(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
♪ All up in the cipher but don't know where to start off
♪ Oh, you know what it's about, raising the bar up
♪ You're square and givin' 'em something they can't fake
♪ What you been waiting for?
♪ Your moment on center stage
♪ They gonna wanna test you
♪ Moments like this will bring out the best in you
♪ Them moves better hit, you're getting higher points
♪ For the one with the greatest risk
♪ You just might miss
♪ Take it on the chin, you just might get dissed
♪ Follow in the paths the great ones done laid
♪ Along this the heavyweights
♪ With their lives on blast, performing on center stage
♪ Diligent, you got to have skill in it
♪ You always got to be killing it
♪ Don't be afraid to break it down
♪ When it's time to rebuild again
♪ Now you're the hottest in there, no use in concealin' it
♪ Hard work is paying off, big baby
♪ You got it made
♪ Everybody's seeing you shining on center stage
♪ You ask me what's the purpose
♪ This ain't no everyday average three-ring circus
♪ I said
♪ What you got
♪ Show me what you got
♪ Go, ladies
♪ Go, go, go, ladies
♪ One, two, three
♪ Ladies, ladies, ladies
♪ Everybody in the cipher got to know what their worth is
♪ Or whether they're worth this
♪ 'Cause the truth, you grab the feet and just work it
♪ Just work it
♪ Just work it Like that
♪ Just work it
♪ One, two, three ♪
ALL: Five, six, seven, eight, nine...
10, 11, 12, 13!
(CROWD CHEERING)
I love you, guys.
(GIVE IT ALL I'VE GOT PLAYING)
♪ Not gonna do it right till I'm doin' it all
♪ My chance, way out from where I come from
♪ Step forward, my feet in motion
You're doing so good, Bella.
Bring your hands up through first, and open.
How am I gonna learn if you're not here?
Just do what I did.
KATE: You can learn from the videos.
You learned from Mom.
The tapes help. Trust me.
♪ It's all I want, all I want
♪ It's easy to believe
♪ Give it all I've
KATE: Dad, I'm leaving.
She's going to the American Ballet Academy.
KATE: I'm gonna miss you so much.
Me, too. I love you.
I love you, too.
♪ Give it all I can
♪ I'm gonna take a chance
♪ 'Cause it's easy to believe
♪ It's easy to believe
♪ It's all I want, all I want
♪ It's easy to believe
Excuse me, which floor is the audition on?
♪ Give it all I've got ♪
Following pointe auditions, we'll continue with adagio,
then we'll pair you for the pas de deux.
I'm gonna need you into two lines.
Boys in one, girls in the other,
starting with the tallest to the shortest
and remember who you're paired with.
JONATHAN: At best, I can take six girls and six boys.
The final decisions will be posted this afternoon.
We have very limited space for a very limited number of students.
As you know, this is the finest academy in the country.
We value talent,
discipline, respect...
COOPER: And a love of dance.
Also a good thing.
And on a very good day, we even value Cooper Nielson.
JONATHAN: Please welcome one of our esteemed judges and instructors.
You have 15 minutes to warm up.
A love of dance.
I was moved nearly to tears.
Hey, we're creating artists, not robots.
And besides, I'm here to bring some life back in this place. Remember?
You're here because your company ran out of funding
and you needed the job.
Hey, it's a give and take situation.
So, nothing's changed, huh?
I give and you take and take and take.
First position. Demi-plie.
JONATHAN: Tendu front.
Demi-plie. Tendu back.
Demi-plie. Tendu. Stay on your standing leg, don't hang on the bar.
Miss... Von Stroh.
Richard's daughter?
Yes, sir.
Nice port de bras. Watch your alignment.
Miss?
Parker. Kate Parker.
Billy's daughter.
JONATHAN: Now the other side.
(WHISPERING) Classy.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
Kate Parker? How you doing?
Good.
All right, you're gonna be dancing here with Mr. Webb.
Nice to meet you. You, too.
Okay, sorry. Let's stop.
One more time from the top.
Ready?
And five, six, seven, eight...
MALE STUDENT: That is perfection.
Look at those legs.
One of the best dancers, I hear.
TOMMY: Really? What else you know about her?
Her?
Look at him.
Hey, nice form.
"Nice form"?
(WHISPERING) What is she thinking?
She's already a whale.
We have one last spot to fill for a girl.
Here are the top contenders.
Suzanne Von Stroh, Kate Parker, Lily Green.
I just don't think that Green has the feet or the body.
Agreed. I vote to lose Parker, too.
I disagree.
Suzanne Von Stroh has perfect form.
Perfectly boring.
She's a classic prima ballerina.
I see a lot of potential there.
Yeah, potential funding.
Well, unless we figure out a way
to turn this whole thing into a reality show,
academies need funding.
You should know that better than anyone.
The Parker girl's got something, Jonathan.
She's got passion.
She's too raw.
She'll refine her skills in the classroom.
She had plenty of time to refine her skills.
And she's going to need a scholarship.
Look, Suzanne has excellent technique
and she might be a superior dancer,
but how many Suzannes do we have here?
What'll she bring to the table?
How about Sleeping Beauty?
How about Swan Lake?
How about Giselle?
How about Twyla Tharp?
Bob Fosse? Jerome Robbins?
Can't we do something that's from the last 50 years?
