Tuesday, January 31, 2023

TOP 12 BEST EPISODES FROM SHAKE IT UP

  Welcome Back to Disney and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!💓🎆🎊🎉 I hope you enjoyed my last post where I created A Ranking of Every Christmas Performance from Disney Channel Christmas/Holiday Episodes. Last year I brought to you all some really fun posts to read (well, at least I hope you had just as much fun reading them as I did creating them), but this year I have even more fun and exciting posts planned for this blog, including this one that I’m SO EXCITED to finally share. If you haven’t already guessed by the title of this post, YES, this post is all about a little dance show called SHAKE IT UP. Okay, not a little dance show, but an AMAZING, UNFORGETTABLE Disney Channel show that mostly revolves around dance again called, SHAKE IT UP. 

If you remember from one of my first blog posts ever, then you know that Shake It Up is one of my all-time favorite Disney Channel shows EVER and of course, in my opinion, one of the BEST. I mean, who doesn’t love Shake It Up? Don’t answer that, because if there is someone out there who doesn’t like Shake It Up, I don’t really want to know. No, but seriously, I do know that this show is highly underrated and that’s why I’m here to show all my LOVE for it.😊💗💜 

Like I mentioned before, in my Top 12 Best Episodes from Wizards of Waverly Place post from last year, my plan is to go back and watch every show that was on my Top Ten Disney Channel Shows post in order, from beginning to end, and pick the best episodes (my most favorite episodes) from each season of each of those shows. Hence, why I bring to you this post, because if you already didn’t know Shake It Up was ranked #3 on my Top Ten Disney Channel Shows post. Again, my last post of this series of posts, was all about my favorite episodes from Wizards of Waverly Place (WOWP) which was the #2 show on my Top Ten Disney Channel Shows post. So, since I already talked about and ranked the best episodes from WOWP, it was now time to talk about and rank all the best episodes from my third favorite Disney Channel show, Shake It Up. So, of course, that is finally what I did and how this blog post came about.  

Of course, though, that’s not the only reason why I wanted to do this post. I also wanted to create this post because I grew up watching and just LOVING this show so much and I wanted a reason and a platform to which I can talk about it. You know how some people say, “This show helped raise me”, well I kind of feel that way about this show in a way. I mean, it didn’t really raise me, but it sure did make me happy and helped me get through a hard time in my life. As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, there were a lot of changes happening in my life around the same time that this show first came out on Disney Channel and watching amazing TV shows like this one were always a good escape for me from all the bad going on in my life. Again, this show specifically, being one of the shows that really brought me a lot of joy when I would turn it on and watch it. For 23 minutes, it made me forget about whatever else bad was going on in my life. The main characters of the show (Cece and Rocky) and the real-life girls who played them are also the same age as me, so I could kind of also relate to the show a lot in that way, too. In other words, at the time, it was the first Disney Channel show I watched where I was seeing girls my age going through or navigating through similar things that I was. Although, of course I wasn't on a TV show every week like they were. It’s also something that was just fun to watch with my little sister (celebrategoodtimesblog.blogspot.com). As we both have always loved this series since it first premiered on Disney Channel and I just have such fond memories of us watching it together and learning and doing the dances from the show together (even sometimes with our older sister, Ariel) and even just still at random times her and I will say funny quotes from the show to each other. So, those are some reasons why this show will always hold a special place in my heart. Saying I was OBSESSED with this show would be an understatement. Like I did when I was a teenager watching WOWP, I would also watch this show on repeat to draw the outfits that Cece and Rocky would wear in each episode because I wanted them so badly for myself and would put together whatever I had in my closet that looked somewhat similar to their outfits on the show. So, I was not only obsessed with this show for the dancing that it inspired me to do at times, but also for the fashion. I mean, what can I say? FASHION IS MY KRYPTONITE. 😉 But, enough about me, let’s get back to the show itself.  

Basically, if you’ve never seen Shake It Up, and therefore have no idea what I’m talking about… which if you haven’t…what?!, that’s insanely crazy…then I’ll just give you a brief little history about this show and why it’s one of the most ICONIC Disney Channel shows of all time, and of course one of my most favorites. Shake It Up is a Disney Channel Original teen sitcom that ran for three seasons (I know, BOOOOO, only three? Why not at least four?!😒👎) from November 7, 2010 (after the Hannah Montana Forever one-hour special), until November 10, 2013 on Disney Channel. Though, did you know that before it was officially called Shake It Up on May 21, 2010, that the original title of the show was at first going to be Dance, Dance Chicago? I know. Crazy right?! Anyways, the show follows the adventures of best friends Cece Jones (Bella Thorne) and Rocky Blue (Zendaya) as background dancers on a local TV dance show, Shake It Up, Chicago!. Additionally, the show documents their misadventures on and off-set, as well as their troubles and rising social status at school. The show also has story lines which include Cece’s little brother Flynn (Davis Cleveland), Cece and Rocky’s longtime friend Deuce (Adam Irigoyen), Rocky’s older brother Ty (Roshon Fegan), Deuce’s girlfriend and Cece and Rocky’s friend Dina (Ainsley Bailey), as well as Cece and Rocky’s enemies to frenemies to eventually friends Tinka (Caroline Sunshine) and Gunther (Kenton Duty). Overall, it’s a true female buddy comedy with a dance aspect.  

In fact, I just recently realized while watching this series back again, that this was the first ever Disney Channel show with not one but TWO FEMALE leads. As Cece and Rocky were the two main characters that were in every episode and they basically shared the screen together most of the time. Pretty great and unique, right? I think so. Shake It Up is also Disney’s third original series to use a show-within-a-show format, the other three shows like this being The Famous Jett Jackson, Sonny With A Chance, and So Random!. It is also one of the few Disney Channel Original Series to have more than six main contract cast members at one time. And of course, Shake It Up is the first and only Disney Channel Original Series to incorporate dancing into the underlying premise of the sitcom; which besides Cece and Rocky’s most unique and engaging friendship, is what makes this show so special and such a stand-out (which is the dancing aspect). 💃💓🎶 

This show is just SO GREAT and SO FUN to watch, but mostly just SUPER NOSTALGIC to me, which is why I can’t wait any longer to get into this ranking so that I can talk about these amazing episodes from the show. So, let’s get into the Top 12 BEST Episodes from Shake It Up!💗💜🎶💃📺🎬 

Just a brief note before we begin: Since there are only three seasons of this show, to make it a fair and even total number of episodes, I decided to choose only four episodes from each season that are my most favorite and ones that I truly believe are the best. So, four episodes for each season to make twelve total best episodes. The seasons are also not going in any particular order of what I like least or most best, only the episodes in each season. In other words, the seasons themselves are not ranked in any particular order, you will just see Season One’s episodes first, but then the episodes for that season and for each season after that are ranked from least to most favorite. I will just tell you my favorite seasons in order at the very end of this post. Now, for real this time, let’s get into the Top 12 BEST Episodes from Shake It Up!💜💗💃🎬🎶📺


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It clearly was a Shake It Up New Year’s for me, and January is officially almost over, but let's go back to 2010 when it really was a Shake It Up New Year’s Eve and celebrate the start of this year (2023) and this post the only right way it should be started! 

              

            
        
      
      
        
       
           
       
           
 

        
          
          

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Now, let's get into the seasons and episodes!(:

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Shake It Up: SEASON 1

                         


(from least to most favorite)…

#4 "Break It Up" aka "Summer It Up" S1E20 - Premiered July 24, 2011

Yes, as you can see, there are two titles by which you can refer to this episode by. But, if you're an OG Shake It Up fan like me, than you know this episode by the title that's in blue. Now, just because this episode is last on this ranking doesn't mean that it's bad at all or my least favorite. Obviously, I love this episode, but one had to go lowest compared to the others I will be mentioning next. All the episodes (except maybe two) from season one of this show are top notch, amazing. Just AMAZING. But, this is one of the more UNFORGETTABLE and ICONIC episodes from not only season one but from the whole series. This is one of the those episodes that just always comes to my mind first whenever I think about this show. 

