With the release of Step Up 3-D just a few weeks away, it might be a good idea to get over to the library and check out some dance movie classics. Without a doubt, my favorite choice has to be Center Stage: Turn it Up.

Kate Parker just wants to dance. She packs everything up and moves to New York City to pursue her dream. After a great audition at the American Ballet Academy... she sadly does not get in. She does, however, catch the eye of a cute boy from the auditions and soon gets a job as a 'hype' dancer at a trendy local nightclub. Her chief rival at the ABA auditions sets her sights on her new boyfriend, causing problems in her relationship. After a few months, a visit from her sister reminds her of why she came to New York in the first place; to be a great ballet dancer. She hears about an audition for a show... but will she risk rejection a second time? Will she be able to dance her way to success?

I found this movie extremely enjoyable. The dance sequences are expertly done and provide an interesting visual fusion of modern hip-hop with classical ballet.  I felt that it lacks the prissy ballet-focused nature of the original Center Stage with an obvious target of older teens and young adults from the MTV generation. The soundtrack is infectious. Manhattan is also heavily featured in the movie. The movie's Boston-born male lead Kenny Wormald was just recently cast as the star in next year's remake of Footloose. You can read more about the film on the Center Stage: Turn it Up listing on the IMDb.