< November 1958,> < my senior year of High School.>
< Other girls were dancing to Elvis> < or dreaming of Prom day>
< but I was reading Jane Austen> < and dreaming about college.>
< And then my parents announced > < we were moving to Cuba >
< in a week.>
BASED ON TRUE EVENTS
< Slamming doors> < and giving the silent treatment,>
< couldn't change that, but it was> < easier than admitting I was scared.>
< At least everyone else was happy.> < Dad got his big promotion from Ford >
< Mom got to travel> < in style and Susie...>
< That girl can adapt to anything !>
Not too shabby, huh ?
< Here's what I know about Cuba.>
< My high-school French> < wasn't going to help me.>
< I didn't know a single person> < and we weren't supposed to talk>
< about Castro leading a revolution> < against President Batista.>
< Not that you would know it > < from this place.>
In Cuba nobody cares what you do.
You wanna smoke ?
Watch out for this one, she's a bad influence.
- I'll take that as a compliment. - She'll have you ditching classes.
As I recall, there's a certain guy who likes to ditch them with me !
< Sign up for mambo lessons...>
<- ..classes are held every day...> - My God !
June Cleaver is in Havana !
That's just my sister Katie, she's the brains.
- Oh really. - She's probably going to Radcliffe.
Majoring in fashion ?
Why don't you join us ? There's room here.
- James Phelps. - Hi, Katie Miller.
Pleasure to meet you.
- Are you... ? - Yes, your Dad works for my Dad.
Yes.
This is Sheila, Eve,
Polly and Steph... Guess you know Susie, right ?
- So you really going to Radcliffe ? - I won't know till the spring.
Watch out girls.
I suppose this being your last year,
you don't have time to think about silly things like the weather.
Chilly ?
- Oh... - Oh, I'm so sorry, it's my fault !
Just go get us new drinks !
Stupid spic !
'Scuse me.
- Excuse me senor... - How may I help you, signorita ?
I had an accident with those drinks. I'd like to pay for them.
It's not necessary, accidents happen.
I speak English !
- I don't need your charity. - It's not.
Don't worry about it.
- I'm sorry for what she called you. - That was nothing.
- Not to me. - Then why are you apologising ?
- You guys were so good. - Your mother was good.
I was ok.
Dad ?
I'm sorry I haven't been...
excited about all of this.
Sweetheart, it's ok.
Senior year's a terrible time to drag you out of school.
- And you were the star of the class. - Dad...
Don't deny it. Be proud of it.
You'll do great here too.
I can't stand on your feet anymore.
- Oh, you remembered that ! - Yeh.
Very good !
Let's pick up where we left off. verse 1 8, page 285.
- Katie, try to follow ok ? - It's alright. I read it last year.
Knock it off.
Well we'll have you read from line 342.
''Now the satyrs turn to dance and song
to the lovely beat and sway, waiting for dusk
to come upon them there and the dark night came upon them
lost in pleasure.''
Can anyone tell us the significance of this passage ?
It's a bunch of drunk guys doing it !
Athena wants the satyrs to keep invading Ulysses house
so he'll get angry enough to kill them.
And why does the goddess want that ?
She wants Ulysses to find his strength and courage.
Very good.
Need a ride home ?
No, I'm ok.
I've got a lot of catching up to do.
A lot of girls don't like to let on that they're smart.
- I shouldn't have said that. - No, I like that.
I like that about you.
Saturday night at our country club
there'll be a band and the music's pretty cool.
Would you like to go with me ?
- I really do have a lot of work. - On a Saturday night ?
Come on. I'm sure even Homer took some time off between
the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Well, sure. Ok.
Ok.
We're all here now so you can go.
You felt a sudden urge for Cuban music ?
The van left without me. I've been walking for an hour.
- I can walk you back. - You don't have to do that.
You're right, you'll find your way sooner or later.
Maybe in a week or a month.
Let me just say goodbye.
< Abuelito > !
Ciao.
- What did you call him ? < Abuelito,> he's my grandpa.
- I'm Katie. What's your name ? - Javier.
So what, you know like five words in Spanish ?
Maybe ten.
What are you studying so hard to do ?
I haven't figured it out yet.
Let me take that.
I've never seen dancing like that.
Like what ?
I don't know...
I like it, it's very...
- Very Cuban ? - Yeh.
We should get off the streets.
- Why ? - Because of what they're singing.
That way !
So you don't know...
Oh, here she comes. Thank you so much.
Katie, where have you been ?
I missed the bus. I'm fine. I walked.
For heaven's sakes you could have called me.
For all I know you could have been kidnapped by rebels !
It's not them you should worry about. - What did you say ?
