Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight (2014) - full transcript

[POP MUSIC PLAYING]

[MS. HAWKEN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

MS. HAWKEN: Good.

Eyes up, looking out.

That's right, lift up.

Chins up.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Balance, and two.
Pique up, and soutenu.

Good. Tombe.

Pas de bourree.

Releve, chins up.
And double pirouette.



Nice triple, Renata.

Great technique, as usual.
Next time, smile.

Isabelle, keep up.

Sorry, Ms. Hawken.

Sometimes it's like Isabelle is
dancing to a completely different song.

She's nothing like her sister.

MS. HAWKEN: Let's focus on our own dancing.

And finish.

Good.

[BELL RINGING]

Okay, kids, keep up the
practicing at home, please.

The Halloween Benefit
is in just two weeks.

And some of us still
have a lot of work to do.

[BOTH SNICKER]



[BOTH LAUGHING]

Don't listen to her. Come on.

That shirt beyond rocks.

Thanks.

I can't believe
you made it yourself.

I didn't exactly make it.

I found it in a vintage shop and added
some stuff to make it look more like me.

So, a thrift shop, huh?
I could have guessed that.

I don't really care for thrift
shops myself. They're so stinky.

[LAUGHS]

My parents and I go shopping
together all the time.

But definitely
not at thrift shops.

Congratulations.
You don't shop at thrift stores.

We get it. You're awesome.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

RENATA: Whatever.
You need to tell her what's what.

Then she'll stop bothering you.

It's not just Renata.
It's this school.

No one can even
get my name right.

Yesterday my math teacher
called me "Jade's sister."

Your sister Jade
is kind of a legend.

GIRL: Hey, Luisa.
Hi, guys.

Looks like you're used to it.

Don't you ever miss
our old school?

Not really. I mean,

I've always wanted to come to a performing
arts school to study modern dance.

So I'm just happy to be here.

I should be happy, too.
I only tried out three times

to get in here.
[CHUCKLES]

But it's hard when I keep
messing up in ballet class.

It's never happened
to me before.

Ever since I got into this school,
no matter how hard I work,

it feels like I'm getting
worse instead of better.

I can't even land
a double pirouette anymore.

You saw me in class today.

I'm gonna be a complete
disaster at the Halloween Benefit!

I can just hear Ms. Hawken.

"Poor Isabelle.

"Her big sister Jade

"is the best dancer in the
whole school... [CHUCKLES]

"...and she's just
a total loser."

Mmm-mmm.

Hi.

Speaking of my perfect sister...

Jade! I heard about
The Nutcracker auditions.

You're totally gonna get Clara.
You dance every lead.

That's nice of you to say, but there
are a lot of really great dancers here.

Like my little sis!

See you in ballet class,
Isabelle.

[ALL LAUGHING]

I told you she's never nice
to me unless you're around.

What audition is she
talking about, though?

I just found out!

The Capital Ballet Theatre
is doing The Nutcracker.

And they're casting the kid
dancers from Anna Hart students!

No way! That's amazing!

That's not even the best part.

Guess who's playing the
Sugarplum Fairy? Who?

Wait for it.

Come on!

Jackie Sanchez!
Our all-time favorite ballerina!

No way!
I know.

[BOTH GIGGLING]

[RHYTHMIC DRUMMING]

[CLANKING]

[SINGING] You in the corner,
why you acting shy?

♪ You've got a light
that you try to hide ♪

♪ Don't be afraid. ♪
♪ Gotta let it shine ♪

♪ Don't be afraid. ♪
♪ Gotta let it shine ♪

♪ Step to the rhythm,
can you feel the beat? ♪

♪ Listen to your heart,
let it tell your feet ♪

♪ Stomp out your fear,
time to break free ♪

♪ Stomp out your fear,
time to break free ♪

♪ Just let go ♪

♪ You got the gift ♪
♪ Time for the world to know ♪

♪ Let it show ♪

♪ Get it ready Get it ready ♪

♪ You are, you are your own star ♪

♪ You'll go far
if you follow your heart ♪

♪ Never give up, never back down ♪

Come on. Let's go dance.

That's okay.
I'm just gonna finish my lunch.

Okay.

That lunch looks
pretty finished to me.

♪ Promise you'll
never stop believin' ♪

[CHANTING]
STUDENTS: Go, go, go, go, go, go, go.

♪ Everybody sing it ♪

♪ You are, you are your own star ♪

♪ You'll go far
if you follow your heart ♪

♪ Never give up, never back down ♪
♪ Never give up, never back down ♪

♪ You are, you are your own star ♪

♪ You'll go far
if you follow your heart ♪

♪ Promise you'll never
stop your dreamin' ♪

♪ Promise you'll never
stop believin' ♪

[STUDENTS CHANTING]

♪ Promise you'll never
stop believin' ♪

[ALL CHEERING AND APPLAUDING]

[LAUGHING]

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

JADE: Jackie Sanchez was so amazing,
even back then.

I can't believe she's coming
here to do The Nutcracker!

I guess she must agree that
'The Nutcracker' is the best ballet ever.

I mean, it's all about a nutcracker that
turns into a prince on Christmas Eve!

And then the Prince takes Clara to
a magical land made out of candy.

Come on, who wouldn't love that?

[LAUGHING]

Just think, Jackie,
here, in D.C.

This is where she grew up.

When we're famous dancers,
we won't forget about the little people.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Miss Palmer, you first performed
with the famous Jackie Sanchez

when you were a student at
the Anna Hart School, correct?

Why, yes. We became best friends,
and danced together for years afterwards

with the New York City Ballet.

With my little sister
Isabelle, of course.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Iz, imagine if
it really happens.

Us dancing with our idol.

Come on, let's practice.

We need to be in top form
before the auditions!

Uh, that's okay.

Come on, how come you never
want to practice together anymore?

I'm just a little
tired right now.

[RHYTHMIC DRUMMING]

Ah! There you are,
sleepy head.

Come on and sit down.
We have a lot to do today.

Your sister's been up for hours.

Of course she has.
[CHUCKLES]

[ALL LAUGHING]

So, you guys excited to
see your old dad's band

play in Uncle Davi's
backyard barbecue today?

We're debuting a special song.

What's the new song?

Oh, no, it's a secret.

You'll just have to wait
for the backyard barbecue.

NANCY: I love watching you perform.

Hospital administrator on the weekdays,
and rock star on the weekends.

It's like having a super hero
for a husband.

Super Dad!

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Whoa. Look how the sun is
making the water lilies sparkle!

