0:00:02 > 0:00:03Previously on The Next Step...
0:00:03 > 0:00:06'I think something's going on between Michelle and Eldon'
0:00:06 > 0:00:08but I'm not exactly sure what.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11It appears the dance crew, Seeds, has been saved at the 11th hour.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15A dancer from a rival crew has agreed to step in and dance for them.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- We're even. - All right, Compass.- All right.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22You guys are a joke.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25Honestly, I just want to take Elite down.
0:00:25 > 0:00:26CHEERING
0:00:28 > 0:00:34MUSIC: Stutter by Marianas Trench
0:00:34 > 0:00:35# O-oh, oh-o-o-o-oh
0:00:35 > 0:00:37# And I'm begging you, bring me back to life,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40# I just can't stand leaving you alone tonight... #
0:00:40 > 0:00:42It's our first dance-off and
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I feel awesome right now performing in front of all these people.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50In this first round, we're up against Annex Dance Academy.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52# Stutter, stutter, stutter
0:00:52 > 0:00:54# Di-di, di-di-di-di-di
0:00:54 > 0:00:56# Stutter, stutter, stutter... #
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Teams compete one-on-one, and the judges award scores.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07The judges have arrived at a decision
0:01:07 > 0:01:11and in their first round, The Next Step has scored 86 points.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17We scored 86 in the first round, which is pretty good.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Now, Annex Dance Academy is coming out to face the judges.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25If they score higher than 86 points,
0:01:25 > 0:01:26we're cut immediately.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Annex Dance Academy scores 84 points.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33The Next Step moves to the second round
0:01:33 > 0:01:37and Annex Dance Academy is eliminated from the competition.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39A beautiful performance, but just not enough this time,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41so they'll be going home.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44I'm so happy we won our first round.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Now, we just have to win four more head-to-head dance-offs, and then
0:01:48 > 0:01:49we will be the Regional Champions.
0:01:51 > 0:01:57# We, we are gonna show the world
0:01:57 > 0:02:00# Everything we're made of
0:02:00 > 0:02:08# We're gonna tear the roof off this place
0:02:13 > 0:02:14# Stand up! #
0:02:28 > 0:02:33First-round dance-offs continue here at the Absolute Dance Regionals.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Watching some of the other dance teams is kind of boggling me,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46because every dance team is really good.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50It's way better than last year.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52I just hope we've worked hard enough.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55ConfiDance is moving on to the second round,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58and CC is eliminated from the competition.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03The competition continues to whittle down, and it's going to be
0:03:03 > 0:03:05even tighter from this point on out.
0:03:05 > 0:03:11And Elite, with the highest score so far, gets a total of 91 points.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Well, the Elite Dance Academy certainly showed off their mettle
0:03:23 > 0:03:27with an impressive ten-point win over Step/s In Time,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29and they're off to the second round.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31I'm excited. They're one of my faves.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44In their second dance-off, The Next Step scores 87 points,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and they're off to the next round.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Our biggest competitors are definitely Seeds and Elite.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Elite Dance Academy, they're our nemesis right now.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Earlier today, reporter Lisa Thompson spoke with
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Elite Dance Academy captain, Amanda.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03So, tell me about a memorable win for you in your career.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Um, definitely last year,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08because of The Next Step coming and competing against us
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and knowing that they wanted to beat us so bad.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Just, the victory made it so much better.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18And really, in my opinion, it's really... It's their title to lose.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20You know, Stacey, a lot of criticism
0:04:20 > 0:04:22has been levied at this dance group,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25because, well, they come across as cocky.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28You know what? I don't know if it's cocky so much as confidence.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30You know, they definitely are competitors.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32It's one thing to talk the talk,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35quite another thing to walk the walk.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36Well, Elite Dance Company
0:04:36 > 0:04:40has been walking and talking to three straight regional titles.
0:04:42 > 0:04:43Count them chickens.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48'Obviously, I'm nervous because they're such an amazing team'
0:04:48 > 0:04:50but...I also just want to crush them.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58# Tonight I want to see you dance with me
0:04:58 > 0:05:01# Tonight I want to see you... #
0:05:09 > 0:05:13# I want to see you dance so, so get on the floor... #
0:05:13 > 0:05:16So we're just waiting to get onstage to qualify for the semifinals.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19We're going head-to-head with Dance Inc in this round.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- Turn your head around. - Is my hair piece in tight enough?