Tommy.
Excuse me, sorry.
Yes!
♪ When it gets hard and I cannot cope
♪ Reel myself out on a long thin road
♪ Floating away in the slightest breeze
♪ Too out blue, flight of fantasy
♪ My feet leave this earth so easily
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
♪ Just turn around say goodbye to me
Hey, Bell.
Yep. Nailed it.
Just like you said I would.
♪ Here I come
♪ Hold me down, I'm a balloon
♪ And I'll fly away
♪ If you don't hold me down ♪
KATE: I'd like an application.
We're filled up for the semester.
We require at least one year of formal training.
I just need a chance to... I need a current resume,
three references and a DVD reel
including an adagio, pirouette exercises and a classic variation.
You. Run towards me, take off on the left, right leg in arabesque.
Well done. Suzanne, right?
Suzanne Von Stroh.
COOPER: Okay. Listen up.
Dancing is not only about focus, precision and perfection.
Dancing is about connections.
Connecting with your audience,
connecting with your partners.
So, over the next several classes,
you'll be dancing with different partners
until we find the right match,
one that has connection.
Not only a physical connection, but also an emotional one.
All right? Okay, let's go. Pair off.
Hi. Hey, what's up?
Mr. Nielson. I'm Kate Parker.
I auditioned for you the other day.
I remember.
I was hoping I could speak with you about my audition.
Miss Parker, this is the best school in the country.
We're extremely selective.
I know.
There are other schools.
But I've been dreaming of studying here since I was a kid.
I understand that.
I'll work harder than anyone else.
I mean, if there's something I did
or something I screwed up, I'll fix it.
Miss Parker, I'm sorry.
I really am. To be honest with you,
I think you've got a lot of talent.
But there's nothing I can do.
Miss Parker. Tell me something.
Why do you think you didn't get into this place?
Was it because you're not as good
as the other girls that auditioned?
Apparently I'm not.
If you really believe that,
then maybe you should go back to wherever it is you came from.
Tough first day?
Oh, crap.
KATE: The Foundry?
I doubt it's your scene.
A girl like you.
A girl like me?
It's just different than this place. That's all.
It's loud and sweaty.
And that's your scene?
Yeah.
What's that look for?
Sorry I bugged you. I'll see you at class.
Where's my car?
Hey.
Hey!
I think you guys have got my car.
It's a '88 Jimmy.
Michigan plates, right?
Yeah.
Three hundred bucks. Cash only.
Three hundred bucks?
You're kidding, right?
Do I look like Eddie Murphy to you?
♪ Don't you turn me upside down
♪ Don't you try to stay around
♪ And feeling fine like you're the best
♪ But you never know ♪
Can I have a beer?
BARTENDER: Here you go, Tommy. Thank you very much.
Hey.
I'm Kate, by the way.
I'm Tommy.
Let me guess. Cosmo.
Um...
Vodka tonic?
A ballerina who drinks beer?
That's awesome.
Can I get another one, please?
Sure.
Cheers!
Wanna grab a seat?
Yeah.
This place is pretty dope, huh?
It's not really my scene, remember?
(TOMMY LAUGHING)
Is that your girlfriend?
Lexi? No.
She's dating my buddy Sal. He owns this place.
She seems to be pretty interested in you right now.
I think they're just sizing you up.
See what you're all about.
Maybe I should show them.
(HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING)
Hey!
Dance? Yeah!
(UPBEAT REGGAE MUSIC PLAYING)
♪ We burnin'
(CROWD CHEERING)
♪ We burnin'
You know her?
Apparently not.
♪ Move your body, boy
♪ Move your body, girl, move your body, girl, move your body, girl
♪ Wind it, wind it
♪ Move your body, girl, move your body, girl, move your body, girl
♪ Wind it, wind it
♪ We burnin', we burnin' ♪
(CROWD CHEERING)
That was pretty sick.
Thanks.
I don't think there are too many girls
at the Academy that can do that.
Yeah, well...
Maybe that's why I didn't get in.
For real?
I don't know what brought you here, but I'm glad you came.
Kate, my buddy Sal.
So, where did you learn how to dance like that?
I could use some of that energy around here.
Can you start tomorrow?
Seriously? Doing what?
We're a new club. You do it all.
You in?
Yeah, I'm in.
All right.
Be here at 6:00.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
One, two, three, on her leg.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Nice and sharp.
COOPER: Two, three, four. Okay. Okay.
(MUSIC STOPS)
Allison. Switch with Suzanne.
COOPER: One more time from the top. Hey there.
Let's hustle. Six. Ready.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
COOPER: Seven, eight, and a one,
two, three.
The second lift was really good.
It was pretty good, huh?
(SUZANNE CHUCKLING)
Hey. You two get comfortable.
I'm gonna pair you together this semester.
Nice.
Tommy, come with me.
See you.
Why don't you try your solo for me?
Okay. Yeah. Yeah?
Give it a shot.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
COOPER: Okay. Stop. Stop.
(MUSIC STOPS)
Not bad.
You know what?
Maybe it'll help if you just take a look at it.
Okay.
And.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
Wow!
I can tell you one thing for sure,
it doesn't get any easier.
No, man. That was amazing.
All right. Thanks.
I know you haven't been dancing as long as the other guys.
