This week on THE NEXT STEP, a handful of dancers quietly align to edge Emily out as dance captain by presenting a bold new routine just before regionals. In the wake of last week’s drama between Chloe and Emily, Kate makes the captain’s chair conditional on a public apology to Chloe, a move meant to test Emily’s loyalty and readiness to lead. The room hums with a mixture of hope and worry as the team debates whether a fresh direction can salvage their chances at regionals while keeping the harmony that has kept them together through tough rehearsals. Emily reads the room with a tight smile, knowing that any misstep could cost her the position she fought for. The plan to debut a new routine before the regional competition is not just about the choreography; it is a test of influence, trust, and the ability to command the group’s attention at a moment when every move counts.
All eyes watch when Emily finally apologizes to Chloe, a moment that feels strained to those who know her. The apology lands with mixed reactions, and the chatter amplifies backstage. Later, Emily confides to herself that the act was a tactic rather than a true lament, a tactical concession aimed at preserving her hold on the captaincy. Her colleagues sense something is off, but they also understand the pressure of maintaining leadership under watchful eyes.
In Studio B, Michelle presses forward with determination to seize the captain’s role and she recruits Riley and James to craft a high-energy routine that could disrupt Emily’s current control. Emily, ever the strategist, tries to pry loose information about the trio’s plans, turning to Eldon for hints and rumors. The tension remains tucked away, bubbling under the surface as the studio lights reflect off polished floors and the dancers rehearse steps that demand precision and boldness.
Their secret remains safe—for the moment. The dynamic is fragile, and every smile could conceal a second agenda. The group moves with practiced confidence, knowing that one misstep could unravel months of careful choreography and trust built through shared late nights.
Back in the studio where Emily leads, the dancers weigh in on the latest version of her routine. The E Girls stand behind their captain, applauding the polish, yet Wes and Daniel offer a different verdict: the routine feels familiar, not fresh, as if it wears Emily’s personal stamp too plainly. The critique is pointed but respectful, underscoring a growing tension that Emily’s choreography tends to spotlight herself rather than elevate the entire crew.
As soon as the rehearsal in Studio A finishes, Riley, James, and Michelle return to Studio B with warmth and urgency. When Wes happens upon them, they eagerly reveal their plan and show him the sequence they’ve created to challenge Emily. To their surprise, Wes not only approves but is eager to join, seeing in their idea the spark that could galvanize the group and shift the leadership balance just enough before regionals.
Meanwhile Tiffany and Stephanie practice acting sequences, sharpening their presence for Stephanie’s big audition with her agent. Kate spots Stephanie crying during a scene and assumes the emotion is real, a wrench in the gears of the competition. The moment pays off when Stephanie receives a callback from her agent and crowns herself a double threat, a performer who can both sing and act with confidence.
Elsewhere, Emily and Eldon hang out, and Eldon clings to the sliver of hope that he might land a spot in the new regime. Emily admits that Eldon is a little bit cute, a fact that unsettles Michelle when she catches wind of the moment, though she claims she isn’t sure why.
Back in Studio B, recruitment continues as the anti-Emily faction circles more allies. Wes tells Daniel about the plan, and Daniel agrees to join on one condition: he must keep his solo. With more dancers drawn in, the group considers other possible recruits and maps out who might be convinced to throw their support behind the movement before regionals.
In Studio A, Emily’s sharp attitude toward Chloe remains, shutting down Chloe’s attempts to share new ideas. Chloe can see that the pattern won’t change, and the rejection stings. Michelle sees a doorway and invites Chloe to join the Studio B circle, hoping her energy could tip the balance. Chloe watches the evolving routine with both admiration and conflict, realizing the fascinating possibility of a new alliance, but when she learns the routine is aimed at regionals, she wrestles with loyalty, and storms out in anger, leaving Emily and the others to ponder what comes next.
What will Chloe decide to do with the information about the other dancers’ plans? The answers stay hidden for now, and fans will have to wait. Viewers can catch THE NEXT STEP on Friday at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Family Channel to see how the story unfolds and who claims the captain’s chair.