Due to the overwhelming international success of Dance Academy, it seemed like a no-brainer to produce a movie. Dance Academy: The Movie (Also known as Dance Academy: The Comeback) was released in 2017 and reunited most of the original cast.
The movie follows Tara as she heads to New York City after some setbacks in Sydney, and filming took place in both cities.
Sydney Piers
Much like the original series, Dance Academy: The Movie features a number of scenes filmed at the piers. We see the exteriors, as well as the studio where Christian runs his community hip hop classes.
Sydney Opera House
A number of scenes take place at the Sydney Opera House. While Abigail has joined the ballet company, Tara actually works on the catering team.
Capitol Theatre
The film features a scene where Tara and Ben sneak into a Broadway Theatre. Despite being portrayed as being in New York City, these scenes were actually filmed at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.
Times Square
As is natural in movies, you always have the taxi drop you off (with luggage) in the middle of Times Square, instead of your hotel. A visit is mandatory, but perhaps not the best area to drag your luggage.
The Plaza Hotel
Tara finally makes it to The Plaza Hotel, where she is sharing a hotel room with Kat. This famous hotel has been seen in countless movies, including Home Alone 2. Scenes were filmed at the hotel entrance, as well as the surrounding streets.
Gapstow Bridge and Central Park
Tara and Kat take a walk through Central Park to catch up. Later in the film, when Tara and Ben return to the city, they also visit the park. They are seen walking across Gapstow Bridge, with it’s excellent views of The Plaza hotel and the Manhattan skyline.
Cop Cot
Cop Cot is a wooden gazebo in Central Park, not far from The Plaza Hotel. This is the location where Ben and Tara meet a group of local seniors who are dancing.
Longacre Theatre
We get a look at the exteriors of the Longacre Theatre after Tara flees mid-performance after learning Ben is sick. She runs down 48th Street and through Times Square.
Washington Square Arch
A brief scene shows Tara running across 5th Avenue, with the Washington Square Arch behind her. The arch is also seen in movies like Ghostbusters 2 and Isn’t It Romantic.
Grand Central Station
After a visit to see Miss Raine in Austin, Tara and Ben return to New York City. They seemingly arrive by train at Grand Central Station.
Statue of Liberty
No visit to New York City is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. Kat takes Abigail on the Staten Island Ferry, with it’s excellent views of the statue and the NYC skyline.
42nd Street
While the bright lights of 42nd Street didn’t actually appear in the film, they are used as a backdrop to some of the movie’s posters.
I’ve also tried locating Miss Raine’s farm in Austin Texas, with no luck. I’m quite certain it wasn’t actually located in Austin, and probably was somewhere in the Sydney area. If anyone has any info, please let me know in the comments section.
