Dirty Dancing, Save the Last Dance.....or STEP UP???

Dirty Dancing, Save the Last Dance, or STEP UP? You have to make the decision, but believe me..it won't be hard.

Step Up is a stunning film wherein the ballet and hip hop cross paths. While the talented traditional ballet dancer Nora Clark ( Jenna Dewan) attends the sophisticated art school in Baltimore- Maryland School of the Arts, her future of pursuing professional dance becomes frustrated as her dance partner for her “senior showcase” gets injured. She encounters Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) when he begins completing community service as a janitor at the Maryland School of Arts; is court ruling after disobeying the law. He being a talented hip hop street dancer and her technique and drive for ballet conflict and mesh as she trains him to be her partner for the showcase and the sparks fly.

In Tatum’s interview with Chuck the movie Guy, he stated that he has had no previous dance experience, just time on the street. He has earned belts in both Kung Fu and Gor-Chor Kung Fu, forms of martial arts. This is brilliant and awe-inspiring! He has skill beyond some trained dancers. Tatum has so much potential in so many areas. He already has another movie coming out on September 28 and another in 2007. We have more to see of Tatum and his tremendous vibrant acting career. In Step Up Tatum will blow your socks off. He is strong and firm in his skills of hip hop and will honestly leave you with your jaw hanging open. Tatum is amazing at developing a tangible chemistry with the women in his movies, and there is no doubt that there is chemistry with Tatum and Dewan on and off the set. The love story in Step Up is sweet and passionate. When their relationship struggles, you will too because of how real the movie is to its audience. I sat on the edge of my seat, literally, because of the intense moments in the movie.

Jenna Dewan is a gifted dancer. She has toured with P. Daddy and Janet Jackson as a dancer and played Sasha in Take the Lead. She is beautiful and strong. Although her dancing didn’t disappoint me, I believe that there could have been someone with more outstanding dancing talent. Maybe Dewan was the best choice for acting and dancing. She sure took the character to heart and never let me down. I only thought this when I began to analyze the movie after watching it. I am a dancer myself and so I am more skeptical of dancers in general. Dewan was wonderful and her chemistry with Tatum is unmatchable. There are many moments while they are dancing where they get so close, their lips almost touch….but.. then they refrain from the kiss. These moments are so real that they leave me hanging every time I watch it.

This movie is full of new actors and actresses that are incredibly talented. Not only are they talented as actors but this film is about the arts, and there is no question of the artful talents the supporting roles possess in real life. Miles Darby( Mario) and Lucy Avila (Drew Sidora) are ritzy and resplendent! In the movie they have a secret fickle chemistry that is on and off and definitely makes them seem in high school. When they finally get together it becomes satisfyingly complete because of the struggles they’ve had. Their musical skills are motivating as well and really give support to the elite feeling and reputation of the Maryland School of the Arts.

Mac and Skinny Carter (Damaine Radcliff, De’Shawn Washington) play brothers and best friends to Gage. These actors are essential to this movie and also have an amazing friendship that seems to penetrate through the screen. The real life of ghetto Baltimore is illustriously displayed by the young men in this movie.

Director Gordon (Rachel Griffiths) is a sharp actress and just adds more depth to the movie. She begins by judging Gage by his reputation but finally looks at him for his potential and talent as a future student at the Maryland School. The movie is exhilarating and edifying as lives begin anew and everyone is given a step forward into the direction of their desired future. Gage sure took a big step toward a bright future and left an inspiring example for the audience.


Anne Fletcher is the director of Step Up and is extraordinary in her work of choreography. She has is a qualified and professional dancer. She has previously danced in The Flinstones, The Mask, Casper, Anastasia, Almost Heroes, and George of the Jungle. She has been the master choreographer for countless television shows and films. (She’s All That, Bring It On, The Wedding Planner, Master of Disguise, Along Came Polly, Cat Woman, Scooby Dooby Doo 2, and Ice Princess). Fletcher definitely proved her high standard of excellence through the artful and technical choreography in Step Up. The concluding performance at the end of the movie is breathtaking and eye opening. Fletcher has done wonders and will continue to amaze us.

Step Up is a motivator. I just watched the end of the movie again last night. I could not help but want to dance right then! I wanted to fulfill my goal of a future in dance. I freaking love this movie!! Every part gets me every time, it never gets old! My roommate saw in the theatres twice in one day and has gone once more already. It will not disappoint you.

I’ve heard some people comment that Step Up is the new Dirty Dancing and is better than Save the Last Dance. Is this true? Well I sure think it is, what about you??? Watch it.