That's fine.
I'm willing to put in the work.
I know you are. Okay.
But to get to the top, you're gonna have to find something
that you may not be able to learn in the classroom.
Like what?
Like passion. Fire.
Fire?
You wanna be a guy that brings the crowd to its feet.
Yes, I do.
How do I do that, exactly?
Look outside the box.
Find that special someone or something that gets you excited,
that truly inspires you.
Like Suzanne?
Hey, if Suzanne's it, great.
She's a good dancer, which is why I paired you together.
But?
But if she's not, get creative.
That's what an artist does.
And when you find it, make it your own.
All right?
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
Here you go.
WOMAN: Thanks.
Hey. Hey.
Do you want something?
Actually, I've got a favor to ask you.
You got me a job and now I owe you favors?
No.
I've seen you move and I was hoping for some help.
You've seen me move?
What kind of help do you need?
I need help with pas de deux.
Pas de deux?
Yeah. Couples dancing.
I know what pas de deux is. I'm not dumb.
Okay, well, I suck at it and I need some help.
Well, that's why you're at the ABA.
Yeah, I know.
They'll give me steps, but they can't give me what I really need.
And what do you really need?
Fire.
What?
My instructor told me to find fire.
What? And I look like two sticks you can rub together?
Kind of.
Good luck with that one.
Forget I asked.
KATE: Hey, Tommy. If you still need my help, I need some extra cash.
Okay. Where?
What about here?
It's got to be off campus.
I have keys to the club.
I don't know about the club either.
Well, that's about all I got.
No wait, hold up. The club will work.
Hey. Hey.
What's up?
Not much. Just trying to warm up.
Are you all stretched? And ready to go?
Yeah. Good to go.
Liar. Okay.
Let's see what you got.
Wait, wait, wait.
Keep your hands here, on my waist.
Almost. Let's try that again.
Better. How did you get into this anyway?
You don't really strike me as a dancer.
They taught us ballet at hockey camp.
Helps strengthen our ankles and work on balance.
So, you're a hockey player.
All-State, two years in a row.
And now you're a ballerina.
It's "ballerano."
Okay, let's try a lift.
One, two, three.
Yeah. So, after my third concussion,
I figured I'd try something else.
And badminton never came up?
An instructor pulled me aside and promised me
hot girls wrapping their legs and arms around me.
Look, if that's what you're here for, go find somebody else.
I'm not here to screw around.
Okay, I'm glad we settled that.
And what about you?
You don't seem like the typical ballerina.
I don't puke after every meal
and have a giant stick up my ass, if that's what you mean.
Oh.
But full of grace.
That was better.
A little.
♪ Got the one, two
♪ And you see me
♪ Open up, you'll free me
♪ Life in one time
♪ Get it with your mind right
♪ Get it on your, get it on your
♪ Get up on your, get up on your
♪ Get up on your
♪ One, two, three, you repeat
♪ And one, two
♪ I've got you
♪ If you let me clear your mind
♪ You got to open up your heart
♪ You got to open up your mind
♪ Lift leg, one, two
♪ Open up your mind, and get it right
♪ You might get it right
♪ You might get it tight ♪
KATE: Okay, we have got to get serious here.
Dancing is about trust. And connecting.
Okay. We can connect any way you want.
Calm down. Let's try some different music.
You've got to get out of your head.
(LOOSEN UP PLAYING)
Stop thinking and just try to feel it.
All right.
Close your eyes.
♪ So you loosen up, you know you're good
♪ You know we're gonna take it higher
♪ You've got to put away the guilty pain
♪ We'll dance the rhythm of the rain outside
♪ Let it go, yeah, you can let it go
♪ Let it flow through your body
♪ Let it move through your soul
♪ Just a groove now, everybody move now
♪ Spark it like you're everywhere
♪ You're better when you just groove it out
♪ I can slow it down, I can speed it up
♪ I can work it out, love it when you work me up
♪ Shorty, ain't you feeling me?
♪ Getting lost in the rhythm, that's how well it be
♪ And I ain't playin', I ain't flossin' for you
♪ I'm a hustler, I'm hustlin' for you
♪ Yeah, you got a mile, I'm gonna walk it for you
♪ Stick with the flow, keep it comin' for you
♪ Loosen up, you know you're good
♪ You know we're gonna take it higher
♪ You've got to put away the guilty pain
♪ We'll dance the rhythm of the rain outside
♪ The vibin' is driving me crazy
♪ Okay, we can get loose
♪ Playing it real loud, better do what you do
♪ Nice with the rhythm, I got the moves
♪ Don't mess with them other boys
♪ I am the truth
♪ Truth be told I'm feeling how you windin'
♪ Like a stop watch, top notch with that timin'
♪ Temperature risin', ain't no disguisin'
♪ In fact got an act but that ain't surprisin'
♪ Loosen up, you know you're good
♪ You know we're gonna take it higher
(SAL CLEARING THROAT)
Hey, Sal.
What's up, guys?
Just thought you might want to grab a beer or shoot the shit.
♪ The vibin' is drivin' me crazy ♪
It's perfect.
COOPER: Thank you. That's all for today. Nice work.
Tommy. Suzanne.
I don't know what you've been doing, but you look good.
Really good.
Thank you.
I think I'm gonna talk to Jonathan about the two of you.
