CENTER STAGE ON POINTE
Ladies and gentlemen...
it is a great pleasure to be here on this special day
to celebrate the career of a once-in-a-generation talent.
Please help me welcome my dear friend, Cooper Nielsen!
Good to see you.
On behalf of all of us here,
thank you for all you've done for dance.
And thank you for all you've
done for the American Ballet Company.
Thank you.
Thank you to you all.
Thank you, Jonathan.
And thank you to the ABC for that extraordinary performance.
-So? -That went well.
You think?
The company looked great tonight.
Well, thanks for all your good work.
Gentlemen.
Beverly.
Excuse me.
Great show, Jonathan.
Thank you.
Listen, I'll get right to it.
Your American Ballet Company is out of money.
Well, we're a ballet company. We're always strapped for cash.
There's a reason why the ballet company has been
in the red for the last three quarters.
I understand.
I don't think you do.
It was a beautiful show today,
but there were empty seats.
Cooper's shows fill them.
Audiences, they want to see different things these days.
People who come to the ballet want to see the ballet.
Do you know how many hits one Misty Copeland or Kate Parker video
gets on YouTube every week?
No.
About the same amount that ballet companies
booked in tickets all last year.
You need to evolve at long last, or the ABC will be left behind.
Look, Jonathan...
yours is the only company yet to incorporate contemporary ballet.
Because we are a classical ballet company.
And you need to change that,
and you need to figure out what that change looks like.
Give me a reason to invest in your company again.
Before it's too late.
Jonathan.
Hey, we're all looking for you.
What's going on?
We're broke.
The company is about to close our fourth quarter in the red.
If we don't do something different,
there won't be the American Ballet Company.
Fourth quarter?
The good news is, we've been thrown a lifeline.
What's the bad news?
It's time for a change.
Are you quitting?
No. But it may be time for the ABC
to open its doors to other forms of dance.
Modern. More contemporary.
This is the only strictly classical company in the country.
And the only strictly classical companies in London,
in Moscow, even in Paris
integrated modern dance into their repertoires ages ago.
I've been a purist...
but apparently that's a luxury we can no longer afford.
-I think that that's awesome. -Good.
The training camp program is coming up.
It's the perfect opportunity to introduce modern to the company.
Modern?
Jonathan, you don't know the first thing about modern dance.
And for good reason. It's beneath us.
The ABC doesn't need that less sophisticated genre.
Well, that's going to change.
This could be an exciting opportunity for us.
Let's start by adding some new blood to the Studio Company.
Tommy, you're best qualified for that.
Can you find us some new talent with potential?
Well, if it isn't Kate Parker. How is it going? How's Sydney?
Busier than anyone has the right to be.
I got your text.
I know, isn't that amazing?
I mean, ABC should've been doing this years ago.
Of course you'd say that.
Listen, Tommy, I've got one word for you.
What's that?
Bella.
#...her before #
# One pretty little trick tryna to run out through the back door #
# So I step to the left puffed out the chest #
# Kid so fly had to show 'em that ass #
# That action, distraction #
# Make this a chain reaction #
# She was more than a ten her and her friends #
# Made their own money and had their own ends #
# Yow yip-yip yow#
# Come here lemme show you a pretty little face #
# It's more than now, dip-dip dow #
# You stay here and let you girl go #
# I don't mean, mean no harm #
# And I want to show you the rude boy charm and #
# Yep, give me the signal and I'm on it #
# That there body need warning, warning #
# You know that chick, she's fine #
# You know she's as bad as she looks, she's mine #
# She's all I want and I need, no lie #
# I ain't wastin' no time #
# You see her going around 'cause she's a... #
# Hold up! Wait a minute! Minute, minute #
# That chick, that chick right there, that chick, that chick right there #
# That girl # # That chick, that chick right there #
# That chick, that chick right there # # That girl #
# That chick, that chick right there, that chick, that chick... #
It's been a while.
I know.
You grew up. When did you get so good?
I practice every now and then.
Not "now and then." Give yourself some credit. That was fantastic.
It's fun. It's not ballet,
but I realized a while ago that "The Glass Slipper" wasn't for me.
How did you know I was here?
Your sister.
So, every year at the ABC, there's this boot camp.
It's part of the Academy, it's how
Jonathan feeds new dancers into the program.
This year, they're doing something different.
