Any fans of the Disney Channel will be familiar with the hit series, The Next Step. The Canadian teen drama follows a group of dancers as they navigate life, love, rehearsals and competitions. Watched by millions of people worldwide, the show recently announced it will tour Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever during the September school holidays!
The Next Step – Wild Rhythm Tour comes down under after sold-out shows around the world. See your favourite cast members dance live: Victoria Baldesarra (Michelle), Trevor Tordjman (James), Jordan Clark (Giselle), Brittany Raymond (Riley), Isaac Lupien (Eldon), Myles Erlick (Noah), Briar Nolet (Richelle) and Lamar Johnson (West).
We chatted to dancer/choreographers Trevor and Jordan ahead of their Australia/NZ visit.
Trevor Tordjman
You trained in many different styles, but your passion is hip hop/breaking. What is it about these styles that you love so much?
“First off, I absolutely love hip hop music. That definitely influences the way that I like to dance. I also love how creative you can be in street styles of dance. Nothing is ever technically wrong. You create your own style!”
What are the challenges of being not only a dancer/actor on this show but also a choreographer?
“In doing both choreography and performing, they are two separate tasks. You just have to take on more responsibility and make time for both. I’m so grateful to have done choreography for the show!”
What do you think has made The Next Step such a success?
“The fact that there are so many different relatable characters on the show for fans to connect to definitely was a weighing factor in the success of the show. Our chemistry is insane. We are like one big family. I believe that our chemistry translated really well through the camera, and it allowed the audience to really get into the storylines!”
What has been the most important thing you’ve learnt during your debut as a director?
“I learned so much from directing an episode of The Next Step. It truly pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow so much more as an actor, both technically and creatively. I believe that having that realisation has helped me so much already as I move forward with acting. So I would have to say the most valuable thing I learned from my debut as a director would be that stepping out of your comfort zone is very important. It was a very inspiring experience for me.”
Jordan Clark
What do you enjoy most about working on The Next Step?
“That’s a hard one. I think that I get to work with some seriously talented people – not just the cast but the crew as well. We are one big family, and I love that.”
What do you have in common (or not) with your character Giselle?
“I think what I have in common with Giselle is that we both try and stay away from the drama and we are extremely determined people.”
If you could go back and give some advice to yourself as a young dance student, what would you say?
“I think I would say make stronger decisions and have more confidence in yourself. You know what you’re doing.”
Have you visited NZ/Australia before, and what are you looking forward to about the tour here?
“I have never been to Australia or New Zealand before. I seriously can’t wait to go. I’m so excited to meet the fans there and see what they are like. Also, I heard both Australia and New Zealand are beautiful places, so I can’t wait to enjoy the scenery.”
The first show is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the matinee on Wednesday 28 September. For more information and tickets: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2016/dance/the-next-step.
By Rain Francis of Dance Informa.
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