Cast: Briana Evigan (Andie), Robert Hoffman (Chase), Adam G. Sevani (Moose), Cassie Ventura (Sophie),
Danielle Polanco (Missy) and Christopher Scott (Hair).

Direction: Jon M. Chu

Music: Aaron Zigman

Choreography: Jamal Sims, Nadine (Hi Hat) Ruffin and Dave Scott

A Touchstone Pictures release


'Step Up 2: The Streets' is a blazing sequel to the hugely popular Step Up, that ran to packed theatres in 2006. It has been rightly said of the later movie that 'Step Up' is best seen on the streets. The original setting is re-visited, as the drama unfurls in the neighbourhood surrounding the Maryland School of Arts in Baltimore. The movie maintains it connection with 'Step Up' in a number of obvious ways. Both are set in a challenging section of town where racial differences, though existing, are not major dampeners in the excitement that seems to be the mainstay of life. Also, both the movies have white lead characters.


The movie is another story about following one's dreams and it is obvious that the chosen vehicle is pure and hard-core dancing of 'The streets'. (The Streets is the name of the notorious dancing club). Andie who is orphaned at 16 finds that her only sense of belongingness in life comes from dancing in the club. Destiny and expectations lead her to the elite Maryland School of Arts, where she has a tough time trying to blend in to her new surroundings. She desperately tries to hold on to the thread of passion that connects her to the rough dancing crowd on the streets. She pairs up her dancing talent with Chase, the most sought after dancer in school, to form a group to compete in Baltimore's underground and 'illegal' dance battle 'The Streets'. This happens to be the only way in which she can strike a balance between her two worlds – the one in which she has to be a part on account of societal obligations and the other to which she naturally belongs but which has an existence outside society so to speak.


The film has some exceptional musical sequences and superbly choreographed dance moves. The rehearsal sequences are intelligently arranged to maintain the spontaneity that is expected in such a situation. Dance performances are delightfully original and sometimes it is marked with a deliberate lack of perfection. The final rain dance has a hint of nostalgia in reminding us of 'singing in the rain'. Also, the salsa dancing at a backyard barbecue deserves special mention. The actors have been appropriately cast and the supporting members of the crew help to develop the main storyline without being too obtrusive.

It will be too presumptuous to place 'Step Up 2: The Streets' in the category of classic dance movies but it is definitely one of the better specimens in the genre. Don't rush out after watching the movie, as there are some superb dance moves when the credits are being rolled.