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List of Shake It Up characters
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Shake It Up is an American sitcom that originally aired on Disney Channel from November 7, 2010 to November 10, 2013. Created by Chris Thompson, the show follows the adventures of stars CeCe Jones (Bella Thorne) and Rocky Blue (Zendaya), who are background dancers on a local show, Shake It Up Chicago. It chronicles their misadventures on and off-set, their troubles, and their rising social status at school. Davis Cleveland, Roshon Fegan, Adam Irigoyen, Kenton Duty, and Caroline Sunshine star as other main cast members in the series. The show's original concept was for Disney to create a female buddy comedy with a dance aspect.
Main characters
[edit]| Character | Actor | Season | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| CeCe Jones | Bella Thorne | Main | |||
| Rocky Blue | Zendaya | Main | |||
| Flynn Jones | Davis Cleveland | Main | |||
| Ty Blue | Roshon Fegan | Main | |||
| Deuce Martinez | Adam Irigoyen | Main | |||
| Gunther Hessenheffer | Kenton Duty | Main | |||
| Tinka Hessenheffer | Caroline Sunshine | Recurring | Main | ||
CeCe Jones
[edit]Cecelia "CeCe" Jones,[1][2] portrayed by Bella Thorne, is an impulsive and street-smart girl. She loves dancing as much as her best friend, Rocky, and they dance together. Initially, she performs poorly in school partially because of dyslexia (though this isn't revealed until later), but also in part because of her "trouble-making" behavior and her lack of motivation. She gradually improves academically as the series progresses. Being fearless, Cece is constantly getting into trouble. Despite her initially failing audition due to stage fright, she eventually earns a spot as a background dancer on the local dance show "Shake It Up Chicago".
In "Shrink it Up", it was revealed in a flashback that CeCe and Rocky met together in a ballet class when they were around 5 years old. It was there that they became best friends and CeCe gave her the nickname "Rocky", stating that it was easier to say than her real name, Raquel.
CeCe cares for her family very much. She loves her little brother, Flynn, but is irresponsible when babysitting him, such as when she and Rocky forgot him at the park in season one, and when she forgot to buy ingredients for Flynn's cookies in season two. CeCe and Flynn are shown to have a love/hate relationship, but they comfort each other when the other is down. CeCe has a great relationship with her father, JJ Jones. The two share almost the same personality. CeCe and Flynn say their parents get along better when they're divorced.
CeCe's best relationship is with her mother, Georgia Jones. They fight sometimes, but always make up. CeCe helps Georgia take care of Flynn, and sometimes kisses up to her, such as in season one when she wanted a cell phone, and in season two when she wanted to go down to the movie studio her mom worked at and meet Taylor Lautner. In season three, CeCe desperately wanted her mom to find a boyfriend, so she and Rocky set her up with a firefighter named Jeremy Hunter. When Georgia and Jeremy become engaged, Jeremy's son, Logan (Leo Howard) and CeCe agreed to put aside their differences so their parents could be happy. It turned out, though, that at the altar Georgia and Jeremy realized they didn't want to get married and broke up.
Overall, CeCe has a pretty bad romantic life aside from Season 3. In "Opposites Attract It Up", CeCe meets and starts dating James, who is the total opposite of CeCe. But in "Psych It Up", James breaks up with her before she can because they have nothing in common. Later on in the episode, she meets with a psychiatrist who tells her she will meet the love of her life soon. When CeCe goes to meet him, it turns out to be a dog who CeCe takes home. In the end though, the dog's owner, Monroe, takes home his dog and asks out CeCe. It is never confirmed if they broke up or not.
In "Future It Up", she and Logan are married and have a son named Logan Junior (LJ) who looks and acts like Flynn.
Rocky Blue
[edit]Raquel "Rocky" Blue,[1] portrayed by Zendaya, is a book-smart girl whose heart belongs to dancing. She is a vegetarian and supporter of animal rights, as mentioned in "Meatball it Up". She is always trying to get CeCe out of trouble, which often gets them both into trouble. She is Ty's younger sister. Their dad is never seen until one Season 2 episode but is mentioned briefly by Ty throughout Season 1, explaining his absence, as he's always on business trips. Though Rocky's real name is Raquel, CeCe gave her the nickname "Rocky" when they first met, which eventually caught on with all of Rocky's friends and family.
Rocky does not take well to people disliking her, as seen in "Give it Up". Her father is a doctor for Doctors Without Borders. Her mom is a hair beautician in the episode "Heat It Up", and an ordained minister, via the internet in "I Do It Up". She and CeCe love Beyoncé. In "Merry Merry It Up" it was revealed by CeCe that her middle name is Oprah. Rocky is referred by others as freakishly tall for her age, while CeCe is freakishly short. Rocky is shown to love Taylor Lautner. She also seems to make a joke out of something at the wrong time, but sometimes she can make a joke that no one will usually catch on to.
It is shown in "Made in Japan" that she is "deathly afraid of flying", a fear she developed after she and CeCe had to dance on the wing of a plane. Rocky is usually pulled into CeCe's crazy schemes, and is usually punished with CeCe in the end. Rocky tries to be CeCe's voice of reason, but CeCe usually doesn't listen as she only follows her own rules. Ty, Deuce, Gunther and Tinka usually refer to Rocky as CeCe's sidekick.
Rocky's relationship with her family is strong. Rocky and her mother, Marcie, are on good terms, but her mother is overprotective when it comes to Rocky dating. Rocky and her father have a good relationship, and although he wants her to be a doctor, he sees how much Rocky loves to dance, and eventually accepts it. Rocky and her brother Ty have a great, and strong brother-sister bond. Ty is overprotective of his little sister, but at the same time, they can fight.
Rocky's romance life is just as bad as CeCe's. She hadn't had any major love interests until season three. CeCe's future stepbrother, Logan Hunter, asked Rocky to teach him how to slow dance, but while she was teaching him, she kissed him (twice) and he kissed her back. The two developed a crush on each other. At Georgia and Jeremy's wedding in "I Do It Up", Rocky accidentally reveals her kiss(es) with Logan to CeCe, Georgia, Marcie and Jeremy. As Jeremy and Logan leave the altar for the honeymoon, Logan tells Rocky to call him. She and Logan begin dating in "Love and War It Up", but she dumps him at the end when Logan refuses to be friends with CeCe.
In "Future It Up", Rocky is shown to be married to a spy named Mark and has one child. She is also a big star like CeCe.
In "Quit It Up", Cece, Rocky and Tinka had to audition for Shake It Up Chicago again. Rocky did not pass the audition though and she later watched Shake It Up Chicago on TV with her dad. However, in "Forward & Back It Up", she was back on the show.
