High Strung (2016) - full transcript

The music is always there,
burning inside me.

I don't know where it comes from.

I only know that
if it stays trapped within...

I will be consumed.

I can't remember when I started dancing.

It's always just been who I am.

Balanchine said,

"See the music, hear the dance."

It's my first day in New York City.

My eyes are wide open,

and I am ready to listen.



This is how you start the day, Krispy.
Let's go.

Breakfast going to be good today, Rik.

Come on, let's go, let's go!

Yo! What's up?

Hey, what's up?

Hey!

Hey! Let's go!

Come on, come on.

Check out the new step, Rik.

Don't slow up on me now.

Hit it!

All right. Yeah!

Drop it. Drop it.

Hey!



Huh!

Go! Let him fly.

There it is.

Come on. We're gonna be late.

Oh, we're going left up here,
to the dance department.

- Can you wait just a sec?
- Sure.

So, honey, here we are.

Everything that you've always wanted.

Thank you for making this happen.

You made it happen.

Just make sure that you call me if you need
anything at all, or even just to talk.

- I will. I will.
- Okay.

Oh, Mom!

- Call me.
- I promise.

I'll be fine. I'll be fine.

I know you will.
It's just me I'm worried about.

I love you. That's all I'm gonna say.

I love you too.

Bye.

Oh! I'm sorry. I was just...

admiring here.

- Ruby?
- I'm sorry.

She's beautiful.

Alexandra Danilova.

One of our greatest.

So, we have placed you in division C2.

The dress code is mandatory for all classes
except contemporary.

And we do not tolerate tardiness, ever.

So your first class
starts tomorrow at 9:00 a. m.

Yes, ma'am.

- Madame Markova.
- Madame Markova.

Any questions?

If there isn't a dress code for
the contemporary class, what do we wear?

Use your imagination.

All right, then. Good luck.

Thank you.

What are you doing?

- I'm so sorry.
- Forget it.

Just watch where you're going next time.

I love your playing.

You're welcome.

- Ruby?
- Yep. You must be Jasmine.

Yeah, but everyone calls me Jazzy,
except my parents.

- Okay.
- Come on in.

You know, you don't have
to ring the doorbell.

- You live here.
- Oh, right.

I figured this was my bed,
so I just put my stuff on here.

Yeah, that's perfect.
You here on scholarship?

- Yeah.
- Me too. It's my second year.

Hey, how did it go with Markova?

Great.

Really? Someone must have dislodged

the broomstick up her butt,
because normally she is an uptight witch.

Actually, I'm pretty sure
the broom is still there.

This is cute. You should wear this tonight.

- Where are we going?
- We're going out.

But we have class tomorrow morning.

Yeah, and this is your first night living
on your own in New York City!

- We are so going out.
- No, we're not.

- Yes, we are!
- No!

Yes!

I got the red line drafted. That's right.

- Hey.
- I'm waiting for the counter.

Okay. Okay, I'll call you back.

- Hey, hey, Johnnie.
- Hi.

- How you doing?
- Yeah, not bad.

- You want something to drink?
- No, I'm good, mate.

- You sure? All right.
- Yeah.

Here you go.

- It's all there.
- Great.

So, when do you think you'll have it by?

Soon. Don't worry. I'll file the papers
as soon as I get back to the office.

I'll call you by the end of the week.
Should have an update then.

Great. I mean,
thank you for handling all this.

I guess I'll see you.

- I'll be waiting for your call.
- You got it, kid.

We have a right to be here.

I want to see some ID right now.

Yo! Wait up.

Hey, man.

- You live upstairs?
- Yeah. Simon's place.

Oh, that's cool.
You gotta love Inwood, right?

Neighborhood's sketchy,
but the price is right.

- Least it's Manhattan, right?
- Right.

Oh. Hayward Jones III.

- Johnnie Blackwell.
- Johnnie Blackwell.

It's nice to meet you, Johnnie.

Hey why don't you come meet
the rest of my crew?

- That's all right, man.
- Aw, come on.

