Shake It Up

“Shake It Up” is a Disney Channel sitcom that debuted in the U.S. on November 7, 2010. Created by Chris Thompson, the show stars Bella Thorne and Zendaya as CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue, two friends who become background dancers on a local TV program called “Shake It Up Chicago.” The series explores their on-set and off-set escapades, as well as their challenges and growing popularity at school. The main cast also includes Davis Cleveland, Roshon Fegan, Adam Irigoyen, Kenton Duty, and Caroline Sunshine.

The initial idea for the show was to create a female buddy comedy with a dance element. “Shake It Up” is Disney’s third original series to feature a show-within-a-show format, following “The Famous Jett Jackson” and “Sonny with a Chance.” It is also the first Disney Channel Original Series since “So Random!” to have more than six main cast members under contract simultaneously.

On September 29, 2011, Disney Channel announced an extension of the second season to 26 episodes. A second soundtrack, “Shake It Up: Live 2 Dance,” was released on March 20, 2012. A special 90-minute episode titled “Made In Japan” aired on August 17, 2012, as the season two finale. On June 4, 2012, Disney Channel confirmed the renewal of “Shake It Up” for a third season, noting that Kenton Duty would not be a regular cast member but would appear as a special guest.