The Absolute Dance National Championship has entered the second round, kicking off the small group segment with a jolt of electricity in the air. Watching LOD on the floor stirs a flutter of nerves in Chloe; facing them promises a demanding night, because they deliver every time—precise, fearless, and utterly in command. The arena buzzes as teams measure themselves against that benchmark, while Chloe braces for the moment when their own routine will be under the microscope. Tension thickens with every heartbeat; the venue seems to close in, sharpening the demand to execute perfectly.
With Hunter, West, and Eldon sharpening their formation, James faces a decision that could reshape The Next Step’s Nationals arc. He has never pulled off the b-twist in competition, and attempting it would be a bold, high-stakes move with potentially big rewards. This round could mark a turning point for the group, a chance to push beyond the boundaries they have known. The memory of Miss Kate dancing in the same small group and being cut from Nationals last year remains a warning, a reminder that victory depends on more than raw talent alone. A clean run could lift them past former ceilings and open doors to new realms of achievement.
In the crowded lobby, Riley hurries to the small group, urging focus and tighter footwork. James lingers near the doorway, a quiet nod to West if the b-twist is on the table. The air holds a blend of nerves and resolve as the team takes in the moment, aware that the night’s choice could tip the balance between triumph and setback. The group settles into position, prepared to turn quiet confidence into a fearless display.
Before the boys appear, Elite lights up the floor with a routine built on sharp lines and rapid transitions that inject momentum into the room. The Next Step follows, their energy snapping to life as the music drops and they surge with infectious vitality. James decides against the b-twist in this piece, believing it would disrupt the duet’s flow. Still, the moment closes on a triumphant note as The Next Step moves ahead, momentum preserved and the audience roaring in approval.
Riley keeps her disappointment in check, not ready to voice it to James just yet, but she knows he could have pulled off the b-twist. Watching LOD advance, she leans in and says the twist would fit their duet perfectly, planting a seed of possibility. Her faith ignites a spark in him, and James agrees to try it in the next routine, eager to push his boundaries and prove himself to both his partner and the audience.
The duet unfolds as a seamless blend of Riley’s ballet finesse and James’s street-energy. The routine becomes a dialogue between elegance and grit, and the b-twist lands on the first attempt, a moment that electrifies the stage. After the bow, Riley confesses love to James, and he returns the feeling with a kiss. The crowd erupts with cheers and murmurs, yet the couple smiles, sharing a private thrill under the bright lights. The show presses on, and The Next Step advances to the next round, a performance noted for boldness and the chemistry they share.
Next up, the focus moves to the female solos, and everyone wonders how Michelle will handle her solo. The cue hits and the stage becomes a showcase for technical command, emotional storytelling, and magnetic presence. Viewers lean forward, hoping to be moved by a performance that pairs exacting technique with character, signaling the depth of talent on display.
New episodes of The Next Step air on Fridays at 7:30 PM on Family Channel, delivering fresh routines and evolving partnerships as the competition builds toward its peak.