Holiday movies are a cherished tradition, and Lifetime has mastered the art of creating heartwarming romances. But “A Christmas Dance Reunion” is more than just another feel-good film; it’s a delightful blend of holiday spirit and high school nostalgia, reuniting “High School Musical” favorites Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman. This movie isn’t just a Christmas romance; it’s a dance back into the hearts of fans, offering a comforting and joyful experience.
The story unfolds as childhood friends, played by Bleu and Coleman, rediscover their bond and passion for dance when the beloved holiday hotel of their youth faces closure. Director Brian Herzlinger, drawing inspiration from his own nostalgic family vacations in the Catskills and the iconic “Dirty Dancing,” envisioned a Christmas movie imbued with the magic of dance and reunion. Premiering on December 3rd on Lifetime, “A Christmas Dance Reunion” is the culmination of a journey years in the making, as recounted by the Herzlingers, Bleu, Coleman, and executive producers Margret Huddleston and Stephanie Slack.
Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman in A Christmas Dance Reunion
From Cozy Catskills to Christmas Cheer: The Genesis of a Dance Dream
The seed for “A Christmas Dance Reunion” was planted in the fond memories of Brian Herzlinger’s childhood summers at the Raleigh Hotel in the Catskills. He envisioned recreating that magical atmosphere, blending it with the romantic dance narrative of “Dirty Dancing,” but with a festive Christmas twist. This vision, presented to Lifetime in October 2019, was among several ideas pitched by Herzlinger and his co-writer and wife, Megan Henry Herzlinger. The concept resonated, and by February 2020, Lifetime gave the green light, setting the stage for a heartwarming holiday dance movie.
Crafting Christmas Magic Amidst the Pandemic: A Timeline
The journey of “A Christmas Dance Reunion” from concept to screen was a unique blend of creative inspiration and pandemic-era adaptation.
February 2020: Green Light and Pandemic Writing
As the world began to shift in early 2020, the Herzlingers received the go-ahead to develop their Catskills-inspired project. They traded their Los Angeles home for the sunny shores of Florida, setting up a writing retreat at Henry Herzlinger’s parents’ house. This unexpected change of scenery proved to be creatively fruitful. Amidst global uncertainty, they found solace in crafting a story of joy and connection. Henry Herzlinger fondly recalls the idyllic writing process, balancing work with family time and beachside inspiration.
Spring-Summer 2020: Choreographing the Narrative
The Herzlingers are known for their hands-on approach to filmmaking, meticulously outlining their stories. They adhered to the classic nine-act structure common in Lifetime romances, ensuring the familiar beats of falling in love and overcoming obstacles, all within a family-friendly framework. Their detailed outline allowed for a smooth first draft, completed in approximately three weeks. While initial plans aimed for a 2020 release, pandemic-related filming challenges pushed production to 2021, allowing for a more relaxed timeline.
September 2020: Casting Nostalgia: Bleu and Coleman Reunite
When casting “A Christmas Dance Reunion,” Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman were already on the Herzlingers’ minds, given their musical backgrounds and inherent charm. The casting proved serendipitous in more ways than one. Bleu and Coleman, while remaining friends since their “High School Musical” days, hadn’t shared the screen in over a decade. This real-life reunion mirrored the movie’s premise of rekindling old friendships, adding an authentic layer to their on-screen chemistry. Bleu was quickly on board, followed shortly by Coleman, drawn to the film’s focus on their characters’ romance and the rare opportunity for Black actors to lead a holiday love story.
October 2020: Quarantine Choreography: Zooming into Dance
The production timeline compressed the rehearsal period typically needed for a dance movie. Upon arriving in Canada for the two-week mandatory quarantine, Bleu and Coleman turned their hotel rooms into virtual dance studios. Through Zoom, they rehearsed complex choreography with their choreographer, learning steps and partner work remotely. Bleu describes the unique challenge of mastering lifts and intricate movements in isolation, preparing for dance sequences they would only physically rehearse together just before filming.
November 2020: Lights, Camera, Dance! Filming Under Pressure
With a mere 15-day shooting schedule, filming “A Christmas Dance Reunion,” especially a dance-centric movie during a pandemic, was a race against time and circumstance. The ever-present threat of a positive COVID test loomed, which would halt production. Despite the pressure, the production team in Ontario navigated the challenges successfully. Slack notes their luck in avoiding delays and the collective joy of creating a Christmas movie during a difficult period.
Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman dancing in A Christmas Dance Reunion
Early & November 2021: Post-Production and the Joy of Reunion
The delayed release date provided a more relaxed post-production schedule. While sticking to standard timelines, Herzlinger enjoyed the flexibility to refine the film. Extra footage, including audience reaction shots for dance numbers, was filmed later when restrictions eased. Huddleston highlights how this extended timeline potentially enhanced the movie’s quality. For Bleu and Coleman, ADR work in Spring 2021 offered their first glimpse of the finished product, sparking excitement for their on-screen reunion. By November 2021, as they geared up for the movie’s release, the entire experience, from creation to promotion, felt like a genuinely joyful Christmas celebration, emphasizing the magic of their reunion.
A Christmas Dance Reunion: More Than Just a Movie
“A Christmas Dance Reunion” is poised to capture hearts not only with its heartwarming holiday romance but also with the irresistible charm of Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman’s on-screen reunion. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of feel-good holiday movies and the special magic that happens when nostalgia meets the spirit of Christmas. For fans of dance, romance, and the beloved “High School Musical,” this movie promises a delightful and uplifting holiday treat, proving that some reunions are worth dancing for.
