Stand Together or Fall Apart The Next Step

Previously on The Next Step.

My team is here to protest.

I thought it would bring the studio to greatness,

having Michelle and Emily running separate teams.

But now I see it's brought out the worst in everyone.

Enough!

No-one is going to regionals.

How am I going to tell my mum?

If I can't compete, I don't know what I'll do.

From now on, you and your dancers stay on the west side,

and me and mine will stay on the east.

Michelle and Emily are taking things way too far.

We have to unite TNS East and TNS West.

I'm dancing right now because dance is the only thing

that can let me express how I feel.

I can't believe Miss Kate cancelled regionals for everybody at TNS,

and now the two studios aren't even allowed to talk to each other.

I've never seen The Next Step this bad before.

I have no idea what I'm going to do right now.

But I'm just going to hope for the best and keep on dancing.

-That was incredible.

-Thank you.

You know, you really shouldn't be in here,

I mean, we can all get in some big trouble.

Since Miss Kate pulled the studio from competition season,

the whole studio is in limbo.

With nothing to work towards, we feel hollow.

Things have got to change.

-We have a plan.

-We have a plan.

And we wanted to discuss that with you.

We're going to get Emily's A-Troupe

and Michelle's dancers and make one big unstoppable troupe.

Then we will perform a dance

and we'll show that we're able to work together.

Noah is a committed dancer that has been on both teams.

If he goes for this plan, then others will too.

So, you want to go behind Michelle and Emily's back,

choreograph a secret dance on the slim chance

it will convince Miss Kate to let us go to regionals.

And if we fail, we'll all get kicked out of the studio forever.

I'm in.

-Yes!

-Yes!

Drastic times call for drastic measures.

# We

# We are gonna show the world

# Everything we're made of

# We're gonna tear the roof off this place

# Stand up! #

In order for our plan to work,

we need to gather as many people from TNS East and TNS West.

We are on a mission to make this plan work.

So, Heather, how would you feel about doing something

-really out of the ordinary to get us back to regionals?

-Keep talking.

Hey, Jacquie...

OFF-SCREEN: Amy and Piper asked me to help recruit dancers.

I think it's brilliant, and I'm in.

I have an offer for you that I know you cannot refuse.

I'm glad that I caught you two,

because I have something really important

that I need to talk to you about.

Getting Michelle and Emily's troupes to dance together

isn't going to be easy.

-OFF-SCREEN:

-But we need to have as many dancers as possible

on our side.

The plan to merge studios is, like, the best idea.

I'm really proud of these guys.

This idea is killer.

Sounds risky, but, I mean, I'll get to compete again.

What have I got to lose?

If we unite TNS East and TNS West,

we can be TNS Unstoppable.

And if we succeed...

we're going to regionals.

TNS West and TNS don't get along.

So I don't know how this is going to work.

I hope Jacquie comes around,

because we're going to need her if this plan is going to work.

Right now, I am dancing because I am pumped up.

Piper just talked to me about the merge,

and if there is a chance to get back to regionals,

I have to be at the top of my game.

Slick moves, man.

What's up? Bring it in.

I am shocked to see Adam coming into the studio.

It's very odd.

What's going on, what are you doing here?

Guess who made the Springfield Coyotes?

No way!

Oh, AAA, NHL, Stanley Cup.

That's right, boy.

OFF-SCREEN: This is really cool for Adam.

I can't wait to see what happens in the future.

I really hope he gets to the NHL.

I can't believe Mum and Dad are letting you move up north.

-That's so cool.

-Yeah, man.

Except they're not letting me move up north by myself.

It's the whole family.

The whole family.

Including you.

Are you serious? We just moved here.

Mum and Dad were going to tell you at supper,

but I just wanted to give you a heads up.

Dancing at TNS is my dream. Now I have to give it up?

This is totally unfair.

OK, so I'm going to teach you ballroom basics first,

cos that's probably the most important thing to do, OK?

So put your hand on my waist.

I have asked Lola to help me with partnering,

because it's a huge part of group dances

and I don't want to be left behind.

In ballroom, your job as a man is to lead.

The most important thing to remember is to keep a good structure.

So keep this elbow really strong, but don't push your shoulder out.

No - put it down. OK.

Never drop your elbows, OK?

Make sure this arm is strong. But put your shoulders down.

I know that TNS West isn't as technically trained as we are,

but for this merge to work, we all have to be on the same level.

No - elbow up. Like this, make sure this is strong.

No, don't.

You know what? Let's just try this.

OK? Just guide me where to go.

-OK. Ready?

-Yeah.

OK, keep your body straight.

Wait, stop. You have to keep your body straight,

don't look down either, OK?

OFF-SCREEN: Partnering is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

All the other dancers are well-rounded,

they can do everything. I need partnering

so I can survive this merge.

OK, Kingston, you're a little bit bouncy.

OK, stop, stop. You are bouncing.

Kingston is doing all right. I mean, he's trying hard, but...

Ow!

..it might take a while.

OK, I don't think this is really a thing.

OK, your posture, you need to keep it straight.

OK, you know what?