See if he can recommend you to Monica Strauss for The Glass Slipper.
Great. Thanks.
Yes! That's awesome.
What's The Glass Slipper?
Tommy, Monica Strauss is the cutting edge ballet producer right now.
And she's an ABA alum.
She's doing The Glass Slipper for Broadway.
It's kind of a reinvention of Cinderella.
This is huge. Oh my God!
We've got to celebrate.
I'll take us to China Grill and we can have...
I haven't had Chinese food in forever and...
Actually, I can't. I already have plans.
Well.
Aren't you the busy one?
Can I get a rain check?
Definitely.
Hey, what's up?
We should go out tonight.
Find out where Tommy's going.
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYING)
This place is pretty nice.
SAL: Whatever! I watched that game.
You didn't even play.
Tommy. Suzanne. Hi.
Hi.
What are you guys doing here?
We make it downtown every once in a while.
So, how about some drinks?
Drinks. Yeah, definitely. Come on.
So, what can I get you guys?
I'll have a Cosmo.
Make that two.
Vodka tonic.
Should have guessed.
Can I get two Cosmos and a vodka tonic, please?
You got it.
Who's that? Your fan club?
She looks familiar.
No way.
Hey.
You were at the ABA auditions, weren't you?
I haven't seen you in class, though.
I guess it wasn't a good fit, huh?
Aw.
Well, at least you have this to fall back on.
TOMMY: Here's your drinks, ladies.
(EXCLAIMING)
Here you go. SUZANNE: Cheers!
DANCER: Thanks, Tommy.
(HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING)
(CROWD WHOOPING)
(CHEERING)
♪ We're ready, ready and we're gonna take it on
♪ See me blowing up the scene
♪ Like a tropical storm
♪ Step in, step in, marchin' on the floor
What are you doing?
Dance with me.
That's awesome. See you later.
Oh, no, no, no.
♪ If it's too high we go over it
♪ And if it's too low we get under it
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Ding-a-ling-a-ling, step in the ring
♪ From the crowd, call me win it like bingo
♪ Heavy, heavy, must get them when you don't
♪ I'm the wickedest one
♪ And while you're hanging, hanging
♪ To my work coattail
♪ Move so funny, better start learnin'
♪ Fresh, fresh your technique so stale
♪ Me reckon how you talented, my little toenail
♪ If it's too high we go over it
♪ And if it's too low we get under it
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ When you're ready, ready we're gonna take it on
♪ See me blowing up the scene
♪ Like a tropical storm
♪ Step in, step in, marchin' on the floor
♪ I'm about to set it off, send you crying home to mom
♪ When you're ready, ready gotta give me a blazing
♪ The women bust a rhythm, say the skin is amazing
♪ I'm gonna take it, take it and rise up the occasion
♪ You get licked, don't try to come out the equation
♪ If it's too high we go over it
♪ And if it's too low we get under it
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Don't, don't, don't
♪ Don't sweat the technique
♪ Technique
♪ Technique ♪
Can I help?
Don't you have curfew?
You're such a rebel.
You want to grab dinner tomorrow night?
I'm working.
Okay, lunch.
Working.
Okay, now you're just lying.
This place doesn't even open till 8:00.
Actually, I got another gig.
A catering job with Lexi.
Okay, well, when's your next night off?
Everybody takes a night off.
Cooper says I'm improving.
You are.
Thanks to you.
Now I just have to convince them I'm good enough
to be recommended to Monica Strauss.
What?
You know all The Glass Slipper posters around town?
Monica's casting that show.
I think you need to lower your shoulders and lift your chest.
Really?
Yeah.
Try it like that.
One compliment and now you're the expert?
Last I checked, neither of us fell into that category.
Yeah, but you hired me. I didn't hire you.
Maybe you should.
All right, Baryshnikov.
Let's get back to reality.
I'll show you Baryshnikov. Come on.
You did it again.
Did what?
If you're gonna audition for next semester,
you could use a little extra practice.
I think once was enough. Again.
Are you kidding me?
Again.
One rejection and you're gonna quit?
I've had plenty more than one, thank you very much.
Okay, but you realize that's what this business is about.
Rejection after rejection after rejection.
Thanks for the tip.
You're welcome.
If you don't have thick skin and serious drive, you can just give up now.
Serious drive?
You woke up one morning and decided to be a dancer
and six months later, you're at the best school in the country.
You have no idea what it's like
to work your entire life for something,
and then have no control over whether you get it or not.
What are you talking about?
Do you know how long I played hockey?
Do you know how many times I got smashed into the boards,
hoping some scout might find me?
Yeah. And you walked away.
I didn't walk away. I made a choice.
I didn't let somebody else make it for me.
What do you care, anyway?
Because you're good. You're so good.
You know,
I thought I was good.
I was so sure I just had that thing that everyone always talks about.
So I packed my bags, came to New York
and I gave it everything I had.
And guess what?
No one else sees it.
My father didn't see it.
Jonathan Reeves doesn't see it.
If no one else sees it,
you got to think, maybe it's just not there.
SAL: Hey.
Why don't you take tonight off?
What?
We can get by without you for a night.
You work too hard.
I work too hard? What kind of crap is that?
Hey.
I just thought you could use a night off.
Sal, if there's something I did or some...
