Get Ready To Flip Out! Season Four of The Next Step Premieres February 15 on Family

PREMIERE EPISODE PRECEDED BY EPIC THREE-DAY SERIES MARATHON

NEW EPISODES AIR FRIDAYS AT 7:30 P.M. ET/PT FOLLOWING PREMIERE

TORONTO, Feb. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Killer choreography, dynamic dancing and non-stop drama are set to takeover Family Channel on Family Day Weekend as the network's flagship series The Next Step returns for its fourth season. Starting at the crack of dawn, on Saturday, February 13, audiences can experience all the kicks, tricks and hair flips the popular tween drama has to offer with a nonstop three-day, full series marathon which culminates with the highly anticipated season four premiere on Monday, February 15 at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT. Following the Family Day festivities, new episodes will air regularly Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Known for its jaw-dropping dance routines and high-energy performances, The Next Step follows the lives of an elite group of dancers who train at The Next Step dance studio. Season four begins with A-Troupe returning home from their win at the International competition. The studio is now considered one of the best in the world, but achieving victory at the highest level has the dancers questioning their futures – some feel they've reached their full potential, while others are still waiting for their chance to shine. Riley is offered a surprising new position with A-Troupe, while James, West and Eldon are swept off on a whirlwind escapade to London, England. Amidst the changes a crop of talented but untested newbies are welcomed to the studio and the team must use every ounce of their talent and determination to recapture the old A-Troupe magic in time to defend their title at Regionals.

The Next Step stars Victoria Baldesarra as Michelle; Brittany Raymond as Riley; Logan Fabbro as Amanda; Myles Erlick as Noah; Trevor Tordjman as James; Lamar Johnson as West; Isaac Lupien as Eldon; Jordan Clark as Giselle; Briar Nolet as Richelle and Skylar Alexis Healey as Skylar. New to the cast this season are Giuseppe Bausilio as Alfie; Alexandra Chaves as Piper; Erika Prevost as Sloane; Akiel Julien as LaTroy; Isaiah Peck as Henry; Shelby Bain as Amy; and Allie Goodbun as Cassie. The new season will also feature special appearances by fan-favourite characters from past seasons, cast members from spin-off series Lost & Found Music Studios, and mark the directorial debut for cast members Trevor Tordjman and Lamar Johnson.

Leading up to the season premiere, fans won't want to miss a full series marathon beginning Saturday, February 13 at 6 a.m. ET/PT. In addition to every episode ever made, the 3-day event (which will span the entire holiday weekend) will include an encore presentation of The Next Step Live: The Movie and special extended episodes. In the premiere episode, the fates of the current A-Troupe dancers will be revealed, and on February 19, when the series moves to its regular timeslot (Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT) auditions begin as talented dancers from across the world flock to The Next Step studio in hopes of landing a spot on the regionals team. Family OnDemand will also offer new episodes as they become available weekly beginning March 1, with select episodes available for viewing on Family.ca.  

The news of the series' return comes as cast members prepares to take the stage tonight in London, Ontario for the first stop of the international The Next Step Wild Rhythm Tour. The interactive live stage show features the amazing talents of the series' stars featuring group numbers, solos and duets alongside musical performances by cast members from Lost & Found Music Studios. To find out if the tour is visiting a city near you, for detailed ticketing information and VIP passes, and to learn more about the series, please visit Family.ca.

The Next Step is produced by Temple Street, a division of Boat Rocker Studios, in association with Family Channel and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin' It, Kids in the Hall), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Orphan Black, Being Erica, Wingin' It), and Laura Harbin (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin' It). BBC Worldwide handles the international rights to the series.

Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and acquired series, movies and specials. Family is also home to F2N – an entertainment haven for teens that features high quality programs after 9 p.m. Family Channel subscribers have access to Family OnDemand and Family Online at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE Family Channel

Joanna Landsberg, Publicist - DHX Television, [email protected], 416.977.7458