Dancing is not only a way of expressing emotions, it can become a way of life. In the latest Center Stage, Turn It Up, the film takes it cues from the original, portraying lives of people to whom dance is everything.
This time around the action moves into the range of hip hop to give it even more color and excitement. The first film has developed a loyal following, and this second film, or sequel is sure to please fans and newcomers alike.
All Kate Parker (Rachele Brook Smith) has ever wanted is to be a ballerina. When a turn of events keeps her from getting accepted at the prestigious New York American Ballet Academy for training, Kate must either give up the dream of dancing or find another way to make it happen.
To the credit of the writers, this does not become an unbelievable story of chance. Kate is a good dancer, but so are a lot of others who try for the few positions open at the academy. She is unhappy, when she doesn’t get accepted, but rather than giving up, Kate takes action to try and get closer to her dream. In the process she suffers some tough set backs and some glorious victories.
One of the most appealing aspects of Center State Turn it Up is that there is discussion and advice on finding yourself in your profession. Of equal importance to being skillful, the dancers are encouraged in learning to recognize the passion that raises one from just a good performer to the one who brings the crowd to their feet with excitement.
This type of emotional involvement and devotion to what one does best can be used for any skill or ability. All of us who feel passionately about our work can see how important it can be to let our love for whatever we do generate excitement in others. It may not be the physical level of excitement exhibited by the dancers, but it is still the same emotion.
Those who love learning and books can use their passion to generate interest and excitement in others for the written word, or the poetic phrase, just as those who love dancing. The same can be experienced in science, or mathematics, and this excitement can lead to beneficial discoveries just as the dance passion can lead to artistic enhancement.
Center Stage Turn It Up is presented on single disc widescreen with a variety of languages available. The playing time for the feature is 95 minutes. The special features include a behind the scenes look at the production “Center Stage Turn It Up: A Look Behind the Curtain,” and a featurette on the creation of the dance sequences for the film “The Choreography of Center Stage Turn It Up: From Classroom to Club” which has excellent interviews with cast and choreographer Aakomon “A. J.” Jones. The film is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.
The movement and music of the film are energizing and beautiful to watch and hear. Good job, all who were involved!
Center Stage: Turn It Up is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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