If Kingston and I are going to dance on the same team,

he needs to be at a regional-winning level.

He's not there yet. OK, I think I'm going about this the wrong way.

I'm just going to lead you, OK?

-So I'm going to...

-Wait. Does that mean I have to play the girl?

Yeah. Yeah, that's what's going to happen.

OK, follow my lead.

-Head up.

-Head up.

-Glide.

-Glide.

-Be graceful.

-Graceful, like a swan.

Yes. Like a swan.

-OK, ready?

-I'm ready.

Follow my lead.

-Go. Kingston, what are you doing?

-I'm sorry.

OFF-SCREEN: I can't pick any of this up.

It's super embarrassing. This was a really bad idea.

OK, go faster. You have to follow my lead, Kingston.

Don't bounce. Stand up straight. Keep your head up. Keep going.

You know what? Stop.

Are you just showing me how bad I am?

-No, I was just trying to show you...

-No, this isn't for me.

I'm done.

But, Kingston, I was just trying to show you.

OFF-SCREEN: This is just proving that I am the worst dancer here.

There is no way they're going to keep me on this team.

Hey.

Skylar texted me saying she wanted to meet me somewhere.

She's at a rival studio right now,

but I'm curious to see what she has to say.

So, what's up?

Well, a girl on our team broke her leg, so we have an open spot.

I want you to come dance with me at Gemini.

-Really?

-Yes.

I'm the new dance captain there,

and I'm offering you a featured solo on the regionals team.

-Why me?

-I saw you at The Next Step auditions. You're incredible.

Since Geminis won internationals last year,

they automatically get into regionals.

No qualifier, no video, no nothing.

I know that you think the A-Troupers are your friends,

but word's out that they're not going to regionals.

And Gemini is. So are you in?

I know there's talk of a merge, but right now, TNS has nothing.

They don't even have a team yet.

This offer is so tempting.

I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do.

Don't decide right now. If you need more time,

just tell me at the end of the day.

OK. Sounds good.

-Hey, Jacquie. Skylar, what's up?

-Hey.

-OFF-SCREEN:

-Skylar offered me a featured solo and a spot on Geminis.

I don't want Noah to know about this because

I haven't even made a decision yet.

-I didn't know you guys knew each other.

-Oh, yeah.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Of course.

-Totally.

-So, what's up?

-Nothing.

-You guys just chilling or something?

Yeah.

I'm here recruiting her for the Gemini team.

Wait, what?

So this is why Jacquie didn't want to join the merge.

Well, it looks like you two have a lot to talk about.

Think about it, I'll call you.

OK.

You got to be kidding. You're not actually thinking about leaving TNS?

I've built so many relationships here,

so of course it would be heartbreaking

to leave The Next Step.

But a featured solo with an internationals-winning team...

that's every dancer's dream.

It's my best bet at regionals.

I... Jacquie.

I really like Noah, but there's a lot to think about.

I honestly have no idea what I am going to do.

I can't believe Jacquie is actually considering this offer.

BEEPING

BEEPING, WHIRRING

Oh, gosh.

Lola, what are you doing?

You're actually really terrible on that.

I'm just trying to de-stress myself, like - you said it would help,

but it's really not helping, and I can't stop turning.

-OK. I got you.

-Can you help me?

Gosh.

This is way too dangerous.

I suggested that Lola get a hover board to lower her stress levels.

But, this isn't working.

I was just trying something new, you know,

like you tried ballroom dancing.

So...what are you trying to get at?

Well, I'm not very good at hover boarding,

just like you're not good at ballroom dancing.

Perfect. Thanks. Thanks for rubbing it in my face.

-No.

-I already know that.

-Kingston, that's not...

-Thanks.

I wasn't trying to say that.

|I'm trying to say that practice makes perfect.

If I practise hover boarding, I could be just as good as you.

Well, maybe not as good as you, but...

-So, you're saying I'm pretty good at hover boarding.

-Yeah.

And if you practise ballroom dancing you could get better too,

I mean, you were kind of a swan.

Lola may be right. If I push myself to master baby ballet,

maybe I can learn to partner too.

-OK, trust me, OK?

-OK.

Good. Keep going.

OK, you're going to dip me.

That was great. Good job.

-Thanks.

-OK, so if this merge happens, are you going to be ready?

-Yeah, of course.

-OK, let's get to it.

OFF-SCREEN: I'm glad Lola is not letting me give up.

It makes me realise how good of a friend she is.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.

It's AAA.

There's other studios at Springfield you can go to anyway.

I'm really happy that my brother made the AAA hockey team,

but that's not the point.

I don't want to leave The Next Step,

especially now that the merge is about to happen.

Why do you want to stay here? You can't even compete.

What are you going to do? Dance around here by yourself?

We are leaving - and you're coming too.

I can't believe what I'm hearing.

Josh has to leave The Next Step,

just when we had a plan to go to regionals.

This isn't fair.

You have no place to stay here.

He can stay with me.

Yeah, Mum and Dad will never go for that.

See you at home.

Why did you do that for me?

Well, my brother's in his fourth year of university,

and each year he goes away, we take on a new boarder.

