At 24, this performer has already carved a distinct space in Canadian entertainment. Her work balances dance precision with compelling screen presence.
She comes from Cambridge, Ontario. Her career is built on a dual identity as a dedicated dancer and a thoughtful actress.
Many know her from the role of Piper on the series *The Next Step*. That character introduced her talent to a wide international audience.
Building a professional career so young required immense discipline. She navigated education and performance demands with clear focus.
This is a story about the steady work behind the spotlight. It follows the growth of a career rooted in movement and authentic storytelling.
Spotlight on Alexandra Chaves
Long before the cameras found her, movement was the first language she learned to speak fluently. Her training started young, spanning multiple dance disciplines. This built a foundation that mixed technical skill with raw performance energy.
She also played hockey, soccer, and did gymnastics. These sports honed her athleticism and body awareness. That physical confidence translated directly to the stage.
Early Beginnings in Dance
Her serious talent became clear with a major national win. At just ten years old, she earned the Mini Miss Dance Canada title. This victory marked her as a standout competitor in the dance world.
She further sharpened her skills as part of the Toronto Raptors Junior Hip Hop Crew. Performing for live game crowds taught her about high-energy choreography and connecting with an audience.
Mini Miss Dance Canada Achievement
Acceptance into the National Ballet School of Canada’s professional program was a pivotal step. This rigorous training path forged her classical technique and performance discipline. These early achievements were proof of a powerful work ethic.
That deep background in movement became the core of her professional identity. It is the language she uses to build every character, seamlessly bridging her world of dance with her work as an actress.
The Journey to The Next Step
The audition for the popular series presented a classic scenario. She initially read for a part in the J-Troupe but impressed the casting directors enough to win the lead role of Piper in season four.
This character required a unique blend of technical dance skill and genuine emotional range. Piper grew across multiple seasons, becoming central to the show’s ensemble dynamic.
Landing the Role of Piper
She remained a main cast member from seasons four through eight. Her commitment to the series totaled 110 episodes.
She even returned for guest appearances in the ninth and tenth seasons. This showed a lasting connection to the show and its cast.
Family Channel Campaigns and Tours
Her work extended beyond the screen. She participated in Family Channel’s Stand Up! anti-bullying campaign, visiting schools to promote kindness.
Live tours brought the energy of the series directly to fans. In 2017, she performed in the UK for the Disney Channel Big Ticket Concert.
A major international tour followed in 2019, reaching audiences in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK again. These experiences reinforced the show’s global impact.
| Season | Role Status | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Main Cast (Introduction) | Joined the series as Piper |
| 5-8 | Main Cast | Character development arc |
| 9-10 | Guest Star | Final appearances |
This role became the anchor of her early career. It provided steady work, creative growth, and a professional community that shaped her identity as a performer.
Expanding Horizons in Acting and Dance
The discipline honed during her years on the television show became the springboard for exploring new creative territories. She deliberately sought roles that challenged her beyond dance performance.
Notable Film and TV Roles
In 2018, she appeared in the acclaimed series Anne with an E as a chorus member. This period drama required a different kind of emotional presence.
Her 2019 work included a guest spot on Good Witch and a more dramatic turn in Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story. The latter film dealt with serious social issues, demanding depth beyond her usual roles.
More recently, she joined the cast of Geek Girl as Millie in 2024. This demonstrated her ongoing commitment to evolving series formats.
International Concert Tours and Experiences
Live performance remained central to her work. In 2017, she participated in the Disney Channel Big Ticket Concert in the UK.
The 2019 tour expanded significantly, reaching audiences in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK again. These arena shows combined high-energy dance with direct fan interaction.
Tour life demanded physical stamina while maintaining other acting commitments. These international experiences built her confidence in large-scale production environments.
Together, these projects expanded her professional toolkit. She gained dramatic acting skills, live performance experience, and global exposure while staying true to her dance roots.
Personal Resilience and Health Challenges
The journey to success was marked by unexpected medical hurdles that tested her resilience. Physical health became a constant consideration alongside artistic growth.
Managing school and professional commitments required careful planning early on. She attended St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School before switching to Virtual High School. This change accommodated her television career while ensuring educational completion.
Balancing Education with a Professional Career
The transition to online learning allowed her to film The Next Step without sacrificing academics. This flexibility proved essential during demanding season schedules.
Overcoming Heart Arrhythmia and Ulcerative Colitis
At age 12, a heart arrhythmia diagnosis forced a nine-month break from dancing. The irregular heartbeat condition required complete physical rest during crucial training years.
This pause became an unexpected turning point. Unable to dance, she found an agent and began auditioning for acting roles. The screen career that followed started during this health-imposed break.
In 2018, ulcerative colitis added another layer of challenge. The chronic digestive condition affects energy levels and physical stamina. Managing this while maintaining a performance career demanded careful health advocacy.
| Age/Year | Health Challenge | Career Impact | Adaptation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 12 | Heart Arrhythmia | 9-month dance break | Transitioned to acting auditions |
| Teen Years | Education demands | School vs. filming conflict | Switched to Virtual High School |
| 2018 | Ulcerative Colitis | Chronic energy management | Health advocacy during seasons |
Resilience became a practical necessity rather than inspirational concept. She learned to adapt, advocate for her needs, and continue working in a physically demanding industry.
Advocacy and Community Impact
Her platform serves as more than just entertainment—it’s become a vehicle for social impact and youth empowerment. The visibility gained through television created opportunities for meaningful advocacy work.
Plan Canada Youth Advocacy
As a Plan Canada Youth Advocate, Alexandra Chaves focuses on global education access and gender equality. She amplifies issues affecting young women worldwide. In 2021, she wrote a CBC opinion piece about pandemic disruptions to education.
The work highlights barriers facing marginalized communities. It connects directly to her own experiences navigating health challenges and public visibility.
She also participated in the Family Channel’s Stand Up! anti-bullying campaign. As a cast member, she visited schools with her colleagues. They shared personal stories about resilience and kindness.
This advocacy became an authentic part of her public identity. It reflects the same discipline she brings to her craft. The campaigns make tangible differences for young people who see themselves in her story.
Her commitment extends beyond performative support. It’s grounded in real-world impact and thoughtful engagement with critical social issues.
Final Thoughts on Her Continuing Journey
The work continues, grounded in the community forged during her years on the beloved series. For this actress, The Next Step was more than a role; it was a creative home. It shaped her as a performer and collaborator.
That bond remains strong. She recently stood as a bridesmaid for fellow cast member Berkeley Ratzlaff. This deep connection extends beyond the screen.
Her career keeps evolving. The 2024 series Geek Girl adds a new character, Millie, to her growing list of parts. Each new project adds depth to a path built on discipline.
From national dance titles to international tours, her story is one of resilience. She moves forward, not for applause, but for the work itself. The journey is far from over.