JADE: Totally.

They look just
like the real ones

we saw at the Aquatic Gardens
at Kenilworth Park last year.

That's what inspired me.

I thought that the flowers looked like
little jewels floating in a sea of blue.

Then you came home and locked
yourself up in here for weeks.

And then, voila.
Pond Dreams.

[ALL LAUGHING]

But it was worth having to
order pizza for dinner for a while.

[LAUGHS]

Your mother does tend to go hardcore
when she's working on an important project.

Speaking of important projects,

I have got to finish your
costume for the Halloween Benefit.

It's gonna be the best one.

Because you are the most genius
costumer in the history of the Smithsonian.

Aw!
[LAUGHS]

I actually restore antique textiles
at the Smithsonian, Isabelle,

but thank you very much.

Actually, with this particular costume,
I was hoping you'd design it with me.

Are you in?

Totally!

That's good! I want to go to the
Thornton Landing flea market this morning,

before the barbecue,

and see if we can find
some really good stuff

for your costume.

That's a great idea!

How is it that you two
are both sewing geniuses

and I can't even
thread a needle?

Oh, please, you're good
at everything else!

Am not.
Are, too.

Am not.
Are, too.

Am not!
Are, too!

[BOTH YELLING]
Okay. Okay!

I think it's time you got going.
[ALL LAUGHING]

We have to rehearse
before the barbecue. Yes.

First person to help me load
my drums into the car

gets to have control of the TV
for the rest of the week.

JADE: I totally got this.

Go! Go, go, go, go!
Wait, wait, wait.

Hey, wait for me!

[MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING]

I can't wait to hear
Dad's new song.

I wonder why he was being
so mysterious about it.

I know.

Speaking of mysterious, I'm very curious
about one of your flea market finds.

What are you planning
to do with this thing

that I use to organize my
cords behind my desk?

Well, I thought I could
maybe use it as a tail

for my cat costume
for the Halloween Benefit.

Ah, that is a great idea.
I would've never thought of that.

You have such a great eye, sweetie.
Thanks.

Hey, look. There's Dad.

Looks like my dad's
about to start the set.

[SPEAKING PORTUGUESE]

Hello. Welcome, everyone.

Are you all ready to dance?

Yeah.
Yeah.

I said, are you
all ready to dance?

ALL: Yeah!

Okay, let's go.
Davi, Davi. [CLEARS THROAT]

Hey, everybody,
thanks for coming.

I'd like to dedicate this first
number to my beautiful wife.

I guess this is the secret song.

She was inspired by a lily pond that she
saw to create this wonderful piece of art.

And I was inspired by that wonderful
piece of art to write this song.

I call it Lily Pond Dreams. Honey,
this one's for you. [GIGGLING]

One, two, three, four.

[PLAYING UPBEAT MUSIC]

[SINGING IN PORTUGUESE]

[LAUGHS]

[SINGING] ♪ My sweet pond dreams ♪
♪ My perfect water lily ♪

♪ You inspire me
With sweet serenity ♪

♪ Life is beautiful
Sparkling in the water ♪

♪ Crystal blue ♪

[DAVI SINGING IN PORTUGUESE]

[MUSIC SPEEDS UP]

I don't know about you,
but I think this song is perfect for...

The BFF Jam!
The BFF Jam!

Yeah.

♪ When you smile When you shine ♪

♪ You're a work, of art ♪

♪ Masterpiece, Underneath
colors of your heart ♪

Go, Izzie!

♪ Make a wish Close your eyes ♪

♪ And the painting, comes to life ♪

♪ We could be floating free ♪

♪ Forever you and me ♪

♪ In pond dreams ♪

♪ In pond dreams ♪

[ALL CHEERING]

[SPEAKING PORTUGUESE]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

There's Isabelle.

The Halloween Hospital Benefit
is about translating the joy of dance

to some people who really need
a little joy in their lives.

Good luck, everybody.
To the stars!

Oh, Luisa, wait.

Nervous?

I'm okay.
Really?

You look nervous.

Hey.

Did you hear what she just said?

She's trying to psych me out.

Iz, you're a great dancer,

and the costume you
helped your mom make

is the coolest one here.

Just like all
the clothes you make.

Thanks.

Look! It's Jackie Sanchez!

It is. Wow, she's so elegant.

But wait, what is
she doing here?

I don't know, but we're about to
perform in front of a real, bona fide star!

Shh! Don't talk about it.
You're making me even more nervous.

[BELL RINGS]

Here we go, good luck.
Thanks.

[SPOOKY MUSIC PLAYING]

[FUNKY MUSIC PLAYING]

[AUDIENCE CHUCKLING]

[ALL APPLAUDING]

Excuse me.

May I have your autograph?

You want my autograph?

I mean, I messed up a few times.

I didn't notice.
You were so good.

I loved how you looked just
like a cat when you danced.

Can you do it again?

Sure.

[LAUGHS]

[SIGHS]

I wish I could dance like you.

You may not be able to dance exactly
like me, but you definitely can dance.

Here, give me your arms.

That's a port de bras.
That's one of the core moves of ballet.

Every dancer has to master it.

Am I doing it right?

Yeah.

Cool.

[LAUGHS]

Here.

Here you go.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Bye.
Bye.

Ms. Sanchez!

Hello! It's nice to meet you.

It's nice to meet you, too.

I mean, more than nice, amazing.

And what's your name?

Oh, right. Isabelle.
Isabelle Palmer.

You can call me Izzie,
or Iz or Isabelle.

Isabelle Palmer,
it's very nice to meet you, too.

Good job today.

I loved that big smile you wore
the moment the music started.

You danced with joy.

Thanks.

I hope to see you at
'The Nutcracker' auditions next week.

You will.

It's amazing to meet you.

[CHUCKLES]
You said that already.

[GIGGLES]

See you next week.

Bye.

[CLAPS]

That was perfect,
just like always.

I wouldn't say always.
We all make mistakes.

I do. You don't.

In school, in dance,
in anything.

That's not true.

Today we had a pop quiz in algebra, and
I totally flubbed a really easy question.

[SCOFFS]
One question?

So you got, what,
98% instead of 100?

Oh, please, I'd love
to have your problems.

[SIGHS]

Enough about who
makes more mistakes.

Did you really get to meet
Jackie Sanchez? And was she nice?

I totally did
and she totally was!

You are so lucky! I hope she's
that nice to me in the auditions.

She will be. Especially when she
sees what a great dancer you are.

Well, my dancing won't be too
great if I don't keep practicing.

