High School Musical 3 -- FIRST PICTURES!!

BFFs Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale (with puppy Maui) are seen leaving a rigorous four-hour dance rehearsal at a top secret location in Utah on Thursday.

Of course, this was in preparation for their upcoming feature film, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which also costars Lucas Grabeel (below).

Also spotted on set, but not pictured below: Monique Coleman, Olesya Rulin, Chris Warren Jr and director/choreographer Kenny Ortega.

Seems like the gang is all back together–but where’s Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu?? Stay tuned for new pics from the set of HSM3, which has a tentative release date of Friday, Oct. 24.

10+ pictures inside of the very first pictures from the set of High School Musical 3…