In this episode, it's SUMMERTIME and Georgia (Cece and Flynn's mom) decides to take the kids to a technology free lake house for a week. When the group of friends (and frenemies, Gunther and Tinka) decide to play a game of truth or dare, Rocky is dared by Cece to let loose and dive into the lake nearby. So, Rocky does just that and has a little SUMMER OF FUN for a few seconds before injuring her foot on a piece of glass. Rocky and Cece are then both worried that Rocky may never be able to dance again, but Cece is feeling all the guilt because she's the one who dared her (Rocky) to go in the lake. As you can probably tell, this episode is quite dramatic but also full of SUMMER FUN, which is why I love it. 

Also, I just have so many fond memories of watching this episode when I was younger. In fact, I still remember all the summer commercials leading up to the premiere of this episode. This is an episode I used to watch over and over again when I was a teen, and even though I had seen it over a thousand times before watching it again for this post, I was still just as excited and curious to watch it just like I was the very first time I had seen it. 

This is one of those episodes where I still know every line the characters' say before they even say it and every scene that happens before it even happens. Yes, I've seen it that many times and it's that great of an episode. Like I mentioned before, this is another one of those more deep, thought-provoking, emotional episodes, which I love. But, it still also has all the comedy, good times, and dancing in it. In fact, one of my all time favorite dances from the show is in this episode and it's one of the longest dance performances featured on the show ever, which is always a plus. The dance at the beginning alone, just makes me love this episode. Although, I still love everything else about this episode, as well. Especially, just for the fact that it's all about SUMMER. Which again, is always a plus. 

This episode gets me hype right from the very beginning. It's a great episode to watch during the start of summer because it really is just what the episode is all about. At least, I remember watching this episode every year when school would end and summer would begin. Even when I graduated college recently, I watched this episode to begin my break from school forever. But, I can watch this episode even when it's not summer and still love it. Although, every time I do watch it when it's not summer it just makes me wish that it was summer real bad, because this episode brings all those summer feelings and vibes. 

This episode is just very fun to watch and funny to watch because there are a lot of great comedy moments. But, what really stands out to me in this episode besides the dance performance at the very beginning is the long talking to God scene with Cece. I definitely love that God is mentioned in this episode, which is very rare to see on Disney Channel shows, but definitely one main, BIG reason why I also chose to include this episodes as one of my favorites. Again, the Cece hospital scene is great. It's a very dramatic and emotional scene. And it almost gets me in tears every time I watch it, even though I've seen it many times before and know what happens in the end. Honestly, she deserved an Oscar for that scene in this episode.

This episode has it all. It's a great Rocky and Cece friendship episode and it' s relatable. It also has some great, important messages/lessons for anyone to learn or be reminded of. Such as the importance of always being there for your friend(s), never peer pressuring anyone to do things they shouldn't or don't want to do, being selfless instead of selfish, not being conceited, the importance of every once in a while taking the time to just sit back, relax, and have fun, and instead of plugging in to electronics all the time plugging in to nature more often than not is much more rewarding. As Ty says at the end to the group, "You know what? Your mom was right. We don't need our gadgets to have fun. It's about being together and having a good time that counts". Yes, that's so true. That is what summer is supposed to be all about.

Again, it's definitely one of my most favorite episodes from not only this season but from the whole series. Although, the only thing that I never understood about this episode is why it is the second to last episode of the season and not the last last episode, the final episode of season one. Just to me, this episode would have definitely been the better final episode of season one, because it seems more like a good final episode than the actual episode that is the final episode of season one. As every character is featured in this episode and it's perfect thinking in terms of thinking full circle from the first episode of the season to this one. As in the first episode of the season it begins with Rocky being the first to get a spot on Shake It Up, Chicago and dancing being everything to her and Cece and then to now this episode has her dealing with the possibility of never being able to dance again and Cece also probably never being able to dance with her best friend again which is also what she loves doing. I don't know, but I just will always look at this episode as the last episode of season one because it's what I have always associated it to be. Overall, again, this is just a great episode that truly never gets old to watch. I could go on and on about it, but I think I've taken up enough space about it for now. 😊💙💦💛🌊🌞  

     

        
       
        
       

#3 "Meatball It Up" S1E2 - Premiered November 14, 2010

As with all these episodes on this ranking, I was very excited to get to watch this episode again after quite a long time of having not seen it. Particularly, because this episode has always been one of my most favorites from not only season one but from the series as a whole. I don't know why this episode has always stuck with me but it has, and I just have always loved it so much since it first premiered in 2010 on Disney Channel. One of the reasons why I maybe have always loved this episode is because I have always loved Italian food, and Olive Garden used to be one of my favorite places to go out to eat at, and in this episode Rocky and Cece go to a restaurant that's like a play on Olive Garden, that they call the "Olive Pit". But this episode is also just really funny and nostalgic which is also why I love it. It's another one of those episodes that I just automatically think of whenever I think about this show. 

Basically, in this episode Rocky and Cece get their first pay check from Shake It Up, Chicago and decide to open a checking account with it after the advice from Cece's mom. After spending all of the money on themselves they start to feel a little guilty so they decide to treat Ty and Deuce with a "fabulous" lunch at the Olive Pit. However, when they get to the restaurant, they get a call from their banker with the news that their checking account has been over drawn. So, they end up not being able to afford the lunch for Ty and Deuce. Though Rocky and Cece do not tell them about this and instead find a way to get their entire table's meal for free, which involves Rocky (the vegetarian) entering a restaurant challenge and eating a 10-pound meatball. Meanwhile, Gunther and Tinka babysit Flynn.

I didn't even have to play this episode again in order to know that it's one of the best from season one. In other words, I knew from the very beginning that this episode would make it as one of my most favorites on this ranking and I never changed my mind once about it. This is another episode where I know all of the lines that the characters say before they even say it and all of the scenes that happen before they even happen. Watching this episode back again for this post was just as great as it was the very first time that I watched it. It truly never gets old. 

This episode is just so ICONIC, UNFORGETTABLE, and NOSTALGIC to me. It's also quite relatable. As I remember watching this episode for the first time when I was thirteen and wanting a debit card just because of this episode and so I could say the ICONIC line that Cece and Rocky say throughout this episode, "Debit cards... debit cards... debit cards... debba, debba, debba, debba, debit cards!" In fact, when I finally did get my own debit card I definitely said that quote a few times. I still quote them to this day whenever I hear someone mention a debit card or I use my own debit card. Yes, that saying definitely runs through my head all the time even now. Definitely a lot of memorable, iconic, and just funny lines/quotes in this episode like that one. Some of my favorites being:

 - Rocky to Cece, "Now, if they only paid us to go to school"

 - Cece to Deuce and Ty, "We were planning to take you to a fabulous lunch. This Saturday before  the show, we're going to take you to your favorite restaurant" and Ty asks, "The Olive Pit?" and Cece says, "No, the arm pit. Of course the Olive Pit. There's no other pit we'd take you to"😂 

  - Rocky, "What? What is everybody looking at? Haven't you ever seen a 13-year-old girl having a heart attack (referring to the giant meatball called "The Heart Attack")."