You're right, I'm sorry. I should have called.
Where's your book bag ?
I left it at school. It was heavy.
Oh gosh.
It's good I had all these boring American books with me.
They realized I was not a revolutionary.
I don't understand.
- They were just singing. - Just singing doesn't exist anymore.
You know you're a pretty good dancer.
- I was terrible. - Yeh, you were terrible...
- But for an American you move well. - Thanks.
- Why do you look in the mirror ? - Trying to remember the steps I saw.
What does looking have to do with it.
Just feel the music.
You should see for yourself.
The real dancers are at the Rosa Negra on Saturday night.
Oh, I can't.
I'm invited to this country club.
- That was fast. Yeh.
That's why you want to learn Cuban dancing ?
- Just to impress your date ? - No, I wanted to...
Don't worry, they won't dance like that.Just learn the foxtrot instead.
I already know the foxtrot.
Do we need to go shopping ?
Thought you might be going to the country club Saturday night.
- You just thought ? - Mrs. Phelps took me to lunch.
- Not planning an arranged marriage ? - No, I should have thought of that.
He's so cute.
- Yolanda ? - Yes.
Is this square ?
- What ? - Yeh, you know. Like a square.
- Is a square good or bad ? - It's bad.
Yes, is a square.
Oh gosh.
I don't know.You're smaller than me.
- Your dresses will be... - Perfect !
- You're joking. - Why, is it square ?
Definitely not.
It's not fair !
All of my friends are going so why would you go and I can't ?
I am older than you.
It's such a waste ! You don't even know how to have fun !
Sure you don't want me to stay ?
Dad, don't !
Ok. Bye.
Be careful.
Polly...
What did she do ? Paint it on ?
- I don't know... - I do.
I invite you all to the Club Palace..
- .. for our Christmas Eve dance. - Been to the Palace yet ?
And the annual amateur Latin American dance contest !
I'll have to take you.
You feel really good.
- Am I making you nervous ? - No.
Well you make me a little nervous but don't tell anyone.
It'll ruin my reputation.
Let's all run over to Polly's for a little Mojito party.
- Oh yeh ? - Her parents are out of town.
What do you think ? Steph can make a wicked Mojito.
Hey, I'm sure we can get somebody to rustle you up a Shirley Temple.
Actually,James and I are going to go to a Cuban club.
- Where ? - The Rosa Negra.
Yeh, we're going to the Rosa Negra.
Look at the way they feel the music.
They're feeling it alright !
I'll get us some drinks.
- You look so Cuban ! - So do you.
Hi, I'm Javier.
- The name's Phelps. - Yeh, I know you.
So the club wasn't all you expected ?
We thought we'd expand our horizons.
You mean experience Havana ?
Do you mind if I dance with your date ?
Well you'll have to ask her.
Shall we give your boyfriend a show ?
He's not my boyfriend.
Did you lose your date ?
Must be the yankee dancing with my brother.
Good of you to bring your girl to Havana while you still can.
Why ? You going run us gringos out ?
Exact, pretty boy so try to keep the smile on your face while you can.
Raoul and Esmeralda are the King and Queen of the Rosa Negra.
When they dance, the floor is theirs.
You're a good a dancer as he is.
Katie, this is my brother Carlos.
- Ola - Arturo, Miguel...
Ola.
We were just talking politics.
- Oh, my brother loves talking. - Javier doesn't like politics.
The revolution would screw up his job kissing your asses.
Where's the revolution tonight ? On the dance floor ?
While you boys kiss and make up we'll go and get some fresh air.
Come on girl.
- I was enjoying the dancing. - You...
Were very hot.
This is not the safest part of town.
No, don't.
Take me home.
Stop it.
You didn't say no to him.
Katie, get back in the damned car. I'll take you home.
- Where is he ? - He's gone.
It's ok, it's ok. I'm fine.
My Dad works for his Dad.
I just want to forget about him.
Don't worry, I'll take you home.
Come on.
I should have seen it coming.
- It's just I'm not used to... - bastards ?
- Guys ! - Never had a boyfriend in America ?
No.
- I liked one but it didn't work out. - Why ?
- He didn't know I existed. - Yeh, that could be a problem.
This is as far as I go.
The staff is not supposed to mix with guests.
- Took a long time to find this job. - You mean you could get in trouble ?
Yeh.
It's ridiculous.
Adios.
Thanks for walking me home.
I'm sorry your evening was... so difficult.
Not all of it was.
LEARN TO DANCE ALL THE LATEST DANCES FROM NEWYORK.
My job is to make you look beautiful and to make our bodies like one.
Watch.
Thank you.