Jonathan's looking for modern dancers,
creative ones, who are willing to move in any way.
I think you should audition.
Yeah, the company would think about me?
Yeah.
-I don't think so. -Why not?
Kate didn't get in, and she's a way better dancer than I am.
Well, like I said, Jonathan's not just looking for classical ballet dancers.
He wants modern. All right? A new vibe, a whole new thing.
I think that you'd be great for it.
I don't think so.
Yeah, Wednesday, 3:00. Here's the address.
All you need to do is just come up with a little modern routine.
Just show off what you can do.
I don't think I'd be comfortable there. In that environment.
In what environment?
Well, it's a world-class ballet company.
It's full of all these gorgeous, beautiful, skinny ballerinas, and...
No. No, none of that matters.
When they see you dance? It's fantastic.
You're gonna be fine, trust me.
Even if I went, I would have to change my name on that application.
I don't want people to know that I'm Kate Parker's sister.
That's fine. You can call yourself whatever you want.
Is that a yes?
That's a maybe.
No. Wednesday, 3:00? I'll see you there?
What's with the moves?
I'm auditioning to be part of the American Ballet Company.
A ballerina?
So dancing runs in the family?
You're not the ballet type.
I'm not auditioning to be a ballerina.
I'm auditioning to be a modern dancer.
Auditioning? Well, just tell them who you are.
I can't tell them I'm Kate Parker's sister, because
then they'll expect me to dance like her, and I already know I can't.
Anyways, I want to get in on my own.
You'd be a good paralegal.
I don't want to be a paralegal. I want to be a dancer.
Yeah, well, so did that one.
I had the same conversation with her 20 years ago, right in this chair.
I'm still here.
So is she.
Eat your pie, Myron.
I'm just trying to give you a little dose of reality.
Following your dreams is one thing
but it's good to have a backup plan.
I don't want to be talking to you here in 20 years.
Thank you, Myron.
Hey! Hey!
So what's next for you, Kate?
I'm going to Rome next week.
I wanna go too, but I have school.
Maybe one day you'll get to dance onstage with your big sister.
I already practice every day.
Honestly?
I'm feeling pretty good about my chances this year.
Richard Nooney.
Great dancer.
Never should have switched to modern though.
His girlfriend's a dancer, too, but I hear she's better.
That's Allegra Hjelmstad.
She's amazing. I already know she's in.
Unless they find out about her reputation.
But everyone pretty much knows already, so...
What's her reputation?
Sabotage.
She was forced out of the Dallas Ballet Academy for it.
But her dad's uber-rich, so they kept it on the down low.
She's who you want for a partner, but she's mine, so hands off.
What about her?
Her? Seriously?
That's the level these modern dancers are on.
Looks like you found some talented movers.
Nice job.
I'd like to thank you all for auditioning.
You've all presented your arts and skills admirably
both in ballet and in modern dance.
Those of you who made the short list for the next round,
let's take five.
Drink some water, stretch it out...
then we'll get started.
Jonathan, these moderns aren't going to catch up on ballet at camp.
They're years behind.
You never know. They all have at least some training.
Well, some training isn't good enough, Jonathan.
If this is really what you want to do, the ballet dancers will suffice.
If they can loosen up.
They don't need to loosen up.
Let's begin.
My goodness.
What's your name?
Bella.
Bella Miller.
Sorry.
Found it. I'm ready.
She's wrong in every way, and I can't take my eyes off her.
What?
There's something there.
She'll never do pointe.
If she has a good enough ballet teacher, she'll be alright.
I beg your pardon?
Okay, so what about another modern?
She's young.
Yeah, but she's good.
I like her.
Let's take a chance on her.
Only one modern spot left.
Well, there's no contest. We can't possibly accept Bella.
I mean, she's clearly not somebody with potential or talent.
Nope. My vote is for the blonde.
Bella.
I gotta say, Bella's an unconventional choice.
But she has something worth exploring.
And my vote.
Yo, the list is up!
The list is up!
Hello, Bella Parker.
I made a mistake not accepting your sister,
but I not gonna make the same mistake with you.
I just didn't want anyone knowing Kate was my sister.
I understand.
It's nice to see you again.
And Miss Miller, get yourself a new pair of tights.
Yes, sir.
We did it! We did it!
Congratulations.
And welcome to American Ballet Company's training camp intensive.