This episode is pretty unique, because it mostly takes place at a restaurant, which is definitely one of the reasons why it has always stood out to me. And it also features inside a bank which I don't think I've ever seen from a Disney Channel show either. I know random, but true. 😂I also just have to say Rocky and Cece's fashion in this episode is also one of the more iconic and unforgettable things about this episode. In fact, fun fact, the outfit that Cece wears during the bank scene I tried to copy myself when I was younger. Well, the top part of the outfit. Obviously, I didn't have the exact same top as her but I used whatever shirts I did have in my closet at the time that looked similar to hers and I wore it quite a lot. Looking back now, it's not like it was the most amazing outfit ever but to me at the time it was. Though, I still love both Cece and Rocky's outfits that they wear in this episode when they come back from the bank and shopping with the added jackets, purple bag, added pink hat, and Rocky's Tinker Bell style shoes (SO CUTE). The whole ensemble is just everything, still.

This is also an important and ICONIC episode because it's the first time that we find out and hear what Rocky and Cece's real first names are. Rocky's being "Raquel Blue" and Cece's being "Cecilia Jones". This is also the first episode where we find out that Rocky is a vegetarian, which is something that is also great about this show in that they took something important about the real-life girls (Zendaya and Bella Thorne) who played the characters of Rocky and Cece and made an episode about that thing. Rocky's being this episode about her being a vegetarian and Cece's being about her dyslexia in the season one episode "Add It Up". 

This episode is just very funny right from the very beginning. It never fails to make me laugh. And I enjoyed watching both story lines. It's just such a feel good episode with a great message/lesson. One important lesson being about the importance of giving to others, not being selfish with your money but selfless. As well as the importance of telling the truth, and not lying just to impress others. As when Cece and Rocky realize that they can't actually afford the lunch even after entering the meatball challenge, they have to stop lying to impress Deuce and Ty and tell them the truth about what happened. And a third important lesson viewers can get from watching this episode is about the importance of being mature, smart, and responsible with your money. Overall, this is just a very nostalgic episode and one that I would of course watch again and again, because it never disappoints. 💓🍝

    


     
      
    

#2 "Age It Up" S1E6 - Premiered December 9, 2010


Now this, THIS, is one of the MOST ICONIC episodes from not only season one of Shake It Up but from the whole show. This is one of the most memorable and nostalgic episodes to me. I used to watch this episode so many times over and over again when I was younger, because I never got tired of it. I probably liked this episode so much... okay, I know I liked this episode SO MUCH back then, because it was like a parody of Justin Bieber. Justin Starr = Justin Bieber. I mean, Justin Starr in this episode is basically 2010 Justin Bieber, with the whole purple and white Never Say Never style outfit, the red and black letter patch varsity jacket with the matching high top sneakers and colored hat. And like Tinka says at the beginning of this episode to Cece and Rocky about Justin Starr, "He's just a multi-platinum recording artist superstar teen sensation that came out of nowhere when he posted his videos on the World Wide Web". 

I mean, like I've mentioned quite a few times before on this blog, I've always and will probably forever be a fan of Justin Bieber and I've always been a fan of this episode. Though, there is only ONE Justin Bieber, and although Justin Starr is not THE actual Justin Bieber in this episode, I still love this episode for what it is. But, wouldn't it have been cool if Justin Bieber himself actually had guest starred on this episode of Shake It Up? I mean, how cool would that have been to see? Very cool, if you ask me. 😎

Talking about funny episodes, this episode is just hilarious. And it's hilarious right from the very beginning. One of my favorite quotes and scenes from this episode is when Cece says to Rocky, "I can't believe I'm going to meet Justin Starr" and Rocky says to her, "Back off, Red. He's mine. I called dibs" and Cece says, "Dibs, schmibs. It's not like we wrote it in stone" and Rocky then holds up a rock and says, "I did". 😂 This episode is also so highly relatable. At least, to thirteen-year-old me it definitely was. I mean, at thirteen, I was definitely Rocky in this episode if I ever met Justin Bieber. Nowadays, I have matured and wouldn't act that way toward anyone I met, but I'm sure back then I would have definitely acted in some of the ways Rocky does in this episode. Although, to this day, if I ever were to meet Justin Bieber, my inner self would probably be the screaming, freaking out version of Rocky in this episode. 

This episode also has one of my most favorite dances from the show ever. There are actually two performances in this episode, a jam skating performance and then of course the ICONIC performance with Cece, Rocky, and Justin Starr. The latter of course being the one that is my most favorite. The only thing I've never liked about this episode is that their dance performance is too short. I just always wanted it to be longer, but it's still a GREAT, UNFORGETTABLE performance. 

Oh, I almost forgot to give you a synopsis of this episode, because I just assume that everybody already knows what this episode is all about. Basically, in this episode 16-year-old pop sensation Justin Starr comes to visit Shake It Up, Chicago and Rocky and Cece (or should I say, "Crystal Mchotness")  are picked to be backup dancers for his upcoming performance on the show. So, Cece and Rocky go to his apartment to rehearse, and as they are leaving Rocky first stops in order to take a picture wearing Justin Starr's hat (I say in Rocky's voice as I type that). As Cece is taking pictures of Rocky with the hat, she notices Justin kissing his manager in the background. Later when they are back at school, Cece accidentally sends the photo of Justin Starr kissing his manager to everyone on her contact list instead of to her mom, whom she originally meant to send the photo to. And the girls realize that this could ruin his (Justin Starr's) career. But, SPOILER ALERT, they surprisingly find out that he is 24-years-old, not 16-years-old, and that his manager whom he was kissing is actually his wife. Meanwhile, in the secondary story line, Gunther is rejected by a popular cheerleader so Ty tries to make him more "cool". 

Every time I watch this episode I enjoy watching both story lines. Of course, more so the Rocky, Cece, and Justin Starr story line, but they are both very funny to watch and they both have great messages/lessons. The lesson one can takeaway from the Justin Starr story line is knowing that being a "celebrity" is not what it's all cracked up to be. Of course, he chose that path for himself, but there are things people like him have to give up like privacy, time spent with friends and family, among other things. But, again, they do continue to choose that career for themselves and that life for themselves.  And with the Gunther story line he learns that you shouldn't change who you are in order to fit in with anyone. If they don't like you for you, then they aren't worth it. Be one of a kind, be weird, be unique, just BE YOU. And I like what Tinka says to Gunther when he is trying to act cool and she says, "Look G, just because you're a cool dude doesn't mean you have to be a rude dude". Which is so true. If you're going to be a "cool" dude, don't be rude to others. Don't be rude to others period, whether you're considered "cool" or not. 

This episode just has everything comedy, romance, a little bit of mystery, great lessons, and of course music and dancing. It's another episode that I've seen way too many times to even count but one that I could watch so many more times over again, because it truly never gets old. Definitely an episode I would recommend anyone to watch if they are just starting to watch this series, because it's a must-watch, feel-good episode, just funny episode.💜🤍🎤

   

      
      
      
    
 
   
              See the resemblance? 
 

    

#1 "Start It Up" S1E1 - Premiered November 7, 2010


I mean, hello...of course this was going to be my MOST FAVORITE and the BEST episode from season one. Let's be honest, it's the BEST episode and my most favorite episode EVER of the whole series, not just season one. I am always VERY EXCITED to watch this episode and watching it this time around for this post was no different. And even though I've already talked about this episode once before on this blog, I am still so excited to get to talk about it again on this post. 

The last time I saw this episode was in 2020 when my little sister (celebrategoodtimesblog.blogspot.com) and I decided to binge watch the entire series again from beginning to end. Although, I had seen this episode and the entire series many times before that time, but it's always exciting when I get to watch an episode of Shake It Up. Especially this episode because it's the episode that started it all. Like I mentioned before, I got into dancing a lot more because of this show, and this episode is again what started it all. 