That's it for today. Who's going to enter the big dance contest ?
- Isn't it just for locals ? - For anybody with the guts to try.
- What about you ? - Me ?
No I can't. I'm not good enough.
Sure you are, I've seen you practising.
Easy.
Think about it.
- You left your sweater in my car. - Just bring it to school.
Hey, wait a second.
I'm really sorry. I was drinking.
I would never hurt you.
He's not here.
- They fired him. - What ?
Lois and your sister. They saw you.
- I'm sorry. - I gotta go.
You need to keep your mouth shut, the things you do have consequences.
- Lois is the one who blabbed it. - And you had nothing to do with it.
What were you doing with him anyway ? It's embarrassing.
Is that you talking or those girls ?
He's not like us.
There is no 'us' Susie.
Ola.
Chabe !
- Yes ? - I'm a friend of Javier's.
- What ? - From the hotel.
I didn't know he had friends in the hotel.
- Is he here ? - No, he's working there now.
You don't see him ?
- She's looking for Javier. - I know her.
- Come inside, Chabe. - Go with your grandmother.
What do you want with my brother ?
I need to talk to him.
You got him fired, isn't that enough.
I know a way he can make some money.
You yankees you come here and you pour money into the casinos and
into the pockets of the gangsters who run this country.
Then send guns to murder innocent people like my father.
I didn't know.
That's right.You don't know.
I feel terrible about what happened. I went to your house but...
- You told my mother I was fired ? - No, I didn't.
- So what do you want ? - I want to talk to you.
I'm sorry you got fired.
Don't worry. It's my fault.
- Is this your new job ? - That's right.
You make 'em, we steal them. Isn't that right,Javi ?
There's this dance contest.
At the Palace on Christmas eve.
- I think you should go. - To see if they need any bar boys ?
- Not what I mean. - Know what kind of people go there ?
I can get you in, only you have to be my partner.
- You mean dance with you ? - I'm not that bad.
- You didn't seem to mind last night. - I wasn't trying to win a contest.
Oh, weren't you !
I'm sorry I have a lot of work to do.
The prize for the semi-finals is 300 dollars.
The grand prize is 5,000 dollars.
The winner gets to go to America.
I don't have the time.
Hi.
This contest ... does it cost money ?
You know it's ballroom dancing, it's not what I do.
It's Latin ballroom dancing. If we mix what you do with what I do,
I really think we have something.
- I'll have to teach you everything. - Not everything.
I have to teach you a few things too.
Can we do this ?
- What ? - What are you doing ?
- Just dancing. - But this is a routine.
- You can't do what you feel like. - When I dance I have no routine.
But this a contest, we need a structure.
Can I see that ?
First you learn to move
and then we worry about the words.
- How do you call this ? - Your hips ?
You move them in a circle.
Come on, a circle. That's a box !
- Why should I cover for you ? - You want me to say what happened ?
Oh, hello there.
- Mom ! - We're going to have some lemonade.
- Would you care to join us ? - No...
- We'll take a rain check. - Ok. You two have fun.
I'm going to help him.You help me.
Your hold is very weak.
- Better ? -I can do without the bruise routine.
- You could fit a couple between us. -It's not going to be a crowded club.
Gotta sweep across the dance floor.
Ok. I can sweep.
- Your steps are too big. - I'm sweeping !
- How's it going with James ? - I have homework to do.
Sweetie,
I've been wanting to ask you if you have any questions...
or concerns about you and James.
It's like dancing with my mother's ironing board !
- Close your eyes. - Why ?
Just do it.
It's awkward to talk about,
but it's important that you not let the boy pressure you.
And even if you have certain feelings...
that you aren't used to having...
Do you have to be such a guy !
Ok. I'll be the girl.
The decisions you make now...
may affect your whole life.
You understand what I'm saying ?
You do ? Oh.
I didn't want to waste the music.
Of course not.
What's the problem ? Why are you so afraid to let me lead you ?
- I'm not. - You are.
When you're ready to say you're afraid, let me know.
- Sorry. - No, stay.
I'm almost done anyway.
- So, what did you decide ? - I entered the contest.
All right. Good for you.
So how's it going ?
Oh great. It's going great.
- Really ? - No. It's not.
God I must have been crazy to think we could do this in two weeks !
Whenever he pushes, I pull.
And I'm flowing and I'm being free and I'm making a circle...
And I'm not an ironing board anymore, but it's still not working !
And now he says, 'You're afraid.'
- Are you ? - No.
- That's too bad.
Come here a moment.
Let me see your frame.
Good.
There's the pressure.
So where did you learn this ?
- My parents. They were dancers. - Really.
Relax.
Yes.
