Principal photography began Thursday in Toronto on The Next Step, a single cam scripted tween drama from Temple Street Productions for Astral’s Family Channel.

“The Next Step marks Temple Street’s own next step in youth programming. We think the reality-like format of the program also ‘keeps step’ with savvy tween audiences looking for unique programming,” said Temple Street co-presidents David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg in a statement.

“Temple Street has truly been able to develop an original idea with The Next Step and we can’t wait to expand upon the endless possibilities this series presents us with across all platforms,” said Astral Kids director of original programming Michael Goldsmith, in his own statement.

The series follows a group of elite dancers at The Next Step Dance Studio who are gunning to win a regional dance competition.

Temple Street's Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier

The Next Step will include original songs and professional choreography in the 26 half-hour episodes.

Extra content, including an after-show web series featuring character interviews and behind-the-scenes footage and commentary, will be available on Family.ca.

Victoria Baldessara, Alexandra Beaton, Brittany Raymond, Shamier Anderson and Bree Wasylenko will star as The Next Step Dance Studio dancers, following an extensive casting search.

The series will also feature So You Think You Can Dance season four winner Jordan Clark, Trevor Flannigan-Tordjman, Isaac Lupien, Samantha Grecchi, Tamina Pollack-Paris, Jennifer Pappas, Brennan Clost and Lamar Johnson.

The Next Step is created by Frank van Keeken, also the creator of Temple Street’s Wingin’ It, which airs on Family Channel and Disney XD.

The series, commissioned by Family Channel, is exec produced by van Keeken, Schneeberg and Fortier, and produced with assistance from the Shaw Rocket Fund.

BBC Worldwide has international distribution rights.