This episode is not only my favorite, FAVORITE episode of the whole show, but it's also one of the best first episodes of a Disney Channel series EVER. I didn't even have to play this episode yet in order to know that it would make it onto this ranking as one of the best and one of my most favorite episodes, let alone putting it at #1 on this ranking. It's just a NO BRAINER. Again, this is just one of those ICONIC, MOST MEMORABLE, UNFORGETTABLE episodes and of course one that I know every line and scene of before they're even shown to me. This episode is too ICONIC for you not to know the summary of it, but I'll give it to you anyway. I mean, the more I get to talk about this episode, the better. Basically, this episode is all about best friends Cece and Rocky finding out that their favorite dance TV show, Shake It Up, Chicago!, is holding auditions for background dancers. (Literally, I'm saying word for word what Cece and Rocky say when they are reading the flyer at school. I can picture the scene and their voices and everything. Man, I know this show so well) So, of course, they decide to go to the auditions.  During the auditions Rocky does great and gets a spot on the show but Cece on the other hand freezes during her audition and doesn't get in right away. This causes Rocky to not want to be on the show without her best friend of course by her side. But then Cece forces Rocky to go on the show, literally with handcuffs. Cece links their wrists up together and they both end up dancing together on the show. When the host, Gary Wilde sees their performance together he believes that Cece has the "it" factor, so Cece ends up getting a spot on the show as well. Making the girls officially background dancers together on Shake It Up, Chicago!. Kind of went into too long of details there, but what can I say? I just LOVE this episode. I'm still kind of upset to this day that we didn't ever get to see what Cece's audition would have looked like in this episode if she hadn't of froze. But at least, in season three of the show we get to see her audition again for real and get the job as a dancer again on Shake It Up, Chicago!.

This episode gets me hype right from the very beginning. I mean, watching this episode definitely started off my New Year's great. This episode truly never gets old and is just one that will always hold a special place in my heart. It has the comedy, the drama, the music, the family, the friendships, the sibling-ships, the emotional moments, the funny moments, the sad moments, the happy moments, and of course all the dancing moments. It has it ALL. Even an important message/lesson about not letting others get in the way of your dreams, the importance of always dreaming big and not being afraid to go for your dreams, always being there for your friends and supporting them no matter what, as well as the importance of never giving up. I literally LOVE every part of this episode, I can't choose just one scene that I like, because I truly LOVE them all. Yes, this episode is that GREAT where every scene is just  that good. But, of course the very beginning train station dance scene will always be one of the most special and just a great, ICONIC scene to me. I have also always loved the ending when they are dancing handcuffed together and the "Our Generation" song plays. It's just such as a great ending scene, and that scene in particular makes me the most emotional every time I watch it. Since I've already talked about this episode before on this blog and still agree with all the things I said before about this episode, in order to save more time and space I will just end this by saying one word, I.C.O.N.I.C.💗

     

       
       
      
 
     
     
        
      
    
       
           
     
   

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Shake It Up: SEASON 2

       


(from least to most favorite)…

#4 "Slumber It Up" S2E26 - Premiered July 29, 2012


It was extremely hard picking my favorite episodes for this season. In fact, this episode almost didn't even make it to this ranking at all. So, that's one reason why this episode is ranked last out of these four best episodes from Season 2 of Shake It Up. Though, don't get me wrong, because I still love this episode a lot. Hence, why it's on this ranking in the first place. But, I was really going back and forth between this episode and "Doctor It Up". Ultimately, I stick with my decision of this episode being better than that other episode for many reasons that I will get into.

This is an episode towards the very end of Season 2 and was one that I couldn't wait to get to watch again when watching these episodes for this post. I just knew that it was going to be one of the best and one of my most favorites because I love sleepover-themed episodes, and this is just that. As in this episode Cece hosts a slumber party and invites Rocky and Dina, and is at first reluctant to invite Tinka, too. Although, when they find out that Tinka has never been to a sleepover before she gets invited too, and ends up bringing a lot more fun to the party than anticipated. In another story line, Deuce, Flynn, Ty and Gunther dig for buried treasure that they believe to be hidden under Crusty's. This episode features all the sleepover things. Cute pajama fashion, phone calls, boy talk, makeovers, girly road trip movies, and of course snacks. ICE CREAM to be exact. In a walk-in freezer. 37 FLAVORS. 😊😋🍨🍦

This episode is very nostalgic to me, like most of these episodes on this ranking. I have such fond memories of watching this episode. It's definitely one of those more memorable episodes from Season 2 that I always instantly think of whenever I think about this season or the show in general. This is a very funny, feel-good, calming, and relatable episode to watch with a great message. A great important message being about loving yourself because you're beautiful just the way you are and for girls or guys, knowing that if a guy/girl doesn't like you for you than it's their loss. Like what Tinka says to Rocky, "You are beautiful, Rocky. And if Bryan Huddleston doesn't know what a catch you are, it's his loss". I also liked the sweet moment between Deuce and Dina when Dina says to Deuce, "I just didn't want you to see me wearing this horrible contraption (as she refers to her braces headgear thing)" and Deuce says to her, "I barely notice it. You're perfect, just how you are". Another quote that just stood out to me from this episode that is just really funny and a good point is when Rocky says to Cece, "Why do they call it a slumber party? Shouldn't it be called a stay up all night and be exhausted the next day party". 

So, I not only love this episode because it's all about a slumber party, and because it has some great messages, but what has also always stood out to me about this episode is that it's the first time and only time where we see a story line with all the main girls of the show (Cece, Rocky, Dina, & Tinka) and then another story line with all the main boys of the show (Deuce, Ty, Flynn, & Gunther). That's what really made me want to include this episode on this ranking, because it's very special and unique in that way. It's a great episode for boys and girls to enjoy because you get the girly, romance talk and things watching the girls story line and then the action, adventure, and mystery things watching the boys story line. This episode has something for everyone to enjoy, but of course if I'm being honest I just really enjoy watching the girls scenes because they are the ones doing the sleepover. And again, of course the ICE CREAM is always a plus. 💙🍦🍨

        

       
       
      
     

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Before I get into my #3 favorite episode from Season 2 of Shake It Up, maybe this next thing will give you a little hint about which episode it is that I'll be mentioning next. 😉

If you've been a true fan of Shake It Up since the very beginning, then you must remember the ICONIC, FIRST EVER Disney Channel talent competition called, "Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off - 'Shake It Up' edition". But of course, if you have no idea  what this was, it was basically Shake It Up's official dance competition show for kids, tweens and teens. Where kids had the opportunity to show off their dance skills by uploading their own short, 45-second video of themselves, or themselves with other friends, dancing online. All for a chance to compete in the ultimate dance off in front of a group of celebrity judges to air on Disney Channel. The Grand Prize, if they won the whole competition, was a performance in an episode of Shake It Up. The original, first Make Your Mark competition show, ran from October 14, 2011 to October 16, 2011 and the dance competition returned with a slightly different title (Make Your Mark: Shake It Up Dance Off) the next year on June 15, 2012, and that was it's last. Unfortunately, you can't find the full versions of this show anywhere, but the few videos that are available I included below. So, if you want to reminisce a little, check those out below. 👇

          

         
          
     
      
      
   

      
     
     
     
      
      
   
     

    
      
      

   

          

        
      
       

      

        

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#3 "Camp It Up" S2E10 - Premiered November 27, 2011


Did you guess this episode correctly from the Make Your Mark hints? Great!:)

This is actually an episode that I had forgotten a little bit about before going back to watch it for this post. But once I played it again, of course it all came back to me. I honestly, don't know how I forgot about this episode because it's a pretty iconic episode. As it features the winners of the first Shake It Up Make Your Mark competition, AKSquared. I mean, the beginning performance with AKSquared alone makes me love this episode. Cause it brings all the nostalgic vibes in and of itself. Literally, them dancing to the song "Make Your Mark" and just everything about this performance gets me emotional every time I watch it. Also, if you used to watch a show called "Dance Moms" as a kid like I did, then you'll also notice a familiar face in this dance group. As a pre-Dance Moms Kalani is featured in this group. Another dancer's name in AKSquared has my name, Alyssa, so it's kind of cool at the beginning of this episode when AKSquared is entering the studio and the crowd is screaming their names and my name is being yelled. Even though obviously it's not for me but for the actual Alyssa from AKSquared. That's also just one thing I have to mention, that I don't think I've mentioned yet, in that what I also love about this show is that it featured not only the characters of the show dancing but it also brought on other real-life dancers and dance crews, etc., to perform on the show and give them a little bit of credit and recognition for what they do. I just think it's really great that they did that. And something else that makes this show all that more unique and special. 

