Season two of The Next Step is scheduled to premiere on March 7. A media outlet visited the show’s set to speak with the cast about life on set and what viewers can expect from the characters this season. The feature also introduces several new cast members and shares what they had to say about the upcoming episodes.
Brittany Raymond, who plays Riley, started dancing at age four, a training span that has shaped her career.
Taveeta Szymanowicz, who plays Thalia, began dancing at age six and has spent eleven years in the craft.
Zac Van, the performer behind Hunter, started dancing at four.
Brennan Clost, who portrays Daniel, began dancing at seven and has trained for eleven years.
Samantha Grecchi, who plays Stephanie, has thirteen years of dancing, starting at age six.
Jennifer Pappas, who plays Chloe, started dancing when she was two.
How did they get on The Next Step?
Victoria Baldesarra, who portrays Michelle, was twelve turning thirteen when her dance teacher sent her to the audition.
Taveeta’s path began with a casting call. She learned the choreography, performed for producers and casting directors, and was invited to act. Later, while riding the subway, she received news that she would be on the show and felt a rush of excitement.
Isaac Lupien recalls that they auditioned, and on the callback they arrived thinking it was another audition until they learned it was the pilot.
Brennan Clost explains that he and Isaac filmed the pilot together, waited for the show to be approved, and re-auditioned a year later when it was picked up.
How do they relate to their characters on the show?
Brittany loves Riley’s motivation, admiring her hard work and determination.
Taveeta sees similarities between Thalia and herself, especially in dreaming big and keeping things light yet supportive for everyone on set.
Samantha relates to Stephanie as a loyal friend who knows what she wants and stays driven to achieve it.
Bree Wasylenko, who plays Kate, speaks from experience as the eldest of four, explaining how that dynamic informs a natural, maternal on-set presence.
Trevor Tordjman notes that James is focused, yet laid-back and not absorbed by on-set drama, mirroring his own approach to work and life.
What has been the biggest challenge working on the show?
Alexandra Beaton appreciates heavy acting scenes and finds dancing alongside a highly skilled cast inspiring, even when it feels a bit intimidating; the supportive environment helps her step into difficult moments with confidence.
Taveeta says the toughest part so far is learning to position her body around cameras as an actor, a shift from pure dance thinking that requires spatial awareness.
Bree finds improv exhilarating but demanding, since a scene can shift in an instant and it takes quick adaptation to align with direction.
Zac discusses the transition to acting, a new skill for him as a dancer, and the need to slow down his delivery to match the moment.
Trevor notes that acting was new but his character’s relatability helped him adjust and connect with the audience.
What is it like being new on set?
Taveeta describes the welcome as amazing, with the cast and crew feeling like a big, supportive family, which makes the experience feel surreal.
Zac shares that it felt like a dream come true, noting the dancers’ connection and the sense of belonging that makes him feel at home already.
What do they do in their free time outside the show?
Victoria focuses on dance, relaxation, and simple pleasures in daily life.
Taveeta keeps taking dance classes, with Netflix as a night-time ritual before bed.
Isaac simply keeps dancing as a core hobby.
Samantha plans to keep studying and will be teaching dance in the fall as well.
Zac, formerly drawn to sports like hockey and lacrosse, now dedicates his free time to dance.
What is their favorite show besides The Next Step?
Victoria names The Lizzie McGuire Show as a favorite outside the series.
Alexandra cites Boy Meets World as a beloved pick.
Taveeta owns The Next Step on iTunes and enjoys Pretty Little Liars and Teen Wolf.
Zac’s lighter pick is SpongeBob.
How do friends and family react to their work on the show?
Alexandra recalls that friends are supportive, though many do not fully understand the job; a recent example involved missing a birthday party due to work commitments.
Zac notes that school friends are supportive but initially puzzled, while his Vancouver hip hop crew offers ongoing encouragement for chasing a dream.
Brennan explains that returning home to Canada after the show’s debut brought pride and excitement, with family watching together and cheering him on.
Trevor says everyone is proud and grounded, grateful to pursue what he loves.
What can fans expect from season 2?
Lamar Johnson teases that the cast has a clearer sense of their characters, with performances shaped by their own personalities, allowing more playful exploration and growth as the season unfolds.
Isaac adds that the group will be drawn more into the central drama, deepening relationships and tensions.
Zac hints that Hunters arrival introduces new energy and disrupts existing dynamics, stirring conversations and choices.
Brittany points out that season 2 brings stronger emotional arcs and marks Riley’s path toward greater independence.
Don’t miss the season 2 premiere of The Next Step on March 7 on Family Channel!