Flynn Jones
[edit]Flynn Jones,[1] portrayed by Davis Cleveland, is CeCe's younger brother. Described as "wise beyond his years", his characteristics include having an appetite for bacon, playing video games and annoying his older sister. He feels a special affection for Rocky which is revealed in "Model It Up". His best friend is CeCe's math tutor, a college graduate named Henry Dillon, who is about Flynn's age. He and CeCe's parents are divorced. Their dad is mentioned only once and appeared in the episode "Parent Trap It Up".[3] He is occasionally seen dancing on the show and even performed a routine with Ty and Deuce in "Hot Mess It Up". He will also do anything for ice cream as seen in "Break It Up".
In "Future It Up", it is revealed that in the future, Flynn owns a multinational video game company (Flynndustries) and made Ty his vice president, but is a mean boss and has Ty working 24/7. His nephew, LJ also looks and acts just like him.
Ty Blue
[edit]Ty Blue,[1] portrayed by Roshon Fegan, is Rocky's older brother who is an aspiring actor and rapper and host of Shake It Up Chicago. Although a skilled dancer, he passed on the chance to try out for "Shake It Up Chicago", claiming he does not dance for "the man".[4] His personality is described as "hip, cool and sarcastic", and proclaims himself a ladies' man.[5] He and Deuce are often seen together, but have an odd friendship with each other most of the time. He and Deuce also are often babysitting Flynn. A possible romance-based relationship was developed in episode "Add It Up" between him and Tinka, but was not further progressed in any following episodes. He is good at pranks, like when he doodled on Flynn's face in "Give it Up". He is also the new host on Shake It Up Chicago, after the previous host was fired after arguing with the new executive producer about which Blue (Rocky or Ty) would make the new cast.
In "Future It Up", it is revealed that in the future, Ty became Vice President for a multinational video game company owned by Flynn. Flynn forces him to work 24/7 which causes him not to have a love or social life. He also loses the majority of his hair and gains a lot of weight due to the stress.
Deuce Martinez
[edit]Martin "Deuce" Martinez[1][6] portrayed by Adam Irigoyen, is CeCe and Rocky's friend. He is said to have an inside-track to almost everything.[7] Deuce is best friends with Ty and is Dina's boyfriend. He often babysits Flynn with Ty's help. He and Ty are almost always seen together. In "Break It Up", it is revealed that Deuce faints at the sight of blood after Rocky shows him how her foot is badly cut. He is of Cuban descent. Despite the fact that he performed a routine with Ty and Flynn in "Hot Mess It Up", it is hinted several times that Deuce does not dance. It is often remarked (mostly by Ty) that, even though he is in a current relationship with Dina, Deuce is unattractive to most women. It is shown in "Party It Up" that he is very easily tricked. He also has an identical cousin named Harrison.
In "Future It Up", it is revealed that in the future, Deuce and Dina get married and have 7 boys. He is the owner of Crusty's, lives in Rocky's old apartment and has a mustache. At the end of the episode, Dina gives birth to their 8th child, which is a girl, the first in the family.
Gunther Hessenheffer
[edit]Gunther Hessenheffer, (Seasons 1-2)[1] portrayed by Kenton Duty, is the flamboyant twin brother of Tinka (portrayed by Caroline Sunshine) who came to Chicago as exchange students from a small mountain country in the first grade.[4] The parents of Tinka and Gunther are in only one episode ("Vatallihootsit It Up") but they are even stranger than the twins. He and his sister are "frenemies" to CeCe and Rocky. Gunther owns numerous betwinklers.[4] The siblings wear bright, sparkly-accented clothing, that, along with their distinct accents, are commonplace to his homeland. It is said that Gunther models sweaters.[8] Gunther is closest to his sister, Tinka, but shares an on-off friendship with Ty. In "Shrink It Up", it is revealed that in a flashback, he and Tinka were in the same ballet class as CeCe and Rocky, and it is also shown that the two pairs were still frenemies at a young age. In season two, he appeared sporadically as he was absent for thirteen episodes. He leaves the show at the end of season two.
Tinka Hessenheffer
[edit]Tinka Hessenheffer,[1] (Recurring season 1, Main seasons 2-3), portrayed by Caroline Sunshine, is the twin sister of Gunther (portrayed by Kenton Duty) who came to Chicago as exchange students from a small mountainous country in Eastern Europe in the first grade. They eat strange food and give out leftovers in small doggy bags.[4] The parents of Tinka and Gunther are only in one episode, but they are even stranger than the twins. She and her brother are "frenemies" to Rocky and CeCe at school and as fellow dancers on Shake It Up Chicago.[4] She goes on a date with Ty Blue in one episode. They are shown to have feelings for each other after the date is over, but further progress was not shown in the succeeding episodes. Tinka takes pride in herself, similar to Gunther, and is competitive. In the season three premiere, Tinka surprises Rocky and CeCe by suddenly acting nice to them. She reveals that Gunther has left to return home and she feels lost without him so wants them as friends. At first wary, Rocky and CeCe decide to give Tinka a chance after she tries to take the blame for burning down the dance studio. She is also known to be a talented cake decorator as shown in "Oh Brother It Up".
In "Future It Up", it is revealed that in the future, Tinka becomes a famous fashion designer (Tinkaware)
Recurring characters
[edit]| Character | Actor | Season | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Gary Wilde | R. Brandon Johnson | Recurring | |||
| Georgia Jones | Anita Barone | Recurring | |||
| Marcie Blue | Carla Renata | Recurring | |||
| Dina Garcia | Ainsley Bailey | Recurring | |||
| Henry Dillon | Buddy Handleson | Recurring | |||
| Curtis Blue | Phil Morris | Recurring | |||
| Uncle Frank | Jim Pirri | Recurring | |||
| Logan Hunter | Leo Howard | Recurring | |||
| Jeremy Hunter | Anthony Starke | Recurring | |||
Gary Wilde
[edit]Gary Wilde,[1] portrayed by R. Brandon Johnson, is the original host and the current executive producer of Shake It Up, Chicago. He is attracted to photo shoots, drives a red Porsche, and is in his late 30s. He has sent party invites to Oprah Winfrey, but has been turned down seven times, and has been arrested many more. He also likes to take majority of the credit on the show. Whenever he needs something done, he asks CeCe and Rocky to do it for him, but almost never returns the favor. However, he loves Rocky and CeCe like they're his own daughters, as they are two of his best dancers on the show. He gives them a sincere, heart-filled apology in "Shake it Up: Made in Japan" when he's forced to disband them from the show if he wants to continue doing the "Shake it Up" video game project, however, they are soon allowed to return. Later in the show, it is discovered that he burned down Shake It Up Chicago, due to leaving a tanning bed running. He is fired from Shake It Up Chicago for this, and Ty ultimately replaces him as the host. In the episode "Ty It Up", CeCe tells that she, Tinka and Rocky are friends with Gary, and Phil says that Gary tried to get his job back, but didn't get it. In Loyal It Up, Gary returned to announce he is the host of a new dance show "Dance Factor" and tried to get CeCe, Rocky, and Tinka to join the show. Phil later became the producer of Dance Factor and fired Gary, while he took Phil's place as executive producer of Shake It Up, Chicago. He is also the new co-host on Shake It Up, Chicago and now works alongside Ty.
Georgia Jones
[edit]Georgia Jones, portrayed by Anita Barone, is CeCe and Flynn's mother who is a police officer. She is divorced from CeCe and Flynn's father, who Flynn states that he is always working. She claims to be 29 years old but, in reality, she is in her early 40s. She also claims to make mistakes, such as working too much, not being very good at cooking, being backed up on laundry, and always getting into fights (for example, she got into an argument with Rocky's mother). In the episode "Oh Brother It Up", she and Jeremy become engaged. In "I Do It Up", she and Jeremy break off their wedding when Flynn admits that Georgia kissed JJ, her ex-husband and Jeremy admits he had second thoughts about her. In "Future It Up", in the future, she gets a grandson, LJ after CeCe marries Jeremy's son, Logan.
Marcie Blue
[edit]Marcie Blue, portrayed by Carla Renata, is Rocky and Ty's mother who owns two hair salons. She is an excellent cook, and once mentioned that her husband can never be mad when he is eating some of her pie.
Dr. Curtis Blue
[edit]Dr. Curtis Blue, portrayed by Phil Morris, is Rocky and Ty's father who is a doctor. In season 1 he was away on business overseas. He is first seen in season 2 Doctor It Up. He wanted Ty and Rocky to become doctors when they grew up. He was furious when he found out Ty wanted to be a rapper and that Rocky was dancing on "Shake It Up Chicago" and that she wanted to be a dancer. He finally decided he was okay with both their choices. He is seen again in Apply It Up.
Henry Dillon
[edit]Henry Dillon, portrayed by Buddy Handleson, is Flynn's good friend, although they couldn't be more different. He is a college graduate, pre-law and pre-med, though he is about Flynn's age, and it is usually up to him to teach Henry how to act like a kid. In his first appearance, he was CeCe's math tutor and later became Flynn's friend. He leaves the show at the end of season two.
Dina Garcia
[edit]Dina Maria Carol Louisa Schwartz-Garcia,[9] portrayed by Ainsley Bailey, is Deuce's street-smart girlfriend. She is immensely rich and is shown to be like a female Deuce. She speaks with a strong Brooklyn accent. As shown in Match It Up her dad owns the local mall. She does not happen to care if she is rich or not, she just wants to be like any normal person, like when her birthday was coming up (Twist it Up) she did not want a big party, all she wanted was a regular party with her and her friends. She happens to be her dad's only daughter, who he is overprotective of. It is revealed in "Jingle it Up" that her middle name is Carol. It is mentioned they have been dating a year in the episode "Review It Up". In "Future It Up", in the future, Dina marries Deuce and has 7 boys. She and Deuce also live in Rocky's old apartment. At the end of the episode, she gives birth to their 8th kid, which is a girl, the first in the family.
Uncle Frank
[edit]Uncle Frank, portrayed by Jim Pirri, is Deuce's uncle. He owns "Crusty's Pizza", which is a new setting on Shake It Up. Unlike all the other recurring characters, he first appears in season 2. He enjoys tormenting Deuce with the help from Flynn and Ty. He always insults Deuce in a fun way, but Deuce sometimes takes it seriously. In "Shake It Up, Up and Away" Uncle Frank revealed that he only hired Deuce at "Crusty's" because he is scared of Deuce's mom.
Jeremy Hunter
[edit]Jeremy Hunter, portrayed by Anthony Starke, is a firefighter and Georgia Jones's ex-fiancé. He and Mrs. Jones get engaged in the episode "Oh Brother It Up." He has a son named Logan (Leo Howard) in which he calls him Lil' Scooter. Jeremy and Georgia break up at the altar when Jeremy decides that their relationship was moving too fast, and Georgia kissed her ex-husband the night before. In "Future It Up", he gets a grandson named L.J. when his son marries Georgia's daughter, CeCe.
Minor characters/Guest Stars
[edit]- Mrs. Loccasio, portrayed by Renée Taylor, is a cranky elderly lady who takes a disliking to Rocky. She was once a Vegas showgirl; she said she danced in her "birthday suit". She also calls Deuce, "Teen Wolf". Appeared in Give It Up, Model It Up, and Home Alone It Up. In "Give It Up", Rocky tries to get her to like her by having her and CeCe compete in the marathon to raise money for her retirement home. In the end, CeCe and Rocky win the marathon but Mrs. Loccasio still doesn't like Rocky. In "Model It Up", she gets Flynn, Ty, and Deuce to do chores for her so they can make some money for a new video game system. She ends up giving them only $5 after an hour of chores. In "Home Alone It Up", her dog, Mrs. Doglavitz has puppies.
- Mrs. Garcia, portrayed by Maggie Wheeler, is Dina's mother. She always tries to throw an extravagant, over-the-top party for her daughter, but Dina just wants a regular birthday party. (Appeared in Twist It Up and In the bag it up)
- Don Rio Garcia, portrayed by John D'Aquino, is Dina's father, who Deuce is mortally afraid of because of his Mafia like mannerisms. He gave Deuce the responsibility of keeping their pig Pinky, to see if he was the right boyfriend for his daughter. Deuce passed the challenge, and Don Rio Garcia now approves of Deuce. (Appeared in Glitz It Up)
- Larry Diller, portrayed by Larry Miller, is a lawyer who came to join CeCe and Rocky's dance camp because he thinks he is a "fairer". He warned the girls that he will sue them if they refuse to teach him how to dance.
- Suzie, portrayed by Ashley Boettcher, a girl who comes to Rocky and CeCe's dance camp. Flynn seem to have a crush on her.
- Dr. Pepper, portrayed by Harriet Sansom Harris, a cranky therapist that CeCe and Rocky went to in one episode. It is mentioned that she gets cranky when the drive-thru runs out of sweet and sour sauce and it is mentioned also revealed that none of the girls at school would double Dutch with her and has a crush on Fred Flintstone. She could have possibly been the wrong therapist CeCe and Rocky were sent to because at the end of the episode Gary said his therapist's name was Dr. Noveck.
- Kat, portrayed by Kerris Dorsey, is a girl who elaborates a plan to get on Shake It Up Chicago by befriending Cece Jones. Kat pressures them to tell Gary to hire her as an intern on the show. Kat is successful in getting on the show but at the end of the episode, she moves to New York City to join Shake It Up, New York, although the email she had received was a fake email sent by CeCe. (Appeared in Copy Kat It Up)
- Ms. Burke, portrayed by Tyra Banks, the school librarian at John Hugens High School, she is obsessed with romance and has a huge crush on Mr. Zigfield. (Appeared in Parent Trap it Up and My Fair Librarian it Up)
- Mr. Zigfield, portrayed by Alfonso Ribeiro, a schoolteacher at John Hugens High School. (Appeared in My Fair Librarian it Up)
- Eileen, portrayed by Caitlin Carmichael, a tomboy pageant queen whose mother forced her to be in the little cutie queen pageant. She is played by Caitlin Carmichael and appeared in the episode "Glitz it Up!". She and Rocky seem to be friends since they both do not like beauty pageants.
- Vice Principal Winslow, portrayed by Cat Deeley, the Vice- Principal of CeCe, Rocky, Ty, Deuce, Gunther, Tinka, and Dina's school seen in Wild it Up, and to be in later episodes, she was also mentioned in Parent Trap it Up. She is secretly either a singer, dancer or dance show host.
- Danika, portrayed by Carlson Young, a model who competes in the miniature golf contest to raise money for charities. She makes fun of CeCe & Rocky after watching them after they embarrass themselves on camera during taping "Shake It Up: Chicago on camera.
- JJ Jones, portrayed by Matthew Glave, is CeCe and Flynn's father seen in Parent Trap It Up. He has a girlfriend in Florida and intends to propose to her until she dumped him for a guy on the street (which is mentioned in " I do it up").
- Harrison, portrayed by Adam Irigoyen, is Deuce's identical cousin. He is from Boston and appeared in Surprise it Up. It is hinted he may have feelings for Rocky.
- Mr. Watanabe, portrayed by Keone Young, is the boss of Watanabe Studios and he is shown to take his job serious, after Rocky told him that he is wrong, he told Gary to fire CeCe and Rocky and he fired Keiko. In the end, he rehired Keiko as assistant.
- Keiko Ishizuka, portrayed by Ally Maki, is Mr. Watanabe's assistant who came up with the idea of the Shake It Up video game however, when Rocky made Mr. Watanabe feel like he was wrong, Mr. Watanabe fired Keiko and canceled the video game. CeCe and Rocky told Mr. Watanabe to rehire Keiko and she was rehired. She helped Rocky and CeCe so they could perform Made in Japan
- Genta and Tomoka, portrayed by Christopher Naoki Lee and Anna Akana, are the thieves who stole Gunther and Tinka's clothes. When Gunther saw them, he and Tinka were angry to find and when Tinka hit the guard and got arrested. It is unknown if they got away with stealing their clothes.
- Phil, portrayed by Jonathan Chase, was the executive producer of Shake It Up, Chicago from "Quit It Up" to "Loyal It Up". He worked alongside Ty, who replaced Lance Daniels. He left in Loyal It Up to become the executive producer of Dance Factor and was replaced by Gary Wilde.
- Monroe, portrayed by Noah Centineo. He appears on the end of the episode Psych it Up as the dog owner of the lost dog CeCe had and also went on a date with her. It was never revealed if they broke up.
- George Martinez, portrayed by George Lopez, is Deuce's father and the owner of Martinez Plumbing who enjoys bowling. His dream is that every time someone sits on one of his toilets, they think the word "Martinez". His company slogan is "King of Toilets."
- L.J Hunter, portrayed by Davis Cleveland, is CeCe and Logan's son. He appears in the episode Future it Up. He looks identical to his uncle Flynn (CeCe's Brother) and has the same phrase as him "I got it mom!" his full name is Logan Hunter Jr.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Dance-Driven Sitcom 'Shake It Up' Premieres Sunday November 7 on Disney Channel". TV By The Numbers. Archived from the original on 2015-12-31. Retrieved 2016-07-06.
- ^ Cecelia - "Cecelia" is read out loud from CeCe's ID card by the banker in episode Meatball It Up - See Shake It Up - Meatball It Up - Minibyte - Disney Channel Official Archived 2016-04-19 at the Wayback Machine at time 1:10 in the video.
- ^ "Characters = Flynn – Shake It Up – Disney Channel". Disney Channel Online. Disney. Archived from the original on 2010-11-09. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ a b c d e Writers: Chris Thompson, Directors: Shelley Jensen. "Start It Up". Shake It Up. Season 1. Disney Channel.
- ^ "Characters = Ty – Shake It Up – Disney Channel". Disney Channel Online. Disney. Archived from the original on 2010-11-09. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Martin - Deuce introduces himself to Mr. Garcia as Martin Martinez at 9:50 in the episode Glitz it Up. "Hello, Mr. Garcia. I am Martin Martinez, but you can call me Deuce."
- ^ "Characters = Deuce – Shake It Up – Disney Channel". Disney Channel Online. Disney. Archived from the original on 2010-11-10. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ "Characters = Gunther & Tinka – Shake It Up – Disney Channel". Disney Channel Online. Disney. Archived from the original on 2010-11-08. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Dina Maria Louisa Schwartz Garcia - Dina used her full name when presenting an award at 20:02 in the episode "Boot It Up". See [1] Archived 2016-06-24 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]List of Shake It Up characters
View on GrokipediaMain characters
CeCe Jones
Cecelia "CeCe" Jones is one of the two lead protagonists in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, which aired from 2010 to 2013. Portrayed by actress Bella Thorne, CeCe is an ambitious teenage girl living in Chicago who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. She achieves this goal alongside her best friend Rocky Blue by securing positions as background dancers on the local television show Shake It Up, Chicago!, navigating the challenges of fame, school, and personal growth in the process.[4][5] CeCe is characterized as a tomboyish yet fashion-forward young woman with a strong passion for dance, often devising impulsive plans that lead to comedic mishaps, reflecting her energetic and determined personality. She is street-smart in social situations but struggles academically due to dyslexia, a trait drawn from Thorne's own experiences, which causes her to face bullying and opt for homeschooling; through her resilience, CeCe inspires viewers dealing with similar issues by demonstrating how to persevere. As an occasional troublemaker who frequently lands in detention for her bold antics, CeCe evolves in the early seasons by confronting her dance-related insecurities, such as initial stage fright during auditions, ultimately building confidence through determination and support from her inner circle.[5][6][7] CeCe's family dynamics play a central role in her story, as she resides in a Chicago apartment with her single mother, Georgia Jones, a supportive police officer who encourages her daughter's aspirations while expecting help with household responsibilities. Her relationship with Georgia is close but marked by occasional conflicts over CeCe's rebellious streak. CeCe shares a typical sibling rivalry with her mischievous younger brother, Flynn Jones, involving pranks and bickering, though their bond highlights familial loyalty. Her deepest connection is her best friendship with Rocky Blue, a dance partnership that provides mutual encouragement and contrasts CeCe's impulsive nature with Rocky's more disciplined approach.[8][5]Rocky Blue
Rocky Blue is one of the two protagonists of the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, portrayed by actress and singer Zendaya.[9] As a talented and determined dancer living in Chicago, Rocky aspires to achieve professional success in the field, landing a background dancer position on the local TV show Shake It Up, Chicago! alongside her best friend CeCe Jones.[3] Her character embodies ambition and charm, navigating the challenges of high school life while pursuing her dreams.[10] Rocky is depicted as a straight-A student with a cautious and responsible personality, often serving as the voice of reason in her friendship with the more impulsive CeCe.[11] Bookish and reserved, she initially approaches dancing with some reluctance, prioritizing academics and logical decision-making before embracing her passion fully.[11] Throughout the series, Rocky's arcs explore the tensions of balancing her stellar academic performance with the demands of budding fame on the dance show, highlighting her growth in confidence and risk-taking. This contrast to CeCe's outgoing nature underscores Rocky's role in encouraging her friend toward greater opportunities, such as shared auditions and routines that propel their joint success.[11] In her family dynamics, Rocky shares a close sibling bond with her older brother Ty Blue, with whom she collaborates on various schemes and supports each other's endeavors in school and dance.[12] Her mother, Marcie Blue, provides a strong maternal influence, offering guidance on responsibility and family priorities that shape Rocky's grounded outlook.[9]Flynn Jones
Flynn Jones is a main character in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013), portrayed by actor Davis Cleveland, who was eight years old at the start of the series.[13] As the younger brother of protagonist CeCe Jones and son of single mother Georgia Jones, Flynn resides in a modest Chicago home with his family, where everyday interactions highlight his precocious nature.[14] He serves as comic relief, frequently devising clever but misguided schemes to earn quick cash, reflecting his opportunistic personality and resourcefulness beyond his 9–11 years during the show's run.[15] Flynn's entrepreneurial antics often involve hobbies like magic tricks and tinkering with robots or gadgets, which he attempts to monetize for personal gain. For instance, in the episode "Show It Up," he performs a magic trick that inadvertently embarrasses his friends, showcasing his showmanship while pursuing profit.[16] Another example occurs in "Meatball It Up," where he tries to siphon money from CeCe and her friend Rocky after they receive a windfall, underscoring his sly but ultimately thwarted attempts at financial independence.[17] These schemes typically backfire humorously, emphasizing his childlike mischief and providing lighthearted subplots amid the main dance-focused narrative. Throughout the series, Flynn's relationship with CeCe evolves from typical sibling annoyance—marked by teasing and pranks—to genuine support for her aspirations as a background dancer on the fictional show Shake It Up, Chicago!. Initially viewing her career as an inconvenience, he grows to admire her determination, occasionally aiding her endeavors despite his self-interested traits.[14] This development highlights Flynn's loyalty to family, transforming him from a pint-sized schemer into a relatable source of comic relief who contributes to the Jones family's dynamic.[15]Ty Blue
Ty Blue is a central character in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013), portrayed by actor and rapper Roshon Fegan. As Rocky's older brother, Ty is depicted as an aspiring musician with a strong interest in rapping, frequently showcasing his talents through performances and schemes to secure music deals, such as auditioning for record labels or collaborating on tracks. His athletic build supports his energetic dance moves, though he initially resists joining the Shake It Up, Chicago! cast to focus on his rap career.[18][19] Ty's personality is marked by confidence and a flirtatious demeanor, making him popular at school and adept at charming others, yet he occasionally displays jealousy when his sister Rocky garners attention in the dance world. Despite this, he remains a loyal family member and friend, providing support to Rocky and sharing a close, brotherly bond with her amid their household dynamics. His best friendship with Deuce Martinez highlights his sociable side, as the duo often teams up for adventures involving music and mischief.[19] Throughout the series, Ty's arcs emphasize his pursuit of musical success, evolving from casual rapping to more serious endeavors like hosting segments on the show, all while navigating family life in the Blue household with parents Marcie and Dr. Curtis. This blend of ambition and relatability underscores his role as a supportive yet self-assured teen.[19]Deuce Martinez
Martin "Deuce" Martinez is a main character in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013), portrayed by actor Adam Irigoyen.[20] As the easygoing sidekick to the group, Deuce serves as a loyal friend to CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue, often providing comic relief through his laid-back demeanor and quick-witted schemes.[21] Of Cuban heritage, Deuce embodies a streetwise, humorous personality that highlights his resourcefulness in everyday situations, frequently engaging in minor scams or "deals" to make a quick buck, such as selling bootleg items or leveraging his "connections." His partnership with best friend Ty Blue is central to his arc, where they collaborate on these lighthearted hustles while navigating school and social life together, showcasing Deuce's chill loyalty and ability to roll with the punches.[22] Over the series, Deuce's character develops an appreciation for genuine friendships beyond his opportunistic tendencies, learning the value of trust and support within his circle.[21] Deuce's romantic interests include crushes and relationships with recurring female characters, notably developing a steady partnership with Dina Garcia, mirroring his own entrepreneurial spirit, and briefly dating Savannah, the popular girl at school.[21] He occasionally participates in group hangouts with the Jones and Blue families, adding to the ensemble dynamic without overshadowing the core dance-focused narrative.Gunther Hessenheffer
Gunther Hessenheffer is a principal character in the first two seasons of the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, serving as one of the primary antagonists alongside his twin sister Tinka. Portrayed by actor Kenton Duty, Gunther is introduced as an exchange student from an unspecified European country who joins the teen dance program Shake It Up, Chicago!. [22] His role emphasizes flamboyant showmanship through exaggerated dance routines that highlight his ambition and theatrical flair on the show. [23] Characterized by an arrogant demeanor and dramatic expressions, Gunther frequently clashes with protagonists CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue, positioning himself and Tinka as their chief rivals in dance competitions and performances. [22] Despite his overconfident exterior, subtle layers reveal underlying insecurities, particularly in moments where his competitive edge falters, leading to gradual softening of rivalries over the series. [21] As part of the Hessenheffer sibling duo, Gunther's bond with Tinka drives many of their joint schemes and shared stage appearances, underscoring their united front against the main cast. [22] Gunther's Eastern European accent adds to his distinctive persona, enhancing the comedic contrast with the Chicago-based ensemble during group dances and backstage interactions. [23] His character arc evolves from outright antagonism to occasional alliances, such as collaborative performances on Shake It Up, Chicago!, reflecting growth in navigating friendships amid competition. [21]Tinka Hessenheffer
Tinka Hessenheffer is portrayed by actress Caroline Sunshine in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up.[24] Introduced as a recurring character in season 1 before becoming a main cast member in seasons 2 and 3, Tinka is depicted as a European exchange student from an unnamed country, arriving in Chicago with her twin brother Gunther.[25][22] Tinka embodies a glamorous and snobbish persona, often showcasing an obsession with high fashion through her signature style of bright, sequined outfits that highlight her trend-setting flair.[26] Her initial antagonism toward protagonists CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue manifests as competitive snobbery on the set of Shake It Up, Chicago!, where she and Gunther perform elaborate, synchronized dance routines as rivals to the leads.[27] Tinka's sassy demeanor is evident in her dialogue, such as dismissing others as unprofessional while positioning herself and her brother as elite performers. Over the series, Tinka's relationships evolve, transitioning from outright rivalry to a more nuanced frenemy dynamic with CeCe and Rocky, marked by gradual moments of friendship amid ongoing competition.[28] She maintains unwavering loyalty to her brother Gunther, frequently collaborating with him on dances and schemes, while pursuing separate romantic interests, including a developing subplot with Ty Blue that explores her softer side beyond sibling bonds.[27]Recurring characters
Gary Wilde
Gary Wilde is a recurring character on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013), portrayed by actor R. Brandon Johnson.[29] Johnson, recognized for his role in the series, appeared in 31 episodes as the charismatic host of the fictional local dance variety show Shake It Up, Chicago!.[29] As the host and executive producer of Shake It Up, Chicago!, Gary oversees auditions, performances, and production elements, wielding significant authority over the background dancers, including protagonists CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue. In the series premiere "Start It Up," Gary conducts auditions for new dancers and, upon discovering CeCe attempting to sneak onto the show in disguise after failing her initial tryout, decides to hire her on the spot, demonstrating his improvisational decision-making in talent selection. His professional interactions often involve high-energy announcements and on-air segments that highlight the dancers' routines, while he collaborates with the show's director, Jeremy Hunter, to manage studio operations.[29] Gary's style is marked by motivational flair combined with occasional chaos, as seen in episodes where his oversight leads to unexpected challenges for the cast. For instance, in season 3, after a studio fire in the premiere "Fire It Up," the show is rebuilt, but a new executive producer later requires the dancers, including CeCe and Rocky, to re-audition for their spots in "Ty It Up," underscoring Gary's central role in the show's continuity and the pressures he imposes on performers.[30] Throughout the series, his enthusiastic yet self-focused demeanor fosters quirky dynamics with the young dancers, such as impromptu mentoring moments during auditions or production mishaps that test their resilience.[31]Georgia Jones
Georgia Jones is a recurring character in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, portrayed by actress Anita Barone.[32] She serves as the single mother to protagonists CeCe Jones and her younger son Flynn Jones, providing a stable home environment in Chicago while navigating the challenges of raising two energetic children as a divorced parent.[3] As a police officer with the Chicago Police Department, Georgia balances her demanding career with family responsibilities, often drawing on her professional instincts in everyday situations.[33] Her parenting style is supportive of her children's ambitions, particularly CeCe's pursuit of opportunities on the local dance show Shake It Up, Chicago!, but it is tempered by strict expectations that they contribute to household duties, such as CeCe helping care for Flynn.[3] This approach reflects her practical nature, where she emphasizes responsibility and discipline alongside affection. Georgia exhibits key traits of being loving and protective toward her family, frequently offering maternal guidance to CeCe and Flynn amid their frequent mishaps and schemes, though she occasionally expresses frustration when their antics disrupt family life or her work.[21] Her relationships extend beyond her immediate family to include warm interactions with the neighboring Blue family, where she provides advice and support to Rocky Blue and her relatives, fostering a sense of community among the households.Marcie Blue
Marcie Blue is a recurring character in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, portrayed by actress Carla Renata. She appears in six episodes across seasons 1 and 2, first introduced in "Heat It Up." As the matriarch of the Blue family, Marcie is the wife of Dr. Curtis Blue and the mother of siblings Rocky Blue and Ty Blue, often providing a grounding presence amid their adventures in dancing and music.[29][34] Marcie embodies a supportive domestic role, balancing her responsibilities as a hair salon owner with everyday family duties like preparing meals—she is noted for her excellent cooking skills—and maintaining household order. Her enthusiasm for Rocky's talents shines through in scenes where she encourages her daughter's participation on the local dance show Shake It Up, Chicago!, reflecting her warm and invested parenting style. However, this support occasionally veers into overprotectiveness, such as when she expresses concern over the girls' high-energy pursuits, adding depth to her character as a caring yet cautious mother.[35][34] Key to Marcie's portrayal are her organized demeanor and ability to deliver comic relief in family interactions, often through sarcastic wit and judgmental quips that lighten tense moments. These traits make her a beloved figure in the Blue household scenes, where she navigates routines involving Ty's budding music career with a mix of encouragement and humorous exasperation.[35]Dr. Curtis Blue
Dr. Curtis Blue is a recurring character on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, portrayed by actor Phil Morris. As the father of protagonists Rocky Blue and Ty Blue, as well as the husband of Marcie Blue, Curtis serves as the family patriarch whose professional background shapes his interactions with his children.[36] Curtis is established as a dedicated doctor who has spent significant time working abroad, including a year-long stint overseas prior to his return in season 2. In the episode "Doctor It Up," he expresses strong disapproval upon learning of Rocky's role as a background dancer on the local television program Shake It Up, Chicago!, urging her instead to follow his path into medicine. This reflects his paternal influence, emphasizing stability and professional achievement over artistic pursuits, while similarly challenging Ty's aspirations in music. His profession underscores a sense of responsibility and authority within the family dynamic.[37][38] Despite his initial rigidity, Curtis demonstrates a caring side by engaging with family matters and eventually reconciling with his children's interests after persuasion from friends like CeCe Jones and Deuce Martinez. He balances his demanding medical career with home life, appearing in subsequent episodes such as "Apply It Up," where he contributes to discussions on future opportunities for Rocky. This evolution highlights his supportive role amid humorous family tensions.[37][39]Dina Garcia
Dina Garcia is a recurring character on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, portrayed by actress Ainsley Bailey.[40] Bailey, who joined the series in its first season, brought a spunky and loveable energy to the role, describing Dina as a "fun character" that allowed her to adopt a unique accent and explore a tomboyish style distinct from her own personality.[41][42] As Rocky's additional close friend, Dina contributes to the core group's social adventures, often appearing in episodes centered on friendship and school life. Her bubbly and loyal nature positions her as a reliable sidekick, providing comic relief through her eccentric quirks and enthusiastic support for the group's activities, including their involvement in the Shake It Up, Chicago! dance show.[43] For instance, in the episode "Slumber It Up," Dina joins CeCe and Rocky for a slumber party with Tinka, highlighting her role in fostering group bonds and shared experiences among the female friends.[43] Dina's inventive side emerges in her clever, offbeat ideas for fun and problem-solving within the friend circle, such as impromptu plans during social gatherings.[44] Dina's relationships emphasize the show's themes of loyalty and camaraderie, forming a tight-knit friend group with CeCe and Rocky while occasionally interacting with the boys like Deuce and Ty in group settings. All characters, including Dina, share school connections at John Hughes High School, where much of the series' interpersonal drama unfolds.[1] Her appearances span multiple seasons, focusing on lighthearted episodes that showcase her as an integral, upbeat part of the ensemble.[45]Henry Dillon
Henry Dillon is a recurring character in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, portrayed by actor Buddy Handleson. He is introduced in the first-season episode "Add It Up" as an 8-year-old child prodigy hired as a math tutor for CeCe Jones to help improve her grades and avoid being pulled from the Shake It Up, Chicago! dance show. In the episode, Henry's exceptional intelligence is highlighted when he assists CeCe with her academic struggles, including revealing her dyslexia. Henry subsequently becomes the best friend of Flynn Jones, CeCe's younger brother, appearing alongside him in various schemes and adventures throughout the series. Despite their contrasting personalities—Henry's scholarly demeanor versus Flynn's mischievous nature—their friendship provides comic relief in several episodes. He is credited in nine episodes across seasons 1 and 2, often serving as a supportive companion to Flynn in school and family-related storylines.Jeremy Hunter
Jeremy Hunter is a recurring character in the third and final season of the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, appearing in five episodes from 2012 to 2013. Portrayed by American actor Anthony Starke, he is depicted as a dedicated fire captain for the Chicago Fire Department.[29] His introduction marks a significant development in the series' family dynamics, particularly through his romantic involvement with Georgia Jones, the mother of protagonists CeCe and Flynn Jones. Hunter first appears in the season 3 premiere episode "Fire It Up," where he leads the investigation into a fire that destroys the Shake It Up, Chicago! studio, suspected to have been accidentally caused by CeCe. During the inquiry at the Jones household, he quickly develops an attraction to Georgia, leading to their initial date by the episode's end. Their relationship blossoms rapidly, with the pair becoming a couple and later getting engaged, as explored in episodes like "Merry Merry It Up" and "Future It Up," where they plan a wedding that integrates with the show's ongoing storylines involving the young dancers' careers. As a single father, Hunter's personal life intersects with the main cast through his son, Logan Hunter, a disciplined and outspoken teenager who clashes with Flynn over household matters and work ethics in episodes such as "Oh Brother It Up." Despite the engagement, Hunter and Georgia's romance concludes off-screen before the season finale, allowing Georgia to resume her role as a single parent. Hunter's character provides comic relief through his professional demeanor contrasting the chaotic family and show environments, while highlighting themes of adult relationships in the teen-oriented series.[46]Additional supporting roles
Uncle Frank, portrayed by Jim Pirri, is Deuce Martinez's uncle and the owner of Crusty's Pizza, a popular hangout spot for the main characters starting in season 2. He appears in three episodes during 2011, often providing comic relief through his teasing interactions with Deuce and involvement in family-related storylines, such as hosting events at his restaurant.[47] Phil, portrayed by Jonathan Chase, serves as the temporary executive producer of Shake It Up, Chicago! in season 3, replacing Gary Wilde and requiring the dancers to re-audition for their spots. He features in four episodes, including key moments where he enforces strict changes to the show and rewards Rocky Blue with a permanent dancing position after she saves his life during a choking incident.[48]Minor and guest characters
One-off family and friends
The one-off family and friends in Shake It Up consist of relatives and close acquaintances of the main characters who appear in a single episode, often to explore personal dynamics, conflicts, or holiday-themed storylines within the protagonists' social circles. These characters provide brief but impactful insights into the backstories of CeCe Jones, Rocky Blue, Dina Garcia, and their peers, such as family tensions or unexpected crushes, without becoming recurring elements. They typically serve to heighten comedic or emotional moments tied to the central themes of friendship and growth.| Character | Relation | Actor | Episode | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Martinez | Deuce Martinez's identical cousin from Boston | Adam Irigoyen | "Surprise It Up" (Season 2, Episode 26) | Harrison visits Chicago, leading Rocky Blue to develop a crush on him and causing mix-ups when she mistakes Deuce for Harrison, highlighting Rocky's romantic side and the group's dynamics during CeCe's surprise birthday party.[49] |
| Klaus Hessenheffer | Gunther and Tinka Hessenheffer's young cousin | Nicholas Braico | "Judge It Up" (Season 2, Episode 15) | Klaus's birthday party prompts CeCe and Rocky to perform for the Hessenheffers, sparking a dispute over payment that escalates to "Teen Court," underscoring themes of fairness and sibling rivalries within the foreign exchange student subplot.[50] |
| Tina Garcia | Dina Garcia's overbearing mother | Maggie Wheeler | "Twist It Up" (Season 1, Episode 19) | Mrs. Garcia plans an extravagant, themed birthday party for Dina, clashing with her daughter's preferences and drawing in CeCe and Rocky to intervene, illustrating family control and Dina's independence in her peer relationships.[51] |
| Phil Stuts | CeCe and Rocky's brief acquaintance (banker friend of the family) | Unknown | "Meatball It Up" (Season 1, Episode 2) | As the banker who opens the girls' first accounts after they receive paychecks from the show, Phil introduces them to financial responsibility in a humorous way, tying into their transition to teen independence and early money mishaps. |
Show staff and background roles
The show Shake It Up features several incidental personnel and extras associated with the fictional dance program Shake It Up, Chicago!, including DJs, producers, stage managers, and background dancers who contribute to the production atmosphere and dance sequences without driving major plots. These roles often provide comedic relief through mishaps during rehearsals or live broadcasts, or enhance the energy of performances under the supervision of host Gary Wilde or choreographer Jeremy Hunter. As the series concluded in 2013 with no reboots or additional seasons by 2025, these characters remain limited to one-off or recurring minor appearances across its three seasons.[1] Key examples include:- Marco (portrayed by Adrian Elizondo): The DJ stationed in the booth during Shake It Up, Chicago! rehearsals and shows, appearing in episodes such as "Meatball It Up" (Season 1), "Glitz It Up" (Season 2), and "Rock and Roll It Up" (Season 3). He contributes to dance scenes by providing beats and occasionally joins as a dancer, adding humorous interactions with the main cast during high-energy routines.[52]
- Eddie (portrayed by Max Ehrich): A lead dancer featured in the "Wild Things" performance, seen in "Hook It Up" (Season 1) and "Meatball It Up" (Season 1). His role highlights the competitive dynamics of background dancers, including a comedic moment where he expresses frustration at CeCe and Rocky's inexperience, emphasizing the show's ensemble vibe.[52]
- Adam (portrayed by Matthew Scott Montgomery): The stage manager who coordinates airtime and crew logistics, appearing solely in the pilot "Start It Up" (Season 1). He delivers urgent warnings to dancers about timing, injecting tension and humor into the audition process through his no-nonsense demeanor.[52]
- Sid (portrayed by John Maynard): A producer involved in budget discussions and staff decisions, featured in "Hook It Up" (Season 1). His brief scenes underscore production challenges, such as potential cuts, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse with dry wit during meetings with Gary Wilde.[52]
- Johnny B (portrayed by Duncan Tran): A b-boy dancer who performs a spotlight routine in "Give It Up" (Season 2) and appears in various other episodes across Seasons 1-3. He bolsters dance scenes with breakdancing flair, contributing to energetic group numbers and occasional humorous failed moves that lighten the choreography focus.[52]
- Kent (portrayed by Kent Boyd): A featured dancer introduced as a mystery guest in "Kick It Up" (Season 1), with appearances in multiple episodes through Season 3. Known for his agile contributions to ensemble dances, he adds visual dynamism and comedic asides during rehearsals, such as syncing mishaps.[52]
Celebrity cameos
Shake It Up featured several high-profile celebrity cameos throughout its three seasons, often integrating musicians, dancers, and actors from other Disney properties or popular media to enhance the show's dance-centric narrative and appeal to young audiences. These appearances typically involved guest stars performing songs, leading dance routines, or interacting directly with protagonists CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue to advance plotlines centered on ambition, mentorship, or performance challenges. The cameos contributed to the series' crossover appeal within the Disney Channel ecosystem and highlighted contemporary pop culture figures, boosting episode viewership and cultural relevance during the show's run from 2010 to 2013.[53][54] Notable cameos included dance competition host Cat Deeley, who portrayed Vice Principal Winslow in the season 1 episode "Wild It Up" (aired January 9, 2011), where she enforced strict school rules that clashed with Rocky's rebellious phase, ultimately leading to a humorous resolution involving the main cast's dance skills.[55][56] Her role underscored the show's theme of balancing creativity with authority, drawing on her expertise from So You Think You Can Dance. Similarly, Kent Boyd, a finalist from So You Think You Can Dance season 7, appeared as himself in "Kick It Up" (season 1, episode 5, aired December 5, 2010), performing a high-energy routine to "All Electric" alongside background dancers, inspiring CeCe and Rocky to pursue individual growth after Deuce points out their over-reliance on each other.[57][58] This cameo emphasized professional dance integration, motivating the protagonists to "kick it up" in their careers. Musical guests added pop flair, such as Chris Trousdale, known from High School Musical, who played teen idol Justin Starr in "Age It Up" (season 1, episode 6, aired December 19, 2010), performing "Not Too Young" on Shake It Up, Chicago!. His character revealed a more mature side during an after-party interaction with CeCe and Rocky, teaching them about the realities of fame and prompting a lesson in authenticity.[59][60] In a Disney crossover, Anneliese van der Pol (from That's So Raven) guest-starred as original dancer Ronnie in "Reunion It Up" (season 1, episode 15, aired April 10, 2011), reuniting with fellow alum Angie for a "Generations Dance" segment where CeCe and Rocky filled in, fostering mentorship and highlighting the show's evolution through multi-generational dance collaboration.[61] John D'Aquino, recognized from JAG, appeared as wealthy mall owner Don Rio Garcia in "Glitz It Up" (season 1, episode 13, aired March 6, 2011), hiring the girls as choreographers for his daughter's pageant, which involved extravagant dance numbers and explored themes of class and performance pressure.[62][63]| Celebrity | Role | Episode (Season, Air Date) | Key Interaction/Song/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Deeley | Vice Principal Winslow | "Wild It Up" (S1, Jan 9, 2011) | Enforces rules against Rocky's "bad girl" image; leads to comedic dance rebellion; ties into dance vs. discipline theme.[55] |
| Kent Boyd | Himself (dancer) | "Kick It Up" (S1, Dec 5, 2010) | Performs "All Electric"; inspires CeCe and Rocky to branch out individually; elevates dance professionalism.[57] |
| Chris Trousdale | Justin Starr | "Age It Up" (S1, Dec 19, 2010) | Sings "Not Too Young"; reveals adult antics to girls, teaching fame's pitfalls; musical performance boosts episode energy.[59] |
| Anneliese van der Pol | Ronnie | "Reunion It Up" (S1, Apr 10, 2011) | Dances in "Generations Dance" with mains; mentors on show history; strengthens Disney continuity.[61] |
| John D'Aquino | Don Rio Garcia | "Glitz It Up" (S1, Mar 6, 2011) | Hires girls for pageant choreography; interacts via quirky family dynamics; adds glamour to dance routines.[62] |
| Renée Taylor | Mrs. Locassio | "Model It Up" (S1, Jun 19, 2011) | Babysits Flynn with eccentric stories; recurring humor aids Rocky's modeling dilemma; provides comedic relief.[64] |
| Ben Savage | Andy Burns | "Review It Up" (S2, Nov 6, 2011) | Blogs negative review; girls sway him with dances; critiques show integrity, resolved through performance.[65] |
| Tyra Banks | Mrs. Burke | "My Fair Librarian It Up" (S3, Feb 24, 2013) | Gets makeover from girls to woo crush; ties into school dance event; modeling icon adds empowerment angle.[66] |
| Carly Rae Jepsen | Herself (performer) | "My Fair Librarian It Up" (S3, Feb 24, 2013) | Performs "Sweetie" at school assembly; inspires crowd dance; pop hit integrates contemporary music.[66][53] |
| Alfonso Ribeiro | Mr. Zigfield | "My Fair Librarian It Up" (S3, Feb 24, 2013) | Librarian's love interest; flirts amid makeover chaos; Fresh Prince star brings sitcom charm to romance subplot.[66] |
| Leo Howard | Logan | "Oh Brother It Up" (S3, Jan 13, 2013) | CeCe's strict boss at kabob shop; rivals with Deuce over girls; Kickin' It crossover adds action-comedy tension.[46] |