Kate!
Put down the glass
and come back tomorrow.
Fine.
All right.
TOMMY: Hey.
Hey.
So, are you free for dinner?
What did you tell Sal?
I told him an ambush was my only hope of taking you out.
Can I at least go home and change first?
Yeah. Of course. Come on.
Okay.
Reservation for two under Anderson.
Right this way.
So, what are you gonna get?
Fettuccine's pretty banging.
So, do you have any brothers or sisters?
Yeah, actually. I have a little sister who's 13.
Is she as cute as you?
She's way cuter than me.
That's hard to believe.
What about you? Do you have any siblings?
Yeah. I have a little brother.
Really? Does he dance?
No. He's a hockey player.
Do you want him to dance?
Not really.
Why?
I don't know. It was kind of difficult for me,
turning from a hockey player to a ballet dancer who wears tights.
Yeah, but that's what you love.
I mean, if you really love it,
you shouldn't care what other people think.
You're right.
KATE: I bet your hockey friends loved it when you started dancing.
TOMMY: I don't know.
Come on, all those big macho guys.
They'd give you crap if you did anything in tights.
I guess I'm lucky.
Have they ever seen you perform?
No.
Well, they should. I mean, you're really...
I'm really what?
You're all right.
All right?
You're not so bad yourself.
Really?
Yeah, you know, for a girl with no formal training.
Hey!
It's okay. You've got something better.
What's that?
Fire.
Not that again.
Yeah, you know, like two sticks I wanna rub together.
Shut up.
What are you doing? Tommy?
Just close your eyes.
Close your eyes!
That looks good.
It does, huh?
Are you gonna give me some?
No.
TOMMY: Is that your sister?
Yeah, it's Bella.
She must miss you.
I miss her.
I bet she's proud of you.
I haven't really done anything to be proud of.
What do you mean?
Well, I mean, all I wanted to do by coming out here was
to show her she could do anything she wants.
And I couldn't do it.
Just trying is all she needs to see.
Look, I got to get back to the dorm.
♪ Wild flowing fields
♪ Photographs of paper planes
♪ And you love me
♪ Watching the sunrise
♪ Pockets filled with forget-me-nots
♪ That say you love me
♪ All along
♪ You were here to stay
♪ Never noticed
♪ Till you said I love you on a paper plane
♪ You said I love you on a paper plane
♪ La la la la la la love
Hey, Bell, it's me.
How are you?
I miss you, too.
♪ Lifts up my feet
♪ To show me you love me
♪ La la la la la la love
♪ La la la la la la love ♪
Hey. Hey.
It's nice weather, huh? Mmm-hmm.
It's freezing.
Let's get some lunch.
Okay.
So I was thinking.
Uh-oh.
You were right.
I do need some help.
So, does this mean you're reapplying? Mmm-hmm.
That's awesome.
TOMMY: Seven, eight. And a one, and a two,
and a three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, lift. One, two.
Stay on your foot. Three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
What is this? Payback?
I'm just getting started.
Other side. Six, seven, eight.
And a one, two, three, four, five, six...
All right, let's begin.
Okay. TOMMY: First position.
Demi-plie.
And grand plie.
And straighten. You've got to straighten the back of your legs.
They are straight.
Try it again.
Hey.
♪ Let's go
♪ Jump up
♪ Let's go
♪ Jump up
♪ Let's go ♪
Oh, shit!
INSTRUCTOR: Prepare. Seven, eight.
And one, two, three.
Keep reaching with the toes.
Good.
Six, reach, seven, eight and one,
and lift.
Tommy, take your place, please. Quickly.
Let's go again, from the top.
Seven and eight and one,
two, three. Nice.
Tommy and Suzanne, you're a second behind.
And reach.
Nice. And lift.
Oh, fuck.
I'm sorry. Are you okay?
I'm fine.
Rest.
What happened?
I don't know. My arm slipped and...
Just make sure that you keep your center strong.
Okay, people, one more time from the top. Quickly.
And seven and eight. And reach, two, three.
Sorry again.
I guess my arm wasn't positioned properly.
Your arm? Give me a break, Tommy.
Excuse me?
Do I look stupid to you?
Suzanne, my arm slipped. It happens.
It's hardly the problem.
There's a reason we have curfew.
What are you talking...
This is my career, okay?
So I don't give a shit what you're doing until all hours of the night,
until it affects my chances of getting what I want.
This has nothing to do with you and me. It doesn't?
No.
We are partners, for better or worse.
So you screw up, then you make me look bad.
And I will not let you blow my shot for some late night partying.
What's up, ladies?
Tommy, Mr. Reeves would like to see you in his office.
JONATHAN: Mr. Anderson.
How are classes going?
Pretty good, sir. Thank you.
Cooper tells me you and Suzanne Von Stroh
are working very well together.
That's good to hear.
That is very good for you.
What do you mean?
Suzanne Von Stroh's family is extremely powerful.
Her father singlehandedly supports
a substantial portion of this academy.
Really?
And she enjoys dancing with you very much.
That's mutual.
Good.
Because I think the two of you could go very far together.
Thank you.
You're welcome. So don't blow it.
Sir?
Which part of "don't blow it" didn't you understand?
Tommy, I want to see you succeed here.
But you got to stay focused.
No distractions.
I understand.
