YouTube Red is bringing back Step Up, but there’s a twist.
The new series, led by Ne-Yo and actress Naya Rivera, follow ambitious performers at a performing arts school in Atlanta. Ne-Yo plays Sage Odom, the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School, while Rivera stars as Collette, a former dancer turned High Water administrator.
The musically-charged new series is a throwback to the 80’s hit Fame, which starred Debbie Allen, who worked with the stars of the new series. In this new clip, viewers get a glimpse of what’s to come from the YouTube Red series as Kendra Oyesanya, who plays Poppy, discusses her dance journey.
Oyesanya, who wasn’t trained in dance, talks about the work it took to reach her goals. “I never thought I would be in L.A. doing what I’m doing,” she says. “I never thought I’d be dancing, I never thought I’d be acting.”
“Everyone’s journey is different. And, as long as I believe in myself, I’m going to make you believe in me as well.”