When Ashley Wallen got a call from: Descendants: Rise of the Red director Jennifer Pang for choreographing the film, he was ecstatic. “At first, it was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m doing something for Disney,’ which is amazing because it was my dream,” Wallen says. Dance Spirit:. “And I do something for Descendants: it’s also amazing because it’s such a huge franchise.”
The Australian-born choreographer has had a varied career choreographing musicals, films and music videos – even working with stars such as Mariah Carey and Kylie Minogue. But that’s his job as a Disney choreographer The greatest showman which he credits with helping him land the gig and preparing him to work on the film, which premiered on July 12.
Wallen described the style of choreography in the film as “very classic, old school, but super modern.” From more musically theatrical pop numbers like “Life Is Sweeter” to heavier hip-hop numbers like “Red” and K-pop-style numbers like “Perfect Revenge,” it’s clear that Wallen drew inspiration from a variety of avenues, including Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
Much of the choreography is inspired by the characters, he says. “They all have their own language. We have Bridget, who is upbeat, everything is amazing and happy and cupcakes and wonderful. So, she has her own style. And then we got VK [Villain Kids]which are a little more grounded and a little more ah— in your face.
The characters’ different styles also influenced the changes Wallen made to the choreography during the rehearsal process, which was enjoyable for the film’s stars as they learned their choreography.
“I love choreography, I love dancing and: [I love] the fact that we have to do it and be in our characters and create movements for our characters,” says “High School Musical. The Musical: The Series’ stars Dara Rene, who plays Ulyana (Ursula’s younger sister). “As for me, being an octopus, I didn’t even know there were certain mannerisms I could do with the dance, so that was really fun.”
Ruby Rose Turner, who plays Bridget (The Young Queen of Hearts) and comes from a competitive dance background, was so excited when she found out that there would be heavy choreography in the film. She felt like she was “training for this moment.”
Wallen also enjoyed the experience of seeing the sets for the first time and bringing the choreography from the studio to the stage. “Getting all the dancers together, all the actors, everyone on set and then trying and putting it together is a great, great thing to be a part of,” he says, adding: “It’s great for me as a choreographer to come in and have these actors and actresses who can really dance. It made my job much, much easier.”
Turner enjoyed seeing the dances come to life on set as well. “I think that was one of my favorite moments when the ‘Life Is Sweeter’ choreo came together completely and we were on set doing a full rehearsal. It was like, “Oh my God, this is really happening.” “
So what does Wallen hope viewers take away from the film? The inspiration to get up and learn the dances themselves, he says.
after: The greatest showman was released, Wallen would see TikTok and Instagram videos of people dancing, and he loved seeing dancers and non-dancers alike let loose and use their bodies. He said he hopes dance numbers like “The Revenge” and others can also achieve that effect.
“I would say dance is fun, visually dynamic to watch, and there are things that everyone can do,” Wallen says. “I think there are some dances in there that people can take out and try for themselves – singing the words, doing the moves and just having fun watching it. And that would just make me so happy.”