Sure, High School Musical was all about Zac Efron’s Troy and Vanessa Hudgens’ Gabriella, the star-crossed lovers who bonded over their love of music and singing, but there had to be some more romance between the characters in the movies …right? I mean it is high school. One popular theory among fans was about sparks secretly flying between Lucas Grabeel’s Ryan and Corbin Bleu’s Chad, especially when some major chemistry swung during the summer-set sequel.
Musical numbers embody the inner thoughts of monologue and the deep expression and emotion of music, providing a story of characterisation in a unique manner that only it's medium can do. This musical number is no exception. There have been a few songs and musical numbers that have become (b)iconic, expressing -intentionally or not- an experience and sensation that resonates with bisexuals such as Girls/Girls/Boys and I'm getting Bi, but it is High School Musical 2's subtle story of the emotional confrontation between a flamboyant confident gay teenager and his closeted, defensive classmate, between Ryan and Chad, that I want to analyse today because I was listening to HSM2 songs and I've always had a lot of feelings about this and I might as well say it here even though I’m sure other people have done this already.SO....
During one big number, “I Don’t Dance,” Ryan and Chad sing about dance vs. baseball before switching outfits in the scene directly after it. The "I Don't Dance" scene occurred about an hour into the movie.
After being invited by Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) and Taylor (Monique Coleman) to the employee's baseball game in Lava Springs country club, Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) is challenged by Chad (Corbin Bleu) to play. In the meantime, he tries to convince Chad to dance. After the song in the following scene, Ryan and Chad are showing hanging out and wearing eachother's uniforms. Many viewers have thought of this as a homoerotic or gay meaning between the characters, however Ryan's actor Lucas Grabeel has confirmed that it was a choice by director Kenny Ortega and had no further implications.
The "I Don't Dance" Scene: More Than Meets the Eye?
Since the movie’s release in 2007, fans have dissected the scene, fueling theories that the two were secretly in love. “People come up to us and ask, ‘Why was the outfit swap in ‘I Don’t Dance’ so symbolic?'” The two go on to joke about the theories and ultimately say the decision came down to director Kenny Ortega. The fact that “I Don’t Dance” already within the lyrics has so much innuendo, I think that was just the nail in the coffin,” Bleu said. “The line in the sand was drawn, and we were just messing it up,” Grabeel added.
Read also: Chad Ryan Cox: A tribute
Grabeel said that the scene, which was filmed over two days, was "difficult" and involved intricate choreography. To prepare for the musical number, he and the cast participated in dance rehearsals in the mornings and baseball practices in the afternoons. Grabeel also recalled the scene being "challenging" because he had knee surgery prior to beginning rehearsals for the sequel. "I think actually the whole time of doing that number, I'm wearing two knee braces and a back brace because I had just screwed up my body so much," the actor said.
While eating at a bench after the game, Ryan was seen wearing Chad's East High cap and traditional baseball jersey in the school's signature red and white shades. The actor said that the point of "I Don't Dance" was to show that despite Ryan and Chad's differences, as a theater kid and a jock, they could come together and see eye to eye. "It wasn't meant to be this homoerotic thing," Grabeel said of costume swap, "But I think that Kenny knew a little bit more about how that was going to come out. "I think that went over a lot of people's heads and I think people read into it incorrectly. I don't think that it had anything to do with us liking each other.
“I Don’t Dance” is the fifth song in the film, High School Musical 2 and on the movie soundtrack.
Why Chad And Ryan Switched Clothes In High School Musical 2
Director's Intent and Subtext
Kenny Ortega did open up last year about feeling like Disney was not “ready to cross that line” and feature an openly gay character in the High School Musical movies, but he did decide to make choices that could “grab” those watching and allow them to identify with the character. “I Don’t Dance” is definitely that moment for a lot of fans, especially with some taking its lyrics about Ryan challenging Chad’s interests as a metaphor for exploring one’s sexuality.
Grabeel explained further: I think that went over a lot of people's heads and I think people read into it incorrectly. I don't think that it had anything to do with us liking each other. I think it had everything to do with our teams and our ultimate goals as to work together and to break down barriers between each other.
Read also: More on Chad Ryan Christian
Ryan's Sexuality: Confirmation and Representation
Ryan Evans, known for his flashy personality and great fashion sense, quickly became a fan favorite in the original High School Musical movies. Over the years, fans have come up with various theories about Ryan’s sexuality, discussing them in online forums and social media. In a big moment for fans of the High School Musical series, the fourth season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has confirmed what many have long suspected: Ryan Evans is gay. This confirmation is not just a win for fans who have been hoping for Ryan’s true self to be acknowledged; it is a big step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.
Kenny Ortega, the director of the original High School Musical films, has said that he always intended for Ryan to be gay. However, he felt that Disney might not have been ready to show a gay character at that time openly. Instead, Ortega made subtle choices to hint at Ryan’s sexuality, hoping that the audience would understand. So, really, he knew what he was doing with that outfit swap!
Grabeel has been a strong supporter of the character’s development. He has said that he wished Ryan had been played by a gay actor to provide more authentic representation.
Chad Danforth: More Than Just a Jock
Chad Danforth is one of East High's most popular jocks; being the co-captain and fellow basketball teammate of the Wildcats, and is the loyal childhood best friend and wingman to Troy Bolton, since pre-school. He is also the boyfriend of Taylor. Chad is arguably, out of any other student at East High, the most devoted to the Wildcats. He is almost always the one to start the “WHAT TEAM?!” chant among his peers. Even when separated from the ball for days or even weeks at a time during the events of Season 1, he still retains this high spirit. This may explain why Chad places an emphasis on making Troy into the next Wildcat legend in Season 1, citing previous Wildcat basketball legends as inspiration.
Chad has chocolate brown eyes, curly hair, high cheekbones and a strong jawline. He also has a straight nose and full lips. He's a very athletic body and the height to match, he's ripped. Chad is a rather multi-layered character: incredibly independent and strong in many ways. He is a person that who is not afraid to stand up to people who either hunting his girlfriend Taylor, him or his friends. He is uptight and constantly seeking approval from his father because he is seen by his father as a person that he does not want to be. But he sees Chad as such; therefore he tries to please him by acting as the person who they think he is. Chad is confident on the outside, but on the inside he isn't sure who he is because he committed to stay as who he is right now, if he were to change then he would be disappointing his father. He is basically kind-hearted, well-mannered, and despite what seems like a lack of confidence will stand up for himself.
Read also: Ryan and Chad: A deeper look
Chad can sometimes lets his temper get the better of him as he can hold a grudge against his rivals, seen with Spencer. Aside from this, he is extremely compassionate and caring whether towards his family, his friends, and especially Taylor, as a lover. However, Chad isn't without his flaws and foibles. He can, at times, be too fussy and opinionated, as well as incredibly stubborn. He can also speak without thinking from time to time.
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