Watch Center Stage: Turn It Up

Center Stage: Turn It Up, released in 2008, is a dance film directed by Steven Jacobson. The movie stars Kenny Wormald, Rachele Brooke Smith, and Sarah Jayne Jensen in the lead roles. It is a sequel to the 2000 movie, Center Stage, but with a completely different cast. The movie follows the story of Kate Parker, played by Rachele Brooke Smith, a talented dancer from Detroit who dreams of making it big in the world of ballet. However, she faces several obstacles in her path, including her lack of formal training and her troubled past. Despite all these challenges, Kate is determined to prove herself and make her mark as a dancer.

Kate gets accepted into a prestigious ballet school in New York City, where she meets a group of talented dancers, as well as her love interest, Tommy Anderson, played by Kenny Wormald. Tommy is a handsome and gifted dancer who is already a star at the school. However, he is dealing with some personal issues of his own and is initially hesitant to get close to Kate.

As Kate begins to navigate the challenges of the ballet school, she realizes that talent alone is not enough to succeed in the competitive world of dance. She has to work hard, overcome her insecurities and fears, and learn to trust and support her fellow dancers.

The film showcases some incredible dance performances, displaying various styles of dance such as contemporary, hip hop, and ballet. The choreography is impressive and visually stunning, capturing the intensity and passion of the dancers.

The characters in the movie are well-developed and relatable, making the audience invested in their journey. Kate's character is particularly endearing - she is confident, determined, and fiercely independent, but also vulnerable and emotional. Kenny Wormald delivers an excellent performance as the charming but troubled Tommy. Sarah Jayne Jensen plays the role of the school's prima ballerina with ease and grace.

One of the highlights of the movie is the relationship between Kate and Tommy. It is refreshing to see a love story that is not the central focus of the film but rather a complementary aspect to the main plot. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their dance sequences are some of the best in the movie.

The film also touches upon some important themes such as sexual harassment in the workplace, mental health, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. These themes are sensitively handled and add depth to the movie.

Overall, Center Stage: Turn It Up is a well-executed dance film that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. It has a compelling story, impressive performances, and breathtaking dance sequences that will leave the audience feeling inspired and entertained.

Center Stage: Turn It Up is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.