'The Color Purple' director Blitz Bazawule shares freestyle behind-the-scenes videos of the film's extensive dance ensemble

• "The Color Purple" director Blitz Bazawule shared several behind-the-scenes videos of the film's dancers.
• One clip showed the cast singing the gospel hit "Melodies from Heaven."

'The Color Purple' director Blitz Bazawule celebrated the film's release on Christmas Day by sharing several behind-the-scenes moments showing the cast and dancers enjoying their time on set.

"A special shout out to the Dancers of The Color Purple," Bazawule captioned his Instagram post. " @fatima_noir @iamdjdubz and @iamtiarivera assembled the best group of talented dancers ever. Thank you for bringing the best energy to my set. We couldn't have done this without you geniuses! Y'all the real MVP's," he continued.

The videos highlight the talent and energy the dance ensemble brought to the film. The first video shows a group of dancers freestyling in costume while singing gospel artist Kirk Franklin's 1995 hit, "Melodies From Heaven."

The film's choreographer, Fatima Robinson, revealed that the candid clips did not make the film's final cut in the comment section.

"And none of this is in the movie and you don't even miss it!!!!! Incredible," she wrote.

Bazule was likely celebrating the film's strong opening day. The film brought in an estimated $18.1 million on Christmas, exceeding predictions of an $8 to $10 million opening, according to Deadline.

On social media, fans have enjoyed glimpses of behind-the-scenes moments shared by the cast. Colman Domingo, who plays the film's antagonist, Mister, shared a video of Fantasia singing the film's opus, "I'm here," during a table read featuring cast members including Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Halle Bailey.

"The Color Purple" is adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel of the same name, which tells the story of Celie, a Black woman who triumphs above poverty, abuse, and neglect.

Fantasia reprised the role of Celie after appearing in the Broadway adaptation in 2007 and 2010.

The original Oscar-winning film came out in December 1985 and starred Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery.