The tension within the A Troupe climbs to a fever pitch in the midseason finale of THE NEXT STEP. Viewers watched as a room full of dancers faced a hard choice between Michelle and Emily, aware that their decision would shape the troupe’s fate at regionals. The episode leans into pressure, whispers, and the possibility that friendships could fracture as the regional spotlight draws nearer.
The episode opens with Eldon pressed to pick sides. Will he stand with Michelle or stay loyal to Emily? Eldon admits he cannot hurt Emily and storms off, leaving the studio to wrestle with his decision and the looming consequences.
Eldon’s anger festers after Emily dismisses a romantic gesture, yet she confesses that she misses him. She approaches to apologize, but Eldon pulls away, wary of getting hurt again. This is the first moment we glimpse real vulnerability from Emily, and it catches the audience by surprise.
Meanwhile, the other dancers eavesdrop on their conversation and worry that Eldon might be tipping Emily off about the new routine. The secretive exchange fuels anxiety as the group wonders who will reveal what next.
Stephanie decides to take action and steals Michelle’s phone. E Girl rule #39 is to share gossip, so Riley sends Chloe to gather more information. Chloe is left trying to piece together what she’s learned, moving through a maze of rumors in the dark.
Chris tries to help James keep his grades up by nudging him toward a practice math test. If James performs poorly, his mom could pull him out of the troupe, elevating the stakes beyond the dance floor.
During rehearsal, Emily’s mood hardens. She’s shouting, pushing, and snapping at the dancers. Riley realizes Emily is on to something, sensing the nerves behind the sharp words. The tension isn’t just about steps—it feels like a battle over control of the routine.
James takes the math test and fails. The loss means he is pulled from the studio, which also means missing out on time with Riley and the chance to perform alongside his friends.
Stephanie’s scheme comes to light when Emily meets with Kate, claiming someone is bullying her. Emily accuses Michelle of sending her mean texts, while Michelle counters that Emily is lying. Kate is left puzzled, unsure how to uncover the truth. She decides to check Michelle’s bag, and Riley had already taken Michelle’s phone, giving her a crucial edge in the investigation.
With everyone gathered and Kate unsure how to proceed, the situation explodes into the open. The disputes must be resolved, and Kate decides to let Studio B perform their routine while all the dancers vote on who should be the dance captain, placing leadership directly in the hands of the whole troupe.
Kate is impressed, Chris is impressed, and the dancers showcase their strongest moves yet. The only faces that look unhappy belong to Emily, Tiffany, and Stephanie, signaling deeper rifts beneath the surface.
Now the vote begins. Stephanie votes for Emily, Tiffany hesitates in the middle, trying to protect herself, and ultimately aligns with Michelle. The rest of the dancers side with Michelle, shifting the balance decisively.
Emily sheds tears as she realizes she’s not trusted by the group. Eldon, torn, hesitates and finally chooses Michelle, explaining that Emily has hurt him too many times and that he must move on. His decision marks a turning point for the studio and signals the end of an era for their former togetherness.
The episode closes on a bittersweet note. Emily’s heartbreak lingers, James is being pulled away, yet the A Troupe now holds a real chance to win regionals. Fans are left eager to see what comes next when THE NEXT STEP returns to Family Channel with more dancer drama.