The heat on the dance floor rises in the second episode of The Next Step as rivals and alliances tighten around the big question: who earns a spot in A Troupe? The episode, titled Everybody Dance Now, shows the roster being solidified. West, Emily, Eldon, Michelle, Stephanie, Daniel, Chloe, James, Riley, and Tiffany form the new A Troupe, a mix of familiar faces and fresh energy ready to push the group forward. Some dancers move up from B Troupe, while others shift back to their former roles, setting the stage for fresh dynamics and higher expectations.
With the lineup decided, Kate and Chris turn to the toughest call of the season: who will lead as Dance Captain. Kate leans toward Emily, convinced she has the leadership instincts this group needs. Chris counters with Michelle, arguing that a new year deserves a new captain. He phrases it as a fresh start, a clean slate for the team. Kate remains receptive to the argument but sticks to her sense of what has always worked for A Troupe, signaling that the decision may spark more than a little friction in the close-knit group.
Giselle does not reclaim a spot on A Troupe from last year, a setback that weighs on her friends. Emily steps in with warmth, promising Giselle that she will help her reclaim a place if the path opens. Yet Giselle loses her seat in the E-Girls, a consequence of not being in A Troupe. Emily makes it clear: ties with Giselle are severed, and the E-Girls follow her lead, save for Riley who feels the loss keenly. Riley begins to show a steadier, more grounded side, becoming the voice of balance within the team even as she mourns Giselle’s departure from the A Troupe fold.
Chloe is now a fresh presence in the A Troupe and also part of the E-Girls. She receives the E-Girl rules and their secret handshake, but a practical challenge soon emerges: Chloe cannot join the group shopping trip because she lacks funds for the expenses. She fears embarrassment at not being able to buy anything, which puts a dent in the group image and tests her resolve to fit in without losing her voice.
Michelle tries to join the E-Girls at the Squeezed juice bar but is politely asked to move. She ends up sitting with West instead, a small moment that hints at the evolving alliances within the troupe. Later, Stephanie triggers a practical misunderstanding by telling Michelle that practice is in Studio B, while Giselle reveals that A Troupe always trains in Studio A. Michelle seizes the chance to clear the air with Giselle, apologizing for taking a spot on the A Troupe. Giselle accepts the apology and warns Michelle to stay cautious around the E-Girls, making it clear that backstage politics are not to be underestimated.
The ending brings a fresh twist: the Dance Captain selection will be handled differently this year. Kate and Chris present Michelle as the likely leader, noting her history as Dance Captain at her previous studio. Emily reacts with visible fury, certain she would continue in the role. When Michelle hesitates to step into the position, Emily unloads a rebuttal, implying that Michelle does not truly want the job. Kate makes it plain and authoritative: This is my dance studio, and I decide who leads A Troupe. The tension between Emily and Michelle erupts into a challenge, and the two must duel it out to determine who will wear the title of Dance Captain this season.
Who would you pick to lead the troupe, and what do you think will happen to Giselle as the season unfolds? The drama and the dance moves go hand in hand as The Next Step keeps the energy high. If you haven’t kept up with the show, tune in for new episodes on Family Channel during March Break, with episodes reaching audiences across Canada and the United States.