Krispy just made some ugly alien octopus.
You'll like it.

- Okay.
- All right.

Yo, guys!

Open your mind.

- Who is this guy?
- Johnnie B. Lives upstairs.

Calamari?

And that's a little chipotle r?moulade.
It's for the dip.

- These are my roommates Krispy and Rik.
- Hey.

Is that you playing up there like Yo-Yo Mama?

Yo-Yo plays the cello.

- You play violin, right?
- Right.

Oh, we know.
We hear you playing all night long.

When do you sleep?

Would you all leave the dude alone?
We're the Switch Steps crew.

You might have heard of us.

Well, I haven't been in the country
for that long, so...

- Aw, man!
- Oh, no.

Well, take a seat, Harry Potter,

and we'll give you a little preview.

- All right, guys.
- Relax.

You got this, Rik.

Rik is our freestyle super freak.

Let's go!

Go, Jett!

And that redhead you see right there?
Oh, that's Jett.

Go, Jett!

- Let's go!
- She hits harder than most the guys.

And that's Ollie.

All right, Ollie, let's go.

Oh, and Poptart... she's a sweetheart.

She's our diva.

And Krispy... he can cook,

groove, and he clean.

Tiptoe!

- And that's my bro Tiptoe.
- Yeah!

And Jaxson. Jaxson can do about everything.

That's it. Get it!

Yeah!

Hit it, Rik! Let's do it!

Blew a fuse.

Yeah!

Hey.

Here we go.

- This is so cool.
- Yeah.

All the dancers hang out here.

- Hey, guys!
- Hey!

This is Ruby, my new roommate.

- Hi! Nice to meet you.
- Hey, what's up, man?

It's her first year at MCA.

Come on. Let's dance.

- Do you want to go?
- Okay.

- Hurry!
- Coming!

- Come on! I can't be late for my first day.
- Wait.

This is the earliest
I've ever left the apartment.

I'm already exhausted.

See, now we can relax.

Much less stressful, don't you think?

I'd rather live on the edge of tardiness.

Oh, hey, you have to hear this little guy.

Yeah, that's great. You'll hear it every day.

- I thought you were someone else.
- But she's glad you're not.

Me, too, I guess.

- Kyle, this is my new roommate Ruby.
- Hi.

- First day?
- Yeah.

Well, good luck.

Thanks.

- Bye.
- See ya.

I can tell you're dying to know,
so here's his story.

I'm not dying.

Yes, you are.

His name's Kyle Endicott.

Super cute, insanely talented,
and ridiculously arrogant.

Too bad he's not my type.

- Seemed into you, though.
- Really?

Hey, relax.

I can't help it.

You'll be fine.

There's April.

Yeah, we've met.

She's perfect. I hate her.

Morning.

Good morning.

- Is that our teacher?
- Kramrovsky.

Isn't he a little frail?

Ask me that after class.

Yes, more, more, more!

Push, push, push! I want double!

With your hands, Jazzy.

Why are you doing single piqu?s, April?

Ruby, reach! More! More!

More! More!

He's tough.

They broke both his hips
in a concentration camp.

- He was just a kid.
- No, that is sloppy.

That man is as tough as they come.

Again. Try again.

Watch your traveling.

Wow, Miss Thing. You are quite the trainer.

Thanks, but I think I'm going to throw up.

Don't do that. Wait till after contemporary.

- Oh, God!
- What? Got a cramp?

No. I'm terrible at contemporary.

Come on. We gotta change.

- Oh! I'm sorry.
- No.

- I'm so sorry.
- Ruby, what are you doing?

You completely collapsed on your partner.

You're gonna injure him like that.

I'm sorry. I haven't had any contemporary...

No excuses! Pull yourself together!

Now get out there and dance!

Are you okay?

I can't believe I already have blisters.

I'm gonna swing by the pharmacy
to get Preparation H.

For my feet. It numbs the toes.

I never heard that one before.

Girl, you have got a lot to learn.

I'm gonna go get my student ID.

I'll see you at the apartment.

All right, everyone, stay together.

Oh, sorry.

What up?

- Hey, look who's here. The Village People.
- Yeah.

They're on the work release.
The one in the yellow hat.

- Yo, hit it, Jay.
- Gotcha.

Come, on. Let's go!

Hey, yo, yo, yo, check this out.
Check this out.

The Werk Crew are battling the Reapers.

His head's in his butt.

Hey!

Get off!

- Are you okay?
- Yes.

- Watch your bag.
- Thank you.

No. No.

Your violin.

- Hey, on your feet!
- There's a cop. He can help you.

Wait!

- Why are you following me?
- Because I want to help you.

Thanks, but I think you've done enough.

Why won't you just go to the police?

- Could you say that a little louder?
- I'm sorry.

- I don't know what your story is.
- I'm screwed, that's my story.

Wait. I think we should just stop
for a second and make a plan.

Listen, we are not a team here.

- Where's the closest place to hock a violin?
- I have no idea.

Come on. I think it's a pawn shop.

This is no pawn shop, lady.
It's a consignment store.

I'm sorry.

We're looking for a violin.

No, it's a Luigi Mingazzi.

It would have been brought in
no more than 15 minutes ago.

- By who?
- A thief.

You insinuating that
I buy hot property in here?

- No, not at all.
- I think she just did.

She didn't mean to.

Why don't you two clowns clear out of here?

Wait. Can we leave our number,
just in case someone brings it in?

You're wasting your time with this guy.
He isn't gonna help us.

Sometimes, people can surprise you.

- Thank you.
- Yeah, I'm full of surprises.

It's a really special violin, isn't it?

My grandfather gave it to me.

Why are you peddling down in the subway?

- Busking.
- Busking.

Well, I can only work for cash.

Are you a tax evader?

No.

I am British,
and I don't have a visa to stay here.

- Well, that's a relief.
- Not for me.

I thought... I don't know...

maybe you were some hardened criminal.

No, it's just there isn't really
anything for me back in England.

What about your family?

Like I said, it's nothing.

Can I buy you a piece of pizza?

- What's your name?
- Ruby.

- That's pretty.
- Thanks.

My mom named me after the Balanchine Ballet.

So, you're a dancer?

Yep.

I'm Johnnie.

Nice to meet you.

I'm home!

Is that my delinquent roommate?

Yes.

What is that smell?

Oh, I cremated my pointe shoes.

I see.

It worked. They're as hard as a rock.

Where have you been?

- I had a bit of an adventure.
- Without me?

Sit. I want details.

I met this guy

in a weird, weird incident.

And he's moody

and edgy and eccentric.

What does he look like?

I don't know how to describe him, actually.

Well, is he cute?

He's more like fierce sexy.

I love the sound of that.

- Did you get his number?
- Yeah.

- Where does he live?
- Uptown.

I think he said Inwood.

Ruby, that's atrocious.

Jason, wait till you're behind the music.

- How are you doing?
- I've never had anything like this before.

- It's like G.I. Joe Jazz.
- Hang in there.

Next.

Shaun, what's going on back there?
You're late.

Good, April.

That slide needs to be bigger.

And up!

Great roll. I like this.
Hit that line, ladies!

That'll do. Next.

How do you pick up
those combinations so fast?

I know.

Ruby, can I see you, please?

I know you're trying to get
a handle on my style.

But without contemporary,
you can't be competitive

in the professional world,
and that just won't fly with this school.

I understand that, and believe me, I am
willing to do whatever it takes to catch up.

- I promise.
- Well, I want to see it next class.

A bit tough on Ruby, don't you think?

- It's because she's so talented.
- Interesting technique.

Well, don't you have 32 fouett?s
to unleash on your next class?

Hey, Neil, it's Johnnie Blackwell here.

I've left you a ton of messages, and I
haven't heard anything back from you.

Got my cash,
and I really need that green card.

Call me, please.

- Hey. Whoa. What are you doing?
- Going to see my lawyer.

