeah, I'm ready for it.

Tears of joy!

Are they happy tears, just to check?

-Yeah!

-Yes, very happy tears.

-She's very happy.

-Good.

You're not crying cos you've got through,

and you've got to go through it all again. It'd be, "Oh, man!"

Go on.

Tap while you go off. Tap while you go off. Go on!

-Yeah!

-Can't find the rhythm.

Cheers, buddy!

With only one ticket left to the finals,

Charlie and Yasmin are the last to find out

if they are going through or going home.

-Hey, Charlie, how are you feeling?

-Nervous as anything.

-Yeah.

-My heart is pounding right now.

-Is it?

It has been absolutely brilliant watching you

throughout this competition.

What we're looking for is an all-rounder.

When we first saw you at Regionals, you did blow us away.

However, you know, we did start to see some of your weaknesses

as the challenges got bigger and bigger and bigger.

We've had only a few boys on the show,

and you're one of them that stood out really, really well

and you've just got great potential.

-Are you OK, lovely?

-I'm just a bit overwhelmed.

Yeah, it's a lot to take in, isn't it?

I'm so nervous.

But you know what? I think those tears represent you,

-and that is the passion and the love that you have for dance.

-Yeah.

I feel that,

to have more technical ability might give you that upper edge

and just having that strength in your movement and your extension.

I think your technical ability is absolutely flawless.

That last dance, we wanted you to really give it everything,

and we felt that it didn't quite live up

to your Regionals performance.

We do have one spot left in the finals,

and it has taken serious deliberation

to make that final decision.

And it would be a shame to not have you in the finals.

So, Yasmin,

come get your ticket, darling.

You're going through to finals.

-Well done.

-Well done.

-Well done.

Charlie, thank you so much for all your hard work.

Unfortunately, you will not be going through to the finals.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Thank you, Charlie.

Unfortunately, Charlie's journey has come to an end.

I'm such a mess!

Mate, you're a mess?! We are, watching that.

Honestly, you've nearly had US going, there!

The line-up for our studio finals is complete.

They're happy faces coming in.

Well done, you guys. You are our final six.

CHEERING

Thank you so much for working so hard.

It's been brilliant watching all of you

just offer so much amazing talent.

We couldn't be happier to have you through to our finals.

We really want you to take the points that's been given to you

on board,

so that you can think about what you're going to do at the finals,

how you're going to take yourself to the next level.

And remember, you got a golden ticket.

You are through to finals.

That is proof that you're amazing,

so believe in yourselves and go celebrate,

cos you are through to finals,

and we cannot wait to see what's in store.

Yeah!

Go celebrate!

So, we have our six finalists.

Soon, our top six will have to refocus on the finals,

when the hard work will really begin.

But for now, there's time to celebrate with their parents.

-Yay!

-Finals.

On to the finals!

Next time...

Hello and welcome to the semifinal of Taking The Next Step.

Our amazing expert panel

will be joined by a very special guest judge -

Brittany Raymond from The Next Step.

And our six semifinalists will give it their all

in front of a live studio audience,

but who will make it to the final?

The first dancer going through to the final is...

Don't miss it!