If you’re a fan of gymnastics, you’ve most likely seen the movie Stick It. The 2006 film centers on a rebellious gymnast named Haley Graham who returns to the sport after a hiatus, but her no-nonsense attitude clashes with the strict rules of the gym. While the movie features some impressive gymnastics routines, it left fans with one burning question, who actually did gymnastics in Stick It?
Many viewers assumed the actors were just using stunt doubles, but the truth is, the cast underwent months of intensive gymnastics training to perform their own stunts. In fact, several of the actors already had a background in gymnastics. Jeff Bridges, who played the coach, was a regular gymnastics enthusiast and was able to perform some of his own routines. The film’s lead, Missy Peregrym, was also a former gymnast, which allowed her to execute many of the challenging moves herself.
But the real standout was Vanessa Lengies, who played the quirky and bubbly Joanne. Lengies was not a gymnast prior to filming, but she was determined to do her own stunts. She underwent over six months of rigorous training, which paid off in the form of several impressive routines, including a daring bar routine that required her to launch herself into the air and spin multiple times before catching the bar again. Stick It may have been a comedy, but the athleticism of the cast was no joke.
Cast of Stick It
If you are a fan of gymnastics, especially women’s gymnastics, then you have probably seen the movie Stick It. The film, which came out in 2006, follows the rebellious and talented Haley Graham as she is forced to return to the world of competitive gymnastics. But who actually did gymnastics in Stick It? Let’s take a closer look:
- Missy Peregrym – Missy played the lead role of Haley Graham in Stick It. Although she had no previous gymnastics experience before filming, she trained for three months with a professional gymnast to learn the skills and routines necessary for the movie.
- Jeff Bridges – Jeff played the role of Burt Vickerman, the coach of the gymnastics team. While Jeff did not do any gymnastics in the movie, he did train with former Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas to develop his coaching style and get into character.
- Nikki SooHoo – Nikki played Wei Wei Yong, one of Haley’s teammates. Like Missy, Nikki had no prior gymnastics experience and had to train for several months to learn the routines and skills required for the role.
Although not all of the actors in Stick It had prior gymnastics experience, the film did feature several former Olympic and elite gymnasts who performed the more challenging skills and stunts. These gymnasts included:
| Gymnast | Event(s) | Accolades |
|---|---|---|
| Mohini Bhardwaj | Floor exercise, balance beam, uneven bars, vault | 2004 Olympic team silver medalist, Olympic individual bronze medalist on floor exercise |
| Nastia Liukin | Balance beam, uneven bars | 2008 Olympic all-around champion, nine-time Olympic medalist, four-time national champion |
| Carly Patterson | Uneven bars, balance beam, vault, floor exercise | 2004 Olympic all-around champion, two-time national champion |
| Melyssa Perez | Uneven bars, balance beam | 2004 Olympic team alternate, two-time All American |
Overall, Stick It was a unique movie in that it blended professional gymnastics with Hollywood filmmaking. While some of the actors had to train extensively to acquire the necessary skills and routines, the film also featured some of the best gymnasts in the world demonstrating their talents on the big screen.
Gymnastics Movies
There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush you get from watching a great gymnastics movie. Whether you’re a gymnastics fan or not, these films are sure to captivate you with their combination of athleticism, drama, and heartwarming stories. In this article, we’ll explore who actually did gymnastics in one of the most popular gymnastics movies of all time, “Stick It.”
- “Stick It” – This 2006 film follows the story of rebellious teenager, Haley Graham (played by Missy Peregrym), who is forced to return to the world of competitive gymnastics after a run-in with the law. One of the standout aspects of this movie is the incredible gymnastics routines, which were performed by some of the top gymnasts in the world. In fact, the entire cast of gymnasts were actual gymnasts, with many of them competing at the elite level. Some of the athletes featured in the film include Nastia Liukin, who won five Olympic medals for the United States, and Vanessa Lengies, a former gymnast who also played a gymnast in the TV show, “American Dreams.”
