Stepping Up with Kate Roman: Dancing Through Drama in ‘The Next Step’ Season Nine
Join us as we catch up with Kate Roman, the award-winning teen actress and dancer starring in the ninth season of The Next Step, premiering on YTV this Spring. This season, Kate’s character, Ariana, faces her greatest challenges yet as the dance captain of A-Troupe. With the Nationals victory behind them, the team prepares for Internationals, but betrayal from within threatens their unity and success.
As Ariana navigates complex relationships and fierce competitions, Kate also shares the screen with her real-life sister, Emily Roman, adding a unique layer to her role. Tune in to discover how Ariana and A-Troupe tackle obstacles on their way to the international stage, both on and off the dance floor.
Follow Kate @k8roman
Hi Kate, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi and thanks for having me! I’m born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and I’ve been performing on and off screen since the age of 4 in various artforms. I also love being active, traveling, hanging out with friends, reading, writing, listening to music and trying new things.
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, disciplined, loyal. And gutsy.
How did you get started in acting?
My acting journey began through dance; dancers are storytellers too. From age 4 I was performing dance routines on stage, and I was in a few musical theater productions as well. I thrived under those bright lights! At the age of 8 I booked my first commercial, and by 10 I wanted to create a story on film, so I worked with a friend who is a great videographer and we came up with the concept of the journey of a butterfly and all the change that happens along the way. This became an award-winning short film. Over the next few years I booked roles as a featured ensemble dancer/actor/singer in two high profile Netflix projects that were filming locally. They were life-changing experiences and I started to train more seriously in acting which has led to my first lead role.
How has this changed your life?
Acting has changed my life in so many ways. The productions I’ve worked on have been really positive experiences and so memorable. I’ve learned a lot, I’ve developed an even stronger work ethic, and I’ve been gifted entirely new groups of friends. Most of all, acting continues to help me understand myself better. It’s a very busy life balancing acting, work, and school, and sometimes I have to miss out on regular teenage stuff, but it’s totally worth it.
How do you prepare for a role?
My acting coaches play a large role in my character prep. But before I meet with my coach, I review the script, and do a deep dive into the character. What motivates her to carry out her actions? How does the circumstance really make her feel? Then we play around and have a fun time exploring my character’s world. Once on set, I sit down with the directors, showrunners, and writers and discuss it some more. For more emotional scenes, once rolling I like to step aside and allow myself to get into the right headspace. Every take is different, but I always try my best to stay present and allow whatever happens to become something new.
Tell us about your work in Season 9 of the highly acclaimed and fan favorite teen drama series “The Next Step?”
I play Ariana, originally from a rival studio in the previous season. Ariana has a great story arc, that’s what I love most about her. She’s not what people think she is. She’s so strong, and deep down has a good heart. Ariana goes through A LOT. In 22 episodes Ariana faces everything from feeling upset to being manipulated and encounters several difficult decisions. She has so many layers to her, and it’s cool to see how she navigates the challenges along the way. It’s a true test of character and introspection as to what the final outcome will be. There is drama, humor, and lots of cliffhangers!
Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which one do you feel closest to or most proud of, and why?
I am definitely most proud and closest to Ariana on The Next Step. She has such a special place in my heart, someone I can really relate to – and I know others can as well. The fan reception so far in the UK has been amazing! Ariana has such wonderful growth over the season, really showing her complexities – which was something very important to me while playing her. It was also my first lead role on a television series and I think I surprised the directors and showrunners with how well I did!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play, and why?
I love a good teenage high school drama, I’d love to jump into the worlds of Ginny and Georgia and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Maybe a future season of The White Lotus? Have to let it happen!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I tend to be my biggest critic. I try my best to seek validation from within. Although, getting messages from fans saying how much they relate to my character or hearing that I’ve inspired them means the world to me. Knowing that my work has touched even one person is the greatest gift of all.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
What helped me most in my acting journey was training as much as I can. Working with different coaches and workshopping scenes really helped me improve. Just like anything, it takes time. Keep putting in the work, don’t be discouraged (be resilient) and have fun! At the end of the day, that’s why we do it: because we love to create and make art.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing at the age of 4! I was a very energetic, athletic, and creative kid, and it was clear dance was perfect for me.
