''Gotta Kick It Up!'' is a 2002 American

sports Sport is a physical activity or game, often competitive and organized, that maintains or improves physical ability and skills. Sport may provide enjoyment to participants and entertainment to spectators. The number of participants in ...

comedy-drama film released as a Disney Channel Original Movie. In the United States, it debuted on July 26, 2002. It is based on a true story of a

middle school Middle school, also known as intermediate school, junior high school, junior secondary school, or lower secondary school, is an educational stage between primary school and secondary school. Afghanistan In Afghanistan, middle school includes g ...

dance team. The film was directed by Ramón Menéndez.

Plot

At Marshall Middle School, a cohort of Latina middle schoolers embarks on their educational journey with a passion for dance. Their aspirations intersect with the arrival of a biology instructor, Ms. Bartlett, a youthful new teacher. However, amidst their fervor for dance, the students struggle to maintain focus in their academic pursuits, prompting an announcement that the school's dance team would not be formed that year. Undeterred, the girls showcase their dance talents to Ms. Bartlett, only to receive the disappointing news of the team's cancellation. Witnessing their crestfallen spirits, Ms. Bartlett undergoes a transformation, assuming the role of coach to guide and support the girls in their dance endeavors. Determined to prove their readiness for competition and revive the dance festival, the girls, under Ms. Bartlett's mentorship, embark on a journey of self-discovery. Guided by the empowering mantra " si se puede," the young Latina dancers navigate societal barriers through their collective artistry. Through perseverance and dedication, they transcend obstacles, reclaiming their agency and identity while revitalizing their dance troupe. Ms. Bartlett's mentorship becomes instrumental in not only honing their dance skills but also instilling confidence and resilience, empowering the girls to overcome adversities and shine on stage.

Cast

* Camille Guaty as Daisy Salinas * America Ferrera as Yolanda "Yoli" Vargas * Jhoanna Flores as Alyssa Cortez * Suilma Rodriguez as Marisol * Sabrina Wiener as Esmeralda Reyna *

Miguel Sandoval Miguel Sandoval (born November 16, 1951) is an American actor. He is known for his role on the NBC/ CBS drama series '' Medium'' (2005–2011), where he played D.A. Manuel Devalos. Biography Sandoval was born in Washington, D.C. He began wo ...

as Principal Zavala * Erik Alexander Gavica as "Chuy" * Susan Egan as Heather Bartlett * Elizabeth Sung as Ms. Kim * Gina Gallego as Mrs. Cortez * Gerry Del Sol as Mr. Cortez *

Valente Rodriguez Valente Rodriguez (born February 14, 1964) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Ernie Cardenas on the sitcom '' George Lopez''. He also starred as Cesar in the TV Land sitcom '' Happily Divorced'', as well as guest starring on ...

as Mr. Reyna * Anita Ortega as Mrs. Reyna * Yvonne Farrow as Lynell Elliott * Ulises Cuadra as Segura

References

External links

* 2002 television films 2002 films American teen comedy-drama films American dance films 2000s English-language films Disney Channel Original Movie films Films directed by Ramón Menéndez Films about Mexican Americans 2000s teen comedy-drama films Films scored by Craig Safan Films set in Los Angeles Films about educators American coming-of-age comedy-drama films Coming-of-age films based on actual events American comedy-drama television films 2000s American films English-language comedy-drama films {{2000s-US-film-stub