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Can you relax? We're going to be fine.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27I feel like my hair isn't done right. I should have put on more make-up.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I only have one shoe. I lost a shoe!
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Good?- Good.- 'You forget your dance, then you remember,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36'then you forget to put on lipstick, then you forget your jazz shoes,'
0:05:36 > 0:05:38it's just like, craziness right before you get on stage.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Yo, man. How are you so chill right now?
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Don't even worry about it.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52# Say you will dance with me all night
0:05:52 > 0:05:55# Say you will, I want you to be mine
0:05:55 > 0:05:58# Say you will dance with me all night... #
0:05:58 > 0:06:00You look beautiful.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- Really?- Yeah.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Eldon telling me that I look good is...
0:06:04 > 0:06:05It's really nice of him.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- Thanks.- No problem.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11'I kind of find it weird.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14'I mean, yeah, Michelle's really pretty, but is it really necessary'
0:06:14 > 0:06:17for my boyfriend to tell her that?
0:06:17 > 0:06:20# Tonight I want to see you dance with me
0:06:21 > 0:06:23# See you dance with me... #
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- Good luck.- Good luck, guys. - You can do this!
0:06:32 > 0:06:36'Dance Inc is doing a lot better than we expected.'
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I mean, they're not exactly known for being amazing,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41but right now...they are.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45# Say you will dance with me all night
0:06:45 > 0:06:47# Say you will... #
0:06:56 > 0:07:00CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:07:02 > 0:07:04'I'm not nervous to go out. I just...'
0:07:04 > 0:07:06I really want to get out there.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11In their third round, Dance Inc scores 85 points.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12THEY SCREAM
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- That's pretty good.- We just need to get higher than 85 to beat Dance Inc
0:07:20 > 0:07:22and get to the semifinal round.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24'It's not impossible.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28'I mean, we got 86 and 87 on our last two routines.'
0:07:28 > 0:07:29We just can't mess up.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34Next up, competing against Dance Inc for the semifinal spot
0:07:34 > 0:07:36is the Next Step.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Come on, guys! Do it!
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Keep your heads up!- You got this!
0:07:40 > 0:07:42'Dance Inc is a great studio'
0:07:42 > 0:07:45but...I think we got this one in the bag.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48They are kicking it into high gear
0:07:48 > 0:07:50and I'm expecting some of their best dancing.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- So, let's see how Next Step fares. - Absolutely.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57MUSIC: Stutter by Marianas Trench
0:07:58 > 0:08:02# I know I never make this easy
0:08:02 > 0:08:06# It's easier to disappear
0:08:06 > 0:08:11# You say, give me something that I can go on
0:08:11 > 0:08:15# Together, yeah, anywhere but here
0:08:15 > 0:08:16# Sing it back... #
0:08:17 > 0:08:21'Kate and I are watching in the wings, they're doing so great.'
0:08:21 > 0:08:22Better than they've ever done.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30'I'm blown away. I mean, this is the best I have ever seen them perform.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31'The energy is oozing out of'
0:08:31 > 0:08:34every single of their fingers, their toes, their everything,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36they're just... They're doing so good.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51'All of a sudden, my glove gets caught in my feather'
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and I know, right at that moment, we're done.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02'She ran at me and I looked in her eyes'
0:09:02 > 0:09:05and I could definitely tell something was wrong.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07KATE'S VOICE ECHOES: 'Get focused, OK?'
0:09:07 > 0:09:09'One chance at winning the regionals.'
0:09:09 > 0:09:11'We actually have a shot at regionals this year.'
0:09:18 > 0:09:21'I know that this could be the end for us.'
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Something like that can make the difference
0:09:23 > 0:09:25between winning and losing.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42# Stutter, stutter, stutter
0:09:42 > 0:09:44# Di-di, di-di-di-di-di
0:09:44 > 0:09:46# Stutter, stutter
0:09:46 > 0:09:48# Di-di-di, di-di, di-di-di. #
0:09:48 > 0:09:52CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Well...
