SHAKE IT UP: MADE IN JAPAN is the debut feature in Family’s SHAKE IT UP universe. The story follows Rocky and CeCe as they journey to Japan to shoot a high energy dance video, and the process is filled with surprising twists, playful mishaps, and moments that push everyone to improvise with style and heart.
Zendaya, who embodies the clever Rocky, offers readers a fresh perspective on the project. In a recent discussion, she shared what drew her to the film and what fans can expect as the story unfolds on screen.
When asked how she first stepped into the world of acting, Zendaya explains that her mother has worked with the California Shakespeare Theatre since she was two years old. Growing up amid the theatre, she absorbed the craft by osmosis, letting the stage become a second home. That constant exposure nurtured a deep love for performance, one that even at eight years old felt inevitable and exciting.
Since signing with Hollywood Records, music has become another vivid thread in her artistic tapestry. Zendaya notes that singing runs in her blood, alongside dancing and acting, and she is thrilled to share more of her voice with fans. It’s another doorway into connection, another channel through which to reveal who she is and what inspires her.
Her Swag It Out tour has been delivering energy and joy from city to city. She describes long rehearsals that push her to grow, and a recent return to her hometown brought a performance that reminded her why live music is so thrilling. The tour feels like a collective adventure with extraordinarily talented peers who have become close friends, turning every show into a celebration of creativity and friendship.
Asked to choose between acting and singing, she explains that she simply can’t decide. Both crafts feel like essential parts of her identity, and losing either would leave a gap in the person she is today. The two paths feed into each other, enriching her work in front of the camera and on stage alike.
Zendaya confirms she had a preexisting dance background before SHAKE IT UP, which made the transition smoother and more natural for her performance style. The training she received helps infuse her movements with precision and flair, elevating scenes with kinetic energy and rhythm.
Her fans, affectionately known as Zswaggers, got their name after her independent single Swag It Out. The nickname grew organically, a playful moniker that mirrors the vibrant, confident voice she brings to her music and acting, and it has stuck as a symbol of the community that supports her work.
Fashion holds a special place in her heart. She speaks about fashion as a form of self expression, noting that clothes provide a powerful medium to communicate identity. Her line of thinking is illustrated by her song titled Fashion is My Kryptonite, and she values the endless ways personal style can convey who someone is to the world. Clothes become a daily canvas for individuality and mood.
Working with Kat Deeley on the music video for Fashion is My Kryptonite left a lasting impression. Deeley is described as kind, warm, and incredibly collaborative on set, making the experience enjoyable and memorable. The team would welcome her back for future projects without hesitation as they celebrate the creative energy she brings to the project.
The MADE IN JAPAN episode presents a different rhythm from a typical SHAKE IT UP production. It functions like a movie, shot in a compressed ten day window with little time for formal rehearsals. The crew faced tight deadlines and uncertain rhythms, but they pulled it off with a strong sense of cohesion and pride. The result is something the entire cast is genuinely proud of, a showcase of what a tightly knit team can accomplish under pressure.
With sixteen candles approaching, plans for the big day have been taking shape for a while. Her mother remains deeply involved, juggling invitations and logistics as a busy schedule demands. The celebration promises to be a large, joyful gathering with friends and family, reflecting the excitement of reaching this milestone in her life.
As the interview wraps, Zendaya thanks her audience and expresses gratitude for the ongoing support. She looks forward to continuing to share her journey in both music and acting, letting fans grow with her as she explores new creative horizons.
SHAKE IT UP: MADE IN JAPAN premieres on Family in the evening, inviting viewers to tune in and experience this cinematic take on the beloved series, with a dedication to energy, growth, and shared celebration of performance art.