Is TNS too conservative? 🤔 

I feel like tns should do a storyline about one of the characters having mental health issues I feel like it would be a good plot as it could be relatable to loads of people

I'm so happy they included Ebby's storyline and how conformity dampens individuality. As a black afab dancer, I hardly see anyone like me in the dance industry and sometimes, I feel so out of place. I'm about to start college for a dance diploma and I'm super nervous I'm going to feel out of place just like I did during my time doing GCSE dance. It's honestly a very lonely experience but you get to break these expectations of you that are based on your race. I remember watching the mini series that TNS did called 'Elevating Black Dancers' and I related so much to what they were saying, especially when it came to hair and designated dancewear. I hope things will improve in the future but thanks Brittany for this video

20:43 It’s interesting that you point out the lack of group scenes (and in previous reactions have said you’d like to see more group dance rehearsals). I think it’s something that most fans would like to see more off too as it is something that seems to be missing in the latter seasons (S7 and S8). I can’t remember exactly when the seasons were filmed but it’s possible that less people were allowed on set under covid regulations or instead it was decided that it would be more efficient to do it with less characters in each scene. I’m aware that learning, rehearsing and filming dances can be quite a time consuming process and between a typically short filming schedule and a lot to get in storyline wise (something that has been made more difficult with having two troupes/sets of dancers in both S7 and S8 in particular) it makes sense to me why the production team would go with what we’ve ended up with - important plot relevant scenes with less characters in them.

I absolutely love the Kenzie and Ebby scenes in this episode mainly because they address serious issues such as Nationals being conservative with specific dance styles and the fact that Kenzie is the first black dance captain in the show. I like how there’s criticism of following the status quo with the dance Captain diary and how contemporary dance is favoured over other dance styles. It’s really interesting to have Ebby challenge these issues which effectively makes Kenzie question if it’s worth following the book if it means hiding one’s individuality and uniqueness that she’s been doing for a while now (suppressing herself). It even takes a while for the issue to sink in for Kenzie herself which is realistic. I’ve gone through that myself. This really breaks boundaries for TNS which I really like. I’m glad you acknowledged this too (along with hip hop having a variety which is often ignored). I think this is the first time race is also brought up in The Next Step with Ebby acknowledging that Kenzie is the first black dance captain that she’s met. While I don’t necessarily think Ebby should expect Kenzie to completely share the same view because she’s black, I completely understand her disappointment in not being initially heard by someone whose gone through a similar struggle to her as Kenzie can definitely empathise with her. I really like this because I feel they’ve often neglected to tell stories related to black dancers, specifically with black females in the show. During lockdown after Season 7 aired, there was a mini TNS series called Elevating Black Dancers where Monique, Kolton, Ben, Emmerly and Isaiah (Maya, Marcus, Pete, Kenzie and Henry) talked about their experiences in the dance industry relating to their ethnicity which involved issues such as not getting suitable skin coloured tights; doing extra work to costumes; unfair stereotypes; not being provided with the right makeup or shades which results in some black dancers carrying their own supplies and also wrongly assuming behaviour from black people (E.g witty behaviour being mistaken for sass etc). Also black hair being judged or wrongly handled by artists/managers too (to match the white dancers). I remember Emmerly mentioning experiencing something similar when I watched the mini series. Even Mockingariana could relate to some of the issues herself. To have TNS start to bringing up some of these issues (with Ebby) is a good foundation of breaking boundaries as is Kenzie’s declaration to pave a new way as dance captain (breaking away from the status quo). I agree that it is a good message. Your initial prediction of the mole was Summer but then you later rejected the prediction because you said it wouldn’t make sense for it to be Summer cause of her leaving. Looking forward to more reactions and content from you. Missed these so much. I hope you had a good holiday. Looking forward to your reaction to the mole😁

I generally think TNS does a pretty good job of being inclusive. Really cool to see some LGBT+ characters in the later series, especially because it doesn’t become this big topic or plot point. It’s quite refreshing to have LGBT+ characters just be. I like the fact they included Ebby’s storyline but I reckon it could have been expanded on more. They could have even gone down a slightly more depressing route of her scoring less because it was a none ‘traditional comp’ style of dance? I think her winning sort of suggests there isn’t an issue

Hi Britt! Another reaction that you can react to its the “TNS Live on Stage: The movie”, is about the tour that you and the cast did back in 2015. I’d love to hear more stories and memories you have about that experience with the cast!!!

i looove season 8 but the season 1 reactions were iconic lmao i hope you restart them one day🥲

TNS has changed a lot compared to the earlier seasons, like LGBT+ characters and people not being to express themselves, which I think are great storylines for the viewers watching like myself, as it's definitely something new for us to see. I've watched the whole of s8, and all I'll say is that it was a big shock to find out who the mole was. Also good luck on your movie that you're doing, I'm sure you'll do amazing. Can't wait to see your vlogs coming soon!

