The stage is set: The Next Step four-part regionals television event begins December 13 on Family

Emmy-nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey to appear in all four episodes

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - It all comes down to this. After months of preparation, Family Channel turns the spotlight to a four-part television event from The Next Step that fans won't want to miss. The competition truly begins on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. ET/PT, as the A-Troupe heads to the 'Absolute Dance Regionals Competition' to face off against the best of the best in the world of dance. The hit series' explosive first season draws to a dramatic close with a thrilling new episode each week, leading up to the highly anticipated finale on Friday, January 3 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

In the exhilarating four-episode conclusion to season one, the A-Troupe finally hits the regionals stage, attempting to captivate both the audience and judges with the jaw-dropping, show-stopping numbers they have rehearsed all season. With the fiercest competition under one roof, including the explosive self-taught dance crew, Seeds, and the riveting returning champs, Elite, The Next Step will need to lay it all out on the dance floor if they want to bring home the coveted regionals title. Emmy-nominated Canadian choreographer Stacey Tookey (So You Think You Can Dance), guest stars as herself in all four episodes, providing sideline commentary throughout the competition.

Family's break-out dance drama The Next Step was recently named the recipient of the Shaw Rocket Prize for the Children ages 6-12 category, and the 2013 Digi Award for The Next Step Interactive in the Best In Cross-Platform Kids category. The series follows the lives of a group of elite dancers at The Next Step Studio as they work to win the regional competition. Family OnDemand and Family.ca will offer the season's final four episodes as they become available each week beginning December 14.

Commissioned by Family Channel, The Next Step is produced by Temple Street Productions and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Wingin' It, Kids in the Hall, Billable Hours), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Orphan Black, Being Erica, Wingin' It). BBC Worldwide has acquired international distribution rights. The Next Step is also produced with the financial assistance from The Shaw Rocket Fund and the Canada Media Fund.

Family Channel is a premium, commercial-free network offering the best in family television entertainment in approximately 6 million homes across Canada. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a fun experience for all, Family airs a unique mix of series, movies and specials, with a large portion of programming supplied by Disney. Family Channel also offers Family OnDemand, a television-based Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service and Family OnLine, an internet-based, streaming service, these services, available at no additional cost, present hit Disney movies and series, plus top-rated Canadian series to subscribers when they want it, where they want it. Visit us at Family.ca.

SOURCE: Family Channel

For additional information please contact Joanna Landsberg at 416-956-8547 or [email protected]