In this episode, Cece and Rocky overhear a radio commercial about a dance camp to help them become professional dancers (which I thought them dancing on Shake It Up, Chicago every week meant that they are already professionals, so I was a little confused about that part). So, they want to register for the dance camp but it costs too much. Although, it's still worth it to them, so they decide to put on a dance camp for kids themselves in order to raise money so they can go to the dance camp they heard about on the radio. Yeah, I know, like Rocky says to Cece in this episode, "Really? Put on a dance camp to raise money to go to a dance camp?". Things get a little weird and out of hand when an adult named Larry Diller shows up to join the camp made for kids, because Cece and Rocky forgot to put an age limit on the flyer. Meanwhile, Flynn crushes on a girl named Suzy from the camp and Ty and Tinka go head-to-head in a ping-pong tournament at Crusty's. 

This is just a really fun episode to watch. I don't know what it is that makes me love this episode so much but it's just such a great, feel-good episode. Plus, I love a good camp episode and a camp all about dance, I'm in to watch any time. And we not only get one performance in this episode but TWO. The AKSquared performance at the beginning and a second small performance at the end by the camp kids and Larry to the song "Twist My Hips", which is a fun throwback song and dance from Season 1. It's also funny because Justin Bieber is mentioned again in this episode, which anytime that happens, is always a plus.😊 

But another reason why I decided to include this episode as one of my most favorites and rank it higher than the previous episode is because it has some great messages/lessons. As at first Cece and Rocky find it weird and awkward that Larry wants to join the camp but then when he basically says that he just wants to prove to his son that he's cool and not a "fuddy-duddy daddy", they decide to let him stay at the camp and help him with his dance moves. One message in that being that you're never too old to be a dancer or learn how to dance. When Larry is getting harder and harder to teach and Cece just wants to give up on him, Rocky convinces her not too, reminding Cece of the time that her dance teacher didn't give up on her when she was a little girl and was uncoordinated and was someone who everyone in dance class laughed at. So, Cece learns a valuable lesson about the importance of never giving up on helping others like Larry. That no matter how annoying, irritating or exasperating they may be, when you make a commitment to someone you always have to stick by them. Flynn also learns that same important lesson of never giving up on something that you care about. As he likes this girl from camp but she just keeps rejecting him and Larry gives him the advice to never give up and the reminder that cuteness will get you nowhere in life. That there are more important traits to have than just being cute or having good looks. I also love the Ty and Tinka story line as the message is all about the importance of there being equality between men and women and the importance of men (like Ty) having respect for women (like Tinka) even when it comes to playing games like ping-pong. Again, this is just a great episode, with lots of dancing, great lessons, and is one that never gets old to watch. 

          

        
     
      
       
      

 

#2 "Shrink It Up" S2E1 - Premiered September 18, 2011


This is of course one of the most memorable and unforgettable episodes to me from not only Season 2 but from the whole series. It's one of those episodes that I automatically think of first whenever I think about this show. I mean, it is the first episode of Season 2 for a reason. Well, actually, if you watch this episode or have seen this episode before, then you would get the idea that this was actually not supposed to be the first episode of Season 2 because Rocky and Cece mention things from a two-part episode "Shake It Up, Up & Away" that comes after this episode. But nonetheless, whether it was or wasn't originally supposed to be the first episode of Season 2, it still is a great episode that starts off the season with a bang. And I didn't even have to watch this episode again in order to know that it would make it onto this ranking as one of the best and one of my most favorites. 

In this episode, there is not one, not two,...but THREE different story lines and they are all fun and interesting to watch. The first, or main one, being about Cece and Rocky starting to argue a lot and Gary recommending that they visit his therapist, Dr. Pepper. Rocky thinks her and Cece's friendship is fine and that they don't need to go to a therapist, but Cece signs her and Rocky up for an appointment with Dr. Pepper anyways. While at their first appointment, they both discover that they may have more issues with each other than they initially thought. In a second story line, Ty and Flynn get hired to test out new toys after going to the company to complain about a broken toy that Flynn bought. While in the third story line, Gunther and Tinka try to be nice to people, starting with Deuce. 

As you can probably tell by the description, this is a very funny episode. Just from the therapist's name alone. DR. PEPPER.😂 This episode also features one of my all time favorite dances from Shake It Up that I've talked about before on this blog, here. So, I also just LOVE this episode for the dance performance alone, too. Though, don't worry because I didn't just choose this episode for the amazing dance performance, I love the message of this episode and just the fact that it's really funny. Like I've mentioned before, I love an episode that can make me laugh, and if it can make me laugh or smile every time I watch it, then it's a great episode. And this episode does just that. It never fails to make me laugh no matter how many times I watch it. It also just never gets old to watch in general, which is always a plus.  

This is also a pretty special, unique, and ICONIC episode, because it's the first time we see Crusty's. The restaurant that Deuce works at for the rest of the series and the place where all the other characters go to hang out. It's definitely one of the best hang out eating spots from any Disney Channel show I've seen. I mean, you can't go wrong with pizza. 💓🍕This is also the first time we see Cece, Rocky, Gunther, and Tinka as little kids and get a little history of how they all met each other. Which is also just a really cute and sweet scene. This is also just a great and relatable Cece and Rocky friendship episode. In other words, it's all about their past and present history as friends, which I love to see. I also just love the whole message/lessons of this episode. Such as the importance of never pushing others, especially your best friend(s), to do something that they don't want to do. Something that Cece learns in this episode. As well as, the importance of listening to what others have to say and not just voicing your own opinions. And letting others make their own decisions. Cause, you can't and shouldn't make decisions for them, especially against their own wishes. Something else, Cece also learns. Also, knowing that hitting someone is never the right way to solve a problem, as Rocky says to Dr. Pepper in this episode when she wants Cece and Rocky to box it out.

There are also a lot of great references back to previous episodes from Season 1, when Rocky is listing out to Cece all the times she dragged her into ridiculous situations, such as in the "Meatball It Up" episode, the "Party It Up" episode, and then of course the future episode (that probably was meant to be this first episode of Season 2) "Shake It Up, Up & Away". It's also, again, just a really sweet friendship moment when Cece says to Rocky, "Rocky, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be on Shake It Up, Chicago. I wouldn't be getting to do the thing I love most in the world" and Rocky says, "Dancing?" and then Cece says, "No. Being your best friend". Again, this episode is very dramatic, funny, sweet and nostalgic. I've seen it so many times and I could watch it so many more times over again. Definitely a must-watch from Season 2 for anyone. 💓🥊

       



#1 "Apply It Up" S2E12- Premiered January 8, 2012


Ahhhh! I'm so excited to finally get to talk about this episode, because this is not only the BEST and  my MOST FAVORITE episode from Season 2 of Shake It Up, but it's also just one of the all time best episodes from the show EVER. I'm always excited anytime that I get to go back and watch this episode and this time around was no different. This is definitely one of the most NOSTALGIC episodes from the show ever. I just have such fond memories of watching this episode when it first premiered and all the many times that I watched it after that. I even still remember all the commercials leading up to the premiere of this episode on Disney Channel. This is also one of those episodes where I remember every line the characters say before they even say it and every scene that happens before it even happens. Yes, it's that memorable to me. 