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Stacey, that was...
0:10:06 > 0:10:10..an excellent routine if not for that one scenario,
0:10:10 > 0:10:12where the hair clip comes out. That is devastating, is it not?
0:10:12 > 0:10:15It is really devastating at this point in the competition.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Something like that can really throw the score.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21So, I mean, she must be feeling all sorts of horrible right now.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24In your experiences, is that a difference-maker?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- Absolutely. You know...- Really?- Yes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Even with Riley's mess-up, I still think we can get higher than an 85.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33But if we don't? Then we're going home.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35The judges have arrived at a decision.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Smile!- Come on, guys! - Smile!- Be positive. Let's do this.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42In their third round, The Next Step scores...
0:10:42 > 0:10:4384 points.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47The Next Step is eliminated.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51APPLAUSE
0:11:18 > 0:11:19APPLAUSE
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Dance Inc is moving on to the semifinal round.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24DANCE INC MEMBERS CHEER
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Hey, guys, great job. Don't worry about it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29'Losing to Dance Inc. is an awful feeling.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32'We wanted this so badly, and to have it taken away from us...'
0:11:34 > 0:11:35..it's bad.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Guys, my hand got caught in it...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42and then it fell out, and we just lost because of me.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43- Riley...- We just lost!- Riley...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45This stuff happens.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47We were so close.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49It's fine, Riley, look, we all gave it our best shot.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52'It just makes me so upset.'
0:11:52 > 0:11:54I let the team down. I let everybody down.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57And now we lost! We lost it all!
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Riley, everyone was great, OK? You gave it your all,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- it happened and there's nothing we can do about it now.- Kate's right.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Look, you can't do this to yourself. OK?
0:12:09 > 0:12:10You just can't.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Why is everyone so upset?
0:12:14 > 0:12:15James, really?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Cos, uh, last time I checked...
0:12:19 > 0:12:22we have a chance in getting the wild card spot.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24You see?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I completely forgot about the wild card.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28That's true.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30And we're going to get it. So...
0:12:30 > 0:12:32'It's kind of the smartest thing James said all year.'
0:12:32 > 0:12:36I've never heard something that intelligent come out of his mouth.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39You know what? For once, James is right!
0:12:40 > 0:12:44I mean, other than Riley's hairpiece, we were flawless.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47So maybe our score will be high enough to get us there.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- We worked too hard not to make it to nationals.- Absolutely.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53I'm sorry, guys.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54ALL: Riley, stop!
0:13:05 > 0:13:09# I've learned
0:13:10 > 0:13:14# In my darkest hour
0:13:18 > 0:13:24# As you looked down from your tower... #
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Art And Soul is going head-to-head with Elite in this round
0:13:27 > 0:13:30to see which one of them will make it to the semifinals.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38# You and no other
0:13:40 > 0:13:43# So I will wait... #
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Elite has already won two rounds in their bracket
0:13:46 > 0:13:49and they only have to win one more to move on to the semifinals.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Wow, that was, uh...
0:14:01 > 0:14:03ethereal, orchestral. That was something else to behold.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06You know, they are innovative, they are fresh,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09they are contemporary at its best.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Elite has won three times in a row at Regionals,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16so Art And Soul has no chance of beating Elite in this round.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Elite Dance Academy is looking really good.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Well, Chuck, to be honest,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23they really are one of my favourite teams.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25They are time after time just on point.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28So I'm just really excited to see what they pull out here.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Well, they certainly haven't disappointed, have they?
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- Absolutely not.- As they gun for a fourth straight regional title.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35- Let's take a look.- All right.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41LOW ELECTRONIC ORGAN MUSIC
0:14:43 > 0:14:45APPLAUSE
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Already, just the way they take the stage is...
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Truly, they're professionals. - It's like an occasion.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56CAMERA CLICKS
0:14:56 > 0:14:58CHEERING
0:14:58 > 0:15:01'When I was at Elite, this was the dance they were learning'
0:15:01 > 0:15:04for regionals, so they've been working on it a long time.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06It's really a piece of art.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29I wish I could say that Elite wasn't dancing very well,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32but I can't watch one of Elite's numbers and say that.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- ELDON:- It's mapped out perfectly. The choreography is perfect.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Elite's dancing can only really be described as impeccable.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15I mean, they're exceptional. The choreography, the tricks.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Their technique alone should win them this whole competition.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- They look like a team that is primed for a fourth...- And the audience...