Drop your arms. Breathe.
Now it's basic.
Good.
Why did you say, 'That's too bad' ?
If you can't move through your fear and connect with yourself, there's
absolutely no way you're going to connect with your partner.
Listen to me.
I know that it's scary as hell to let another person touch that part of you
but if you do, it's worth it.
Now forget everything else and dance.
The floor's yours.
I'll see you.
Ok. Here I am.
- You're what ? - Afraid.
So the movement has to be fluid, like the water.
Afro- Cuban dance is the dance of slaves.
It was there only time to feel free.
They could be a bird...
You know ? Or do a flamingo step...
and make fun of their owners.
Or just be in the sea instead of stuck on an island miles from home.
It's a dance about being exactly who you want to be at that moment.
You have to feel,
and look as natural as the waves,
coming and going.
Coming...
We were having dinner and there was a knock on the door
and suddenly two policemen were taking my father away.
The traitor could have been anyone. Batista has his spies everywhere.
That's the thing you know. My father never hurt anybody.
He was just a free thinker and somebody didn't like his thoughts.
We had a funeral but we never found his body.
Carlos disappeared for a while afraid he would be next and then
this girl shows up with a baby, says it's his and she can't afford it and
suddenly I'm in charge of my family.
Maybe it's not what you want, but you are making a difference !
There's a revolution out there and what am I doing ?
Just painting stolen cars and baby sitting !
No, you're keeping your family alive that's the most important thing !
If we could really win this contest,
maybe I could bring my family to America with us.
Your parents... they're perfect !
You see how much they want to be in each other's arms ?
For us to really dance together,
that's how it has to be.
Don't let us interrupt you.
- No, we were just.. - Yeh, we saw you.
Listen, we have more stuff in the alley if you want to be useful.
I should get home.
- Thanks for stopping by. - There's an hour before curfew.
What you do, join the circus ?
Going to tell me you were with James,
like you told your mother ?
I never told her what Susie said.
Susie was wrong.
Goodnight Dad.
Hi.
How long you going be mad at me ?
The girls here... I told Lois that I likeJane Eyre
and she asked me which movie she was in.
I'm really sorry that I told on you and what I said about Javier.
I was wrong.
- You've got to think for yourself. - I know.
I miss you.
Well, I've been dying to tell you ! Can you keep a secret this time ?
Your mother and I have some very disappointing news.
Now I know how you love to decorate the Christmas tree and sing carols,
but I'm afraid tonight...
we're all going to the Palace.
- All of us ? - Yes Susie, all of us.
I know it's your big night with James but can you save me one dance ?
- When did this happen ? - Well you know your father, he
blabs to everyone we were dancers.
So the Phelps invited us to the Latin ballroom contest where I hear
the dancing is supposedly good but we'll be looking out for mistakes.
- I can't wait to see their faces. - Don't remind me.
I really should be scolding you for keeping her out till all hours.
Don't worry ma'am, we did nothing you would disapprove of.
Thank you.
- Thank you. - You two make a very cute couple.
So many of the girls coming over from the States nowadays get a little...
..you know...wild.
You're lucky to have such lovely daughters !
< Merry Christmas everyone.>
< In just a few moments we'll begin> < this season's special event.>
So when do we get to see the championship dancers ?
- We're hardly champions. - You're just being modest.
I've never seen you guys dance in public before.
If your husband doesn't mind I thought you and I might...
Maybe Katie would like to dance.
- Would you like to dance ? - I have to find a ladies room.
- I'll escort you. - No, no. I'm fine.
- Where have you been ? - I'm sorry.
- It's a crazy idea ! - No, we're going to win.
< Now the moment you're waiting for > < the Latin ballroom contest !>
< 3 couples will be eligible for > < the finals on New Year's Eve.>
- You are beautiful. - Thank you.
Presenting the brightest star of a Havana night,
Lola Martinez !
Where's Katie ?
Just wait.
Oh, my God !
Ladies and gentleman, the judges have chosen our three finalists
for next week.
And they are...
Couple number 5,
José Velarde and Iris Mesa.
Couple number 9,
Tino and Lourdes Martel.
And...
Couple number 2,
Javier Suarez and Katie Miller.
I can't think what we can have done to make you hurt us this much.
Humiliating us in front of everyone including your father's boss.
Did you figure he'd lose his job so we'd have to go back to the States ?
- Nobody's losing his job ! - Please go to bed.
- I didn't do anything. - You lied to us !
I'm sorry but I knew you wouldn't let me try...
Kissing a Cuban in front of everyone, you're damn straight we wouldn't !
And why would you want to hurt James, I thought you liked him !
Mommy, you liked him.