We are looking to expand our repertoire
and include more modern influences
and create something new.
Only a select few of you will make it into the company.
It's our version of the junior varsity team.
You will be required to work on ballet technique and modern
if you expect to get any further.
Charlie?
Thank you, Jonathan.
The bus leaves 8:00 a.m. Friday morning.
Look around you.
This is your competition, and also your family, for the next six weeks.
What if you've got no competition?
What if you let us make that judgment?
And one more thing. This is a world-class institution.
Dress the part.
Gwen back there?
She's phenomenal.
She looks like she's 15.
That's 'cause she is.
Candie over there? She shouldn't be a problem.
She's good, but she's a total follower.
So you just know everything there is to know about everyone, then?
Best way to get ahead.
So what's my story then?
What's that saying?
"A good artist copies, a great artist steals?"
You're a good dancer. Good.
And what's your deal?
Me? I'm a great dancer.
They'll call me the next Cooper Nielsen.
Hey, where's that girl with the hole in her tights?
Who cares?
No!
No, no! Wait!
Hey, wait! Hey!
Thank you.
Sorry I'm late.
Show up anytime.
Hi. Thanks.
The studio!
This is so much fun!
Everybody take a sheet.
A map of the campground and cabin assignments are listed.
You have 30 minutes to settle in, then we meet in the lounge.
Dismissed.
Unbelievable. There's no Wi-Fi, barely any cell signal.
Hope we don't have to share bathrooms.
It's just six weeks. Just six weeks.
What are you doing? Do you hear that?
Silence.
I've never heard that before.
Bella! We're bunk-buddies. Bunk-buddies!
It's cute, right?
Yeah.
I like what you did with the place.
Thanks.
My god, can I have top bunk?
Yeah.
Okay.
Yes!
Come on, we gotta go for roll call!
Okay.
Yes! Bunk buddies!
Coming! I'm coming!
I expect you all to dress properly in my ballet class.
Ladies, pink tights and black leotard.
Gentlemen, white shirts and black tights.
-No exception. -Except for in my class,
I don't care what you wear, as long as you can dance in it. Okay?
Also, Jonathan highly recommends you guys work together.
In fact, your performance depends on it.
This year you guys are going to be judged in pairs.
I know it's not a typical situation, but this isn't a typical season.
Now, all the studios will be open during the evening
for you to practice and perfect everything that you've learned.
I highly encourage you to take full advantage of that.
Lights out 10:30. That's it.
# Hey, hey... #
# Feel the pitch-black sky above #
# Don't be scared to give it love #
# There's a full moon on the rise tonight #
# Crazy eights too hard to find #
# So let's get stupid Out of line #
# Drive this body off the cliff, all right #
# Everyone everywhere #
# You got to get out your chair #
# This is a love affair #
# With everyone everywhere #
# Everywhere everyone #
# The party has just begun #
# Don't matter where you've been #
# Everybody everywhere #
# Everyone come on #
# Everyone everywhere #
# You got to get out your share #
# 'Cause this is a love affair #
# With everyone everywhere #
# Everywhere everyone #
# The party has just begun #
# Doesn't matter where you're from #
# Everybody everywhere #
# Everyone, come on #
How are we supposed to beat those guys?
Seriously?
They've all been training since they were, like, three.
So we have to figure out ballet. They all have to learn how to do modern.
And Charlie says that we're getting judged on our personalities
as equally as our abilities.
So you mean I should just smile a lot?
I'm saying that we should just dance the way we know we can
and try and get along with everyone.
Good luck with that.
-Hey! -See?
They're either insulting us or pretending we don't exist.
Where are you going?
To show them I exist.
Are you excited for class?
How long have you been doing ballet for?
Since I was three.
Ballet is cool.
Lift the tail, drop the heels and hold for one...
Are you from New York? two...
Have you ever been to the Apthorp?
Sorry, I don't know where that is.
Now, left leg comes up.
Her parents have an apartment in that building.
Whose?
Vanessa. My girlfriend?
We're moving in. We can't wait to live together.
Bring the leg through...
and proceed into side angle pose.
You're facing the wrong way.
Deviation is the essence of modern dance.
Also, I sometimes get my right and my left mixed up.
Low lunge, back to low lunge.
Cactus arms, everyone.
Find your claws.
Find your inner animal.
You are the calm in the center...
of the storm and chaos around you.
We're gonna scream that storm away!
