Street Dance Step Up 2 [upd] -
You might ask: Why are we still talking about this film? The answer lies in authenticity. Before Step Up 2 , street dance in Hollywood was often sanitized or used as a comic relief gimmick. This film treated b-boys and b-girls as athletes and artists.
To understand the dance, one must understand the stakes. Step Up 2 follows the story of Andie West (Briana Evigan), a rebellious street dancer raised in the rough-and-tumble neighborhoods of Baltimore. Following the death of her mother, Andie is on the brink of being sent to Texas by her guardian. Her last chance? Auditioning for the prestigious Maryland School of the Arts (MSA).
The film also launched the careers of dance superstars. Choreographers like Jamal Sims went on to work with Beyoncé and the Oscars. Dancers like Madd Chadd (who plays teenager "Mouse") became viral internet sensations. The film proved that wasn't just a movie—it was a recruitment tool. Gyms and studios saw a 200% increase in teen enrollment for hip-hop classes following the DVD release.
Forget the arms for a minute. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width. Drop your center of gravity (bend your knees). Bounce gently to the beat. This is the "rock." Once you have the bounce, add a side step: step right, tap left; step left, tap right.
You might ask: Why are we still talking about this film? The answer lies in authenticity. Before Step Up 2 , street dance in Hollywood was often sanitized or used as a comic relief gimmick. This film treated b-boys and b-girls as athletes and artists.
To understand the dance, one must understand the stakes. Step Up 2 follows the story of Andie West (Briana Evigan), a rebellious street dancer raised in the rough-and-tumble neighborhoods of Baltimore. Following the death of her mother, Andie is on the brink of being sent to Texas by her guardian. Her last chance? Auditioning for the prestigious Maryland School of the Arts (MSA).
The film also launched the careers of dance superstars. Choreographers like Jamal Sims went on to work with Beyoncé and the Oscars. Dancers like Madd Chadd (who plays teenager "Mouse") became viral internet sensations. The film proved that wasn't just a movie—it was a recruitment tool. Gyms and studios saw a 200% increase in teen enrollment for hip-hop classes following the DVD release.
Forget the arms for a minute. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width. Drop your center of gravity (bend your knees). Bounce gently to the beat. This is the "rock." Once you have the bounce, add a side step: step right, tap left; step left, tap right.