But you've been
practicing for hours.

I know. And I'm going
to keep practicing.

It's just like with your sewing.

You're great at it because
you work so hard on it.

No one's just gonna give me
a spot in The Nutcracker.

If I want it, I have to be
perfect at the audition.

[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]

Next group, please. Come on.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

JACKIE: Lovely.

Thank you, everybody.

Number 29, just a minute.

What's your name, love?

Jade Palmer.

Jade Palmer. Good job today.

Did he really just single out
Jade in the middle of auditions?

That, like, never happens.

You did great.

Thanks. And good luck.

Thanks.

MR. KOSLOFF: All right, moving on.
Front and center, please.

Let's take it from the top.

Ah!

MR. KOSLOFF: Ready?
Five, six, seven, eight.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Hmm.

So?

All right, thank you, everybody.

You'll hear tomorrow.

WOMAN: Let's move out, ladies.
[SCOFFS]

Oh! Whoa! Whoa, whoa!

Calm down, everyone.
You'll all get a chance to see.

Aren't you gonna
go check the list?

What's the point?
I stunk in my audition.

Yes! I got three parts!

One of the child party guests,
a snowflake and one of the mice!

EMMA: You rock, Renata.

I have to call my mom and dad.

They told me to call them
the minute I found out.

They'll be so excited.
They're so supportive.

And they always say that
they're my biggest fans.

At least I won't have to spend all
that time in rehearsals with Renata.

[LAUGHING]

I'm gonna go check.

She got in.

Yes!

Told ya.

I can't believe we get to
dance with Jackie Sanchez!

What do you mean "we"?

I got Clara,

and you got a child party guest,
a tin soldier and one of the snowflakes.

You get to dance
in three scenes!

I can't believe it!
[LAUGHS]

You did it.
Congratulations, Izzie.

But wait, I don't get it.

My audition was terrible.

And Jackie saw me
totally screw up

at the Halloween Benefit.

Obviously Jackie and the director thought
you were good enough to be in the show.

Yeah.

I don't know.

Maybe being in the show
isn't such a good idea.

Maybe I should go talk
to Ms. Hawken.

Are you seriously saying that
you might not do the show?

Congratulations to all of you
who were cast in The Nutcracker.

Now to add to the excitement,

those of you who are cast
are eligible for admittance

to the New York City Ballet's School of
American Ballet Summer Intensive Program.

Four students will be
chosen by the director

and by none other than
Jackie Sanchez herself.

[ALL EXCLAIM EXCITEDLY]

One student each will come

from the fourth, fifth, sixth
and seventh grades,

and it will be quite
an honor to be chosen.

The New York City Ballet,
of course,

is one of the finest ballet
companies in the world.

And the School of American Ballet's
Summer Program is just as excellent

and very, very difficult
to get into.

So good luck.

Now you can't drop
out of The Nutcracker.

Oh, no, Isabelle!
You're thinking of dropping out?

I guess that's probably
for the best.

It'll give you more
time to practice.

Right?

Looks like that
fourth grade spot is mine.

I wouldn't be so sure
about that, Renata.

What did you say?

I'm going to win
that fourth grade spot.

Oh, yeah?
We'll see about that.

That was awesome.

I can't believe
I just said that.

She won't last a week.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]

RENATA: And by the way,
Isabelle, nice jacket.

LUISA: That's telling her, Izzie.

JADE: It's fine.
We're gonna have so much fun

in this show together.

Just think of us dancing
with Jackie Sanchez.

There we go.

I think it's ready to go on display
at the American History Museum.

Hey.

Why did I have to make
such a big deal about

how I was going to beat Renata
for the summer program?

Oh, sweetie, you should not be
worrying about the summer program.

You should just be focusing on
doing well in The Nutcracker.

All I've ever wanted to do is

get to study at the School of
American Ballet in New York City.

And now Renata can ruin that.

She's so gonna have it in
for me when rehearsals start.

Well, honey, your sister
Jade's gonna be there,

and the two of you
can support each other.

Jade doesn't need my help.

She's the one everyone's
always comparing me to.

It's like I'm stuck
in her shadow or something.

Sweetie, you're not in anyone's
shadow unless you put yourself there.

You just need to focus on being
the best Isabelle that you can be.

That's easier said than done.
I know, I know.

Just keep working
hard like always.

And do your best
every single day.

Your best.

Don't think about
how well Jade is doing.

And definitely do not let this
girl Renata get under your skin.

Okay?

Deal?

Deal.
Good.

Now, I have got
a surprise for you.

I have been hired by
the ballet company

to design all the costumes
for The Nutcracker.

What? That's awesome!

I know, it is.
But it's also a lot of work.

Because besides designing
all the costumes,

I've also agreed to make
Jade's Clara outfit.

So I think I'm gonna
need some help.

That would be incredible.

I've got so many design ideas.

Good. Well, I look forward
to your expert opinions.

[CHUCKLES]

MR. KOSLOFF: Congratulations, you made it.
And therefore, welcome.

As you can see, I've invited
Jackie to join us today,

and I know that you are much
more excited about working with her

than you are with me.

[ALL LAUGH]

Right. Ballet.

An art form that first appeared in the
royal courts of the Italian Renaissance.

It's brought us such artists
as George Balanchine,

Mikhail Baryshnikov
and Anna Pavlova.

And now, all of you are
joining us in this grand tradition.

It should be considered not
only an honor, but a responsibility.

And as such, I'm going to be asking
a lot of you over the next six weeks.

It will be intense, so I need you
to eat, sleep and breathe ballet.

Ballet requires practice,
and a lot of it.

It requires dedication,
and above all, sacrifice.

I don't care if you are the most
naturally talented dancer in this room.

None of that will matter
unless you work at it.

Understand?

ALL: Yes.

Now that we've scared you,

[ALL LAUGH]

Mr. Kosloff and I wanna remind you that
this is also supposed to be a lot of fun.

The reason we do this is
because dancing brings us great joy

and allows us to bring
joy to the audience.

Am I right?
ALL: Yes.

Good. We are starting with
the party scene, right?

Yes, the party scene.
Let me set the stage for you.

It is Christmas Eve.

And the party guests
are all having fun.

Smiling. There we go.

You look like a good
little party guest.

Come with me.
Come hither, young lady.

There we go. All right?
And we're smiling.

Having fun, yes?
Party, party, party.

And then, the magical and mysterious
godfather Drosselmeyer appears.

Voila!
[ALL LAUGH]

Here he is.

And he brings a beautiful
present for Clara.

