Victoria Baldesarra | Inspiring the Next Generation of Dancers

For many young dancers around the world, The Next Step has been more than just a television series. It has been a window into the discipline, passion and teamwork that shape the life of a dancer. This April, Australian audiences will have the opportunity to experience that energy live when The Next Step: Legacy World Tour arrives across the country.

Due to overwhelming demand, additional performances have been added to Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane, Sutherland and Sydney as the tour travels to ten venues nationwide beginning on 8 April. Featuring many of the beloved cast members from the show’s ten season run, the tour promises an electrifying evening of dance, storytelling and connection with fans.

The live production brings together some of the most recognisable performers from the series, including Victoria Baldesarra (Michelle), Trevor Tordjman (James), Briar Nolet (Richelle), Jordan Clark (Giselle), Noah Zulfikar (Kingston), Emmerly Tinglin (Kenzie), Carter Musselman (Heath), Alex Chaves (Piper), Benjamin Williams (Pete) and Shane Mahabir (Ethan).

For dance students, seeing these performers live offers something unique. It is a reminder that the dancers audiences admire on screen began their journeys in studios just like yours.

Broadcast in more than 120 countries and spanning over 250 episodes, The Next Step has become a global dance phenomenon. Season 10 is currently available on ABC, continuing the story that has inspired young dancers for more than a decade.

The Legacy World Tour takes that inspiration from the screen to the stage. Fans will experience high energy choreography, iconic moments from the series and new stories created especially for the tour. The production is choreographed by Amy Wright alongside cast members Trevor Tordjman and Jordan Clark, who also serve as creatives for the show.

For students watching from the audience, the performers on stage may feel worlds away. Yet their journeys often began exactly where yours has, in local studios, training hard, competing and learning to find their own voice as artists.

Victoria Baldesarra, who plays Michelle in the series, understands that path well.

“My training as a teenager and even as a child was quite intense. I grew up competing in the North American competitive circuit, and it was pretty full on,” she explains.

Her biggest piece of advice for young dancers is simple but powerful.

“The one thing I wish I had known when I was coming into my teenage years as a dancer would be to remember dance is supposed to be fun. It’s easy to get caught up in the want to win and be the best all the time, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way.”

Touring performers must prepare both physically and mentally to maintain their performance level night after night. For Baldesarra, preparation became even more important after recovering from knee surgery.

“About a year ago I actually had knee surgery, which has been a huge part of my preparation for this tour to get not only my body feeling prepared, but also my mind,” she says.

Her routine now includes an extensive warm up before every show and prioritising rest.

“I’m also definitely at that point in my life where I need a solid eight hours of sleep a night. That’s been super key for me.”

These habits highlight an important lesson for dance students: longevity in dance depends on looking after both your body and your mindset.

In a world where social media constantly shows dancers from around the globe, comparison can become one of the biggest challenges young performers face.

Baldesarra offers a perspective many dancers need to hear.

“As cliché as it sounds, comparison is the thief of joy.”

Instead of focusing on others, she encourages dancers to identify their own strengths.

“Every dancer is unique in their own way. With time I was able to find my strengths and weaknesses, and I was able to make those strengths my thing. Own your style and keep your eye on the prize.”

Injuries are one of the greatest challenges dancers can face. For Baldesarra, they became a defining part of her journey.

“My biggest challenges in my dance career have been some significant injuries that really felt like major setbacks, but they turned into major comebacks.”

Rather than allowing setbacks to end her progress, she used the experience to grow.

“I had to learn how to persevere and rise above the challenges and how to become an even better dancer than I was before the injuries took place.”

For Australian students dreaming of performing on major stages one day, Baldesarra’s advice is clear.

“Versatility as a dancer is key. Get into as many classes as you can, in as many styles as possible. Everyone loves a well rounded dancer, and it builds major confidence as a performer.”

That versatility is something audiences will see throughout The Next Step Legacy World Tour, where the cast moves seamlessly between styles and storytelling.

For young dancers, watching a live performance like this can be both inspiring and motivating. It is a reminder that dedication, resilience and joy are at the heart of every successful dance career.

From the screen to the stage, The Next Step: Legacy World Tour brings the passion, power and pulse of dance to life.

Tickets and tour information
thenextstep.admitone.com