Come on, come on.
I have the list of pairs.
Candie, you're with Ivan. Gwen, with Michael.
Allegra, you're with Richard.
Yes.
Lauren, you're with Sam. Megan, with Patrick.
And Damon, you've got Bella.
Find your partners.
Sorry, dude.
Hey.
-So it'll be good. -Yeah.
And...
You'll do.
Yes, yes, yes, good.
Okay, guys. I need you to focus on moving your entire body.
I need you to breathe, I need you to feel.
Like this tree when the wind blows through it.
It all moves in unison. It's connected, it's breathing, it's alive.
Good. That's what we're doing here, we're breathing.
I want you to move any way your body wants to move.
Let's try some improv.
Gwen, start us off.
Good.
Yes, Gwen, thank you. Yes.
That's exactly what I'm talking about.
Damon, give it a go. No...
Don't be afraid of it. Come on, buddy, you got it. Let's go. Try.
Improv, you got this.
Okay.
It's all good, buddy. Let's all move. Everyone together, breathe.
Don't sweat it.
Damon, give it a go, buddy. No one cares what you're doing.
Got it?
Nice!
Awesome. Keep moving. Keep moving!
Don't worry about what anyone else is thinking.
Let's take a piqué arabesque.
Gentleman, I'm always aware of where her weight is.
Her hips are right over her ankle.
You take one hand off, no problem.
Ladies, use your pliés.
Strong core.
Standing leg straight.
That's okay.
You all right?
Off the floor.
I'm sorry.
Seven, eight...
Not bad.
Remember guys, it's not how strong you are.
It's about how well you work together in the lift.
Trying to get rid of me?
What? No, of course not.
She speaks.
I didn't say anything about you.
I know. I'm just teasing you.
Well, I just want to make sure you know that I'm not like that, okay?
I think we're gonna be really great partners, actually.
-Really? -Yeah.
I do too, because I'm just telling you, everything's working out for me.
Vanessa. I'm here. You're my partner.
Don't worry, we got this.
Do you want to practice tonight?
I don't know what else I'd be doing.
Okay, fair, yeah.
Seven, eight.
Plié, one, two...
three, four...
five, six...
seven, eight.
And a one, two...
three, four...
Should my arm be further back for that part?
What are you wearing?
I specifically said that each student should wear the proper uniform.
Well, this is all I have that's black.
It's Bella, right?
Seven, eight...
And a one, two, three...
And three, four, up. Good.
Lorenza is such an asshole.
Don't let her freak you out. She's just bitter.
Bitter about what?
She used to be a principal dancer at La Scala in Milan
but then she suffered a serious injury.
She was awesome.
Which is tragic, really, but she shouldn't be taking that out on us.
Maybe if the bunch of you could actually dance.
I'll show you dancing, ballerina boy.
Some people might say that modern dance has no place here.
That it's a second tier form of dance.
That it lacks substance, that it lacks rules.
Modern is just as demanding as ballet.
It is just a different mind-set, a different technique.
It comes from your gut, from your hips, from your torso.
It's not about being vertical, it's about being grounded,
so you can shape your body to the music.
You just want us to roll around on the floor?
No, I want you to train your body
so you get off the floor without using your hands.
That's it, Bella, good work. Keep going. Keep moving.
Good.
It's a fight!
Hey, guys!
Get off me!
Think you can take me?
Stop it!
Let him go! I'll kick his ass.
Yo, fight's over! All right?
Just go.
Do you want them to send you home?
I'm sick of that guy.
He's messing with your head.
That's how he's gonna take you out of this competition.
We're just a bunch of amateurs to them.
So we need to work twice as hard and be twice as professional
to prove them wrong.
No.
Seven, eight.
And a one, two...
three, four, five...
Dammit.
six, seven, eight.
And a one, two...
three, four...
five, six Hey.
I was wondering if we could do the pas de dux?
I'm sorry, the pas de what?
The pas de dux?
It's "pas de deux."
Back to the barre, please.
Yeah.
Six, seven, eight.
And a one, two, three...
And a one, two...
three, four, five...
No, Ivan, you're showing off!
You're not ready for that jump.
You've got the right technique, but don't dance with your heart.
Richard, you're up.
Ivan, stop it.
Ivan, get off the floor!
Quit it, man. You're gonna get kicked out.
Don't kid yourself. You are not good enough to make that jump.