It's a beautiful nutcracker.

Lovely.

Now, Clara's younger,
mischievous brother

takes a fancy to
said nutcracker,

and they start fighting for it.

Back and forth, and back
and forth, and back and forth.

And all of a sudden,
Fritz drops the nutcracker and breaks it!

[GASPS]

And Clara is
absolutely dismayed.

Right? Are you ready to learn the sequence?
ALL: Yes.

All right. Now, Jade, I expect
you to nail the steps very quickly.

We're on a tight timeframe here.

Okay?
Yeah.

All right. Let me have a
quick chat with Drosselmeyer.

Get warmed up and
then we'll start.

Ms. Sanchez, hi, I'm Renata.
Pleasure to meet you, Renata.

I just wanted to say what a
huge honor it is dancing with you.

Well, that's nice to hear.
Thank you.

All of us at Anna Hart
feel that way.

And it's so great to join
a new family of dancers,

since we already feel like
one big family ourselves.

That's sweet.

[MOCK GAGGING]
[LAUGHS]

[POP MUSIC PLAYING]

Nice, Isabelle.
Really looks like you are having fun.

No, Isabelle, you can do
better than that. Try again.

Can you believe her?

No. Isabelle, please.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Marvelous.

Yes, Jade.
That's exactly why I cast you.

No.

Go again.

No.

Isabelle, you should know this by now.
Could you show her, please?

Let's try it again.
Show me on your own.

Yes. I knew you could get it.
Well done, Isabelle.

All right. Moving on.

Next is the battle sequence.

Can I have my tin and mice
soldiers front and center, please?

In this scene,
the Mouse King and the mouse soldiers

are trying to defeat
the Nutcracker Prince and his tin soldiers.

So I really need to see
passion as you battle it out.

And the other thing
I absolutely require

is that each and every one
of you dance in perfect unison

with the dancers I've paired
you up with. Understood?

All right.
Let's try it again, please.

[PLAYING CLASSICAL MUSIC]

Isabelle, please keep up.

Ugh!

All right, stop. Stop the music.
Please, everyone.

Isabelle, what on earth
is going on?

Nothing, I just...

Isabelle sometimes
has trouble keeping the beat.

But don't worry.
I'll work on it with her.

All right. Thank you, Renata.
That's very kind of you.

Let's try this again, shall we?

[CHUCKLES]

[SIGHS]

NANCY: So, girls, what do you
think of the costumes so far?

JADE: Are you kidding? They're amazing!
LUISA: Yeah, they're so cool,

it almost makes me
want to be a ballet dancer!

[ALL LAUGH]

Well, thank you both so much
for your help today.

I really appreciate you coming out
to help sew costumes on your day off.

Why don't you guys wait here
and I'll go get the car?

Okay.
Okay.

Okay.
Okay.

Thanks for hanging out today.
It was fun. Totally.

What?

Oh, great.

What are you doing
here on a Sunday?

Not that it's any
of your business,

but I was helping my mom
out with the costumes.

Well, I'm here to practice.
My parents hired a dance coach for me

to go over my choreography
for The Nutcracker.

They're the best.

Well, if that's what you have
to do to get ahead, then fine.

[SCOFFS]

I'm sure Jackie Sanchez will be really
impressed when I tell her tomorrow.

You haven't forgotten that
tomorrow is when we start

rehearsing with
the adult dancers?

Of course, I haven't.

Well, I plan to dazzle them.

All of the other dancers, especially Jackie,
will be telling Mr. Kosloff that

he has to pick me for the fourth
grade spot in the summer program.

See you tomorrow.

If she impresses Jackie,
I can kiss the summer program goodbye.

Whoa!

This is it!

Our first time dancing with the
real Capital Ballet Theatre dancers!

I'm nervous.
You're nervous?

What do you have to be nervous about?
You know you'll do great.

What?

Nothing.

MR. KOSLOFF: So, Clara has
just saved the Nutcracker Prince

in the battle between the mice
and the tin soldiers.

And the snowflakes welcome
Clara on her way to the Land of Snow,

on their way to the
Land of Sweets.

Now, this adventure is the Prince's
way of rewarding Clara for saving his life.

So I need this to be joyous,

and you need to dance
as light as snowflakes.

Yes? All right. Circle.

Ready?
Five, six, seven, eight.

[VOCALIZING RHYTHMICALLY]

Light and fluffy
like snowflakes.

Come on, Isabelle, keep up.
I am keeping up.

[SNICKERS]
Could've fooled me.

Maybe you're the one who
could use some extra practice.

Ow!

[LAUGHING]

Why don't you just
leave my sister alone?

I didn't do anything.
You did, and you know it.

Is there a problem, ladies?

No. Everything's fine.

[SIGHS]

Isabelle, are you okay?
I'm fine.

I can take care of myself.

I don't know why you were

acting like such a weirdo
today at rehearsal.

I was just trying to help.

I know, but I don't always
need your help, okay?

Fine. I'll remember that.

I get nervous during
rehearsal, too.

You don't have to say that
just to make me feel better.

That's not what I was saying.
Never mind.

Listen, I think I might know
something that could help you

when you're feeling nervous,
like you might mess up.

It helps me when I dance,

and it even helps me get
through some tough algebra tests.

Do you want to hear it?

Okay.

Okay, so I've noticed at practice
that you sometimes get off beat.

You didn't have
that problem before.

So there must be
something in your head

that's making you nervous
and hurting your concentration.

Well, if Renata's bothering me

or I start to worry that
everyone else is better than I am,

I get off the beat and
start to mess up the steps.

You need to forget where
you are and what you're doing.

What do you mean?

Last year in intermediate
modern dance class,

we learned about visualization.

Instead of just focusing
on steps and counts,

I think of each dance as
a series of images in my head.

Like, oh, when I do a plie,

I imagine myself
sitting on a balloon.

As the air goes out, I go lower,
and as the air goes in, I go higher.

Or, oh, do you remember
that gypsy dance I did last year?

Of course! That was amazing.

Well, I visualized
I was a firefly.

Here. I'll do some.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

I feel like I'm transported
inside the image in my head.

My mind goes free
and I just dance.

I don't know what happened. I used
to feel like that, too, when I danced.

[SIGHS]

Can you think of anything that you
can visualize to help you clear your mind?

Do you really think
this will help me, Jade?

It's worth a try.

But you just need to pick the right
visualization to make it work, okay?

[BELL RINGS]
Mmm-hmm.

All right. Well, I've got to get
to class. But I'll see you later.

Bye.
Bye.

