“Descendants: The Rise of Red” actors Kylie Cantrall and Ruby Rose Turner ahead of the dancing class about getting ready for their intense roles.
I astonished myself by attempting to learn how to dance like a Disney star.
In Studio City, California, eager children and teenagers congregate outside the renowned Millennium Dance Complex, dressed in loose pants, bright fashion-forward athleisure, and worn-in sneakers.
About 150 people, including this reporter, signed up for an exclusive dancing session with the actors of the recently released Disney film “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” which debuted onDisney+ on July 12. The participants ranged in age from what appears to be as young as 5 to 30+.
I was relieved to see that my tennis shoes, red tank sports bra, and loose black slacks with red stripes would work before I arrived at the class after quickly checking the studio’s Instagram page. It had been years since I had taken a professional class, much less one at a renowned dance facility in Los Angeles.
I am waiting in the complex’s hallway with a few other reporters, and we encourage one another. What we initially believed to be an exclusive gathering for media representatives and other journalists becomes a unique workshop open to enthusiasts and aspiring professionals of dance.
Are we taking on too much?
A lot of Disney Channel original films are renowned for their catchy pop soundtracks and captivating dance moves. A generation of people began to see high school as one huge dance party because to the routines to “We’re All In This Together.” Years later, the sequel to “The Cheetah Girls” inspired me to book a trip to Spain and “Strut” in the sweltering heat of Barcelona.
I was studying the pros, not Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Raven-Symoné, and the rest of the amigas cheetahs from my living room with friends. It was a chance to fulfill an adolescent goal that was harder and faster-paced than I had anticipated.
Even though I had taken dancing courses in the past, I wasn’t the fastest or best at picking up choreography.
But as two of the movie’s stars informed me, all that was required was enjoyment; a flawless performance wasn’t necessary. That was a happy moment for my inner tween from Disney Channel.
Preparing for “Descendants”
I have a conversation with Kylie Cantrall and Ruby Rose Turner, the main ladies of “Rise of Red,” before we head inside the vividly painted red chamber featuring mirrors on one wall.
It is evident from their excitement that these performers are carrying out a childhood ambition and that their passion permeates the entire room. Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor, they link arms and give each other encouragement, exuding a pally mood.
Cantrall, who plays Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, tells TODAY.com, “We grew up taking classes at the original Millennium that was in North Hollywood, and this is such a core memory for me and Ruby.” This brings back so many memories because that’s how we got to know each other—through dancing, classes, and training together as kids.
“And to be teaching these kids this choreo from the movie,” she says, cutting Turner off before she can say, “It literally pinches me!”
A new cast of celebrities is the focus of the most recent “Descendants” film. Time travel allows rebellious Red and Cinderella’s compassionate and loving daughter Chloe (Malia Baker) to stop the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) from starting a coup in Auradon. They learn that Turner’s teenage Queen of Hearts, Bridget, is completely different from the evil version of herself. What then made her so vile?
Alongside Brandy, who plays the now-King Charming Paolo Montalban, is Brandy reprising her 1997 “Cinderella” role.
Recalling their days as young, ambitious performers, Cantrall remarks that landing the parts of Red and Bridget has “been a long time in the making.” Cantrall began dancing at the age of two, while the other one did so as early as possible.
Turner and Cantrall are aware of the devoted nature of “Descendants” supporters. The performers are eager to add their signature to the upcoming franchise entry.
“With our large musical numbers, extravagant costumes, and overall sense of resemblance to the other ‘Descendants,’ there is an incredible amount of authenticity.” That makes me tremendously homesick for the original “Descendants,” Cantrall remarks. The nicest thing about this movie, in my opinion, is that it’s a whole new plot with brand-new characters like Bridget. I find it really intriguing that these well-known characters’ origin tales are shown together with the time travel component.
According to Turner, their preparation for “Descendants” was “a bit of a boot camp” for a month, during which her co-star underwent sword training in addition to their dancing routines.
I grew up singing and dancing, so this endeavor is really very magical. With a sparkle in her eyes, Cantrall states, “I think I can say that for the both of us: this is a dream job.” Turner grinned broadly, nodding to himself and responding, “Yes!”
Cantrall explains, “When you get to combine them in a project like this, it makes it like, ‘Oh, thank god I put in those hours of dance,’ because we have a background in all these different aspects.”
“Just attempting to stay up.”
During those dance hours, students will learn the routine that Kelly Sweeney, a choreographer from Millennium, specifically designed for the program.
After entering, I follow three other reporters and one of their friends to the back corner of the space. When class begins, we immediately begin learning the first eight counts of the song “Life is Sweeter,” which is sung by Turner’s character.
I recall Cantrall telling me, “I think you’ll be fine,” before to the commencement of the class. You can personalize it, which is what makes it exciting. Enjoy yourself.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect,” Turner continued. Nobody is looking for perfection.
Two wide-eyed reporters turn to face me as the second eight count approaches, stating that they are leaving since the choreography seems too complicated for them. We chuckle, but I’ll take the chance.
Cantrall and Turner accepted the challenge as well as they got ready for the part.
“The only thought that crossed my mind was, ‘Whoa, these people are really amazing.'” Turner remembers his training. What a group of people! I would be (really inhaling) in rehearsals. Everyone was excellent.
Cantrall continues, “But it’s so fun because we elevate each other and push each other in a way that’s so supportive and fun.” Everyone works hard, she says.
She acknowledges, however, that her urge to “show up because everyone here, I’m just trying to keep up with them” was a result of her talent.
A reporter who is still dancing, her companion (shoutout to Stephanie from “Access Hollywood”), Michelle, and I keep an eye on a dancer in front of us who has essentially perfected the choreography that has previously been taught, while I attempt to keep up with the other dancers.
When the groups split up, I stay in the back and do as many of the motions I can remember, like the jump, kick ball change, hip out, and hand-formed heart. Yes, I did indeed miss a step. Step by step, I’m behind, mixing the bowl. Once more, what was it? ― goes through my thoughts.
I’m genuinely fighting to keep up while taking it all in stride and giggling at how funny it is.
Many are called upon to perform solos and in smaller groups as the “Life Is Sweeter” choreography draws to a close. With my feet hurting and my hunger growing, I soak it all in as the intensity is great and the moves are precise and fluid.
Among the class’s bright spots was a small child who didn’t seem to be older than seven. He nabs his solo, and justifiably so, popping and locking and not skipping a step.
The “Red” choreographer is up next, but at this point I give a bow and let the youngsters have fun.