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Ryan Guzman has revealed the auditions for Step Up 4: Miami Heat were "really scary".
The former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and model had never acted prior to his role of rebellious street dancer Sean, and is tipped for big things after being dubbed "the next Channing Tatum" by director Scott Speer.
"The audition process was really scary for me, especially free-styling in front of a bunch of people, but it made me that bit more motivated. I was practising until 1am, and then showing up early to do my thing," he admitted.
The 24-year-old continued: "I heard I was against 300 people and they're like real professionals. The guy who made it into the last round with me had danced for Madonna and Britney Spears, and had a long list of amazing names. He didn't have to dance for the audition process.
"Me, on the other hand, they put me through the wringer. It was about a month and a half of auditioning - four acting auditions, and then six dance auditions, so it was tough."
Things didn't get easier, even after Ryan won the part by wowing the crew with his "incredible charisma".
"I have been fight training for years, but dance training was as intense as anything I've ever done in my life. It's physically, mentally and emotionally draining," he said.
"But I pushed past the fear. Even though they had a dance double ready to fill in for me, I said, 'No way'. This is my movie, I want to do everything."
:: Step Up 4: Miami Heat opens in cinemas on August 10, with the accompanying soundtrack available now.