[LILY POND DREAM PLAYING]

That's the perfect thing.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Come on, people.

We really need to nail
this snowflake sequence down.

Sound like hailstones right now.

Renata, smile, please.

Executing the moves isn't enough, darling.
You need to sparkle.

Come on, Isabelle, keep up.

JADE: Don't panic.
Visualize the water lilies.

[LILY POND DREAM PLAYING]

MR. KOSLOFF: Isabelle, keep up.

[SIGHS]

JADE: Come on. Stay focused.

MR. KOSLOFF: Isabelle, please.

ISABELLE: It's not working!

Ugh!

All right, everybody.

Looks like some of us
could use a 15-minute break.

Get some water, please.

Hey, Danielle.

So after practice, my parents are
taking me out for dinner and ice skating.

Maybe you guys can
meet us there. Sure.

But maybe we should
invite Isabelle.

No, she probably needs
to practice instead.

Come on. This is gonna be fun.

DANIELLE: So where are you
going to dinner with your parents?

RENATA: Well, there is
an Italian restaurant...

Ugh!

Why can't I get it?

Working on the snowflake choreography?

Yeah. I just can't
get the timing right,

and I keep messing up
the pirouette at the end.

I know the steps.
Let's try it together.

With you?

[LAUGHS]

I don't see anyone else here.

Just relax, don't think
too much about it.

I'll try.

Jade taught me this visualization technique
that's supposed to help with that.

But I just tried it
and it didn't work.

Maybe there were too
many distractions.

Right now it's just you and me
and the dance floor.

Let's give it a go.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Ugh!

[SIGHS]

Let's go again.

And this time, don't worry about
whether or not you're going to mess up

while you're doing it.
Just use that visualization technique.

[BREATHES DEEPLY]

[LILY POND DREAMS PLAYING]

Five, six, seven, eight.

Yes!
That's it!

Look at you.

There's that spark and passion
I saw in you at the Halloween Benefit.

That felt amazing.
I'll bet.

I want to see you dance
like that in rehearsal.

Okay.

[LAUGHING]

ISABELLE: It was so great.

Jackie helped me
and the visualization worked!

That's fantastic, Iz.

Now you're one step closer to
getting into the summer program.

Just think, an entire summer
of ballet in New York City

with some of the best
teachers in the world.

I can't even think of
anything else I'd rather do.

Okay, I'm finally done.
You guys ready to go?

Yeah.
Okay, let's go. All right.

RENATA: But, Mom, you've already
canceled on me twice!

You never cancel on Ben.
[SOBBING]

Well, I just wanted to do
something special with you guys.

That's what you said last time.

Okay, yes, I understand.

I'll just stay inside with
Mr. Kosloff until you get here.

Sweetie, why don't you go ask
Renata if she needs a ride home?

Go on. It'll be all right.
Okay.

I'll watch your stuff.

What is it?

Well, if you're going to have to wait
here awhile, my mom can give you a ride.

I don't need a ride or
anything else from you.

Geez, I was just
trying to be nice.

Well, maybe you should
stop trying to be nice

and start trying to dance
the snowflake dance better.

Or you might just find yourself
getting kicked out of The Nutcracker.

Oh, yeah? Well, I have
the choreography down now.

Jackie helped me.
So I'm going to be just fine.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

Sweetie, at least you tried.
She must be having a bad day.

Whoa. I can't believe we're
rehearsing on a real stage.

It's so big.
I know.

MR. KOSLOFF: Snowflakes!
Let's take it from the arabesque.

I got it.

Five, six, seven, eight.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Isabelle, beautiful.
Thank you.

Okay. Everyone,
take a break, please. Thank you.

You know...

You know, the dancers
have mastered the moves,

but there's something off
about that snowflake dance.

The steps seem flat.

In all honesty, I wish I could
change the choreography,

you know, give them
that showcase moment,

but I don't think I can do that to
the kids this close to opening night.

Excuse me, Mr. Kosloff.

Yes?
Don't worry about us!

Everyone's got
the dance down now.

You could even add
some tougher steps.

Really?

Maybe a few more
pirouettes or something.

We may be kids,
but we can handle new steps.

We're professional dancers now.

Yes, you are.

Well, in that case, maybe I will put in
something a little bit more challenging.

Hmm.
[CHUCKLES]

Let's go into the rehearsal
studio and have another listen.

[CHUCKLES]

LEO: Look at you go.

Use those little ballerina
muscles, huh? [LAUGHING]

Look at how these turned out.

Frosting.

Is there any cookie
under there, Dad?

[ALL LAUGHING]

Girls...
Ah...

...your mother and I have a
special little something for you...

Mmm-hmm.

...to celebrate
our two ballerinas

dancing in their first
professional production.

Go on, go on, open it.

Yes!

Whoa!

It's a real nutcracker!

Thank you.
This is so cool.

"Hello. My name
is Mr. Nutcracker."

[ALL LAUGHING]

You are so weird.
Hey!

Maybe I should bring this to
school and show my friends.

Yeah, that's a great idea.

Speaking of which,
how was school this week?

Well, I got an A on
my science project.

That's nothing new.

And since I got to
dance with Jackie,

things have been so much
better at rehearsals!

That's great, kiddo.

[LAUGHING]

Thanks.

I could have gotten a C.
NANCY: What's that, honey?

Nothing.

Isabelle, we are so
proud of you, honey.

Oh, my gosh!
So tell me what happened.

How did rehearsal
turn around like that?

ISABELLE: Well, since I was having
problems with the turning section,

she went over it with me...

...seven, eight.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Look, this is the moment
that Clara finds out that

she's been shrunk to the
size of her beloved nutcracker.

It's got to feel fluid and
graceful and dream-like.

Go again, please.

No! You don't get to make
mistakes like that, Jade.

You're one of the leads of this show.
I expect more from you.

I'll get it.
Good.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Yes! That's my star! Okay,
remember that feeling. Practice it.

All right. Moving on.
Could I have my snowflakes?

Anybody playing snowflakes,
gather around, please. Thank you.

Okay, listen. I'm terribly
sorry to have to do this,

especially as it's only two
weeks from opening night.

However, I need to change
the choreography.

What we were doing
was just not working.

Now, don't worry, ladies.
I know you'll get it.

After all, you are
professional dancers now, yes?

So, it is a turning sequence.
Please.

And here it is, okay?
Five, six, seven, eight.

Pique, pique, chaine, chaine,
ending in a double pirouette.

There you go. Very nice.
Thank you.