You gotta sign in here first.

Who do you want to see?

Neil Tamlen.
From Tamlen and Ginsburg Law Firm.

- You got the wrong building, buddy.
- I don't think so.

That's our address, but there's never been
a Ginsburg and Tamlen in this building.

At least not for the last 15 years
I've worked here.

That's impossible.
It's an immigration law firm.

I've been a client of Neil's
for the last three months.

And you've been up to this guy's office,
in this building?

No. I always met him outside the office.

Sorry, kid. Card's a fake.

Fat free. Sugar. Carbs.

Fat free. Fat free.

Look, there's chocolate with peanut butter.

Are you going to buy something
or just talk to the machine?

Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead.

Thank you.

Fat free. Always.

- Hey, pretty girl.
- Hey, Kyle.

There you go. One loaner violin bow.

- You break it, you buy it.
- This the best you've got?

Hey. Ruby, right?

- Yeah.
- How's first week going?

Good. Well, challenging, actually.

Yeah, mine too.

I broke my bow playing Bartok.

- Sounds painful.
- Yeah, it is.

I have to use this lame loaner
till I can get to the music store.

- They loan instruments here?
- Yeah. Just...

Hey, I'm off to practice.

- But I'll see you around?
- Okay, yeah.

Bye.

Hi.

Yes?

Yeah. Can I borrow that violin, please?

This is a viola.

I meant the other violin.

- To the right.
- To the...

Okay.

- Are you a student here?
- Yes, sir, I am.

Can I see some ID, please?

I have it right here.

Okay.

One violin.

- Need a bow, too?
- Oh, yes, please.

Of course.

So, are you entering the competition?

- What competition?
- That competition.

There you go.

Hey, Simon.

- How's London?
- What do you think? It's cold and it's wet.

Where's my rent money?

I'm sorry. It's late.

You know, I had an unexpected setback,
but I'm working on it.

Oh, well, you better work quickly,
or you're out on the street.

Listen, Johnnie, I'm not messing around here.

- You hearing me?
- I hear you.

Hey, what's going on, baby?

Oh, I love your place.

Yeah, thanks. It's not mine.

- You okay?
- Yeah, fine.

What's that?

It's a loaner violin from my school.

Crazy idea.

You can enter into this contest
for the Peterson Foundation.

Winner gets $25,000.

So you could buy a new violin.
And you get a full scholarship

to the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts,

which would qualify you for a student visa.

I don't need a handout from any conservatory.

What's wrong with conservatories?

Oh, nothing, if you're a spoiled rich kid

willing to conform to the rules and politics
of an elitist school

promoting success over arts.

I see.

And you're above all that,
down in the subway,

where you're really nurturing your art.

I play what I want, when I want.

I don't get you.

You've been given a gift,
but you play with so much anger.

I'm surprised anyone
is brave enough to listen to you.

Yeah, well, I'm not playing for them.

Well, who are you playing for, yourself?

You know, music is like dance.

It's a link to the soul.

It can make people laugh.
It can make people cry.

It can inspire.

With a power like that,

why wouldn't you want
to share it with the world?

I guess I'm not like you, then.

Ruby!

- Hi, Jazzy.
- Hey, Ruby.

A bunch of us are at Killarney's Pub.
Come meet us.

Johnnie! What's up, man?

You doing all right, man?

- Yeah.
- Really?

You sure don't look too good to me, man.

Yeah, we haven't heard you
playing your violin.

Got stolen.

Now, that's going to put
a dent in your pocket.

Don't worry, bro man.

We got your back. You can work with us.

Thanks, guys, but I can't dance like you.

Who said anything about dancing?

All right, so, I'm up on stage.
We're doing that.

Okay, so I'm doing all this...

Hey, watch it, man!

- What the...
- So sorry.

Come on.

- It was not his fault.
- Well, he should look where he's going.

- He needs to grow a brain.
- You're such a snob.

Ruby! Hey.

- How was your mystery man?
- Disappointing.

Bummer. Come on.

We're eating fried food.
Should make you feel better.

Hey.

- Hi.
- Take a seat.

Yeah!

- He sounds pretty good.
- Yeah, he's okay.

- I bet you could smoke him.
- Absolutely.

I'm playing at a fundraiser tomorrow night.

- Why don't you come see for yourself?
- All right. Sounds fun.

- Hey.
- Hey. Do you mind?

- That's it. Let's go, girls!
- Okay. What?

We're getting up there. Let's go!

- I can't believe we're gonna do this.
- You're going down.

Come on, girls. Let's show them what we got.

Watch out, gorgeous.

- What's your name?
- I'm Jazzy.

Of course you are.

- Morning.
- Good morning.

Jasmine!

Let's begin.

Why didn't you wake me?

Are you kidding? You wouldn't budge.

Breathe through.

What time did you get in last night?

You mean this morning.

Were you with that guy from the pub?

His name's Paolo.

He is so hot.

He seemed crazy.

And possibly chemically altered.

Yeah. But did you see his sexy bike?

Will you stop talking there?

Stretch. More! More!

Don't you have that thing tonight with Kyle?

Yes. Now, would you be quiet?

- What are you going to wear?
- I'll show you when we get home.

Absolutely not.

- My wardrobe sucks.
- I agree.

Don't you have a sexy little dress?

- That's black.
- What's wrong with black?

Everyone's gonna be in black.
You want to stand out.

No, I didn't want to be flashy.
I don't even know if this is a date.

But the right dress could make it a date.

Okay, nothing in here. Come on.

We're gonna have to go with my slam dunk.

I'm sorry. It's just not
a challenging piece of music.

- Well, not for you.
- Well, yeah...

Wait a second. I'll be right back.

I thought you were going solo tonight?

Yeah, we'll see.
I like to keep my options open.

You're such a player.

- Hi.
- Hi.

This is really nice.

Yeah, well, my sponsor's putting it on.

Some sort of obligation
to the whole dog and pony show.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Oh! They're gonna call me up
to play in a second, so...

- Oh, okay.
- Yeah, I'll see you in a bit.

- But you know, mingle. Have fun.
- Okay.

I'd like to thank
our board members for arranging

such a fabulous silent auction
for us tonight.

Make sure you all place your generous bids.

It's all for a good cause.

Let me help you with that.

Oh, it's you.

I take it you're not pleased to see me?

Sorry. I'm just surprised.

I didn't think you were the tux type.

Me neither. You look stunning.

Thank you.

So, what are you doing here?

I was invited by a friend from school.

How about you?

They could use a lap around the room.

We've ran out of smoked salmon.

Hello.

Hayward, this is Ruby.

- Ruby. Nice to meet you.
- You too.

- ... conservatory's most...
- Excuse me.

...promising students...

Kyle Endicott.

So, is he your date?

Oh, I don't think so.

You look like a young man

who knows how to dance.

I'm just a server.

Well, you're on break now.

Be a doll, please. Come on.

Hi.

- You want dance with me?
- Oh, please...

Oh, sorry.

- My goodness, you're an agile one.
- Thank you.

I try.

Oh, no.

I better save that poor girl
from my blundering husband.

- Do you mind?
- Not at all.

Thank you.

Shall we?

- Where did you learn to tango?
- My grandmother.

- She must have been a good dancer.
- She was.

- The boy can move.
- So can his girl.

So you have a new job?

Yes. I've been humbled
since our last meeting,

which I want to apologize for.

You don't have to do that. I was being pushy.

I mean, I don't even know you.

Do you want to?

Excuse me. I think there are some dishes
in the kitchen that need your attention.

Come on, Ruby. You don't
have to dance with the help.

Let go, Kyle. Let go.

- You heard her.
- What did you say?

- Please don't.
- Wait, wait, wait.

Wait a minute. I know you.

You're the guy who plays for money
on the subway, right?

That's right. Now back off.

What, you want to settle this outside?

I'm fine to settle it right here.

May I?