Good.
Thank you. Next, please.
(WHISPERING) That's Monica Strauss.
Tommy Anderson and Suzanne Von Stroh.
You were really strong in there.
Thanks.
Hey, listen. My father's hosting a function tomorrow
and a lot of his friends from the arts community will be there.
Cool. Have a good time.
Actually, I was hoping you might wanna come.
Tomorrow... I don't know if I can.
Monica Strauss will be there.
I'm sorry. I let it slip that you've been coming in late,
but you have a lot of potential
and I just don't want to see you blow it.
Let me make it up to you.
You don't have to...
Tommy, you know how hard this business is.
I'm just...
I'm giving you an opportunity to make it easier.
Besides, it'll be fun.
What time does it start?
My daddy's driver will pick us up at 6:00.
I wish we could just go back to bed and sleep all day.
I can't. I told Lexi I'd cover for her.
Plus, you have that school thing, anyway.
Yeah. I know.
They weren't lying. That place owns you 24/7.
What's this thing for, anyway?
Just another rich guy trying to impress his friends.
Daddy.
Darling.
This is Thomas Anderson.
He's my partner at the Academy.
Tommy, please. Nice to meet you, sir. Thank you for having me.
Thank you, young man.
Suzanne tells me she couldn't have asked for a better partner.
I feel the same way, sir.
Hello.
Monica.
Tommy and Suzanne are quite the pair.
Very promising. Perhaps they'll show you what they've been doing.
I insist.
Of course, Daddy. I'll be right back.
So, are you a hockey fan?
Ladies and gentlemen,
it is my pleasure to introduce my lovely daughter Suzanne
and her escort, Thomas Anderson.
They'll be dancing Tchaikovsky's Black Swan Pas de Deux.
(CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
What are you...
It's okay. Just come on.
(GLASS SHATTERING)
Tommy...
Kate, stop.
Something for school?
Look, it's not what you think.
What would I be thinking?
She's my dance partner.
Her family's well-connected.
She wanted me to come so I could meet some important people.
So you're using her.
No.
Just like you've been using me.
Jesus, Kate, I'm not using you.
So, what? I'm dress rehearsal
and she's opening night?
Kate, please.
Save it, Tommy.
(DOOR SLAMS)
Hey.
You okay?
Yeah.
What's up with the crowd tonight?
We're dying here.
Sometimes you're on, sometimes not.
We're definitely not.
Hey. Remember that first night when you came in
and got the crowd moving?
Yeah.
Would it kill you to do it again?
It might.
You can handle it. You're tough.
(TECHNO MUSIC PLAYING)
(GROANING)
What?
That's what!
You really know how to work a crowd. Cooper.
We met before.
I know who you are.
I'd like to see some of that energy back at the Academy.
I hear you're reapplying.
Who told you that?
I have my sources. I think you should.
We'll see.
So. How are you with a partner?
I can hold my own.
Yeah? Yeah.
Come on.
♪ Let me teach you how to swing it
♪ I got that good foot moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I swing it
♪ Girl, move, don't stop, keep moving
♪ Let me teach you how to swing it
♪ I got that good foot moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I swing it
♪ Girl, move, don't stop, keep moving
♪ Come on, teach me how to swing it
♪ I got my body moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I move
♪ Boy, move, don't stop, keep swinging
♪ Come on, teach me how to swing it
♪ I got my body moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I move
♪ Boy, move, don't stop, keep swinging
♪ Here we go now
♪ It's cool 'cause you learn to swing it
♪ Get in enough trouble swinging
♪ Got you in the mood, I'm like red wine
♪ Swing, baby, swing 'cause tonight you're mine
♪ Gonna make your whole world stop and scream
♪ It's better than nothing
♪ On the good foot as long as I can
♪ Swing, baby, swing, yes, swing that move
♪ Picture me on the hot lead dancers
♪ The faster they get for making that thing
♪ Don't stop, yeah
♪ Swing, baby, swing
♪ I got my swinging dance
♪ I'm here to swing all night
Is that all you've got?
♪ And here you go now
♪ Here we go now
♪ Come on, teach me how to swing it
♪ I got my body moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I move it
♪ Boy, move, don't stop, keep swinging
♪ Come on, teach me how to swing it
♪ I got my body moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I move it
♪ Boy, move, don't stop, keep swinging
♪ Let me teach you how to swing it
♪ I got that good foot moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I swing it
♪ Girl, move, don't stop keep moving
♪ Let me teach you how to swing it
♪ I got that good foot moving
♪ Just gotta love the way I swing it
♪ Girl, move, don't stop, keep moving
♪ Swing, baby, swing
♪ Here we go, hey
♪ Here we go, hey ♪
I'll speak to you outside.
You were right. The girl can get down.
Yeah.
Thanks for the heads-up.
Well worth the trip.
What the hell was that?
Dancing.
There's nothing going on between me and Suzanne.
She kissed me in front of a roomful of people,
what could I have done?
So I guess now we're even.
Kate, why are you doing this?
We have something.
Ready? Yeah.
Damn, you were hot in there, and I see a lot of dance.
You really think so?
Of course, it might be those beautiful eyes.
Or that smile.
But yeah. It's also your dancing.
Tommy was right about you.
Tommy?
Yeah. He asked me to come down here and check you out.