We haven't found a new one for the room yet, so this could be perfect.

Wait, so you're telling me that you have a room right now

-that I could be in?

-Yeah.

I have to ask my parents, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

This changes everything.

-OFF-SCREEN:

-If my parents let me stay with Heather,

my brother can play hockey, and I can dance.

It's a win for everyone.

Guys, our plan, it's going to work. We just know it.

Sounds sketchy.

Emily's going to come through for us.

A-Troupe is not going to regionals. We CAN.

No thanks, we worked way too hard to get into A-Troupe.

-Sorry.

-Think about it.

Yeah.

Seeing Tyler and Danielle project Piper and Amy's plan

just confirms that the merge will not work.

-Jacquie.

-Hi.

We heard about your offer in the Geminis.

And you've got to refuse it.

Listen, it's something I have to do.

You're one of our best dancers.

Jacquie, we need you.

I don't want to see Jacquie go to Geminis.

She's so good.

Why would she go to Geminis?

It's our rival studio.

I've made up my mind.

The reason I hand over my jacket

is because I'm no longer a part of The Next Step.

If I want to go to regionals,

the Geminis studio is the only one that will get me there.

TNS will never get enough dancers for the merge.

It's hard, but, it's what I have to do for my dance career.

Lola and I are putting my partnering skills to the test.

I look good, I feel good.

I'm a swan.

Dancing with Kingston is so much fun.

We don't really get to have this much fun in TNS East,

so it's a nice change.

Kingston is doing really well, I knew he could do it.

With Lola's help, I'm feeling better about my chances

if these two teams head towards a merge.

If this is what it means to work with TNS,

then I'm ready for this merge.

I'm really starting to get the hang of this, thanks to Lola.

This goes to show that East and West can work together.

This is what TNS is all about.

-Hey.

-Hey.

So, did you talk to your parents?

I did talk to my parents, yeah.

-And?

-And I'm not allowed to stay.

No matter what I said, they won't let me.

I have to go up north with them.

I knew it was a long shot, but I really hoped it would work.

-I know, me too.

-Listen, if your parents change their mind,

-the room is yours.

-Thank you.

Thank you, honestly.

So, are you in on the merge?

Oh, yeah. I'm here until my parents drag me out of this place.

I'm really happy that the merge is happening.

Even though I'm leaving, I'm going to help The Next Step anyway I can.

Right now I'm in the studio waiting to meet Skylar.

It's the end of the day, and I need to tell her my decision.

You know, I expected to feel some nostalgia being back in Studio A,

but no.

Just pity for the ones who stayed.

I didn't know it then, but not making A-Troupe

was the best thing that ever happened to me.

So, are you ready to join me and the Geminis?

I wish I didn't have to leave, but if I want to go to regionals,

the Geminis are my best bet.

With you on our team, we will not only win regionals again,

we will destroy The Next Step.

So it's happening.

Oh, my gosh, I am so excited.

We've pulled together 11 dancers, and we're all meeting in Studio A

to start uniting the studios.

Together!

What's up, bro, are you ready for this?

This is it. The merge is actually happening.

We're all coming together.

I'm super excited to see everyone at Studio A.

We just all look happy together.

Piper and Amy's plan is amazing.

Piper and Amy want to show Miss Kate that we still love dance.

And we're going to do it.

-What's going on?

-The plan is going down right now.

-It worked?

-Yeah, it worked.

-OFF-SCREEN:

-It wasn't easy,

but we've convinced some TNS East and some TNS West to do this.

-SKYLAR:

-It doesn't matter what you have planned,

if you make it to regionals, we'll still destroy you.

OK. We'll see about that.

Come on, Jacquie. We're leaving.

I never thought Piper and Amy's plan would work.

There was so much anger and frustration between the two troupes,

but I guess I was wrong.

You can't keep TNS down.

Jacquie, come on.

Do you have room for one more?

We couldn't do this without you, Jacquie.

You're putting our faith in the wrong studio.

You're making a mistake.

And by the time you realise it,

I'll have replaced you.

I'm so happy that Jacquie decided to join our team.

She's the last piece to the puzzle.

Now that Jacquie's on board, nothing is going to stop us.

-Hey, Mum.

-Hi, honey.

What's the cupcake for?

Well, we have something to celebrate.

What's the occasion?

I was able to get you an audition at Gemini.

What?

I already have a studio -

The Next Step.

Amy, Gemini is actually going to regionals.

And I was able to speak to the head of the studio,

who was so eager for you to audition

that I was able to negotiate a featured solo.

I couldn't care less about a featured solo.

I want to be at The Next Step.

I'm sorry, do you know how many dancers

would love to have this opportunity?

Eat your cupcake.

I worked so hard to unite East and West.

I don't know what I'm going to do now.

# I'm taking off I'm hearing what you say

# No area bound to reason in my way

# Burning brighter than the middle of a flame

# You know you can't stop me now

# Reminiscing on the battles that I fought

# I hope it was a sure shot

# I hope I'm on top

# Up above it all

# Everything seems so small

# Spread your wings and fly

# Up in the clouds. #