Reprising the role that propelled her into the big screen, Rachele Brooke Smith returns in Lifetime’s “Center Stage: On Pointe” to dazzle viewers again. In the second “Center Stage” film entitled “Center Stage: Turn It Up”, Rachele captivated viewers and is sure to bring that radiant energy and passion to the third film of the triology “Center Stage: On Pointe.” Each of the “Center Stage” films follows the extraordinary story of young dancers reaching for their dreams and achieving it against the odds through sheer perseverance, tenacity, and phenomenal talent. It has been a pleasure to watch Rachele’s career rise and blossom and she not only shares how exciting it was to portray such a momentous role for a second time, she also previews her exciting roles in the upcoming films “Cold Moon,” “Chalk It Up” and “Bomb City.”
What was it like to step back into the shoes of Kate Parker and to bring that role to screen again?
RACHELE: It was so fun to step back into Kate Parker! Playing Kate in “Center Stage: Turn It Up” was a literal childhood dream come true (I even made a YouTube video about it: https://youtu.be/LIEfBRizMeU), so you could only imagine how cool it was to step back into her after all these years.
How do you describe who Kate is when the next film picks up with her in “Center Stage: On Pointe”?
RACHELE: I would tell you, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise! You’ll have to watch and see.
What is Kate’s relationship with her sister Bella in the film? And what was it like working with Nicole Munoz?
RACHELE: Kate and Bella’s relationship was and is so special to me. I found it amazing how much this story mirrors my real life with my real little sister. I love my little sister very much and am incredibly proud of her. Let’s just Kate feels very similar towards Bella. I absolutely love Nicole, and it was so amazing to see her after all these years! We had such a special bond on the second “Center Stage” and even though we hadn’t seen each other for such a long time, it felt like we had just seen each other yesterday. I am beyond proud of her!
What cool dance sequences can fans look forward to in “Center Stage: On Pointe”?
RACHELE: There are way too many to talk about! Again, you’ll have to tune in to check them out.
Does “Center Stage: On Pointe” revisit Kate and Tommy’s relationship? How would you describe things with them now?
RACHELE: Well, let’s just say they haven’t seen each other in a really long time because Kate’s been on a world tour…
One of the most sizzling aspects to “Center Stage: Turn It Up” was your chemistry with Kenny Wormald. What do you think is the secret to that amazing on-screen chemistry?
RACHELE: Wow, that’s a tough one! I think our shared love and passion for dance, music and filmmaking must have something to do with it.
What do you most admire about your character Kate?
RACHELE: I definitely admire how brave she is!
And what have you learned from portraying Kate in the “Center Stage” films?
RACHELE: That no matter how bad something may seem at the time, if you keep fighting for what you love then everything will turn out better than you could have ever imagined.
What advice can you offer to the other young actresses/dancers who are pursuing their dreams?
RACHELE: I could talk about this all day! I’m very passionate about sharing advice about this topic… it’s the whole reason I created Unbreakable Productions and Disruptive Apparel. I felt so blessed to get to be living out my goals and dreams that I wanted to create content, apparel, products and teach workshops to inspire others and share what I’ve learned along the way. I want to help others create a life they love and help them achieve their goals and dreams.
Some quick advice I would give:
– do everything from a place of love and creativity. Be very careful and aware of your ego!
– be curious and compassionate towards people and life
– be adventurous, explore, learn and grow every chance you get. It will all help you become a better performer, artist and person!
– be as versatile as possible. You never know what random skill will help set you apart from the others.
– there are no failures, just lessons learned.
– confidence is everything. That’s why working everyday to strengthen your self-confidence and self-love must be a priority!
– what makes people want to book you on jobs is YOU – your unique, awesome self and your creativity, passion and love. So trying to “do it right” or “do it like she did” will never end well.
– thinking and being disruptive is what will help you remain Unbreakable through every challenge life throws at you
– question your thoughts, challenge your beliefs, change your habits, create a life you love.
For more inspiration, check out my “Action Hero At Life” EP on iTunes (https://itun.es/us/qJWzbb). I also have a new Unbreakable e-book coming out on my website (www.rachelebsmith.com) the same day as “Center Stage: On Pointe”.
What advice has helped you the most or inspired you in your career?
RACHELE: “You can fail at what you don’t like, so you might as well fight for what you love” – Jim Carrey.
“The more things you do in life, the better artist and actress you will be” – Meryl Streep.
“The secret to living is giving” – Tony Robbins.
“I am telling you to make a choice based on your passions and interests, not what everyone else is telling you to do. It doesn’t work that way. You wind up living a life for the wrong reasons, and you never get the most out of it. Just always think about why you are doing what you are doing” – Jeff Hoffman.
What has surprised you the most about the success of the “Center Stage” films?
RACHELE: How far and wide of an audience it has reached! One of my favorite things is getting messages from different people all over the world saying how much “Center Stage” has inspired them. Men, women and children of all ages and races have shared life changing experiences with me, and that just makes me the happiest girl in the world because that is exactly what the first “Center Stage” did for me. It changed my life. I saw it and said “this is what I’m going to do with my life!” And then I did it, and now I have all different types of people saying and doing that same thing!
In your career, have you crossed paths with Amanda Schull? If so, were you able to compare notes on the “Center Stage” experience?
RACHELE: Only in my dreams sadly! I can’t wait to meet her one day and tell her face-to-face just how much of an impact she made on my life.
What surprised you the most this time around working on “Center Stage” again?
RACHELE: How much everyone on set just felt like a family, even though we hadn’t seen each other in years.
