Gotta Kick It Up!

{{Infobox television

| image = gkiuposter2.jpg

| image_size =

| image_alt =

| caption = Promotional advertisement

| genre =

| creator =

| based_on =

| story = Meghan Cole
Nancy De Los Santos

| teleplay = Nancy De Los Stantos
Ramón Menéndez
Tom Musca
Stu Krieger

| director = Ramón Menéndez

| starring = Camille Guaty
America Ferrera
Susan Egan
Jhoanna Flores
Suilma Rodriguez
Sabrina Wiener

| narrated =

| theme_music_composer = Craig Safan

| country = United States

| language = English

| num_episodes =

| producer = Christopher Morgan

| editor = Nancy Richardson

| cinematography = Clark Mathis

| runtime = 78 minutes

| company =

| budget =

| network = Disney Channel

| released = {{Start date|2002|07|26}}

}}

Gotta Kick It Up! is a 2002 American sports comedy-drama film released as a Disney Channel Original Movie.{{Cite news |url=http://tv.nytimes.com/show/68637/Gotta-Kick-It-Up/overview |title=The New York Times |access-date=2015-11-27 |archive-date=2009-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090921093514/http://tv.nytimes.com/show/68637/Gotta-Kick-It-Up/overview |url-status=live }} In the United States, it debuted on July 26, 2002. It is based on a true story of a middle school dance team. The film was directed by Ramón Menéndez.{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/483920/gotta-kick-it-up#credits|title=Gotta Kick It Up!|work=Turner Classic Movies|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|location=United States|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201440/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/483920/Gotta-Kick-It-Up/full-credits.html|url-status=live}}

Plot

At Marshall Middle School, a cohort of Latina middle schoolers embarks on their educational journey with a passion for dance. Their aspirations intersect with the arrival of a biology instructor, Ms. Bartlett, a youthful new teacher. However, amidst their fervor for dance, the students struggle to maintain focus in their academic pursuits, prompting an announcement that the school's dance team would not be formed that year.

Undeterred, the girls showcase their dance talents to Ms. Bartlett, only to receive the disappointing news of the team's cancellation. Witnessing their crestfallen spirits, Ms. Bartlett undergoes a transformation, assuming the role of coach to guide and support the girls in their dance endeavors. Determined to prove their readiness for competition and revive the dance festival, the girls, under Ms. Bartlett's mentorship, embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Guided by the empowering mantra "si se puede," the young Latina dancers navigate societal barriers through their collective artistry. Through perseverance and dedication, they transcend obstacles, reclaiming their agency and identity while revitalizing their dance troupe. Ms. Bartlett's mentorship becomes instrumental in not only honing their dance skills but also instilling confidence and resilience, empowering the girls to overcome adversities and shine on stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299943/|access-date=6 Aug 2018|title=Gotta Kick It Up!|website=IMDb |archive-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118152025/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299943/|url-status=live}}