Production Begins on The Next Step Season Five

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TORONTO: Principal photography has begun on a fifth season of the tween drama The Next Step, which is slated to premiere on DHX Television’s Family Channel next year.

The drama series is produced by Radical Sheep Productions, a division of Boat Rocker Studios, in association with Family Channel. The Next Step follows a group of elite dancers training at a top studio called Next Step. The 20-episode fifth season sees a new group of young dancers enter the mix. The dancers put new and old friendships to the test as they try to strike a balance between individual achievements and teamwork.

The Next Step was created by Frank van Keeken and is produced with the participation of the Shaw Rocket Fund, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and CBBC. Season four currently airs on Family Channel on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., with the mid-season finale set for June 24.

“We’re elated that after four seasons this Canadian original series continues to draw in viewers globally with its serialized story lines, relatable characters, and of course, tremendous dancing,” said Michael Goldsmith, the VP of original production at DHX Television. “This is the first time in network history that we’ve commissioned a fifth season of an original production and I think it speaks volumes to the affinity of the brand and the connection that our young stars have made with fans worldwide. We’re so proud of this show and look forward to working with Radical Sheep to deliver more episodes, dance and drama internationally from this homegrown hit.”

“We are thrilled to be back for another season of The Next Step,” said Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier, executive producers on the show and co-presidents of Boat Rocker Studios. “The talent and dedication of our amazing cast, writers, producers and crew on this series never ceases to amaze us. The continued success of The Next Step around the world is a testament to their brilliance and hard work.”

In addition to Schneeberg and Fortier (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin’ It), the series is executive produced by Michelle Melanson Cuperus (The Bagel and Becky Show, Fangbone!), Rachael Schaefer (The Next Step, Wingin’ It), Karen McClellan (The Other Kingdom, Being Erica) and Frank van Keeken (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin’ It). BBC Worldwide handles the international rights to the series.