All right, we'll be back here in
five minutes to start working on it.

Off you go!

[SIGHS]

[CHUCKLES]

What is it?

I don't know what
I'm going to do.

I just got the old
choreography down.

Just use your
visualization again.

I've seen you land lots
of doubles before.

You did a bunch of
them at Uncle Davi's.

That was in a backyard!
It's different now!

It's not any different.
This is all in your head.

But now with the pique and
chaine turns leading up to it,

I don't know if I'll be able
to land the double pirouette.

I'm worried that I'm going to
be so worried that I'll mess up!

That's a lot of worrying.
You'll be fine.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

Ugh!

[GIRLS GIGGLING]

JACKIE: Coming downstage will
make my entrance more dramatic.

Well, sometimes a
change-up can help. Exactly.

Like the new snowflake
choreography.

It really seems to be working.
Hmm.

The kids are nailing it.

Sofia's arabesque is higher.
And Julia's sissonnes are much sharper.

Yeah. And have
you seen Renata?

If she keeps landing
doubles like that,

she might just get the fourth
grade spot in the summer program.

But unfortunately,

not everyone is nailing
the new choreography.

You mean Isabelle?
Yeah.

It's such a shame because her
dancing is so wonderful to watch.

When she's confident
with what she's doing,

no one outshines her.

And yet she's struggling.

She really needs to master
the new turning sequence.

Everyone else has got it.

And if she can't, I might have to
consider cutting her from the number.

JACKIE: But she's working hard.
She'll get it. Give her time.

MR. KOSLOFF: Yeah, but we don't have time.

And it's my responsibility to
do what's best for the show.

JACKIE: I know. You're right.

Sweetie, hey, it's getting
kind of late. I know.

But I have regular homework
to do on top of everything else.

Well, I think it's great that
you're keeping up with all of it.

And I love all the design work you've
done on 'The Nutcracker' costumes.

Now, you need to go to
bed soon, though, okay?

Okay.

Okay.

You know, sometimes sleeping
on it helps a lot with our worries.

Okay. Thanks, Mom.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[WHIMPERS]

[WHIMPERS]

RENATA: Come on, Isabelle, keep up!

[SCREAMS]

Stop!

[CLOCK TICKING]

[SIGHS]

[BELL RINGING]

ISABELLE: I had this crazy
nightmare about the show last night.

Jade was in it, and Renata
was dressed as the Mouse King,

and she was coming
after me and...

LUISA: Isabelle!
Don't get so worked up!

It was a dream.

In Brazil, we have
an expression about dreams.

[SPEAKING PORTUGUESE]

What does it mean?

They're not real.
[BOTH LAUGH]

Okay, you got me there.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

The show is happening so soon.

I don't know if I'm ready.
I still need to work on my turns.

Enough. You know
what your problem is?

You've forgotten that
you're a really good dancer.

No, I haven't.
Yes, you have!

When you really let yourself go,
no one dances better than you.

And I can't believe
you are going to let

some mean girl make
you forget about that.

Do you really want Renata to
have that kind of power over you?

I don't know.
Come on.

[UP-TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING]

They've got a good beat going.
Yeah.

It's time for the BFF Jam!
I don't know.

Oh, come on. Let's give everyone
at this school, including Renata,

a chance to see the
Isabelle that I know.

The Isabelle that can dance.

Come on. It'll be fun.
All right.

I'm not sure
if this is a good idea.

Come on! Come on!

Five, six, seven, eight.

[STUDENT BALLERINA]

Keep going.

STUDENTS: Ooh!

Top that.

Okay.

Oh, my gosh!
I know.

That's all? Seriously?

You got this, Izzie!

[CHANTING] STUDENTS: Go, Izzie! Go, Izzie!
Go, Izzie! Go, Izzie!

You top that.

Come on!

Oh, topped.

[ALL CHEERING]

[LAUGHING]

LUISA: You were awesome!

That was so amazing!
Thanks.

Renata, in Portuguese,
we call that getting served.

[ALL LAUGHING]

JADE: I can't believe it.
That was so much fun.

LUISA & JADE: We loved it.
Thanks.

You're a good dancer, Isabelle.
Thanks. You, too.

No hard feelings?

Yeah, you really nailed the art of
dancing on a table in the cafeteria.

Too bad they don't offer that
here at Anna Hart instead of ballet.

'Cause you're really
not very good at that.

And how many times did you
audition to get into this school?

Three?

Lucky for you, your
sister is such a star.

Anna Hart only let you in because
they give preference to younger siblings.

And everyone knows you only got into
The Nutcracker as a favor to Jade, too.

It's the only explanation.

You totally screwed up your audition just
like you're going to screw up the show.

Renata, that's enough!

Is that true?

No.

Is that what you guys
really think?

You know I don't.

[SOBBING]

You leave my sister alone
or you'll have me to answer to.

Understand?

Isabelle, wait!

Come on, let's go.

[SOBBING]

I ran after you the whole way
home from the bus stop.

You are fast.

Look, don't listen to Renata...

Go away!

Renata is a total jerk.

Not Renata.

It's you.
You're my problem!

What?

I'm never going to be
as good as you are.

You're Little Miss Perfect,
and I'm sick of it.

I'm sick of being
in your shadow.

You're not in my shadow.

I'm gonna drop out of the show.

No! And I want to go
back to my old school

where I'm not
"Jade's little sister."

You know what, Isabelle?

It's always about
how you feel, isn't it?

Have you ever even thought
about how I might feel?

No, of course you haven't.

But I can't complain about my problems
'cause I'm supposed to be perfect.

My room is always clean.
My grades are all A's.

And I don't mess up
when I dance.

No one ever thinks that I
might need encouragement.

Am I supposed to feel sorry for you
because everything is too easy for you?

Easy?

Who says it's easy? It's not.
I feel a lot of pressure.

Sometimes I just want to scream.

But I know that no matter how
loud I scream, no one would hear me.

How could they?
They're all too busy listening to you.

Don't blame me
for your problems.

Then stop blaming me for yours!

How could I, when just having you as
my sister makes everything even harder?

Ugh!

JADE: Great.

That was my nutcracker, too.

And you know what?

Maybe you should drop out
of the show and Anna Hart.

Because ballet
isn't for quitters.

[SOBBING]

Wow, I know Isabelle likes to
sleep in, but this is late, even for her.

Oh, I hope she's okay.
This is a big week for her.

She needs support
from all of us right now.

Don't worry.

I have nothing better to do than worry
about Isabelle and all her problems.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

What does that mean?

It's just...