I'll be sure to thank him tomorrow.
You know, I don't think this is such a good idea.
Sure it is. I mean, if you're worried about this
affecting your audition or something...
No.
Look, it's just not right.
Okay.
I guess I'll see you tomorrow at the audition, then.
♪ Out of my head
♪ Come and help
♪ Wanted one more touch
♪ But you know I knew exactly what's up
♪ Wasn't fooling myself
♪ Don't you think that I knew
♪ You're the rainmaker
♪ 'Cause I know what you do
♪ Bring it down, the heartbreaker
♪ Don't you think that I knew
♪ You're the rainmaker
♪ How I'm not confused by this game
♪ Make it rain, make it rain
♪ Don't you think that I knew ♪
JONATHAN: Congratulations.
The four of you are here today
because Monica would like each of you
to audition tomorrow for The Glass Slipper.
There's absolutely no guarantee
that any of you will be hired.
However, you will have a private audition before the open call.
And Cooper and I will make every free moment we have until then
available to you.
Make sure you get there with plenty of time to warm up.
Right now, I've got to go and run
next semester's Academy auditions.
INSTRUCTOR: All right. All right, line up for lunges, ladies.
Come on, let's go.
Looks like your friend's a no-show.
Yeah. Looks like it.
That's such a pretty scarf.
Thank you.
So, you're friends with Monica, right?
I guess she didn't want it that bad after all.
You ready? Yeah.
Hi.
What was that all about?
Nothing.
SUZANNE: So, we should rehearse for the auditions tomorrow.
Does that sound good? Definitely.
Nice. And I was thinking maybe we could go to dinner,
'cause you know, you gave me a rain check.
Do you remember that?
Yeah.
I know I said Chinese food, but I really don't want Chinese food,
because it makes me bloated,
but maybe we should do the cafe across the street
from the Academy on 64th.
They have the best thin-crust pizza.
I'll catch up with you in a minute.
Okay. Well...
What about our rehearsal, Tommy?
Is your name Bella?
Yeah.
Are you looking for your sister?
She dances here.
Is her name Kate Parker?
Yeah.
I'm Tommy. I'm good friends with her.
We practice a lot together.
Is she here?
I don't think she has class today, but I can help you find her.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
What are you doing here?
(CHUCKLING)
She showed up at the Academy.
I told her you didn't have class today.
Thank you.
You should have called. How did you get here?
The bus. I missed you.
I missed you, too.
Hey, do you want to check out my new apartment?
Look, about the other night with me and Cooper.
It's none of my business.
Nothing happened.
Nothing.
You don't believe me, do you?
No, I believe you.
Look, you should go in there. She's been dying to see you.
Tommy.
I just wanted her to believe it could happen.
Yeah, but you got to believe it.
BELLA: So, do you dance here?
Yeah, every night.
And there's really good music and lots of lights and people and... Yeah.
♪ You got your reasons
♪ You know I don't approve
♪ And you believe it
♪ There's nothing I can do
♪ My head is seizing
♪ Your mind's stuck in a groove ♪
Hey, guys.
Hey.
Hey, does she have ID?
That's my sister, Bella.
Do I have to hire her, too?
It's just for the night and then we're gonna go back home.
Home? Detroit.
Has this got something to do with that crap with Tommy?
It's about a lot of things.
What's going on?
We're leaving.
But I just got here.
And you said I could come stay with you.
Bella, please.
Let me just watch one class.
I promise I'll be quiet. I just want to see.
You can't.
Why not?
Because I'm not taking classes.
I didn't get into the Academy.
I auditioned.
But I didn't get in.
Look, there's a bus to Detroit in two hours.
We're gonna be on it and I'm gonna get my old job back
and that'll be that.
Two hours? Tommy said you were gonna...
Look, Bella, I don't wanna hear it, okay?
Just pack your stuff.
(GRUNTING)
TOMMY: Cab's here.
SUZANNE: Do you have your shoes?
Yep. Good boy.
Where'd you get that?
Tommy gave it to me.
He says it's an open call and that you should go.
Yeah, well, he's wrong.
But you'd be perfect.
No, I wouldn't. Why not?
Bell, do you have any idea
how many people are auditioning for this thing?
You're so good.
Back home in the parking lot, I'm good.
But this is just so different.
Would you stop looking at me like that?
Do you really think I can do this?
Excuse me, I'm here for the open call.
Back of the line.
Thank you.
We're gonna miss our bus.
There's another one tomorrow.
Well, look at you, smarty pants.
Tommy!
Hey. Hey.
What are you doing?
Come on, come here.
Kate, Tommy's here.
Hey.
You changed your mind?
Mmm-hmm.
All right. Well, kill it.
I will.
TOMMY: See you later.
BELLA: See you.
Next 20. Girls only.
This is it.
I'm with her.
MONICA: Thank you all for coming.
At present, we're looking to cast
Cinderella and her stepsisters.
MONICA: My associate Nick Hoffman will take you through the routines.
Hello, ladies. Follow me from the top.
Glissade, jete, glissade, jete, tombe, coupe, pas de bourree, brise.
Got that? Here we go. Seven and...
Glissade, jete, glissade, jete, tombe, coupe, pas de bourree, brise.
Let's go again. From fifth.
Glissade, jete...
