In the new dance film “Step Up,” Tyler Gage, played by Channing Tatum (“She’s the Man”), is a foster kid from the wrong side of Baltimore’s tracks. A self proclaimed rebel, he and his buddies Mac and Skinny spend their time playing basketball, stealing cars for a local chop shop and hitting the local party scene where Tyler shows off his impressive street style dance moves.

One night after leaving a party, the guys break into a school for the performing arts. Stumbling upon the school’s theater, the natural-born troublemakers destroy the set and props they find on stage. When a security guard catches them in the act, Tyler sacrifices himself in order to protect his friends, who escape.

Tyler is sentenced to perform community service at the school for the remainder of the semester. While changing light bulbs and sweeping floors, Tyler catches the attention of Nora, played by Jenna Dewan, the school’s prima ballerina and ultimate diva. Nora is from a privileged family and her devotion to becoming the top dancer has taken center stage in her life above all else.

Nora is frantically seeking a replacement for her injured dance partner before the school’s all-important Senior Showcase where scouts from ballet companies will be out in force.

After a string of less than impressive auditions from lower classmen, Tyler tells Nora that he would be happy to help her out. Of course Nora thinks Tyler couldn’t possibly be up to snuff. When Tyler proves his skills, a desperate Nora concedes to let Tyler help her practice until her partner is well enough.

Tyler has no classical training which means long practice hours for the pair and sparks fly. Tyler finds himself striving for things he never imagined were in his reach, but his past and his future are at odds and he must choose between them. Tyler’s friends feel abandoned and tragedy at home leaves Tyler feeling guilty about his association with the rich kids. Nora has her own struggles with an unsupportive mother and boyfriend, and Tyler’s support opens up a side of her personality she has long denied.

Can the mismatched duo get passed their differences to create something sensational?

It’s the story of a troubled young man who breaks the law one too many times and gets caught; but what no one can foresee is that while he is repaying his debt to society his life is transformed and he makes something of himself.

While “Step Up” isn’t the most original story-line to hit theaters, it is definitely the hottest dance movie yet. Combining the classic elements of ballet with the smooth rhythms of hip-hop and flashy moves of break dancing, director and choreographer Anne Fletcher’s “Step Up” will have audiences moving in their seats and dancing out of the theater.

Channing Tatum, who had no professional dance training before this role, is a phenomenal dancer whose movements are like watching liquid flow. He gives depth to what could have otherwise become a one-dimensional character, and his chemistry with Jenna Dewan is tangible.

Jenna Dewan, much like her onscreen character, has spent much of her life dancing and was first seen showing her skills in this spring’s “Take the Lead.” Her scene performing the tango with two male partners in the inner-city dance film stole the show, and now she has her chance to show what she’s made of. Driven and talented, Dewan is a perfect contrast to Tatum’s hopeless demeanor on screen.

R&B superstar Mario co-stars in “Step Up” as Miles, a talented musician at the school who is secretly in love with Lucy (Drew Sidora). Lucy and Miles offer another layer to “Step Up” and provide some great onscreen moments. An accomplished musician, dancer and actress in her own right, Sidora plays Nora’s confident but slightly misguided best friend.

One of the greatest things about this film is that every actor is responsible for their own steps and vocals. No stunt doubles were hired to perform any of the trickier elements and no song is dubbed with another singer’s voice. This is perhaps one of the most truly gifted casts out there, and it comes across.

A great soundtrack accompanies the exciting and stunning dances including tracks from Ciara and actors Drew Sidora and Mario.

If you have a bone in your body that likes to move, “Step Up” is a movie not to miss. Sign up for those dance classes now because this one will leave you dancing.

***1/2

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