This to me, will always be an ICONIC, I.C.O.N.I.C. episode for so many reasons. One reason being because of the amazing dance performance that Cece and Rocky do in this episode to Zendaya's hit "Something to Dance For". And it's one of the longest performances from the show ever, which is GREAT. I mean, the dance performance in and of itself is ICONIC and the best part of this whole episode. I mean, this is an episode that I would watch over and over when I was younger just to try and get the steps down to the ICONIC dance that they do. I loved it that much and still do. In fact, even after watching this performance this time around I started it over from the beginning as soon as it ended because I couldn't help but want to watch it again. It never gets old, just like this episode never gets old. 

It was a NO BRAINER to me that this episode was going to be included on this post for the best episodes from Season 2. I had it at #1 all along and never, ever changed my mind once about it. Again, I didn't even have to play this episode again in order to know that it would be great. Cause it's always GREAT to watch. Oh, and I just have to say because I LOVE fashion, I have always loved Cece's outfits throughout this whole episode. The fashion in and of itself is ICONIC. Okay, I really have to stop saying the word iconic, but it's true. Basically, this episode is all about Cece and Rocky both auditioning and getting in to the Chicago Fine Arts Academy. But, the only problem occurs when Cece gets offered a scholarship to attend the school and Rocky doesn't. So, they figure out a way that they can both attend, which involves lying about Rocky's family situation. Meanwhile, Flynn and Henry believe that an asteroid is headed towards Earth. Of course, I could careless about the Flynn and Henry story line, no offense. It's funny, but I more so just enjoy watching the Cece and Rocky story line.

This episode makes me kind of emotional every time I watch it, especially of course the dance scene, because it just brings back all those fun memories of watching it for the first time when it premiered and all the times I watched it after that. One of the more memorable quotes that I always thought was funny and relatable from this episode is when Cece says during her interview, "Hi, I'm Cece. I'm a Pisces, which means my symbol is two fish. Which is weird because I wouldn't eat one fish, let alone two. I like pork chops". Cause, fun fact, I'm also a Pisces (although I don't believe in all that astrological stuff) so I always thought that's kind of cool that they established Cece as a Pisces, too. However, fun fact, unlike her I would actually eat two fish because I do like seafood and I wouldn't eat pork chops because I don't eat pork. 😊 

I remember when I first watched this episode also being able to relate to Rocky when during her interview for CFA she talks about how she went through this really insane growth spurt and everyone made fun of her and called her names like "giraffe" and "tree", and just how everyone made her feel so awkward. But she goes on to explain how when she would dance, all those names that people called her would just slip away. She felt graceful, alive, and just herself. When I was younger watching this episode, I could definitely relate to that. The being tall part. As I too, went through a bit of a growth spurt when I was 13 and I remember everyone around me would always point it out saying how tall I was, "Oh, you're so tall", "Stand next to your sister, let me see how tall you are" (because I was taller than my older sister), "You should be a model" (when I had no interest in being a model), blah blah blah. I got a lot of comments that made me feel insecure about my height, although not as bad as Rocky did. I mean, giraffe and tree and comments like "How's the weather up there?". Really? But, the comments I did get still made me feel very insecure. To the fact that I would even bend down or lower my head sometimes to look smaller when I would stand next to someone while taking a picture with them or something. But I should have just been confident about my height, like I am now. Besides, looking back, I wasn't even that tall. I was like a little over 5'5'' and I'm 5'7'' now. So, I definitely grew even since then, but I love my height now and I'm not embarrassed or ashamed of it at all. I walk with confidence now. Overall, I just like what Rocky says in this episode. As I'm sure it helped a lot of kids at the time, like me, feel less alone. Especially, for me, being able to see someone close to my age feel the same way that I did at the time was great. 

So, again, this is a very relatable episode with a great message not only about embracing your insecurities but also about never giving up on your dreams. As well as, the important reminder to never lie your way into or out of something, especially to try and impress someone, as Rocky and Cece lie to try and get Rocky a scholarship into CFA after Cece gets one but Rocky doesn't. 💜🎶💃🏫

               

            
          
         
        
        
         
              

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As you can see, I clearly didn't include any of the episodes from the three-part episode that was Shake It Up: Made In Japan, just because I feel like Made In Japan was it's own thing that you can't compare to all the other episodes from the show.  To me it wouldn't have been fair to rank those episodes among any of the others. But, Made In Japan is another ICONIC, UNFORGETTABLE part of Shake It Up. So, I wanted to mention it here in this post, since it seems like the best time and only right way to do so. 

Shake It Up: Made In Japan (or just Made In Japan) was a Shake It Up 90-minute movie/episode event (Yes, according to my memory and my research, this was one big special episode. Not three separate episodes like Disney Plus has it as.) that aired on August 17, 2012 as the Season 2 finale. Basically, this episode follows Cece and Rocky as they travel to Tokyo, Japan to star in an interactive dance video game. Though, while there, Rocky and Cece have two different plans. Rocky wants to explore Japan, while Cece wants to seize the chance for her and Rocky to become global dance superstars, their lifelong dream. Meanwhile, there's a Mission-Impossible-style race against time to save the world from The Rocky and Cece computer virus. The best friends get into a fight, but as always, they make up in the end. This movie also features the last appearance of Gunther as well as Flynn's best friend Henry. 

This movie/episode is just SUPER NOSTALGIC to me. I still remember all the commercials leading up to its premiere on Disney Channel as well as when and where I was when I watched the premiere of this movie/episode with my little sister (celebrategoodtimesblog.blogspot.com). I just remember us being so excited about it. Watching this movie (I consider it a mini movie😊) again gave me all the feels. Cause it literally has everything: the drama, the comedy, the emotion, the friendships, the action, the adventure, the mystery, and of course the DANCING and the SINGING. This is actually the first time that we see the characters, Cece and Rocky, sing (and dance) on stage. Not once, but TWICE. And both times are just as AMAZING. This movie also has some great messages/lessons. Such as knowing that everybody makes mistakes, you're better and stronger together as a team when it comes to friendships, relationships, or anything of that matter, and the main one being to NEVER GIVE UP on your dreams. A message that is prominent a lot throughout this series. What's also great about this movie is that it is very unique from any other Disney Channel movie or series just for the fact that it does take place in Japan and that is a good learning experience in and of itself. As you get to see just a little bit of the culture there through your compute screen or TV screen.  I also love the important message about the importance of working together as a team, as you're always better and stronger together, as well as the lesson and reminder that everybody makes mistakes. Overall, this movie just never gets old and is just a must-watch if you LOVE this show. I, for one, will always hold a special place in my heart for this movie. 💚💙💗🗾

           

            
           
         
        
         
         

          
         
           
             
           

These next two performances never fail to make me laugh, as they are the funniest parts of this whole movie.💙😂

            
           

 

          
 

This next clip is the most dramatic and emotional scene of the whole movie. Cece and Rocky get in a bit of an argument and let me just tell you, it's an Oscar worthy performance.🏆 I never realized how good this scene was when I was younger watching it, until I watched it for the first time again during the pandemic a couple years ago and I was amazed at how good their acting is in this scene. My sister (celebrategoodtimesblog.blogspot.com) and I both did. It gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. It's so good. 👏 Check it out!👇

       

          

 And of course, the most NOSTALGIC, UNFORGETTABLE, and ICONIC performance from Made In Japan that truly never gets old. 💗💙🗾🎤🎶💃


      
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 Shake It Up: SEASON 3

   


 (from least to most favorite)…

 #4 "I Do It Up" S3E12- Premiered March 17, 2013

 
This is an episode that I was very curious and excited to watch again because the last time I had watched it was just a couple of years ago with my sister (celebrategoodtimesblog.blogspot.com) during the pandemic. And because it's just not one that I watched a lot, a lot growing up like I did with all the episodes from Season 1 and 2 of the show. Cause Season 3 of Shake It Up has never really been my favorite. Although, don't get me wrong, because I still love Season 3 and this whole show. Again, I'm just not as familiar with Season 3 as I am with Season 1 and 2. This is just one of the episodes that always stood out to me from Season 3, hence why it's on this ranking. Although, I never used to care for or really like this episode because it just...SPOILER ALERT, it just made me angry that they planned all this wedding stuff and actually got to the altar and then they end up not getting married. 

