THE Disney Channel on DStv has a special treat for young dance-lovers this month – Shake It Up, scheduled to premiere at 10.55am next Saturday, January 29.
The series revolves around two high-spirited best friends, Cece Jones and Raquel “Rocky” Blue, who dream of becoming professional dancers on the popular TV dance show, Shake It Up, Chicago, a gig they land thanks to the connections of their long-time pal, Deuce.
Between learning a whole lot of new dance styles, navigating the backstage antics on the show (especially with their rivals, Tinka and Gunther), and their newfound social status at school, the girls are on their way to new and fun adventures – and even some that will test their friendship.
Shake It Up reportedly garnered 6.2 million viewers when it premiered in the US last November.
This made its debut the second highest-rated series premiere in the Disney Channel’s 27-year history, behind only the series premiere of Hannah Montana on March 24, 2006.
The show stars Bella Thorne as Cece Jones and Zendaya (just Zendaya) as Raquel “Rocky” Blue.
Interestingly, although she has much television acting experience, including being a guest star on Wizards of Waverly Place, Thorne was cast in Shake it Up after never dancing professionally before, and reportedly takes dance classes three times a week to improve.
Zendaya had theatre experience prior to her casting.
Also featured in Shake It Up are Adam Irigoyen as Deuce, Roshon Fegan as Ty, Davis Cleveland as Flynn, Kenton Duty as Gunther and Caroline Sunshine as Tinka. - Independent on Saturday