There’s no denying that the gymnastics scenes in “Stick It” are breathtaking, with intricate choreography, daring acrobatics, and impressive displays of strength and flexibility. And knowing that these scenes were performed by real gymnasts adds an extra level of appreciation to the film.
Overall, “Stick It” is a must-watch for any gymnastics fan, as well as anyone who loves a good underdog story filled with humor and heart.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a gymnastics movie, be sure to check out “Stick It” and marvel at the incredible athleticism of the real-life gymnasts who brought it to life.
Gymnastics in Film
Gymnastics has become a popular sport in the film industry, inspiring movies such as ‘Stick It’ (2006), ‘Nadia’ (1984), and ‘Bring It On: In It to Win It’ (2007). While not all films accurately depict the sport, they bring excitement and inspiration to those who love gymnastics.
- ‘Stick It’ (2006) – The movie revolves around Haley, a rebellious teenager and former gymnast, who is forced to return to training after getting into trouble with the law. Although the movie portrays an unrealistic image of the sport, it highlights important issues such as the pressure placed on athletes and the lack of support for female gymnasts.
- ‘Nadia’ (1984) – This biographical movie tells the story of Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10. The movie accurately depicts the training and sacrifice that goes into being a gymnast at a high level. It also brings to light the struggles that Nadia faced while living under a communist regime in Romania.
- ‘Bring It On: In It to Win It’ (2007) – While not solely focused on gymnastics, this movie features a cheerleading competition that includes a gymnastics routine. The movie brings together different styles of cheerleading and gymnastics, showcasing the versatility of the sport.
Gymnastics movies also bring attention to the importance of representation in the sport. Oftentimes, diversity is not accurately depicted in the gymnastics world, and movies have the ability to showcase different backgrounds and cultures in the sport. In addition, gymnastics movies can inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams of becoming gymnasts and encourage them to never give up on their passions.
Below is a table that features notable gymnasts who have appeared in movies or TV shows:
| Gymnast | Movie/TV Show |
|---|---|
| Nadia Comaneci | ‘Nadia’ (1984) |
| Mary Lou Retton | ‘Scrooged’ (1988) |
| Shawn Johnson | ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ (2010) |
| Nastia Liukin | ‘Make It or Break It’ (2009-2012) |
| Simone Biles | ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (2017) |
Overall, gymnastics in film brings attention to the sport and inspires new generations of gymnasts to pursue their dreams.
Gymnastics Routines in Stick It
Stick It is a 2006 American comedy-drama film about a rebellious teenage gymnast named Haley Graham who is forced to return to her former team after a run-in with the police. The film features a number of gymnastics routines performed by its cast members.
The Cast Members Who Did Gymnastics in Stick It
- Missy Peregrym (Haley Graham) – Missy was a former gymnast and had competed in the Canadian National Championships. She performed most of her own stunts in the film.
- Maddy Curley (Mina Hoyt) – Maddy was a gymnast and had competed at the collegiate level for the University of North Carolina. She performed all of her own stunts in the film.
- Vanessa Lengies (Joanne Charis) – Vanessa was a former gymnast and had trained for the film prior to production. She performed most of her own stunts in the film.
- Gia Carides (Alice Graham) – Gia did not have a gymnastics background but trained for the film. She performed some of her own stunts in the film with the help of a stunt double.
The Gymnastics Routines in Stick It
The gymnastics routines in Stick It were choreographed by three-time Olympian and seven-time Olympic medalist, Wendy Bruce. The routines were designed to showcase the strengths and unique talents of each character.
