Performing is in actress and dancer Kate Roman’s blood. From participating in competitive dance to booking commercials and ensemble roles in Netflix films, Kate is amassing quite an impressive body of work. Her recent breakout role as Ariana on the acclaimed teen drama series The Next Step proves she’s ready to take the spotlight.
I had the privilege of chatting with Kate about playing Ariana, an acro and lyrical dancer on A-Troupe. We also discussed what viewers can expect from Season 9, working with her real-life sister Emily Roman (who plays Presley) and more.
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This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.
Origins
Melody McCune: We at GGA love a good origin story. What’s your origin story? How did you get into the arts?
Kate Roman: I was around four when I took my first dance class. I grew up in the competitive dance world. When I was around seven or eight, I did my first commercial — a State Farm commercial; [it] was really fun. Then, I got an agent and started auditioning more. Around 2020, I honed in on my acting training, working intensively. I booked ensemble roles in a few Netflix films. I was in Feel the Beat and 13: The Musical, which are both fun. Eventually, I booked The Next Step, which is my breakout role. I’ve been continuing to train ever since.
MM: Let’s talk about The Next Step. Can you tell me about it and how you got involved with the series?
KR: The Next Step has been running for 10 years — [it’s] in its ninth season. It’s broadcast worldwide and is especially popular in the UK. It’s about a dance studio navigating drama on and off the dance floor, how they compete in several competitions and their lives as they get through this drama.
I was on Season 8 in a supporting role as Ariana through Season 9. She comes from a rival dance studio with not the best intentions, but as the season goes on, you see she has so many layers. Ariana’s been through a lot. She’s faced with toxic friendships and decisions and has excellent character growth throughout the season. I think fans can resonate with that.
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What to Expect
MM: What can viewers expect when they watch this season?
KR: The Next Step is known for its cliffhangers and twists, so I think they can expect to see a lot of different wild rides. You see this at the beginning: we’re not at our strongest, and we lose some people; we gain some people. We don’t know who we can trust. The biggest competition, which is called Internationals, is in the show. They can fall in love with the newer characters and the storyline and see how we come together to be a team again.
Season 9
MM: Describe Season 9 using three words.
KR: Unpredictable. Drama. Amazing.
MM: Do you have a favorite scene or a highlight from working on this show?
KR: My real-life sister, Emily Roman, is on the show. Later on in the season, we have a scene together. It’s a really special scene that fans will love. We had the best time doing that. That was probably my favorite [scene] to film and close to my heart. We’re so excited for everyone to see it.
MM: As a dancer, is there a dancer who inspires you or whose style inspires yours?
KR: Honestly, my sister. We grew up dancing at the same studio, and we’re both known to be athletic dancers. We love to throw in tricks and see how crazy we can make something with the least amount of prep. Whenever she gets a trick, I have to get it, too. We constantly push each other to be our best, so she’s really inspired me the most.
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On the Horizon
MM: What else is on the horizon for you, career-wise?
KR: I can’t say much about it now, but I’m working on a few new, exciting projects in the early stages and potentially filming stuff this summer. I’m always posting on my social media so fans can see whatever updates I can give here and there.
MM: Awesome! Have you watched anything interesting lately?
KR: I’ve always been the biggest fan of Suits, so I’m re-watching that now. I love a good nine seasons of full drama.
MM: Name your top five favorite films.
KR: La La Land. Anyone But You. Now You See Me. Knives Out. Babylon.
MM: Thank you so much for chatting with me, Kate! Congratulations on The Next Step!
KR: Thank you, Melody!
You can follow Kate on Instagram (@k8roman). Be sure to watch Season 9 of The Next Step on YTV and BBC iPlayer.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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