Dance Academy

This movie is effectively an epilogue to the very popular TV series of the same name that aired from 2010 to 2013, and it is clearly pitched to that fan base.

The action takes place roughly three years from where the show left off, and follows the post academy dance lives of the group of friends from the series. The main focus is Tara (Xenia Goodwin), who is chasing a second chance at success after her career was stalled by a back injury.

It’s an instant soup kind of plot, using familiar, palatable ingredients that are quick and easy to consume. With most of the original cast and the same writer and producer on board, this feels more like a movie length TV episode. It moves at a small screen pace and has compact, neatly packaged plot points.

The pumping car stereo soundtrack clearly positions this for the teen market, who have every reason to enjoy this film, especially if they were fans of the series.

★★★

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich.