Ashley Wallen: Choreographer Behind Disney+ Film “Descendants: The Rise of Red”

When Ashley Wallen received the exciting call from director Jennifer Phang to choreograph the film “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” he was overjoyed. Wallen, known for his diverse choreography work with big names like Mariah Carey and Kylie Minogue, saw this opportunity as a dream come true, especially given Disney’s iconic status and the immense popularity of the Descendants franchise.

Having previously worked on Disney’s “The Greatest Showman,” Wallen felt that experience played a crucial role in securing his role for this new project, which premiered on July 12. Describing the choreography in the film as a blend of classic and modern styles, Wallen drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, to create dynamic and engaging dance sequences.

The choreographer highlighted how each character in the movie influenced the choreography, with distinct styles tailored to reflect their personalities. This personalized approach led to adjustments and refinements during rehearsals, adding depth and authenticity to the performances, much to the delight of the film’s stars as they embraced their characters through movement.

Actress Dara Reneé, known for her role in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” expressed her joy in embodying her character through dance, discovering new ways to express herself physically. Similarly, Ruby Rose Turner, with a background in competitive dance, felt well-prepared for the challenging choreography, viewing it as a culmination of her training.

Wallen and the cast found immense satisfaction in transitioning the choreography from the studio to the film set, witnessing the dances come to life in the vibrant and elaborate production. The choreographer emphasized the joy of working with talented performers who could execute the choreography seamlessly, enhancing the overall visual impact of the dance numbers.

Looking ahead, Wallen hopes that audiences will be inspired by the film to engage with the dances themselves, encouraging viewers to learn and recreate the choreography. Reflecting on the success of his previous work, Wallen expressed a desire to see people of all backgrounds and abilities embrace the dances, enjoying the experience and connecting with the music on a personal level.

As the film’s release approaches, Wallen anticipates a similar response to his previous projects, with audiences enthusiastically participating in dance challenges and sharing their interpretations online. His ultimate goal is to spread joy and creativity through dance, inviting everyone to join in the fun and celebrate the artistry showcased in “Descendants: The Rise of Red.”