After all the previous episodes that hyped it up and everything. I don't know, but I just used to dislike this episode so much for that reason. Until, I watched it again this time around for this post, and I actually understood why they chose not to get married and I didn't actually care whether they did or not because either way it made for a great episode. It's also kind of great that they didn't end up getting married because it just shows that not everything has to end perfectly and that people can change their minds and that's okay, too. No one should feel like they have to get married and even if you make it to the altar on your wedding day, it's never too late to change your mind about getting married and do what's best for you. In other words, now having watched it back, I actually appreciate the unexpected ending and the message about "Never saying never".

This episode, even though it was one that I didn't like when I was younger, it was still always one of the most unforgettable from not only Season 3 but from the whole series. Mainly, because it's a wedding episode and I mean who could forget a wedding episode. Especially one from a Disney Channel show, because Disney Channel shows rarely had them. In fact, I believe that this is the first Disney Channel show to feature a big wedding like this. Am I wrong? I can't remember, but either way it's still a very unique, awesome episode.  This episode is also unique because it's one of the few episodes from the show to have a "previously on..." at the very beginning to catch viewers up on what's happened so far before this episode. So, if you haven't seen the previous episodes leading up to this big wedding episode, it's kind of great because you don't have to really go back and watch those episodes in order to know what's going on in this episode. 

If you've never seen this episode, which I now highly recommend you do if you ever want to watch some episodes out of order from this show, basically it's about Georgia and Jeremy's big wedding day finally arriving. But the night before their wedding day, after Cece and Flynn's biological dad shows up (Georgia's ex husband), he (J.J) and Georgia share a kiss. Flynn sees this and wants to stop the wedding. In the end,(again SPOILER ALERT), in the middle of the wedding taking place, Georgia realizes that she's not ready to marry Jeremy and he feels the same way. So, they end the wedding. However, it's great because everyone still leaves happy. No hard feelings. Also, in this episode, Logan tries to talk to Rocky about their relationship but Ty keeps interfering, and during the wedding Rocky reveals that she kissed Logan. 

One of the things I really love about this episode, that really made me include this episode in this ranking, is the big wedding dance performance that they do. It's so funny, sweet, heartwarming, and emotional. It just makes me smile every time I watch it. I don't know why, but I definitely was more emotional watching that scene back this time around than I ever was before watching it. There's also a cute bunny in this episode, which is always a plus. 🐇 This is also the last episode of Jeremy and Logan story lines, which I never used to care for, but again for some reason watching this season back I actually enjoyed watching the story lines with them in it. Especially, the Logan and Cece scenes. But, Logan does show back up for a second in a later episode from Season 3 called, "Future It Up" (which I won't even get into my thoughts on that because I don't agree with them being a thing). 

Overall, this is actually a great episode. Definitely one I had to include because it's very nostalgic to me and one that I always think of whenever I think of this season and just the show in general. It never gets old and is one from Season 3 that I would definitely watch again. 💙💒💍 

        


       
    

#3 "Fire It Up" S3E1 - Premiered October 14, 2012


This has always been another one of the more memorable episodes to me from Season 3. Not only because it's the first episode of the season and the last first episode of the whole series but just because it's always been one of my most favorites from Season 3. Even though, I don't really know why I've always liked this episode, because it was the start of a lot of new changes for the show and I strongly dislike change. One of those changes being the Shake It Up, Chicago stage, that we grew to love from Seasons 1 and 2, just getting burned away in this episode. Yes, I will always prefer the original Shake It Up, Chicago stage over the one they eventually rebuild in this season. Some main characters (Gunther and Henry) from the previous seasons also do not return for this season, which is not that bad, but still sad and different. We also see the first appearance of Jeremy in this episode. The firefighter guy that Cece's mom starts dating and gets engaged to and almost gets married to.

Basically, in this episode, a fire burns down the Shake It Up, Chicago set and Cece believes that she may have caused it and therefore the show itself is on indefinite hiatus until they can rebuild. Which I also just have to say, I never liked how long it took for the stage to be rebuilt. 'Cause the episodes without them dancing on stage at Shake It Up, Chicago, were just boring and not the same. And I know in reality that it would take a long time to rebuild a studio or stage like that, but this is TV and it was long overdue for me. Meanwhile, in a second story line, Deuce feels bad about Gary losing his job after the fire so he decides to get him (Gary) a job at Crusty's. Again, this is just one of the most nostalgic episodes to me from Season 3. 'Cause like I mentioned before, I've never been the biggest fan of this season of the show but there are a few episodes that I like from this season, and this is definitely one of them. As this is one of the episodes from Season 3 that I used to watch on repeat when I was younger. It's also one of those episodes where I still remember exactly when and where I was when I watched the premiere of this episode on Disney Channel and the commercials leading up to its premiere, as well. 

This episode is very funny and also has some very funny, memorable quotes that I love. Such as when Rocky says to Cece, "Where are we going to dance? I can't be a has been, if I've barely been a been". 😂 I also love the messages in this episode, such as knowing that everybody makes mistakes, knowing that the world doesn't revolve around you and therefore not to make everything about you, the importance of not lying or stealing, and that friendship must be earned not bought. As Cece and Rocky tell Tinka in this episode, when she just starts trying to be nice to them now that Gunther has gone back to the old country, forgetting all the mean, nasty, cruel things she had said and done to them before. But, Tinka does earn Rocky and Cece's friendship by the end of this episode when she tries to take the blame for the fire. Again, this episode has the comedy, the mystery, the friendship, the romance, the nostalgia and, of course, still the DANCING. Definitely a must-watch episode that never gets old. Would always choose to watch again.💓🔥  

          

         

        

#2 "Remember Me" aka "Remember It Up" S3E26 -Premiered November 10, 2013

Of course, this is one of the best and one of my most favorite episodes from Season 3. I mean, it's not only one of the most memorable and UNFORGETTABLE episodes from Season 3 but from the whole series. One reason, of course, being because it's the very LAST episode of the whole show and you usually can never forget about the first and last episode of a series. At least, I can't. Especially, from this show. I still remember all the hype and commercials leading up to the premiere of this episode and I know exactly when and where I was when I watched the premiere of it, too. I mean, it's one of the best Disney Channel finales I've ever seen.

I was very excited and curious to watch this episode again because I hadn't seen it in a long while before doing so for this post, but I was also sad because I had binge watched the whole series from the very beginning and had come to the very end of it again. Any time I get to the end of a show that I LOVE, I get sad. Even if I've seen it many, many times before, like I had this one. I would have loved to put this episode at #1 on this ranking, but there are still some things I don't really like about it. Again, don't get me wrong, because I will FOREVER LOVE this episode, but I just don't like everything about it. Which I'll get into. 