Everyone in this family
worries about Isabelle

and her problems all the time.

And then there's me.

There's you, what?

Well, I'm always up on time...
Yes, you are.

My homework is done, my room is clean.
Mmm-hmm.

Yes.

I practice ballet all the time.

Yes, you do practice.
You practice very hard.

And I study really, really hard
to get all A's. Mmm-hmm.

That's true.

So how come it's like
I'm invisible around here?

Is that really how you feel?

Sometimes.

Sweetie, give me your hand.

We do not expect
you to be perfect.

We expect you to be you.

And I don't know, maybe we don't focus
enough on all of your accomplishments.

But that's because,
as wonderful as they all are,

they don't mean anything to us
if you're not happy.

Are you happy?

Lately it just feels like a lot of pressure,
and I'm scared to mess up.

Jade, we all mess up.
You should never be afraid of that.

You know why I love my job?

Because the hours are good
and you can spend time with us?

[LAUGHS]

I like spending time with you.
Yeah, I love that.

But also, because

I spend my time

fixing antique textiles
that are very, very, very old.

And they're hand-made and
full of flaws and mess-ups.

That they're imperfect.

But I don't fix those flaws because
that is what makes the textiles authentic.

Sweetie, it's our flaws, it's our mess-ups
and our mistakes that give us our texture.

And you don't have to
be perfect all the time.

Just be you.

Does any of that make sense?

Yeah.

Makes a lot of sense.

Thanks, Mom.

NANCY: You're welcome, honey.

Is there something else?

It's just Isabelle and I got
into a really big fight last night.

Sweetie?

It's time to get up.

You are gonna be
late for school.

I don't feel very
well today, Mom.

Hmm.

Hmm.

You don't have a fever, honey.
I know.

I just feel kind of blah.

It seems like maybe
you need to rest.

I'm gonna work from home today,
so if you feel like talking...

That's okay.
I just wanna sleep for a bit.

Okay.

Well, I'm here if you
need anything. Thanks.

Love you.

Love you, too.

RENATA: Good morning, Jackie.
Good morning.

Hi. How are you?

Hi.

Where's Isabelle?

She didn't say she was
going to be late today.

Is everything okay?

Um...

Actually, no.

Isabelle decided to
drop out of the show.

What? Why?

She doesn't think
she's good enough.

And I don't know if there's any
way to convince her that she is.

We'll see about that.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Come in.

You have a visitor.

A visitor?

Hi.

I can't believe
you're in my living room!

What are you doing here?

A little birdie named Jade told me
you might be dropping out of the show.

Is that true?

Why?

I don't know.

I know that Mr. Kosloff only let
me in the show because of my sister.

That's not true.

He let you in because of me.

What do you mean?

You have a special connection
with people when you dance.

And that comes from
having a generous spirit.

That day at
the Halloween Benefit,

I saw that little girl
ask you for your autograph.

You did?
Your dancing inspired her.

And being able to inspire
people when we dance

is just as important
as being technically flawless.

You know, when I was your age,

the other kids in ballet class

used to call me Slippery
Sanchez because I was so clumsy.

You? No way!

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Yes way.

I couldn't stop wondering what
I was going to have to do next.

Well, how did you
stop feeling that way?

I had help.

You see, I didn't just come
to the hospital benefit

to see your class perform.

I was there visiting
my grandmother.

Because she's the one
who boosted my confidence

when dancing was tough early on.

And I want to pay forward
what she did for me to you.

That's why I'm here.

And the rest is up to you.

What do you mean?

I can't force you
to stay in the show.

You have to want it.

I do want it.

I mean, I did.

I love dancing.

I don't know.

Isabelle, ballet is hard.

It's sore feet and tired muscles
and hours and hours of practice.

There will always be other dancers who
are better, stronger and faster than you.

But if you love dance
as much as you say you do,

then that won't matter to you.

But it seems like it does.

Now, I've got to get
back to rehearsal.

Think about what I said, okay?

Dancing does matter to me.

A lot.

When I dance, I feel amazing.

It's like my whole
body's tingling,

from the very tip of my pinky
toe to the top of my head.

But now I keep waiting
for that feeling to happen,

but it's not happening.

How do I get it back?

How do I start believing
in myself again?

You work harder, for a start.

Practice those turns over and over again,
no matter how many times you fail at it.

Do whatever it takes.

That's the kind of dedication that's
going to get you into the summer program.

If that's something
you're willing to do,

I look forward to seeing
you at practice tonight.

If Isabelle doesn't show up,

we're gonna have to recast her.

I cannot have dancers missing
rehearsals this close to opening night.

ISABELLE: Wait! I'm here!

Finally.

I'm really happy
to see you, Isabelle.

Thanks for coming to talk to me.

You really helped.

And I'm going to do it. I'll work
my butt off, whatever it takes.

Good.

So, assuming as though
everybody is actually here now,

maybe we could have a warm-up
in five minutes.

Yes?

At least an understudy would have
been able to land a double pirouette.

You know, Renata,

you can think whatever you want about me,
because it doesn't bother me anymore.

I know that I'm going to
do the best I possibly can.

Well, goody for you.

Because your best wouldn't have gotten
you into Anna Hart without your sister.

Honestly, I don't really know
how I got into Anna Hart.

What I do know is that I'm here
and that's all that really matters.

I'm a good dancer.

And I'm going to work as hard
as I can to become an even better dancer.

Nothing you or anyone else says
can make me feel bad anymore.

I'm doing this show for me.

To prove to myself
that I can do this.

And that's exactly
what I'm going to do.

So excuse me while I go kick
some butt on the dance floor.

Oh.

And I'll be sure to send you a
postcard this summer from New York.

So, in the history
of sister fights,

that one might have ranked
as one of the worst.

I don't know.

I'm still pretty mad at you for cutting the
hair off all my dolls when you were five.

I'd like to think I was
giving them makeovers.

A makeover to one of them
would have been okay.

But all of them?

Hey, I like to finish what I start.
[LAUGHS]

So I guess it's a good thing I came
back instead of giving up on the show.

I'm glad you did.

Jade, I'm really sorry.

I was so into my own problems,

I didn't realize
you were having some yourself.

You know, you don't always
have to be perfect.

Especially around me.

Thanks.

And you know,
you're awesome, too.

Not just because
you're my little sister,

because you're you.

Thanks.

Well, the next time you
feel like you need to scream,

I promise to shut up
so you can be heard.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Now I've got a lot of work to do
if I want to make the summer program.

You mean "we" have
a lot of work to do.