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- ..regional championship. They love it.- You can just hear it.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Elite's dance seems to just be getting better and better
0:17:14 > 0:17:16every time they perform it.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Art And Soul definitely has no shot against Elite.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Elite has scored...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24..94 points.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26CHEERING
0:17:26 > 0:17:30They have defeated Art And Soul and are advancing to the semifinals.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35They just sailed on into the semifinals like it's nothing.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38I am not surprised that Elite made it to the semifinals.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40I just hope we can get there too.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Seeds' score of 88 is enough to defeat ConfiDance,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54and get them to the semifinal round.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57So, that's a pretty good score right off the bat, you know,
0:17:57 > 0:17:58heading into the semifinals.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02The three troupes that have made it into the semifinals are...
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Elite...
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Seeds...
0:18:06 > 0:18:07and Dance Inc.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10The fourth contender will be the wild card winner,
0:18:10 > 0:18:11and let me tell you,
0:18:11 > 0:18:14it's a debate that's been long-held in the sports world.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Traditionalists hate anything to do with a wild card.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21This is my favourite part of the competition, because
0:18:21 > 0:18:24it's really just, all the dancers are waiting for that second chance.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26And I mean, my heart is pounding.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I'm nervous for them. cos it's really,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31it means everything, you know, to get into the semifinals.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36Will The Next Step, ConfiDance, and Art And Soul please take the stage?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41EMILY: The wild card spot is decided by the judges.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43They take the highest scoring losing teams,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46throw out their scores and then decide who best deserves that spot.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48It's really a crying shame that one of these teams,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50two of these teams are going home.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Absolutely. But how exciting for the team that gets that wild card spot.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01This is it, this is our last chance. If we don't get this wild card spot,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04we're literally going home. And it was a waste of a year.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07'West helped Seeds get to the semifinals'
0:19:07 > 0:19:08just because we wanted to face them.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11'And now we might not even get a chance.'
0:19:12 > 0:19:15That's just kind of a little ironic to me.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19It's really nerve-racking waiting for the news about the wild card spot.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26'Michelle just grabbed my hand
0:19:26 > 0:19:29'and after I realised it, I didn't let go.'
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Neither did she. And I wanted to share this moment with her.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35The judges have made their decision.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39The troupe that will be facing Seeds in the semifinal round is...
0:19:44 > 0:19:46..The Next Step!
0:19:46 > 0:19:49THEY CHEER
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- The Next Step, what a trip they are on.- They did that well.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02The phoenix rises, The Little Engine That Could did,
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- sending them to the semifinals. - Whoo!
0:20:08 > 0:20:10'I'm just so stoked, and I'm so ready to go out there onstage'
0:20:10 > 0:20:13and bring it so much more than we have.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19'Not only do I get to make it up to everybody'
0:20:19 > 0:20:21for losing my hairpiece onstage,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23but we get a chance to beat Seeds.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25THEY WHOOP
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Oh, my gosh, welcome to the semis!
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Finally, my team is able to go up against Seeds.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39I can't wait to see West dance for The Next Step against Seeds,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41the team he was dancing for.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45It just means that we're one step closer
0:20:45 > 0:20:48to being in the finals.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52I'm actually pretty happy that we don't have to go up against Elite.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Yet.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- The drama unfolds right in front of us.- Incredible. Wow.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Next Step, moving on to the semifinals
0:20:59 > 0:21:02at the Absolute Dance Regional Championships.
0:21:05 > 0:21:12# We, we are gonna show the world
0:21:12 > 0:21:15# Everything we're made of
0:21:15 > 0:21:20# We're gonna tear the roof off this place
0:21:20 > 0:21:26# No, you can never fade us out
0:21:26 > 0:21:30# Don't even ask the DJ
0:21:30 > 0:21:33# Everybody knows we own this sound. #