What did you love or appreciate the most about working on “Center Stage: On Pointe”?
RACHELE: Seeing and working with people I genuinely love and respect, but never get to see. Not only that, but also getting to revisit one of the most amazing, special and, I believe, miraculous things that happened in my life. I literally got to live out my childhood dream playing the lead in the sequel to the movie that changed my life
You also just appeared in “The Nice Guys.” What was that experience like? Any favorite scenes of moments from that project?
RACHELE: I play a character named Julie in the film. I loved working with Ryan Gosling. It was so nice to be able to work with someone so talented and successful who, even under a lot of stress, is still so wonderful to everyone. I really appreciate that quality in anyone, but especially people in the film industry.
What can you share about your upcoming films “Chalk It Up” and “Cold Moon”? Who do you play in those films, and what was fun about portraying those characters for you?
RACHELE: I am so excited about my upcoming projects that I’ve filmed over the past couple of years – they’re all coming out now.
“Cold Moon” is a suspense thriller. I play a southern belle who is the happiest, sweetest and most full of life person you will ever meet. She was one of my favorite characters to play, especially since I feel that every character I play rubs off on me a little. While I was filming, I felt happier than I think I ever have in my entire life! I know this film will be one of those films that comes out of nowhere and surprises people! I loved that I got to work with Griff Furst and Isaiah Laborde again, as well as Christopher Lloyd, Josh Stewart, Candy Clark, and so many more phenomenal talents.
“Chalk It Up” is a fun and inspirational gymnastics film. I had such a good time working on this project because I got to act alongside some of my best friends (Nikki SooHoo and Maddy Curly). I also got to practice all of my cool gymnastics skills that I haven’t practiced since I was a teenager. I play a feisty girl, who was an incredibly talented dancer, but is trying to become a collegiate-level gymnast.
I’m also doing another film called “Bomb City”. It’s an amazing true story, and one that I know will have an incredibly positive impact on the world. I am so passionate about changing the way people view and treat each other (especially those who are different from them), and I know this film will do exactly that. I am so excited to start filming. I’m also really excited to play a punk rock bad ass character!
As your career continues to grow, what kinds of roles are you drawn to? What is something that catches your eye when reviewing scripts and considering a role or project?
RACHELE: I love playing the “bad ass girl” role that fights (literally and figuratively) for what she believes in and saves lives while doing it. I am very obsessed with the power of storytelling, and filmmaking that inspires and changes lives. If I see a script that does that in a unique, creative way then I’m all in!
What inspired you to start Unbreakable? And how do you find the time for it amongst your busy dance and acting career?
RACHELE: Unbreakable was greatly inspired from my “Center Stage” story and is centered around what I have learned along my journey of going after and achieving my dreams. The Unbreakable mindset is powered by the Unbreakable Trinity: Kardia, Soma and Myalo (3 Greek words that represent mental, physical, and spiritual/emotional strength).
It’s using the power of film and storytelling to help viewers realize and shift the stories they are telling themselves into beliefs that are empowering. It’s about believing in your ability to get back up again when you fall down and knowing that whatever happens, you have the ability and strength to figure things out and be stronger and better because of it. It’s viewing your body and life as an amazing gift and adventure, and how living consciously everyday (like the way you treat strangers, what food you eat, how you treat yourself, etc) shapes your overall health, success and happiness.
Unbreakable Productions (my company) provides fun, uplifting and inspirational content (and products soon!) on a regular basis to help viewers discover their inner strength, utilize the power of inner-inertia, and remain Unbreakable through life’s challenges.
What do you think is the most important thing for young performers to do to stay focused and on track with their goals and careers?
RACHELE: Know what you want and why you want it. Have inspirational messages and images of your goals and dreams everywhere to inspire you. Be brave enough to tell people and the universe what it is you want. Surround yourself with inspirational people who love and support you.
Are you up for more “Center Stage” films and continuing the story of Kate Parker if given the chance?
RACHELE: Hell yes, absolutely!
What is your next big dream project?
RACHELE: To play a lead role opposite Sandra Bullock in a hit TV series or film series that impacts, enlightens and inspires the world.
What would you like to share with your fans as they continue to follow your work?
RACHELE: I am not a guru – I don’t know everything. I just want to live the best possible life I can… a life so full of love, passion, creativity, innovation, adventure, learning, helping solve big world problems, and helping anyone I can to do the very same thing. So please come and connect with me so we can inspire and empower each other. As a person, and especially as an artist, allow yourself to “bend” from circumstances in life, but commit to never “breaking”. That is what it truly means to be unbreakable. It is knowing that no matter what happens in life, you will be stronger because of it. You are the writer, director and actor of your own story, your own movie, every single day. What kind of character are you writing yourself, and what kind of film are you living? Live your life like a movie you would be proud of and would want to watch over and over again.
To celebrate and share in the joy with which Rachele brings back to her role in “Center Stage: On Pointe,” be sure to tune in for the premiere on Saturday, June 25th at 8:00 p.m. on Lifetime. You are also invited to continue to follow Rachele’s work at:
https://www.instagram.com/rbrookesmith/
https://twitter.com/RacheleBSmith
https://www.facebook.com/RacheleBrookeSmith
SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER | Tiffany covers events such as San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon and press junkets, as well as covering events at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills. She has a great love for television and believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored. Tiffany is one of the newest members to the prestigious Television Critics Association and is happy to be able to share her passion for television shows with an even wider audience of fans and her fellow critics..