Dance battle breaks out downtown (11 photos)

Cast members of Family Channel's The Next Step made a stop at the Essar Centre tonight, as part of their Wild Rhythm Tour.

The Next Step television show, which began airing its fourth season last week, is aimed at a tween audience and focuses on the members of the fictional Next Step dance troupe.

Cast members showed off their dance skills in group numbers, solos and duets, as well as a 'dance battle' between male and female cast members.

After the female members won the battle by show of applause, host DeShaun Clarke acknowledged the result has been the same during every stop on the tour so far.

The tour, which will visit 22 Canadian cities before moving on to international dates, was choreographed by cast members Jordan Clarke and Trevor Tordjman.

Sunday's show also featured musical performances by Shane Harte and Sarah Carmosino, cast members of Lost & Found Music Studios, which shares a production company with The Next Step and which also appears on Family Channel.

The live show featured many of the show's talent, and offered a sneak peek at newest cast member Isaiah Peck, who joins the cast for season four.

Almost 2000 were in attendance for Sunday's show at the Essar Centre.

The house lights were turned on partway through the show, as the cast taught a dance routine to the fans in attendance.

Audience participation was also encouraged during a question and answer session with fans.

- with files from Emmi Armstrong