WITH its high-energy dance sequences, contrived romance and a beautiful cast of lithe young things with flat stomachs and even flatter dialogue, Step Up 2: The Streets works up just enough sweat to appeal to an undemanding teen audience.

The sequel to the 2006 fairy-tale Step Up boasts many of the same narrative moves as its predecessor, choreographing the cliches in quick succession before the inevitable dance-off that sees the underdogs emerge victorious.

Talented hip-hop dancer Andie (Briana Evigan) is a proud member of the competition-winning Baltimore street crew, The 410, which is ruled with an iron fist by leader Tuck (Black Thomas).

After her latest brush with the law, Andie faces the possibility of being shipped off to Texas to live with her aunt, until neighbourhood good guy Tyler (Channing Tatum) persuades Andie's guardian to give her one final chance - by enrolling her at the prestigious Maryland School of the Arts.

Andie reluctantly agrees but she struggles to fit in, rebelling against the formal teaching methods at Maryland, especially the technique-oriented approach favoured by school director Blake Collins (Will Kemp).

The one ray of sunshine is a burgeoning friendship with Blake's younger, rebellious brother Chase (Robert Hoffman), who also loves to freestyle.

When Tuck kicks Andie out of The 410 because she is spending too much time at Maryland, Chase daringly suggests they form their own troupe, roping in some of the school's most gifted and misunderstood students.

Together, this band of outsiders takes on The 410, showing that you don't have to come from the streets to dance from the heart.

Step Up 2 The Streets doesn't have any unique moves of its own, drawing on Footloose, Flashdance, Dirty Dancing and their kind to establish the various personal conflicts, then resolve them with a synchronised somersault and head-spin.

  • See it at the Empire and Odeon.