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
My advice for aspiring dancers is to train, train, train! Dance has so many layers and complexities, there is always something more to strive for and improve upon. Really, just expose yourself to as many different styles and classes as you can, and you’ll start absorbing so much knowledge and build what I like to call a dancer’s “tool kit.” Confidence is also huge in dance. When you have that fearlessness inside you, it takes your performance to a whole new level. Dance takes a lot of self-discipline, but remember – what you put in is what you get out.
Tell us what it was like working with your sister
Working with my sister was the most special thing in the world. I look up to Emily so much as an artist and person. We have the strongest bond, we know each other better than ourselves. Getting to share a bit of that magic on screen with her for everyone to see is something that will always be a core memory for me.
What do you love most about dancing?
I love dance because it is the only thing in the world that perfectly combines athleticism and artistry. Dance is an expression of movement in a creative way, but there must be a solid foundation in technique, strength, and musicality. You can see this in a lot of my dancing. I’m constantly trying to push my limits physically and creatively, and it’s the most feel-good thing to do.
How do you manage your busy schedule with your personal life?
I’ve been busy most of my life—like really busy—and the schedule can stay constantly crazy. As a result, I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices in my social life; it’s not the usual childhood. But I had some of the best experiences growing up in this space and made the most amazing, life-long friends. Now, though, I am looking for slightly more balance. The past year was crazy, and there were times where I questioned the things I was putting all my energy into – something I think we all can relate to. Is this really worth it? It was time to reassess certain aspects of my life and just say no to some things. Change is scary but necessary. I’m so glad I made those decisions and keep pushing myself to try new things. I could not have done any of this alone however, and have the most supportive family and team that gets me through everything. They are my rock and have my back which I am so grateful for.
Tell us your top 3 countries to travel to. And which countries or cities are still on your bucket list?
My go-to place to unwind is Cabo. I love it there. The beaches on the Pacific are like no other!
I am hoping to visit the UK, Greece, Italy, and France in the near future, and Australia too…and so many more countries around the world!
How would your best friends describe you?
Outgoing and fun to hang with, witty, and relatable. I think they would also say I’m supportive, kind and full of great advice (I am 100% the therapist friend lol!)
What’s next for Kate Roman in 2024?
2024 has been great so far! I have another project in the works for later this year, and I will be taking some time to travel and explore new cities.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I am a firm believer that happiness comes from within. At the end of the day, no one is going to show up for you but yourself. You have to be your own best friend and biggest cheerleader, and hold yourself accountable. I remember a teacher once telling me “If you don’t like something, leave it. If you can’t leave it, change it. If you can’t change it, accept it.” This kind of mindset really shifted things into perspective for me. There is only so much I can control, and we are all too full of life to waste it on things we can’t.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower for a day, I would choose teleportation so I can go to LA instantly and see my sister!!
Best advice ever given?
I had a mentor once tell me “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, leave it. If you can’t leave it, accept it.” This was so said so eloquently and really puts into perspective that when we focus on what we can control versus what we can’t, then we live a more worry-free life, and protect our energy.
Do you support any charities?
Last year my school held a Fashion Show and silent auction – I was on the executive committee and led over 200 students to plan and execute this very large event. It was months of work, a lot of fun and very fulfilling! We raised $60,000 for Trillium Health Partners Hospital (women and children’s unit). I also do a lot of mentoring with younger girls – at the dance studio and at school. I see myself as a positive role model and it’s important for young girls to have some real examples with so much confusing and false information everywhere.
Favorite song? Why?
Based on my 20 different playlists, I don’t think I could ever narrow it down! I’m always listening to music and love a wide variety, depending on my mood.
What do you think of social media?
It’s good and bad. I think we all need to think of it as entertainment, and a way to connect with friends. But too much of anything is never good, and it’s important to still be connected to the world around us.
Where can we follow you?
On Instagram at: @k8roman
Book: The Four Agreements
Quote: “The move you’re scared to make is the one that will change everything for you.”
Movie: Soooo many! I’ve been on the romcom grind recently so How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days or Anyone But You!
TV Series: SUITS – because… Harvey and Mike!
Favorite Food: Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice
Travel Destination: Cabo San Lucas
Sports Team: Toronto Raptors