What are you gonna do, pass around a hat?

- Excuse me. Could I borrow this?
- Sure.

- What about this, Johnnie?
- What?

Bring it.

- Take that, street hack.
- What?

- You think you're so tough?
- Calm down! Hey, that's enough!

- Please call security.
- I got it!

Back off. Go back to the subway
before I mop the floor with your face.

- Security's here.
- Yeah, you better get out of here.

- What about you guys?
- Don't worry. We're street dancers.

- We always piss someone off.
- Over here. Right now.

- Let's go.
- You better run.

I'm going this way.

- Who are these people?
- We're the Switch Steps.

And reach.

Yes.

Toe. Up!

Whoa. Turn.

Up, stand.

Turn.

And dip.

And yes.

And up. Yes. Bravo.

Good work, everyone.

And you too. Very good.

- I'll see you later.
- Okay.

Ruby.

- Is everything all right?
- Yes.

I just want a little more time.

You danced it beautifully.

- I can do it better.
- You're too hard on yourself.

I just want to be perfect.

And what happens
when you've achieved perfection?

You stop then?

It's imperfections that keep us alive,
motivating us to push further and further.

Come, let's try from the developp?. Music.

No. Too square.

Don't worry about technique now.

Developp? and pli?.

This is the problem.

Stop trying to dance.

But I'm a dancer.

No, no, you're not a dancer
in this variation.

You're a gypsy. Proud, upright.

You understand? Again.

It's good now. Very good.

Thank you.

Ruby, each time you conquer a step,

there will always be
another challenge waiting.

It's a long road. It never ends.

As dancers, this is our journey.

- Hi.
- Hey.

What are you doing here?

Well, it appears I've made
an ass of myself for a second time.

So, instead of saying "sorry"...

again...

I've come to ask for a favor.

Are you kidding me?

No.

I'd like to take you up on that
very generous offer of that loaner violin,

so maybe I can enter
the Peterson competition.

You know, I don't think you have
enough discipline to make that happen.

Let me prove it to you.

What do you say?

You know, that was a really idiotic,
macho stunt you pulled with Kyle.

Yeah, I think he won that battle.

Of course, I could make it up to you
with an apology dinner?

Do I have to change?

I'll take you however I can get you.

8:00, my place?

I'll see you then.

- Hey.
- Hi.

- Is that Johnnie?
- Yeah.

Definitely sexy fierce.

Hello.

Hi.

So, this is your apology?

Yeah.

It's working.

- Did you cook?
- No, my man Krispy did.

Thank you for coming.

You're welcome.

So, I saw you dancing
for the first time today.

Didn't know dance could be like that.

So beautiful.

I have this problem letting go.

Something you do really well.

- Apparently a little too well.
- Sometimes.

I brought you the violin.

Thank you.

You're a very generous person, you know that?

Crazy idea.

But there's this competition.
And I need a dancer.

- Will you compete with me?
- Of course I will.

Good. Shall we give it a go?

That was beautiful.

I like playing for you.

- Hi.
- See you later.

- Hey...
- Hey!

Where have you been?

I covered for you in class this morning.

Thanks. I had a slow start.

You look way too happy
to be sewing that pointe shoe.

What?

You're glowing.

- It's blinding me.
- Stop it.

Must have been some dinner you had.

Okay, fine.

If you're not going to tell me anything,
I'm gonna go get coffee.

- Hey.
- Hi.

Haven't really talked
to you since the benefit.

Your friend is quite a piece of work.

I can't believe he challenged me like that.

- Well, it takes two to tango.
- Funny.

So, I heard you entered
the String & Dance Competition with him.

You do know he doesn't know squat
about playing classical violin, right?

Well, you're entitled to your opinion.

And you should come dance
on my team, in fact.

That's sneaky, Kyle.
Poaching other people's dancers.

What can I say? I'm a competitive guy.

Plus, you know, all the major dance companies
will be at the performance.

So it really is in your best interest.

That's pretty cold.

Okay, then.

