It’s been over a decade since A-Troupe first walked into that studio, and honestly, the staying power of The Next Step cast is kind of ridiculous. Most teen dramas fizzle out after three seasons. The kids graduate, the actors get bored, or the plot lines get so messy that everyone tunes out. But this show? It’s a machine. It’s managed to bridge the gap between a mockumentary about competitive dance and a massive international touring brand that feels more like a sports franchise than a TV show.
You’ve probably seen them on your feed. Maybe it’s Briar Nolet doing something physically impossible on a stage in London, or perhaps you’re still reeling from the fact that some of the original "kids" are now choreographing the routines for the new generation. There is a weird, unique loyalty here. It’s not just about the dance moves, though the technical skill is obviously through the roof. It’s about how the producers handled the transition from the "OGs" to the new blood without losing the show's soul.
The Original Icons: Where the Obsession Started
When people talk about the The Next Step cast, they usually start with Alexandra Beaton and Victoria Baldesarra. Emma and Michelle. The rivalry that defined the early seasons was basically the North Star for the entire series. What’s wild is that Victoria Baldesarra stayed with the show for so long—she literally grew up on screen. You can track her entire adolescence through her character's arc from a nervous new girl to a studio head.
Then you have the guys. Trevor Tordjman (James) and Isaac Lupien (Eldon). Trevor basically became the face of the franchise's humor. His chemistry with Jordan Clark (Giselle) and Brittany Raymond (Riley) was the reason "Jiley" became a thing that fans still post about in 2026. Trevor eventually moved on to huge Disney projects like Zombies, but he’s one of those actors who never really distanced himself from his roots. He knows where the fan base is.
Brittany Raymond is another interesting case. She wasn’t just a dancer who could act; she became the emotional heartbeat of the middle seasons. When her character, Riley, took over as studio head, it felt like a passing of the torch that actually made sense. It wasn’t forced. It felt earned because the audience had seen her fail and succeed for years.
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Moving Beyond the "OG" Era
How do you replace legends? You don't. You just bring in people who can do backflips off of walls.
The introduction of cast members like Briar Nolet (Richelle) changed the literal physics of the show. Briar is a world-class athlete—she competed on World of Dance and blew Jennifer Lopez’s mind. Having someone of that caliber in the The Next Step cast raised the stakes for everyone else. Suddenly, the dance wasn’t just "good for a TV show." It was world-class.
- Myles Erlick (Noah): A literal prodigy. He was Billy Elliot on Broadway before he joined the show. His contemporary style added a level of sophistication that the early hip-hop-heavy seasons lacked.
- Isaiah Peck (Henry): Brought a different kind of swagger. His presence helped the show lean more into the "commercial" dance world, which is what was actually happening in the industry at the time.
- Shelby Bain (Amy): She became the new "relatable" lead. Her journey through different studios and relationship drama kept the soap opera element alive while the dancing got more technical.
The show's casting director, Kelly Boutilier, has a specific knack for finding dancers who aren't just "triple threats" but have a specific "it" factor that works in a mockumentary format. You have to be able to talk to the camera and feel natural, which is harder than it looks. Most of these kids had zero acting experience when they started. They were just kids from Canadian dance studios who suddenly found themselves with millions of Instagram followers.
The Reality of Being in the Cast
It's not all sparkles and Regionals trophies. Being part of the The Next Step cast is actually a grueling job. They aren't using dance doubles. When you see a 90-second routine in an episode, those actors have likely performed it fifty times that day from ten different angles.
I’ve looked into the behind-the-scenes production cycles, and the schedule is intense. They often film an entire season in a few months, meaning they are learning choreography, rehearsing, and filming scenes simultaneously. And then, for many of them, the work doesn't stop when the cameras turn off. The "The Next Step Live" tours are legendary for their intensity. We’re talking about full-scale arena shows where the cast is performing high-impact acrobatics night after night.
That’s where the real bonds form. If you follow the cast members on TikTok, you’ll see they are still genuinely friends. They go to each other's weddings. They show up in each other's YouTube videos. It’s a small, tight-knit community of Canadian performers who all went through the same "fame boot camp" together.
Why Some Dancers Left (And Why Some Came Back)
Fans always freak out when a favorite leaves. Remember when James left? Or when Amanda (Logan Fabbro) moved on? It usually comes down to the "aging out" problem. You can only play a teenager for so long before the audience starts noticing your five-o'clock shadow.
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However, the show has this "alumni" policy that is pretty genius. Instead of just writing characters out forever, they bring them back as judges, choreographers, or mentors. This keeps the The Next Step cast feeling like a family rather than a revolving door. For example, Jordan Clark and Taveeta Szymanowicz have both returned in various capacities, whether it’s helping with choreography or making guest appearances.
There’s also the "Disney Factor." Because the show airs on networks like CBBC and formerly on Disney Channel in various territories, it serves as a massive launching pad. Some actors leave because they get snatched up by bigger American productions. Others stay because, honestly, being a big fish in the Canadian entertainment pond is a pretty steady, lucrative gig with a built-in global fan base.
The Shift in Season 9 and 10
As we’ve moved into the later seasons, the cast has become significantly more diverse, reflecting the actual world of competitive dance today. The storylines have also matured. They’re tackling things like mental health, injury recovery, and the sheer financial pressure of being a competitive dancer.
The newer additions, like those seen in the most recent 2024 and 2025 arcs, have a different energy. They are "digital natives." They knew the show was a hit before they even auditioned. This creates a different dynamic on set—they’re aware of the "brand" they’re stepping into. Yet, the core remains: it’s about the studio. It’s about the "Next Step" logo.
Spotting the Future Stars
If you want to know who is going to be big in the next few years, just look at the current The Next Step cast. The show has a track record.
- Choreography: Many former cast members are now the ones setting the routines for the biggest pop stars in the world.
- Music: Look at Myles Erlick. He’s transitioned into a legitimate music career, leveraging the fan base he built as Noah.
- Acting: From Netflix movies to CW shows, you’ll see "The Next Step" listed on resumes all over Hollywood.
The show isn't just a TV program; it's a talent incubator. It’s like the Mickey Mouse Club for the 2010s and 2020s.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Performers
If you're following the journey of the The Next Step cast or hoping to follow in their footsteps, here is what the reality of the industry looks like:
- Versatility is King: The cast members who stay the longest are the ones who can do it all—ballet, hip-hop, acro, and acting. If you’re a dancer, don't ignore your "acting for camera" skills. The mockumentary style requires a very specific, understated acting vibe.
- Social Presence Matters: The cast uses social media to bridge the gap between seasons. They aren't just actors; they are influencers who provide a "backstage pass" to their lives.
- Follow the Choreographers: If you want to see where the cast gets their "look," follow the show's choreographers like Jordan Clark or Amy Wright. They often post the raw rehearsal footage that doesn't make it to the final cut.
- Check the Credits: Always look at the credits of new dance-heavy movies or series on Netflix and Disney+. There is a 90% chance a former A-Troupe member is in the background or leading the ensemble.
The legacy of the show isn't just the episodes on YouTube or the BBC iPlayer. It’s the fact that it created a sustainable ecosystem for Canadian dancers to become international stars. Whether you’re an "OG" fan or a newcomer, the evolution of this cast is a masterclass in how to grow a brand without losing the "magic" of the original hook. Stop looking for a "final" ending; the studio doors are basically always open.