Turn out that supporting leg.
Let's try it again. Six, seven and...
Glissade, jete, glissade, jete, tombe, coupe, pas de bourree, brise.
NICK: Good. Let's see it all together.
From the top, five, six, seven and...
Glissade, jete, glissade, jete, tombe, coupe, pas de bourree, brise.
Good, switch lines.
Five, six, seven and...
Glissade... Come on, jump higher.
Come on! Up! Up! Good.
343, 91, 752, 288, could you please step forward.
We see potential in each of you
and would like to see you back here this afternoon.
Don't forget to bring a current picture and resume.
And plenty of energy. You'll need it.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
39, flawless technique.
Number 39, Miss Von Stroh, please step forward.
It's nice to see you.
MONICA: Your resume is extremely impressive.
Thank you.
You've been taking dance class since you were 3 years old.
My father saw potential, so he put me in classes right away.
And it shows. Thank you, Miss Von Stroh.
Thank you.
752, what's your name, please?
Kate. Kate Parker.
We seem to be missing your resume, Miss Parker.
It's because I don't have one.
I'm sorry?
I don't have one.
KATE: I mean, I could give you a separate sheet of paper
with my name and measurements on it,
but I figure you already have that.
What about your schooling? Your teachers?
I haven't had any worth mentioning since I was 12.
I just taped productions off TV and mimicked what I saw.
I have one of you dancing Giselle.
And why is it you never took formal classes?
My dad figured his money was better spent on lottery tickets.
And that's why you started with the tapes.
You do what you got to do, you know?
Yeah. We do know.
Thank you, Miss Parker. That's admirable.
NICK: Okay, we need 825, 752, 758, 39...
Harris will be dancing the pas de deux with Allison.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
Thank you.
Thomas.
MONICA: Or is it Tommy?
It's Tommy. Thank you.
I'd like to see you with Suzanne Von Stroh, please.
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
Let's see what they do.
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)
(24 PLAYING)
♪ I'm not alone
♪ I sense it
♪ Been given 24 hours
♪ To tie up loose ends, to make amends
♪ His eyes said it all I started to fall
♪ And the silence deafened
♪ Head spinning round No time to sit down
♪ Just wanted to run and run and run
♪ Be careful they say, don't wish life away
♪ Now I've one day
♪ I can't believe
♪ How I've been wasting my time
♪ In 24 hours they'll be
♪ Laying flowers on my life
♪ It's over tonight
♪ I'm not messing, no I
♪ Need your blessing
♪ And your promise to live free
♪ Please do it for me
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
♪ I'm not alone
♪ I sense it
♪ All that I said
♪ I meant it
♪ And I can't believe
♪ How much I've wasted my time
♪ In just eight hours they'll be
♪ Laying flowers on my life
♪ It's over tonight
♪ I'm not messing, no I
♪ Need your blessing
♪ And your promise to live free
♪ Please do it for me
♪ In just one hour they'll be
♪ Laying flowers on my life
♪ It's over tonight
♪ I'm not messing, no I
♪ Need your blessing
♪ And your promise to live free
♪ Please do it for me ♪
(AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)
(CHEERING)
We did it.
Hey. Kate.
I just wanted to tell you I really thought
that I deserved this part, but you are just...
Suzanne. No, it's okay.
But you earned it. You were beautiful. Good job.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Bella.
Good job, man.
TOMMY: Thanks, bro.
What did you think?
You were so good. I love the ending.
Do you want to take my flowers?
Yeah. They're so pretty.
Mr. Reeves.
You were excellent. Both of you.
Thank you, sir.
Tommy. Hey, man.
I remember you auditioned for me, Miss Parker.
I did. Last semester.
I'm sorry it didn't work out.
We could have learned a lot from each other.
Thank you, Mr. Reeves.
Next time someone like me tells you
you're not what they're looking for, remember this moment.
'Cause whatever you had to do
to get through that and end up here
is exactly what it takes
to be great.
You should be very proud of yourself.
I'd better go give your dad a call
and tell him he's already won the lottery.
Good night. Bye.
I'm so proud of you.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
(CHEERING)
♪ You love city lights
♪ How they shine in the dead of night
♪ Always so far away
♪ One key and it comes alive
♪ One dream and you realize
♪ You're on the
♪ The road that leads you there
♪ Will it ever be the same?
♪ Will it ever be?
♪ Your wonderful life
♪ Is passing you by
♪ Now's the time to learn to heal
♪ Give into the light
♪ And learn how to fly
♪ You belong to all you feel
♪ You belong
♪ A friend of mine said just the other day
♪ Your whole world
♪ Is just round the bend
♪ If you don't yield to the right of way
♪ Your old ways
♪ Will lead you to an end
♪ Will it ever be the same?
♪ Will it ever be?
♪ Your wonderful life
♪ Is passing you by
♪ Now's the time to learn to heal
♪ Give into the light
♪ And learn how to fly
♪ You belong to all you feel
♪ You belong
♪ All your life you never fit in
♪ You long for something real
♪ Give it all to feel a little bit
♪ Living up to nothing
♪ Never knowing just how much
♪ You belong
♪ Will it ever be the same?
♪ Will it ever be?
♪ Give into the light
♪ And learn how to fly
♪ You belong, yeah
♪ You belong
♪ You ♪