Fans of The Next Step on Family Channel have this quick recap of the first two episodes, and a detailed look at episode three follows. If you’re up to date, keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what unfolds.
The third episode opens with Emily and Michelle getting the ground rules for the competition that will crown a Dance Captain. The troupe will be split into two teams, one led by Emily and one by Michelle, with each group tasked to choreograph a routine to impress Kate and Chris.
Emily tries to rally the E-Girls, but Chris steps in to assign the teams. He gives the newer dancers to Emily and breaks up the E-Girls. Riley and Stephanie, Emily’s sister and best friend, are placed on Michelle’s team.
Humor arrives when West challenges James to a dance battle as a way to win him over. James doesn’t quite understand West’s tactic and walks away. Daniel and Chloe note that West previously did the same to others when they were in B Troupe.
Emily immediately dives into rehearsal with her group, pushing them to train for long stretches and keeping them in the studio past midnight. At one point, Chloe admits she needs to work a job because her father isn’t employed, but she doesn’t want the other dancers to know. Emily doesn’t leave her with a choice and keeps her in the studio.
Meanwhile, Michelle begins with an icebreaker to warm up the team. They play dance-imals, moving like animals. Everyone except Stephanie joins in, finding the game a bit childish. As practice unfolds, the team grows fond of the routine, and they finish early with a sense of momentum.
Emily spots Riley during a break and asks about Michelle’s routine. Riley reassures her that hers is probably stronger. She later voices concern that Emily feels threatened by Michelle and worries about the effect on the troupe as a whole.
Michelle and Emily check in with Kate and Chris to review progress. Emily requests another hour to refine, while Michelle believes she does not need more time. Kate signals that it is time to dance.
Emily volunteers to perform first. She begins by snapping in Michelle’s face, asserting her focus. After her routine, James and West comment that Emily’s approach highlighted her strengths more clearly than Michelle’s did.
Stephanie, known as Emily’s best friend, knows what she must do. She deliberately sabotages the routine, blaming insufficient rehearsal. Kate notes the clear sign of Emily’s determination to win the post by comparing her effort to Michelle’s.
Kate and Chris name Emily as the new Dance Captain. The rest of the troupe voices disagreement, and Chris dumps a box of ping pong balls onto the floor, giving everyone two minutes to clean up or face four hours of abdominal work.
West seizes the moment to share the stage with James again. James joins in, and the entire group lights up with dancing. As James puts it, dance can both divide and unite people, a sentiment Michelle echoes as they keep dancing together.
Though the days have been challenging, the episode closes on a high note as the group discovers common ground and works together in harmony. Fans are invited to share their thoughts on Emily becoming Dance Captain in the comments.
New episodes of The Next Step air on Family Channel during the March Break.