In this episode, Shake It Up, Chicago! hosts a charity fashion show with Cece, Rocky, and Tinka as its star models. However, Cece's runway dreams are cut short when a fashion mishap leaves her with amnesia. Georgia and Flynn try to follow the doctor's orders and give Cece the time to heal, but Rocky is devastated that Cece can't remember who she is. So, she tries everything she can to try and get her best friend to remember her and all the special memories that they've shared together. Before I get into the things that I do really like about this episode, let me just mention some things that I don't like. 

First of all, I don't like how short this episode is, and remember feeling the same way the very first time I watched it. I definitely wish they would have done an hour-long episode, especially considering the story line they went with. I just feel like 25 minutes was not long enough to wrap up this story. Even the ending dance performance I've always thought could have been different. It's not a bad performance at all, but I just wish that maybe it was more just Cece and Rocky dancing, since this show started with just the two of them dancing. One last thing that I've never liked about this episode is the whole fashion show thing. I just feel like they could have used that time for something else better, but I get why they did it, because it was apparently the only way for Cece to lose her memory. But again, it's just not my favorite thing about this episode. Yeah, basically, I just really like the last ten minutes of this episode. As the last ten minutes of this episode definitely makes up for the beginning and rest of the episode. It also has a great overall message about appreciating what you have. 

Again, you just can't not LOVE this episode. It's ICONIC, unique, and so special. It's very nostalgic to me and one of the most EMOTIONAL episodes for me to watch from the whole show. I literally was on the verge of crying many times at the end. When Cece still couldn't remember Rocky after she tried to explain everything to her and Rocky was crying, it literally made me want to cry. When Cece starts to finally remember everyone and she begins saying everyone's names and then she gets to Rocky and says, "And your Rocky, and we're best friends...Forever..." and then Rocky says, "And always". I literally wanted to cry, but I was also smiling because it is such a sweet moment. I wanted to cry when all the characters made a circle and hugged each other and even just while watching the last dance performance at the end. Speaking of the dance performance at the end, watching it back this time around, I really do like it and really enjoyed watching it. In fact, I appreciate the performance more than I ever did before. It is a great performance, even though I still think it would have been even better if there weren't so many dancers and just Cece and Rocky, like it was from the very beginning of the show. Oh, and the throwback montage of clips after the dance performance at the very end, also gets me very emotional every time I watch it.

Ahhh! I just love the characters and this show so much. This show definitely has one of the best ensemble casts from any Disney Channel show ever, and you see why in this episode. It's not surprising to me at all how it's been years since this show ended and yet I still get very sad and emotional watching this last episode, like I've never seen it before, though I have. It just shows how great this show truly is. Literally, after finishing this episode I just wanted to start the show all over again because I never want it to end. Again, it was just a NO BRAINER for me to include this episode on this ranking. Despite not liking everything about this episode, it's still a GREAT episode, nonetheless. Definitely an episode that never gets old and one that I would watch again. Maybe just not all the time because it does make me more emotional and sad.🖤

Also, I just have to say something random, but this episode also always just reminds me of that Full House episode when Michelle falls off her horse and loses her memory. 😂🐎 Does it for anyone else?

        

       
   
        
        
        

#1 "My Bitter Sweet 16 It Up" S3E22 - Premiered August 25, 2013


Now this, THIS, is one of my MOST FAVORITE and the BEST episodes not only from Season 3 but from the whole series. It's also definitely one of the most UNFORGETTABLE, NOSTALGIC episodes to me, as well. So, anytime I get to watch this episode again I'm happy and excited. I was not as curious to watch this episode because I already knew what to expect, because I've seen it way too many times to even count at this point. Plus, I had just watched this episode last January, so it was still pretty fresh in my mind. So, I already knew what to expect and how much I liked it already. This is one of those episodes where I just knew from the very beginning that it would be included on this ranking as one of the best and my most favorite episodes and I never changed my mind once about it. I didn't even have to watch this episode again to know that it would be included on this ranking. In other words, it was just a NO BRAINER. Again, this is just one of the more stand out episodes from Season 3 and one that I couldn't wait to watch again. Probably, mostly because I love a great birthday party episode and this is just that. 

Basically, in this episode, it's Cece and Rocky's 16th birthday and they decide to throw a joint Sweet 16 extravaganza. But they can't get their moms to agree on any of their party plans, because Marcie's (Rocky's mom) ideas are outdated and Georgia (Cece's mom) just thinks that her daughter's ideas for the party are too expensive and outrageous. In the end, after Cece finds an old video of her mom at her own Sweet 16 party, she ends up gaining an entirely new perspective about her party and her mom. 

This is just one of the more stand out episodes from Season 3 and one that I couldn't wait to watch again. Again, because it's all about a BIRTHDAY and I LOVE birthdays. 💗🎂🎈 I also just love this episode for the dance alone. As one of my all time favorite dances from Shake It Up is featured in this episode. A dance that I've talked about before on this blog, here. This is one of those episodes that I automatically think of when I think about this show, and this season in particular, because it's always been one of my all time favorite episodes. It's just a very feel-good, funny, celebratory, very nostalgic episode with a great message/lesson. This is also a fun and interesting episode to watch because Olivia Holt from Disney Channel's Girl vs Monster and I Didn't Do It, also guest stars on this episode as 16-year-old Georgia. This episode is also very relatable, because I'm sure everyone can relate to being sixteen and wanting a big Sweet 16 party. Although, I never cared for a big party for my Sweet 16. As mine was definitely more casual and I loved it. But, there is still always that expectation and pressure to want to have a big Sweet 16. Though, again, I'm glad I never went with the status quo of what other people had for their Sweet 16. It can be just as sweet even if it's a small. more casual party. And that is something that I wish Cece would have learned in this episode because I feel like she didn't really learn that as she still got the big party she wanted. 

Since, I just talked about this episode on my blog earlier last year, around this same time for my New Year's post, I won't explain again in more detail why I LOVE this episode so much. Just to save time and space. Plus, all my thoughts about this episode, are still pretty much the same as I mentioned before in that post. But, if you would like to know more of my thoughts about this ICONIC, AMAZINGLY FUN episode just click here. Overall, this episode never gets old and is one I would definitely watch again and again.💙💓🎇

       

         
        
           


Well, that concludes my ranking of the Top 12 BEST Episodes from Shake It Up and my first post of 2023!💜💓🎉🎊 There was no better way to ring in the New Year than by re-watching Shake It Up. ‘Cause it never disappoints. Something about watching this show (especially the first season) got me motivated, hyped, and inspired to do amazing things this year for myself and others, and I hope that you were able to take away one or all of those things as well while reading this post.♡ 

 

Honestly, after watching this whole series again for the one hundredth time, I’m already questioning my ranking of it on my Top Ten Disney Channel Shows post. Looking back now, I would probably rank it above WOWP, just because this show was literally my teenage years and there’s just something a little more special and nostalgic about it to me. Especially, again, because it made me the happiest during one of the most saddest times of my life and I CAN'T exactly say the same about WOWP. Although, don’t get me wrong because I still love WOWP, grew up with it, and was obsessed with it to an extent, but NOT as much as I was and will always be with Shake It Up. I mean, this show never gets old. I already want to watch it all over again from the very beginning even though I just finished it all. :) 

 

Speaking of that, I know I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I would let you know my favorite seasons from most favorite to least favorite, so I will do that now before I sign off. The seasons of Shake It Up go like this for me (again, from most to least favorite): Season 1, Season 2, Season 3. I just have to say, Season 1 of this show is just on a whole other level. Nothing can beat it. It’s just THE BEST. Although, I still love the other seasons of this show too, but Season 1 is just something else (and I mean that in the best way possible, of course). Literally every episode from Season 1 is SO GOOD (except maybe two of the episodes), but it’s just SUPERIOR from all the other seasons. So, there you have it. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite season(s) or episode(s) are from Shake It Up and come Back to Disney soon for more!!💗💜💛🎉 Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR, again!!

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