Eager children and teens dressed in baggy pants, fashion-forward colorful athleisure, and worn-in sneakers gathered outside the well-known Millennium Dance Complex in Studio City, California.
Approximately 150 people, ranging from what looked like 5 years old to over 30, including this reporter, signed up for an exclusive dance session with the stars of Disney’s new film “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” which premiered on Disney+ on July 12.
Before attending the class, a quick check on the studio’s Instagram assured me that my loose black pants with red stripes, red tank sports bra, and tennis shoes were appropriate. It had been years since I last took a professional dance class, especially at such an iconic Los Angeles dance studio.
As other reporters and I waited in the hallway, we energized each other. What was initially thought to be a press-only event with fellow journalists turned out to be a special class for aspiring and professional dancers and fans to join.
Were we in over our heads?
Many Disney Channel original movies are celebrated for their catchy pop soundtracks and engaging choreography. The moves to “We’re All In This Together” made a generation imagine high school as one big dance party. “The Cheetah Girls” sequel inspired me to visit Spain years later and “Strut” with purpose in the Barcelona heat.
This time, instead of following Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and the rest of the amigas cheetahs from my living room with friends, I was learning from professionals. It was a chance to live out a teenage dream, one that was more challenging and fast-paced than anticipated.
Despite taking dance classes years ago, I wasn’t the best at quickly picking up choreography.
But as two of the film’s stars told me, my performance didn’t need to be perfect; I just needed to have fun. It was a moment that delighted my inner Disney Channel tween.
Getting ‘Descendants’ Ready
Before entering the brightly-painted red room with mirrors on one wall, I spoke with “Rise of Red” leading ladies Kylie Cantrall and Ruby Rose Turner.
Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear that acting in the film was a realization of a longstanding dream for them. Sitting cross-legged on the hardwood floor and linking arms, they exhibited a best-friend dynamic as they cheered each other on.
“We grew up taking classes at the original Millennium in North Hollywood, and this is a core memory for me and Ruby,” Cantrall, who portrays Red, the Queen of Hearts’ daughter, told TODAY.com. “That’s how we met — through dance, taking classes, training together growing up, so this is very nostalgic for us.
“And to be teaching this choreography from the movie to these kids,” she continued, before Turner chimed in, “It’s literally, pinch me!”
The latest installment in the “Descendants” franchise features new characters. When the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) stages a coup in Auradon, the rebellious Red and Chloe, Cinderella’s sweet and kind daughter (played by Malia Baker), travel back in time to change the past and stop her. They discover that a young Queen of Hearts, Bridget, played by Turner, was quite the opposite of her future villainous self. But what turned her so cruel?
Brandy also reprises her 1997 “Cinderella” role, with Paolo Montalban joining her as King Charming.
Landing the roles of Red and Bridget has “been a long time in the making,” Cantrall reminisced about their days as young aspiring entertainers. Both started dancing from a young age, with Cantrall beginning at just 2 years old.
“Descendants” fans are loyal, and Cantrall and Turner are excited to leave their mark on the latest chapter of the franchise.
“There is so much authenticity and a resemblance to the other ‘Descendants’ movies with our big musical numbers, costumes, and extravagance. I think that’s very nostalgic,” Cantrall said. “But it’s also a completely new story with new characters like Bridget, which I think is the coolest thing about this film. The time travel aspect and showing the origins of these iconic characters is so cool.”
Their preparation for “Descendants” involved “a bit of a boot camp” for a month, Turner revealed, mentioning that her co-star also underwent sword training in addition to dance rehearsals.
“This project is truly magical because I grew up dancing and singing. It’s a dream job for both of us,” Cantrall said, her eyes twinkling. Turner, smiling broadly, nodded in agreement, “Absolutely!”
“Because we have backgrounds in various aspects of performance, working on a project like this feels like validation for all those hours of dance practice,” Cantrall added.
A Dance Class for “Descendants: The Rise of Red”
Those countless hours of practice included learning the routine choreographed by Millennium’s Kelly Sweeney specifically for the class.
Once inside the room, I found a spot in the back corner with three other reporters and one of their friends. The class began promptly, and we quickly started learning the first eight counts to Turner’s character’s song “Life is Sweeter.”
I remembered Cantrall’s advice before the class started: “I think you’ll be fine. The fun thing about it is, you can make it your own… Have fun.”
Turner added, “It doesn’t have to be perfect. No one’s expecting perfection.”
As the second eight counts approached, two wide-eyed reporters next to me decided to leave, feeling the choreography was too advanced. We laughed, but I embraced the challenge.
It was a challenge Cantrall and Turner tackled as they prepared for their roles.
“The only thought going through my mind was, ‘Wow, everyone else is amazing,’” Turner recalled from training. “What a cast! I’d be in rehearsals and out of breath, everyone was so good.”
Cantrall added that everyone put in the hard work, “But it’s fun because we elevate each other and push each other in a supportive and fun way.”
However, she admitted it did make her feel the need to “show up and keep up with everyone.”
As I tried to keep up with the other dancers, a remaining reporter, her friend, and I closely watched a dancer in front who had flawlessly grasped the choreography.
When groups were separated, I stayed in the back and tried to remember the moves — “Jump, kick ball change, hip out, heart shape with my hands. Missed a step, okay, I’m behind, mixing the bowl, step, step. What was next?” — raced through my mind.
Taking it all in stride and laughing at the fun of it, I was, quite literally, attempting to keep up.
As the “Life Is Sweeter” choreography concluded, many were called to perform solos and in smaller group formations. The energy surged, the moves were sharp, and I took it all in, my feet sore and stomach rumbling.
The young star of the class, appearing to be under 7 years old, impressed everyone with his popping, locking, and precision, earning a solo performance.
Next up was the “Red” choreographer, but that’s when I took my leave, letting the kids enjoy their fun.