The routines featured in the film include:
| Character | Song | Routine |
|---|---|---|
| Haley Graham | I Got Nerve by Miley Cyrus | A fusion of breakdancing, gymnastics, and hip-hop. |
| Mina Hoyt | Din Dah Dah by George Kranz | A routine that showcased unique moves and a highly technical floor routine. |
| Joanne Charis | Crazy by Gnarls Barkley | A routine that showcased classic ballet and jazz dance moves. |
Overall, the gymnastics routines in Stick It were a highlight of the film and showcased the immense talent of its cast members. The choreography by Wendy Bruce was exceptional, with each routine perfectly tailored to the strengths and personalities of each character.
Behind the scenes of Stick It
Stick It is a popular gymnastics-themed movie that features some of the most fantastic actors and actresses in the industry. The movie is known for its exceptional storyline, brilliant acting, and, most importantly, its incredible gymnastics stunts that keep the audience hooked.
Who Actually Did Gymnastics in Stick It?
- Missy Peregrym (Haley Graham) did the majority of her stunts.
- Maddy Curley (Mina Hoyt) was a former level-10 gymnast and performed all her own tumbling.
- Vanessa Lengies (Joanne Charis) did not perform her own stunts but had some aerial work and dance experience.
- Nikki SooHoo (Wei Wei Yong) had no gymnastics experience and had a stunt double.
- Kellan Lutz (Frank) had no gymnastics experience and had a stunt double.
From the list of actors and actresses mentioned above, it is clear that most of the actors had no prior gymnastics experience. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a majority of them had to rely on stunt doubles to perform some of the stunts.
However, the two main leads, Missy Peregrym and Maddy Curley, were seasoned gymnasts who were more than capable of performing their stunts. They were comfortable performing some of the most challenging moves, such as back handspring, aerial tumbles, and backflips.
| Gymnastics Coordinator | Stunt Double |
|---|---|
| Monica Aldama | Nicole DeFranco (Missy), Vanessa Vandervaart (Maddy), Jessica Miyagi (Nikki and Kellan) |
Monica Aldama was the gymnastics coordinator on set for Stick It. She worked closely with the cast and stunt doubles to ensure that the performances were accurate and authentic. She also helped the cast with their physical preparation by training them and introducing them to the world of gymnastics.
All in all, Stick It is a fantastic movie that has managed to capture the essence of what it takes to be a gymnast. The behind-the-scenes effort that went into making this film a success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.
Impact of Stick It on gymnastics culture
Stick It, the 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by Jessica Bendinger, did not only create an impact within the film industry but also in the world of gymnastics. The film follows the story of protagonist Haley Graham, played by Missy Peregrym, a rebellious but talented gymnast who lands in trouble with the law. She is sentenced to attend Vickerman Gymnastics Academy, where she meets other gymnasts and faces her past traumas. The film explores issues of gender, body image, and the pressure on young athletes to perform. It also sheds light on the harsh realities of gymnastics training, including body shaming, injury, and the overbearing behavior of coaches.
- Increased Interest in Gymnastics
- More Women Empowered by the Sport
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes
The success of the film had a significant impact on gymnastics culture and the wider audience. Here are some of the ways Stick It changed the public perception of the sport:
Firstly, the film triggered a surge of interest in gymnastics among both males and females. Many inspired fans visited gymnastic academies and tried out the sport, hoping to become as good as Haley Graham and her teammates. Stick It portrayed the sport as one that requires talent, flexibility, and a strong work ethic, making it more appealing to younger audiences. The film also highlighted the intense physical demands of gymnastics, which helped increase awareness of the sport as a challenging and dynamic discipline.
Secondly, Stick It empowered young women by showcasing strong female characters who fought for their rights and dignity. The gymnasts in the film, despite facing discrimination and stereotypes, proved that women can be powerful athletes and role models. The characters in the film were a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood portrayal of women as helpless and vulnerable. The film also helped to raise awareness of gender inequality and the need for change in sports culture.
Lastly, Stick It challenged gender stereotypes by portraying male characters in non-traditional roles. The film featured male gymnasts who had unconventional interests, like comic books and fashion, which went against the macho stereotype often associated with male athletes. The film normalized the idea that men can be interested in things beyond sports and that it’s okay to be yourself.
| Impact of Stick It on gymnastics culture | Description |
|---|---|
| More attention to body image issues | The film brought attention to the issue of body shaming in gymnastics and encouraged athletes to speak up. |
| Change in coaching methods | The film made coaches aware of their behavior and how it could affect young athletes. |
| Inspired Similar Films | Stick It inspired other films that tackled similar issues, such as Netflix’s athlete-focused docuseries Cheer. |
In conclusion, Stick It has played a vital role in gymnastics culture and changed the way people view the sport. It encouraged young people to try out the sport, helped to raise awareness of gender issues, and promoted change in the coaching methods. With its unique message and tone, Stick It will always be remembered as a powerful and iconic film in the world of gymnastics.
Stick It Soundtrack
The 2006 American sports comedy-drama film, Stick It, features a soundtrack that perfectly complements the theme and mood of the movie. The high-energy soundtrack includes a mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop music, featuring some of the biggest artists of the time.
- Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” sets the tone for the movie’s opening sequence, as we see rebellious teen, Haley Graham, breaking into a construction site to practice her gymnastics routines. The upbeat and catchy song perfectly captures the free-spirited and rebellious character of Haley, and gets the audience excited for what’s to come.
- The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along” plays during the montage of Haley and her new teammates training together, highlighting the team’s progress and newfound camaraderie.
- P!nk’s “U + Ur Hand” is the perfect choice for the movie’s climactic scene, in which Haley and her teammates perform their final routine at the national championships. The song’s powerful lyrics and energetic beat perfectly capture the fierce and confident attitude of the gymnasts as they show off their skills to the world.
Other notable songs on the soundtrack include Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “Bad Reputation,” which plays during the movie’s iconic opening credits montage, and a cover of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” performed by Bif Naked, which plays during the movie’s final credits.
The Stick It soundtrack perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the movie, and is a must-listen for fans of the film and anyone in need of a motivational workout playlist.
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Gold Digger | Kanye West |
| Move Along | The All-American Rejects |
| U + Ur Hand | P!nk |
| Bad Reputation | Joan Jett and the Blackhearts |
| We’re Not Gonna Take It | Bif Naked |
Overall, the Stick It soundtrack perfectly complements the movie’s themes of rebellion, empowerment, and teamwork. Each song is carefully chosen to reflect the emotional journey of the main character and the gymnastics team, and together they create a soundtrack that is both energetic and inspiring.
Who Actually Did Gymnastics in Stick It: FAQs
1. Who played the role of the main character Haley in Stick It?
– The actress Missy Peregrym portrayed the character of Haley in the movie Stick It.
2. Did Missy Peregrym do her own stunts in Stick It?
– No, Missy Peregrym had a stunt double named Mio Dzakula who performed most of the gymnastics stunts in the movie.
3. Who was Mio Dzakula and what was her role in Stick It?
– Mio Dzakula was a professional gymnast and a stunt double for Missy Peregrym. She performed all the difficult stunts in the movie, including the final vault scene.
4. Did any other professional gymnasts make an appearance in Stick It?
– Yes, several professional gymnasts made cameo appearances in Stick It, including Nastia Liukin, Alicia Sacramone, and Shae-Lynn Bourne.
5. Was there any real gymnastics competition in Stick It?
– No, the gymnastics competition in the movie was fictional. The events and scoring were not based on any real competition.
6. How did the filmmakers capture the gymnastics scenes in Stick It?
– The filmmakers used a combination of real gymnasts, CGI, and clever camera angles to create the gymnastics scenes in the movie.
Closing: Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to learn about who actually did gymnastics in Stick It! While most of the gymnastics stunts were performed by Mio Dzakula, there were also several other professional gymnasts who made appearances in the film. Overall, the movie was a fun and exciting tribute to the sport of gymnastics. Be sure to visit our website again for more interesting articles!