'The Next Step' Promises High-Energy New Show

Dance fans, time to get ready. It may be a few months away, but in September 2019, the cast of Canadian dance-drama TV series, The Next Step, will return to Newcastle for a brand-new show. Set in the highly competitive world of professional dance, The Next Step follows A-Troupe, a group of talented young dancers, as they train for competitions and deal with the dramas of teenage life. First airing in 2013, the docu-drama-style show has just completed its sixth season and is more popular than ever with its global audience. Tween, teen and adult fans alike are addicted – not only to its high-energy dance numbers, but also the rivalries and relationships of the A-Troupe, both in and out of the dance studio. The show airs on the Disney Channel in Australia (with some seasons available on Stan and ABC iView), and the cast has previously visited our shores for two sell-out tours in 2016 and 2017.

This year, The Next Step cast is set to embark on its biggest tour yet. Nine cast members will perform in the 90-minute dance spectacular, featuring solos, duets, trios and group dances set to hit songs and original music from the show. The cast members appearing include Briar Nolet (‘Richelle’); Isaiah Peck (‘Henry’); Shelby Bain (‘Amy’); Alexandra Chaves (‘Piper’); Berkley Ratzlaff (‘Davis’); Sage Linder (‘Summer’); Dylan Ratzlaff (‘Jacqui’); Liam Mackie (‘Finn’); and Noah Zulfikar (‘Kingston’). Several cast members have not appeared in previous tours, so for die-hard fans, it’s definitely a must-see event.

Something each of the show’s cast members has in common is the passion and talent for dance they’ve demonstrated from a young age. It will come as no surprise that each and every performer has extensive experience in the showbiz scene and some serious dancing chops under their belts. Showgoers might recognise Briar Nolet in particular – as well as starring in The Next Step; the young dancer recently hit screens for US reality show World of Dance, judged and executive-produced by Jennifer Lopez. During the qualifiers round, Nolet revealed her struggles with epilepsy, inspiring audiences worldwide with her journey. Other stars of the show have performed with the likes of Janet Jackson and Imagine Dragons, and at international competitions and championships.

The Next Step live show brings the TV series to life on stage, allowing fans to get up close and personal with its stars. Newcastle is the very first stop on the list for this year’s Australian tour, which visits multiple states and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Dubbed the Absolute Dance tour, the run of shows promises a high-energy experience for audiences. Blending styles of dance ranging from contemporary and hip-hop to classical and with a healthy dose of acrobatics thrown in for good measure, it’s going to get feet tapping, blood pumping and showgoers dancing in their seats. Explosive ensemble dances are interspersed with solos and smaller group numbers, so no matter who your favourite cast member is, you’re sure to see their best moves right up close!

For super-fans of the show and its stars, there are separate VIP experiences available on the night to accompany the concert. The VIP treatment includes a meet and greet and professional photo opportunity with the cast, an exclusive autographed poster, a commemorative tour laminate, early access to crowd-free merchandise shopping, and designated VIP check-in and onsite host. These experiences are limited, though, so if you’re keen, you’ll have to get in quick.

The Next Step: Absolute Dance Tour appears at the Civic Theatre for one night only on Thursday 19th September. Tickets start at $76.40 for B Reserve and $91.65 for A Reserve, and VIP experiences are available from $110. For further info, visit livenation.com.au. And be quick about it – even though the show is still a few months off, tickets are already selling fast! Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au