I will take that as a no.

Too bad.

I guess April and I will just
have to annihilate you both.

Take all the money, glory.

- Hi!
- Hey, Ruby.

Right on time.

- You okay?
- Yeah.

We're up against Kyle and April.
One of MCA's best dancers.

It's all right. I've got a plan.

What?

So, you want us to dance with you
in a classical shindig?

Yes.

Hell, yeah!

- Let's do this.
- They're gonna love this show.

Thank you, man. Thanks for this opportunity.

- Point your toes!
- Here. Okay.

Do it again!

And we can have a beefy bass drum.

That's it.

Girl, you so tight. That's not it.

You're all up. You gotta sink in that hip.

- How much is this?
- It's $125,000.

- Is it really that much?
- I don't know.

Yes!

- No Mingazzi violin.
- Thanks anyway.

Look at that. You're such a show-off.

I'm telling you, it's perfect.

Harder. Sharper.

Don't just dance through it! Feel it!

- Hey.
- Hi, there.

- Are you ready?
- Yeah!

Hello.

Hi.

Don't wait up.

Hey. You're too stiff.

What's up with your roommate?

Oh, she doesn't even know how to have fun.

But you know, I do.

- So where are we going?
- Don't worry.

You're gonna love it.

Move those hips! Show of hands, Eva.

Jasmine, I see you.

Five, six, back up.

Ruby, what are you doing? This is not ballet.

Very good, April.

Up!

Jasmine, come here.

You're late. You know the rules.

Sit. And see Markova after class.

You, too, Ruby.

All right, everyone else,
I want to do it again!

Yes! Hit it!

Ruby, short lines. Move it!

What is going on with you two?

Mm? What is going on with you two?

You know that you are under more scrutiny
than the dancers that pay full tuition.

I understand that.

I can't tell you how much this
scholarship means to me.

Me too.

Ruby, there is no denying your dedication,

but we were hoping to see you making more
progress in your contemporary class.

Unfortunately, it's not happening.

So, we are placing you under review.

As for you, Jasmine,
I don't know what to say.

You are one of our most talented dancers.

And you work the least.

Jasmine, this is your last warning.

Next time you are late for a class,
you will be expelled.

That's all.

What does it mean?

"To strike a note emphatically."

And...

this one?

That was the date my grandfather died.

I'm sorry.

Don't worry. Everything's gonna be okay.

This competition
is going to change everything.

Hello?

- Hi, honey, it's me.
- Hi, Mom.

- Is something the matter?
- No.

Nothing, nothing. I'm good.

Listen, I fixed it with work,
and they let me off.

- You're coming?
- Yes.

- To the competition?
- Yes.

- They gave me the whole weekend.
- Oh, Mom, I am so excited.

Yeah, me too.

- Whoa. I'm late.
- Oh.

- Mom, I'll call you back, okay?
- Okay. Bye.

Jazz, we got to get up.

- Come on. It's after 8:00.
- Stop it.

- Leave me alone.
- Come on, we have class.

I don't know about you, but I'm planning
on keeping my scholarship.

I'm sleeping!

Get off my bed, you bitch!

I'm sorry. I'm just so tired.

Because you've been going
to bed at 4:00 in the morning.

I can't dance today.

I don't feel well.

What are you doing, Jazzy?

I can't believe you're just going
to throw everything away

so you can party with this guy.

Yeah, I like him!

What about your dreams and everything?

Everything that you've worked for?

Have you completely forgotten who you are?

I'm a dancer.

Then start acting like one.

And get your butt out of bed.

Dancers dance, no matter what.

Hey, there's Jazzy.

- Oh, look who decided to show up.
- That's right, April.

You better watch your back,
because I'm going to sweat all over it.

That's just gross.

You are coming to watch me and Kyle in the
String & Dance Competition tomorrow, right?

- Right.
- Of course we're going.

- Have you seen Kyle and April's number?
- No.

I heard they have some Joffrey dancers
on their team.

Excited?

Yeah. And a little nervous.

