Film: Step Up II

Whether it be Fred and Ginger dancing cheek to cheek or Johnny and Baby having the time of their lives, dancing continues to attract cinema audiences.

The dance movie enjoyed a period of great success in the ‘80s. Fame (1980), Flashdance (1983), Footloose (1984) and Dirty Dancing (1986) triumphed at the Box Office but the over-done genre had quickly fallen out of favour by the ‘90s.

In 2001, Save the Last Dance became the first in a long line of films to take the winning storytelling formula of its ‘80s ancestors and combine it with hip hop breaks and beats. It successfully launched the re-emergence of the movie genre and the result has been a long line of body-popping extravaganzas. Stomp the Yard (2007); Honey (2003); and Step up (2006) are just a few of cinema’s recent flirtations with the dance phenomena. Though none of these are as impressive as Step Up 2: The Streets.

The film does little to detract from the average 'Hollywood High' melodrama. Jocks and geeks are all present and correct and romance inevitably blossoms between our rough around the edges protagonist and polished Mr Popular, but don’t let this put you off - the formulaic narrative is a minor detail.

The picture opens with an intimidating, underground train performance which takes dance out of the realms of a mirrored studio and firmly situates it within a street environment.

There’s definitely no place for leg warmers or leotards

The train's masked performers are reminiscent of krumping pioneer Tommy the Clown and distinctions are drawn between choreographed and street dance. You can’t be taught street dance, you teach yourself and there’s definitely no place for leg warmers or leotards.

A refreshingly-normal looking lead character, Andie, scrimps on the glamour stakes in her jogging bottoms and vests. Characters with curves, boys with braces and girls with glasses all represent their crews. The streets aren’t interested in how hot your ass is, it’s all about how hot your moves are.

Even the music is raw. You can expect nothing less than a killer soundtrack but don’t bank on any chart favourites from Rodney ‘Dark Child’ Jerkins or Timbaland. Instead prepare for dirtier, heavier bass lines courtesy of T Pain, Missy Elliot and Flo Rida.

Despite the smutty sounds, the film refuses to reduce itself to half naked bump and grind. You can look forward to a bit of flesh but this is not about boot; it's about beats. Agile and athletic dancers they are, tarts they are not. They demonstrate both grace and elegance while moving with the flexibility of contortionists and all the time seeping attitude.

The finale is predictable, but it’s far from cheesy. This is edgier than its predecessor, but nonetheless a five-minute cameo from Channing Tatum reminds us that Step Up still packed a bigger punch than the saccharin-sweet Honey.

Audiences are beginning to tire now of these movies with moves. At first glance, this might seem like just another teen movie with a hip-hop-hyped soundtrack and a bit of tush shaking, but that isn’t the case.

Step Up was overlooked and it’s a shame that it's stronger sequel has come out so late in the day when we’re all too aware of seeing the same celluloid re-edited for a quick buck. As far as the genre goes, it steps up in the originality stakes - if you’re a fan of dance you won’t be disappointed.

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Amy Rountree