i think the reason why the storylines in this season usually only include a small group of characters, and they're not all in studio A as you pointed out, is that it was filmed during the pandemic.

the use of the word ‘conservative’ was definitely intentional & i’m so keen to see where they go with the commentary (assuming it goes beyond this episode) 😁 will absolutely be tuning in for ur next reactions

i think they do the " National soloist thing" because of the people who use they/them pronouns if this makes any sense

i really love when you react to tns! my fav character forever. also would you ever consider doing a video reacting to edits that fans make for you?? i would love to see that 😻 love you

yess we asked and u gaveee… the return of tns reactions. i really enjoyed this episode especially the recognition of the variety of cultures that exist, and the conflicts that can occur in situations like Ebby’s, but also how it was explored in the show was really different but highlighting to see. the mole storyline was done really good, and the reveal is actually in the next episode (9), so can’t wait to see your reaction to that! also I’m counting down the days to vlogmas!🎄❤️

i loved you talking about competitive hiphop being jazzy! i remember doing comps in school and we did more raw hiphop/break/whatever, and then i took hiphop classes and exams and wondered why it was so poised 😂

bit of an irrelevant observation but did anyone else notice all the s8 episodes have titles that reference musicals/songs from musicals? just some were: journey to the past from anastasia, i dreamed a dream from les mis, when i grow up from matilda, movie in my mind from miss saigon, what'd i miss and history has its eyes on you from hamilton, take me or leave me from rent, another suitcase in another hall from evita, and the two final episodes were defying gravity from wicked ofc!! (as well as loads more i could list forever) i haven't watched the entire season but was looking through all the episodes on bbc iplayer; could just be a link to the fact a-troupe are putting on a 'show', or maybe the show will be like a medley of some of the musicals they've referenced, or maybe i'm just overanalysing it all??🤣 just thought it was a fun little tidbit and cool to see how they found a title that would correlate somehow with each episode's plot :) p.s: love your videos britt! xo

I love these reaction videos!! I loved Ebby and Kenzie’s storyline in this episode and have been looking forward to your reaction of it! I’ve also finally just finished watching the rest of season 8 and I especially loved the second half of the season, although I guess it might be a while until you get to those!!!

Just went through covid isolation again (in august 2023… embarrassing) and tbh what kept me going was your reactions so I’m glad these are back ahaha

Congrats on the movie, can’t wait to hear more about that down the track. What a great episode, lots going on. I’m not sure Jude is the mole…it fits but maybe she’s just a red herring to throw us off? Like how would she have known about things like Kingston’s movie audition? I feel like it’s someone closer to the ‘elder’ A-troupe. Plus I assume they’ll drag the mole storyline out a bit longer and there’s a lot of season 8 to go. Loved the Ebby and Kenzie storyline, I hope TNS keeps touching on important storyline’s like this. Another amazing reaction, looking forward to your daily vlogs later in the year (and the podcast)

Thank you for replying to my question!! I'll follow your advice, start with vlogs and see where it goes

Hi Britt! Love your videos so much, they literally keep me going. I need these 😊

Hey:) I’ve watched your reaction vids for a while and love them. My favourites are the reactions to the early seasons like 1 and 2 and even 3. Of course I did see in your other videos that you wanna do these later seasons right now but if you ever did react again to seasons 1 or 2 ide be so so happy:)

your videos make my day! i was so excited to get home from work and just chill out and watch this video. thank you for taking time etc into making your videos ❤❤

i love that ur gonna keep on doing tns stuff as well as vlogs!! when is the podcast coming??

I love your videos so much! They are so good! I have always loved The Next Step!! Your videos always make my day!! Thank you so much!! ❤❤❤

Its so funny when you pull up the timer its so effortlessly hilarious.

Loved this! Are you able to give any details about the movie that you're in? Also if you do a question for the next video, my question is: Did you and Brennan ever do a duet in a dance competition?

OMGG EVERY TIME YOU CLICKED THE TIMER I WAS DIEING OF LAUGHTER 🤣🤣🤣

Brit loving these videos. Your amazing don’t stress about video anything you post will be appreciated x

loved your reaction but the only critique I have for S8 is that there are not many group dances shown and rehearsals also the dance captain leading rehearsals or choreographing as previously shown in S1 - 3

Yay I've missed the episode reactions :D Also, congrats on the movie!!!

Ahhhhh britt I'm so happy that you posted again we missed you🫶

piper and finn have a great duet later on in the season about their relationship and where they go after step inside

Idk if its just me but you are GLOWINGGG brit likeee 😍

I love when u react to tns my fav character fr

congratulations on your new movie!! can't wait to watch it!

