Christopher Scott on Teen Beach 2
It seems like only yesterday we were raving about the super-adorable Disney Channel original Teen Beach Movie. In reality, though, it’s been close to two whole years since the made-for-TV musical had our hearts singing with its summery dance-filled numbers. Choreographed by Christopher Scott (of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “LXD” fame), it featured “SYT” alums Kent Boyd and Mollee Gray and our gorgeous L.A. tour guide, Jessica Lee Keller.
Teen Beach 2! (Disney Channel/Francisco Roman)
It’s about time for another, right? Teen Beach 2 hits the small screen this Friday, and Scott is back at the dance-helm of this surf-inspired spectacular. Dance Spirit spoke with him about the sequel.
Dance Spirit: Do you have a favorite part of Teen Beach 2?
Christopher Scott: “Gotta Be Me.” It’s really a dancer’s number. It takes place in a gymnasium, and I was able to showcase everyone’s individual talents. I found out what everyone was capable of when making the first film, so this time around I was able to push the dancers to their ultimate limits.
Christopher Scott (center, pointing) choreographing “Gotta Be Me” for Teen Beach 2 (Disney Channel/Francisco Roman)
DS: Creating musical numbers for Disney seems pretty different from your other projects, like “The LXD.”
CS: It is, but the theater world is where I fell in love with dance. I’m actually a big musical theater nerd. Teen Beach has a lot of references to West Side Story, and that’s the first musical I performed in.
DS: Is your process different when you’re creating work for “SYT” compared to Teen Beach?
CS: No matter what I’m doing, there’s a story involved and a reason for the dance. When I’m working with the dancers on “SYT,” I don’t really take into account of what the dancers are or aren’t able to do—it’s a contest and they have to live up to expectations. But when I’m choreographing for something like Teen Beach, I’ll tailor the movement to the dancers I’m working with. There’s more collaboration.
DS: Do you have any advice for Dance Spirit readers who are hoping to work in Hollywood?
CS: Take advantage of all the new technology and platforms available today. You can easily shoot a movie on your iPhone in your living room—just go out and start making work. There’s no reason not to get started now.
Check out the trailer for Teen Beach 2 below, then set your DVRs for Friday, June 26 to catch the premiere!
