Imagine you are physically awkward and have to learn how to be an accomplished dancer in just two weeks. What would you do? In Work It, that’s the problem facing Quinn Ackerman, a high school senior who lies about being a member of a high school dance group when being interviewed for admission to Duke, the college of her dreams. Unfortunately, she will have to prove her membership at a big dance competition scheduled in 14 days.  

The undaunted Quinn, played vigorously by Sabrina Carpenter (Tall Girl), decides to form a dance group of her own with the help of her best friend Jas (Liza Koshy/Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween). Too bad Jas must quit her membership in the championship dance group called the Thunderbirds. But friendship conquers all here, so Jas comes on board. Next, these two ambitious girls have to persuade some of the best and most athletic dancers they can find to join their new group.

Plus, they have to find a choreographer who can help put together amazing routines. Quinn wants Jake Taylor (Jordan Fisher/To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You), a former dance champion with a bad knee. She won’t take no for an answer, so Jake gives in and even falls for her as they work together to deal with Quinn’s awkward dancing problem.  . 

Of course, obstacles stand in the way for Quinn and her new group, but director Laura Terruso (co-producer of Hello, My Name Is Doris) and writer Allison Peck (Ugly Dolls) wisely keep everything simple. They obviously don’t want anything to interfere with the movie’s awesome  dancing. And they make sure that the importance of feeling while dancing comes through loud and clear.

Diversity of the dancers also receives emphasis in various routines, which include some of the most athletic dance moves I’ve seen on screen. Keiynan Lonsdale’s (Love, Simon) almost impossible moves as Julliard, leader of the Thunderbirds, amazed me. But I enjoyed most a couple of romantic scenes showing Quinn and Jake dancing lovely duets together.             

Although not the best dance movie ever, Work It is still quite entertaining -- especially for dance fans.   

“Work It” boasts a passion for dance

plus a touch of teenage romance.

It ends up as a fun dance flick.

Great dancing here the winning trick.

Jordan Fisher in magic moves.

Once again, his cool talent proves

he needs to be in more pictures.

Terrific dancing long endures.

Other cast members do just fine.

   Leading lady makes awkward shine.

Her new dance group? A motley crew.

Each one succeeds and gets to you.

Hooray for dancers and routines!

Thanks, “Work It,” for showcasing dreams.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: Because I spent much of my past life as a dancer,  movies about dance always make me happy.

Dancers are God’s athletes --- Albert Einstein  

(Released by Neftlix and rated TV-14)