This is such a great vid! Thank you! Always appreciate it! 🙂

I like the "Mechanic Barbie" outfit 💪

Good video and some interesting insights into the episode! What I took most from this video was actually what you said at the end about starting a You Tube Channel and just going with it. That’s exactly what I did, and I’m effectively doing it the opposite way round to how you did it; I haven’t yet had that acting role where I can build off of a pre-existing fan base, so I’ve built the channel from scratch and I’m hoping I’ll be able to attract more viewers from my status as an actor further down the line. It’s a hard graft but I’m really enjoying the process 😎📹 Looking forward to your next video! 🙂

WHAT MOVIE (I’m acting like you can tell me) JUDE HAS TO BE THE MOLE IF THE SHOE FITS WALK IN IT I feel like a good idea for a yt video would be a q&a, it gives us a chance to ask you questions about how to get movie roles or dance related questions or even just how your day is because people don’t seem to ask famous people simple questions like ‘how are you’ or anything like that which idk just seems odd in my mind, it’s one of the first things that I ask someone with a casual conversation

Bless ya with the timer…. Don’t need to time yourself, I like watching your videos regardless ❤ please do the rest of the series.

Congrats on booking the movie!

I really want to watch season 8. There's nowhere in New Zealand online to watch it. So all this is information I dont know anything about.

Personally, lose the timer😂😂😂😂😂 i appreciate the reason but i can see its sorta bothering

Hey Britt would you mind telling us if you’re in any other tv shows… if so which ones cause I want to see you in more shows ❤

Chleo was the one that wanted to prove herself after a-troupe kinda gave them the nationals, not Jude

i was missing the reactions to season 8🫶🏻

Your gasp when Jude called Cleo a supernova was great I loved it!

21:27 This is a big problem with this season and season 7. BUT, do remember that season 8 was filmed during pandemic, so that definitely was a huge factor in how often they could have an entire cast together for a scene

Can’t wait to see your new movie❤

Would you ever consider to do reaction videos to other movies or series? Like the stuff you Like to watch? ❤️

congrats on booking the movie!! can't wait to see it

Anybody notice the set design of the studio looks a bit different, fake perhaps? The bubble tea shop looks like a set and studio 1 and the locker rooms look not as bright as it did when it was first shown in season 5. It’s supposed to be the same studio but it looks like the quality of it went down a bit, possibly due to budgeting? Idk I’m not hating and still love the show, but I feel like the earlier seasons were better when it came to the set design, it looked more authentic back then?

I love YOU VIDEOS.. NOW YOU BECAME MY FAVORITE RU-vidR ❤❤❤

It’s so funny watching this and knowing who the mole is 😅 I’m still keeping it a secret 🤐

Non-related question….Is there a reason Stephanie from the next step messed up in dances or always seemed a little behind ? Is it the character or the actor?🤷🏽‍♀️

In seasons 2 what was number 7 on the list

Loving your reactions

Britt I’m tall and I wish I was shorter because most dancers aren’t tall like me

Britt you predicted Summer was the mole.

I already know how the mole is bc I winched all of sesesin 8 but I would give you a clue but it would be hard not to tell you the mole

You thought the mole was Summer. She left btw.

"supernova of a talent" judeeee 🤨🤔

Hey britt love your vids also early!

Hi Brittany! I love that pink shirt lol

Hi BRITTANY IM A HUGE FAN OF TNS AND RILEY AND JAMES AND IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY

You look amazing in that shade of pink

At least your bidet story is better than Eldon’s in series 4

Great job Brittany

How do you prepare for new roles?

Love Britt ❤❤❤

It feels like you’re comparing Piper’s relationship with Finn to her brother James’ relationship with Riley (I mean your opinion on it btw)

ily brittany 😘😘😘

loveeee ebby so much

Hey Britt I used to watch yours and Jo’s channel. Are you guys still close and do you think you’d ever make content together :)

TNS has nothing to do with the real dance world and you have to know that

this is so, SO unrelated but is it just me or does the background weirdly look like it's been greenscreened lol

Someone with disabilities should be on the show like me love Jiley ❤

How was your time in Portugal!?

i love your videos

Riley Raymond

I can’t wait till she reacts to the real mole in later episodes

❤❤❤

not about the video (was amazing), but we need to see you dancing ur solo when the war is over again

Ebby

❤❤❤❤❤

Good video way vlogmass

Personally I think that TNS went woke in 2020 with clude, Yes they made the relationship have faults and fixed it in season 8 and we don't want any pronoun nonsense shoved down our throats like Starfield recently, Let's just have a decent show without woke identity politics and strong whaman, Let's just have good characters with emotions and stories that we love. I've seen Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers, TNS and Gaming all fall to this woke ideology and what's worse is that people can't have an opinion on something and that's why I'm not a fan of my generation (Gen Z) because we can't take another opinion.

what tns is still on 💀💀

Hi Brittany!! I'm so early 😂

I’m so early love the vid❤

Earlyyyyyy

It’s not Jude but I thought that as well

You've never been a barista before? Really? From what I remember you're pretty experienced. 😅

She's not the MOLE

The show really needs to avoid woke politics and focus on the universals that made it work in the first place. Petty drama, great dancing and likeable characters.

you’re giving barbie and i’m here for it 🩷