Because he fits into your perfect Country Club world !
- And what's wrong with that world ? - James can't keep his hands off me !
What ! What happened ?
Nothing happened. I'm fine.
- Why didn't you tell us ? - I didn't want to mess up your job.
How could you think that my job could be more important than you ?
I didn't want to hurt you.
I just wanted to help Javier... that's his name by the way.
Oh God, I love dancing with him !
Did it ever occur to you that that boy might be using you,
as a ticket to get out of here ?
You may love dancing with that boy,
but there are more important things !
Just because you gave up your passion why should I ?
Wait !
- Katie, wait. - I'm going to Javier's.
Your mother's trying to protect you.
I'm going to be out there on New Year's Eve no matter what you think.
No more lies.
He's out celebrating.
So, if you want to wait for him...
That was Katie.
It's ok. She's with his mother.
- Was I wrong ? - No.
But neither was Katie.
Sometimes I wish we...
Try to imagine what it would be like if we hadn't had...
- Does that make me a bad mother ? - Of course not.
You were good. It's ok to miss it.
They certainly spiced up our old team, didn't they ?
That wouldn't have gone over too well at Roseland, would it ?
No.
She's not a little girl anymore.
What are you reading ?
José Marti'.
It was my father's.
We got rid of all his books just to be safe
but I kept this one.
Hello.
- Javier ? - Yeh.
- If we don't win the finals... - We will.
And if we don't,
I'm not going to college in 6 months.
You don't know how you're gonna feel in six months.
Yes, I do.
No, you don't.
I don't want you to give up your dreams for me.
But I have new dreams now.
Susie, why don't you and I go raid that buffet ?
Sure.
The tree looks nice.
Your father and I discussed it.
And we think you should do
a double turn at the finals.
You like the way I danced ?
If you're asking me to approve of you and this boy I can't,
but the dancing...
..the dancing was incredible !
I think I should take more credit for that !
I think you should too.
Javier, these are my parents.
- Hi Javier. Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you too.
It's an honour to meet such wonderful dancers.
These are from my mother's garden.
Thank you. That was sweet of you.
- This is for you. - Thanks.
- Are you ready ? - Yes.
< Tonight we will see the 3 winning > < couples from the ballroom contest.>
You wanna dance ?
Don't you dare !
Happy New Year, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to the finals of our Latin ballroom contest...
for amateurs.
You will dance one couple at a time.
The winning couple will receive 5.000 dollars.
You are the first.
The first couple this evening
areJosé Velarde and Iris Mesa !
- Don't forget to look at the judges. - Don't worry about the others.
You are the Queen of Rosa Negra.
The final contestants this evening
Miss Katie Miller and Mr.Javier Suarez.
He's got a gun !
Go ! I'll find you !
< Attention all hotel guests> < Batista has fled the country.>
< There is no immediate danger...>
I can't believe it's real.
Don't you want to be celebrating ?
No, I want to be right here with you.
- We didn't win the contest. - No.
But the consolation prize was pretty good.
I'm so happy I can see all this with you.
- What ? - Nothing.
Tell me.
Carlos...
..he always said that when the revolution came,
Castro would kick out all the yankee companies.
You don't really know that.
- I'm just saying that... - That I might have to leave ?
It could happen.
But they wouldn't do that if the idea is to give people their freedom.
Cuban people !
Well, then you'll come with us.
- I'm sure my Dad will work it out. - And my family ?
We'll send for them just like we were always going to do.
I wanted to leave because of Batista but now...
You don't know what life will be like here. What if it doesn't get better ?
My father died for this. I have to believe it will.
I can make a difference here. You showed me that.
This is my country. It's my home.
Oh, thank God. Katie, are you ok ?
We're leaving.
Your father's making arrangements.
Give me that comb.
You used to hide under the bed when I tried to comb out these knots.
Your father's been the only one so I never had to say goodbye to someone.
But saying goodbye to dancing, the other love of my life...
broke my heart.
When you were born and then Susie, I loved you both so much that...
- You're saying I'll get over it. - No, I'm not.
No, I'm saying I know you're hurting.
Everything's such a mess.
You have a choice.
You can do nothing. You can hide under the bed...
Or you can work through the knots.
I'm gonna miss you.
I'm gonna miss you too.
I am taking you with me.
I am keeping you here.
< being exactly who you wanted to be>
< Dancing with him I realized I was>
< becoming the woman I wanted to be.>
< We didn't win the contest but we> < did win something more important .>
< My last night in Havana >
< we were king and queen> < of the Rosa Negra.>
< We didn't know> < when we would see each other again>
< but we knew that this wasn't > < our last dance.>