Behind the Scenes of A Very Jonas Christmas: How Camp Rock Made a Surprise Appearance

Jamal Sims on set of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie.
Credit:

Courtesy of Jamal Sims

NEED TO KNOW

• Jamal Sims is known for creating many iconic performances for Disney channel productions.
• His latest project involved choreographing the Jonas Brothers for A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, a collaboration facilitated by mutual friends.
• Sims emphasized the challenge of creating concise choreography due to time constraints during the production.

If you’ve been a fan of Disney, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the work of choreographer Jamal Sims.

The 54-year-old has crafted memorable performances for productions such as Descendants 3 and Hannah Montana: The Movie, where he famously created the “Hoedown Throwdown” dance. His latest endeavor, choreographing the Jonas Brothers for their Disney+ holiday film A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, evokes nostalgia for many fans.

Although Sims has extensive experience within the Disney framework, this film marked his first collaboration with the Jonas Brothers, who gained popularity through Disney Channel’s Camp Rock. Sims received the opportunity to choreograph the film through connections with mutual friends Adam Fishbach and Justin Tranter, both of whom he collaborated with on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

Jonas Brothers in A Very Jonas Christmas Movie.

Disney+

“They didn’t have a lot of time,” Sims said regarding the Jonas Brothers’ busy schedules during filming. “When we started shooting, they had just come off the road, arriving the day before filming began. I got them in for a couple hours of rehearsal, but I had to keep the choreography concise and straightforward due to our limited time.”

Despite the quick turnaround, Sims noted that the brothers adapted to the choreography swiftly. “It’s amusing because they claim they can’t dance, but each of them has their own style of learning choreography,” he remarked. “Some learn quickly, while others prefer watching the video first. Their individual approaches to learning make it interesting.”

The standout performance in the film is “Coming Home This Christmas,” filmed in Toronto with hundreds of backup dancers. Sims prioritized making the performance engaging while infusing it with a sense of “fantasy.”

“We wanted to create a full-blown musical atmosphere,” he explained. “It was one of my favorite pieces to assemble.”

Jamal Sims on set of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie.

Courtesy of Jamal Sims

The performance also features a clever Easter egg for fans of Camp Rock. During a segment, backup dancers perform choreography from Camp Rock 2, culminating in knowing glances among the brothers, a moment that quickly went viral. Sims humorously wished he could take credit for the idea but revealed that it originated with the Jonas Brothers. “They suggested including a bit of Camp Rock for a nostalgic touch,” he said, highlighting their thoughtfulness towards their fans.

Camp Rock 3.

Disney+

That nostalgic moment also led to Sims becoming the choreographer for the upcoming Camp Rock 3, where the Jonas Brothers will reprise their roles and serve as executive producers alongside Demi Lovato, their former co-star.

“Months after working on A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, I found out about Camp Rock 3,” Sims stated. “It’s been a pleasure working alongside the brothers, who exude positive energy on set.”

Sims teased that while Camp Rock 3 will honor the original films, it will also incorporate modern elements, particularly in dance reflecting current trends. “Dance in 2025 differs greatly from earlier styles,” he noted. “We aim to blend nostalgia with fresh, innovative elements that resonate with audiences today, especially in the context of social media trends.”

Despite his many achievements, Sims expressed gratitude for the recognition he continues to receive, particularly for the “Hoedown Throwdown” dance. “I am still humbled when people enjoy my work,” he remarked.

Jamal Sims on set of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie.

John Medland/Disney

“Even when I arrived on the Camp Rock set, some actors were unaware of my previous work, but they would later express excitement about the ‘Hoedown Throwdown,’” Sims shared. “Seeing people perform the dance on platforms like TikTok is an incredible compliment, and I remain grateful for the appreciation of my contributions.”

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie is currently available for streaming on Disney+.