- You guys are going to be great.
- Thanks.

I wish you were dancing with us.

Well, I should have said yes when you asked.

I was an idiot.

- Next year.
- Yes.

- Hello?
- Hello. Ms. Adams?

- This is Ruby.
- Lenny here. The consignment store.

- Listen, I got a surprise for you.
- What?

I got your boyfriend's fancy violin.

You're kidding me!

If you want it,
you better come over and pick it up

because I don't do home delivery, all right?

Okay, I'll be right there.

What is it? What happened?

They found Johnnie's violin.

Johnnie!

What's up, man?

Yo, we're heading out
to pick up the rest of the crew.

- Yeah, see you at the theater?
- Yeah. At 6:30. Don't be late.

Yeah, right. We're about to kill it!

Get out.

Wish me luck.

Hold on a second. I got eyes on him.

Johnnie Blackwell?

Yeah.

This way, sir.

- This is so thrilling.
- Yeah. Pretty cool.

- This theater is beautiful.
- Yeah.

- And then, G8...
- Excuse me.

Has Johnnie Blackwell checked in?

- Blackwell?
- Uh-huh.

Go to the Bs here.

- No. Sorry.
- Nah, I don't see him.

Thanks.

No Johnnie?

I don't get it.

What did he say to you when you saw him?

Just that he'll meet us here at 6:30.

- This isn't like Johnnie.
- Let's try him again.

Did you see that? Man, you pushed me!

I have witnesses. I want my lawyer.

How long have you been in the US?

I'm not sure.

Let me help you.

You seem nervous.

Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to the Peterson Foundation's
String & Dance Competition.

Five-minute warning for Kyle and April.
Five minutes.

Listen, kid, this isn't about you.
How well do you know this guy?

Love to know.
He scammed me out of five grand.

Where can I get ahold of him?

I don't know.

Will you help us find him?

Yes, but there's somewhere
I really need to be right now.

- Beautiful.
- Impressive.

So, what do we do now?

That means we have to withdraw.

Nah, it doesn't feel right.

Johnnie wouldn't bail on us.

Nice.

Okay, we are ready for you guys.

Let's go. Upstairs.

We still have a few minutes.

Let's go ahead and get ready, just in case.

- Yeah, she's right. Come on.
- Come on, guys.

Let's go.

Hayward?

I really hope this audience gets
a chance to see you guys dance.

It's like you said, it ain't over yet.

Okay, this group is up next.
Hey, you guys ready?

- Johnnie, you made it!
- Yeah, we're ready.

- I'm so sorry.
- So close.

- So close.
- All right, we're ready now.

Bravo.

All right, let's rearrange
the stands and chairs.

Next, get ready for the lighting cue.

Good luck beating that.

Aha! Finally.

Here we go. Let's do it, man.

- You ready?
- Absolutely.

I think this might help.

Where did you find it?

Sometimes people can surprise you.

Thank you.

Our next contestant,
playing his original composition

titled Fortando, violinist Johnnie Blackwell,

with dancers Ruby Adams and the Switch Steps.

- Where's the violinist?
- Where are the dancers?

Completely indulgent.

I disagree.

Don't we want to evolve?
Don't we want to progress?

She's like a completely different dancer.

She's not dancer. She's gypsy.

Bravo!

All right, we need all
the contestants on stage, please.

Ladies and gentlemen,
thank you for your patronage and support

of this outstanding group of performers.

After a heated deliberation,
we have made a decision.

The winner of the Peterson Foundation

String & Dance Competition is...

Johnnie Blackwell and his dancer, Ruby Adams,

and the Switch Steps...

Congratulations, young man.

You are the recipient of the $25,000 prize,

and a full scholarship
to the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts.

Would you like to say a few words?

Thank you so much.

This means more to me than you know.

I'd like to share the money
with my brilliant crew,

who I could not have done this without.

Thank you for believing in me.

Touch?.

Music will always be there burning inside me.

The difference is, now I understand
where it comes from,

and I'm ready to share it.

What's up?