You? Miss Perfect?
Please! You're a shoe-in.

[BOTH LAUGH]

But seriously,
I could use your help.

You are one of the
best dancers I know.

Sounds good.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

[POP MUSIC PLAYING]

Jade is going to love
this costume, sweetie.

Remember, keep
your shoulders down.

Go!

Go!

Oh!

NANCY: The pink ribbon was
such a great idea of yours.

ISABELLE: It's perfect.

JADE: You just need to get
back to the place where you were

when you were turning
in the cafeteria.

Those were such
good turns, okay?

Just relax.

Try again and use
your visualization.

That was so much better.

[GROANS]

Am I ever going to be able
to do this? [LAUGHING]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Hey. Good morning,
sleepy head.

I'm not used to seeing you up
this early. What are you doing?

I just thought I could get a little more
practice in before the show tonight.

Oh.

You're a little worried, huh?

Oh, no, only that I'll mess up,
completely embarrass myself

and then find out I didn't
get into the summer program.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

But seriously, I'm worried I'm gonna
fall out of my turns during the show.

Honey...

I want to get into
the summer program so badly.

I've never wanted anything
more in my whole life!

I know.

But what if I don't get in?

What if Renata beats me?

You know what, honey.

I don't think
you can think about that.

The important thing is that you
have worked as hard as you could.

And tonight you're gonna do
the best you can in the show.

And we all know how hard
you've worked, because it shows.

Nobody can take that
work away from you. No one.

Not even Renata.

Okay.

How about I make
you some breakfast?

Sounds good.

Okay.

I'll let you know
when it's ready.

Okay. I'm just going to
practice a little bit more.

All right, honey.

MAN: Curtain in 15 minutes,
everyone.

Look, it's Lucy!

There's so many people.

So, how are we?

Good.
Fine.

I know you're going to do great.

Thanks.

Okay, see you out there.

Look! It's Mom and Dad.

Come on, let's go
get warmed up. Okay.

[SIGHS]

[GASPS]

My costume!

Great. This is just
what I need right now.

We should help her, right?

We are all in this together.

[SIGHS]

Can you go to the costume studio,
get a needle and some purple thread?

Yeah.

I could fix that for
you if you'd like.

Really? Why would you do that?

You mean because you hate me?
[CHUCKLES]

I don't know. I'm just
as surprised as you are.

I mean, we're all
a family here, right?

And I guess being good to
each other no matter what

is what the holidays
are all about.

Well, thanks.

You know, Isabelle,
I don't hate you.

You could have fooled me.

Here you go.
Thanks.

Is everything okay?
It will be.

You finish getting ready.

I've got this covered.

You and your sister,
you guys look so close.

Your whole family does.

Well, your family sounds great.

I mean, you always talk about all
the cool things you guys do together.

Yeah. Well, the problem is...

None of that is really true.

My parents didn't even bother
to show up tonight.

They didn't?

I don't know why I'm surprised.

My older brother, Ben,
had a football game tonight.

They can't miss anything
the golden boy does.

They don't understand
ballet at all.

Football?
They totally get that.

Maybe you should tell your
parents how you feel.

Maybe.

But I don't know
if it'll matter.

And, I mean,
what would I even say?

I don't know.

I mean, you never have any
trouble speaking up with me!

There. Good as new.

Wow. A one-of-a-kind
Isabelle creation. It looks great.

Just like your clothes.

The clothes you
always make fun of?

I'm trying to say thanks.

Oh.

You're welcome.

Isabelle, wait.

You really are a good dancer.

Thanks.

All right, everybody. 5 minutes to curtain.
5 minutes, okay. Yes!

And there's Jade.

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

[LAUGHS]

[GASPS]

You okay?
Yeah.

No. I'm nervous.

All I can think about is

whether I'm going to
land those turns or not.

Iz, you've been
practicing like crazy.

You're beyond prepared.

Go out there and nail it.

I know you can do it.

[SIGHS]

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

Hi.

You can do it.

Come on, Isabelle.

[LILY POND DREAM PLAYING]

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

Yes!

[SCREAMING]

Go, Izzie!

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

I can't believe we're watching
Jackie dance right in front of us.

I know. She's so amazing.

And so were you.
Awesome double.

Thanks.

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

Whoo!

Ugh! Why does Ms. Hawken always
have to take so long with the lists?

And this is one
I actually want to see!

I want to know if I got in the New
York City Ballet Summer Program or not.

I know. I'm nervous, too.

DANIELLE: Hey, Isabelle.

A bunch of us are going out
for ice cream later

to either celebrate
or drown our sorrows.

Wanna come?

Yeah, sure. I'd love to!

Great! See you later.

Looks like someone's finally
fitting in at Anna Hart.

Maybe.

[ALL LAUGHING]

There she is!

This is the list of the students

accepted to the School of
American Ballet Summer Program.

Some of you are going
to be disappointed,

but just remember, you all did a
fantastic job at the performance.

Did she look at me when she said
some of us will be disappointed?

No! You're being paranoid.

MS. HAWKEN: Have at it, kids.

[STUDENTS CLAMORING]

Can you see it, Jade?
Not at all!

Well, it looks like I won't be
going to New York this summer.

Sorry, Renata.

I'm actually cool with it.

You are?

I followed your advice,
Isabelle.

I told my parents that I was sad that
we didn't spend a lot of time together.

Good for you.

They said they were going to plan a
big family vacation for this summer.

So as bummed as I am that
I didn't get in the program,

at least I get to be
with my family.

I'm really happy for you.

But wait, if you didn't get
the fourth grade spot...

See for yourself.

You look for both of us.

I'm so nervous.
I know.

I got in! And so did you!

What? No way!

[BOTH LAUGHING]

I knew you'd get in.

I can't believe it!
We're going to New York! Together!

Just like we've always dreamed!

I wouldn't want it
any other way.

Me either.

RENATA: Hey, wait a minute.

You may get to go to New York,

but I'm totally beating you out
in the next Anna Hart production.

Oh, yeah?
We'll see about that.

[ALL LAUGHING]

Hey, look. It's snowing!

Oh!
Come on!

First we find out
we're going to New York,

and now it looks like we're
going to have a white Christmas!

Things couldn't be more perfect.

Perfect?

Come on.
Perfect's overrated.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

But this sure is great.

It sure is.

Come on, let's go.

[POP MUSIC PLAYING]

[STUDENTS CHEERING AND LAUGHING]

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[UP-TEMPO CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[UPBEAT GUITAR MUSIC PLAYING]