Descendants Learning to Dance Like a Disney Star: My Surprising Experience

Ahead of the dance class, “Descendants: The Rise of Red” stars Kylie Cantrall and Ruby Rose Turner spoke with TODAY.com about preparing for their high-energy roles. Enthusiastic kids and teens, sporting baggy pants, vibrant athleisure, and well-worn sneakers, gathered outside the renowned Millennium Dance Complex in Studio City, California.

Approximately 150 participants, ranging from as young as five to over thirty, including myself, 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 arriving, a quick check on the studio’s Instagram confirmed that my loose black pants with red stripes, red tank sports bra, and tennis shoes were appropriate. I hadn’t taken a professional class in years, let alone at an iconic Los Angeles dance studio.

As a few other reporters and I waited in the hall, we encouraged each other. What we thought would be a press-only event turned out to be a special class for aspiring and professional dancers, as well as fans. Many Disney Channel original movies are famous for their catchy soundtracks and memorable choreography. The moves to “We’re All In This Together” made a generation view high school as one big dance party. “The Cheetah Girls” sequel inspired me to visit Spain years later and “Strut” in the Barcelona heat.

Now, instead of following Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, and the rest of the Cheetah Girls from my living room with friends, I was learning from the pros. It was an opportunity to live out a teenage dream, one that was more strenuous and high-tempo than I expected.

Despite having taken dance classes in the past, I wasn’t the best—or quickest—at picking up choreography. But, as two of the film’s stars assured me, my performance didn’t need to be perfect; I just had to have fun. It was a moment that brought joy to my inner Disney Channel tween.

Getting ‘Descendants’ Ready

Before entering the brightly-painted red room with mirrors on one wall, I chatted with “Rise of Red” leading ladies Kylie Cantrall and Ruby Rose Turner. Their enthusiasm radiated through the space, and it was clear that these actors were living and fulfilling a childhood dream. Sitting cross-legged on the hardwood floor, their camaraderie was evident as they encouraged each other.

“We grew up taking classes at the original Millennium in North Hollywood, and this is such a core memory for me and Ruby,” said Cantrall, who portrays Red, the Queen of Hearts’ daughter. “That’s how we met, through dance, taking classes, and training together growing up. So this is so nostalgic.”

“And to be teaching this choreo from the movie to these kids,” she continued, before Turner finished her sentence, “It’s literally, pinch me!” The latest installment in the “Descendants” franchise features a new group of stars. When the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) starts a coup in Auradon, rebellious Red and Cinderella’s sweet daughter Chloe (Malia Baker) travel back in time to change the past and stop her. They discover that a teen Queen of Hearts, Bridget, played by Turner, is the polar opposite of her villainous self. What turned her so cruel?

Brandy also reprises her 1997 “Cinderella” role, with Paolo Montalban joining her as now-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 at a young age, with Cantrall as young as two.

“Descendants” fans are loyal, and both Cantrall and Turner are excited to leave their mark on the next installment of the franchise.

“There is so much authenticity and just resemblance to the other ‘Descendants’ with our big musical numbers, costumes, and how extravagant it is. I think that’s really nostalgic to the old ‘Descendants,’” Cantrall said. “But it is completely a new story, with new characters like Bridget, which I think is the coolest thing about this film. The time travel aspect and showing the origin stories of these iconic characters is so cool.”

Their preparation for “Descendants” included “a bit of a boot camp” for a month, Turner mentioned, highlighting that her co-star also underwent sword training in addition to their dance practices.

Read also:- Jasmine Paolini Triumphs in Wimbledon Thriller, Reaches Second Consecutive Slam Final

“This is truly such a magical project because we grew up dancing and singing. This is a dream job — I think I can say that for both of us,” Cantrall said, with a twinkle in her eyes. Turner, smiling wide, nodded in agreement and added, “Absolutely!”

“Because we have a background in all these different aspects, 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,’” Cantrall remarked.

Just Trying to Keep Up

Those hours of dance included learning the routine that Millennium choreographer Kelly Sweeney created specifically for the class. Once inside, I headed to the back corner of the room with three other reporters and one of their friends. The class kicked off, and we quickly began learning the first eight counts to Turner’s character’s song “Life is Sweeter.”

Despite my initial nerves, I found myself catching up with the choreography and enjoying every moment. The energy in the room was infectious, and the encouragement from the instructors and fellow dancers made it an unforgettable experience. By the end of the session, I was sweating and smiling, proud of what I had accomplished.

This experience not only rekindled my love for dance but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into professional performances. Learning to dance like a Disney star was a dream come true, and it taught me that sometimes, it’s not about being perfect, but about having fun and embracing the joy of movement.