Ivan, stop it!
It's broken.
Get Dr. Larum.
You may have a very long recovery ahead of you.
I told you to stop.
You think you know better than I?
I know what you should be doing, when you should be doing it,
and how you should be doing it.
Now, if I say you're not ready, you are not ready.
And if I say you're not good enough, you are not good enough!
Class dismissed.
Bella!
Bella, wait up.
Hey, I didn't get a chance to thank you this morning for
letting me into Lorenza's class.
Yeah, sure.
Hey, come on.
I can't do this.
Do what?
Well, everything Lorenza just said in there.
I'm not good enough.
I was never good enough.
Bella, don't even say that.
They want the next Kate Parker.
You're her sister, aren't you?
I've seen you before with her. When you were younger.
On the Internet.
Yeah, I am. I'm her sister.
Please don't tell anyone, okay?
Of course not.
Hey, it's me, I just...
What are you doing?
Do you really want to leave?
I'm not going to be a dancer...
so I might as well go back to be a waitress.
I'm done.
You're an amazing dancer.
You're the perfect ballerina.
Look, I came here for a reason.
What's that?
Just put the big one between your big toe and second toe
and the small piece in between your fourth and fifth toes.
Well. That's so much better. Thank you.
Okay, let's go have some fun.
# Growing old is something in the moment #
# Let's go to places we've never been before #
# Feels right to live out loud tonight #
Come on.
No.
Okay. Do that again, but extend your arm up more
and extend your front leg.
-Okay. -Okay.
That was so good.
You need to help us.
Look, you're the best ballerina here, and I'm a good modern dancer,
so if we helped each other out, we could get in together.
Well, I guess I could use some help in Tommy's class.
You and me both.
Okay, so let's meet up in the evenings, work on our weak points?
All four of us. Let's do it. Yeah.
Hey, what are you guys talking about?
We never would've got into the company if that was our audition.
Company or no company, all I've ever wanted to do is dance.
Well then, you should probably perfect your ballet technique a little more.
I mean, Lorenza already doesn't like the moderns.
"The Moderns"? Is that what you call us?
We call you a number of different things,
but I can't repeat them in present company.
You're such a gentleman.
Look, if we don't get into the company, it's because you're way too rigid.
No, I'm not.
Look, you know the choreography, and you know the moves,
but dance isn't just some mathematical equation.
You've gotta let go and be free.
Don't be afraid to be spontaneous.
Yeah, well, if I'm too rigid, it's because you're all over the place.
I am only all over the place because...
Because what?
Because Lorenza is, like, boring a hole through my soul while I dance
and who can be free while that happens?
Yeah.
Yeah, you're right.
Come on.
Don't be scared in Tommy's improv class.
I'm not scared.
What are you doing?
Being spontaneous.
# Set your wheels on fire #
This can't happen.
We're partners.
Look, it's the oldest cliché in the book.
Partners hook up, and everything's great and
everything is fine until it's not.
And then everything's ruined and the
dance is ruined, and everyone can see it.
We all know the story.
Yeah, I guess you're right.
We have to be teammates.
Then we'll get into the company together.
I'm in.
Actually, I'm out, 'cause it's freezing.
I thought we were teammates!
Come on! Let's go get Richard and Allegra.
Work hard, play hard. Let's hit it.
Okay.
That was intense, you guys.
-Hard work pays off. -Please.
Six, seven...
Yes, yes, fantastic work, you guys, thank you.
Guys, let's do it again. I want you to watch them, all right?
Strongest couple in the room. You guys, do it like them.
Okay.
And seven, eight... and...
Five, six seven, eight.
Leg straight. One, two...
three, four...
five, six...
This should be perfect by now.
From the top.
And seven, eight.
And a-one, two...
three, four...
five, six...
seven... legs straight. And...
Candie told me Ivan's not coming back,
and they're trying to find her a partner.
Damon! Damon. Can I talk to you?
Listen, I'm going to talk to Jonathan about getting you a new partner.
Why?
Come on.
Bella's holding you back.
What do you mean? I... I thought she did great today.
We both know she'll never be a real dancer.
This whole modern dance thing is Jonathan trying to fundraise.
He'll get over it, and when he does,
the modern dancers will simply be discarded.
I don't want you to get caught up in it. You are far too good.
No.
No, what?
I don't want a new partner.
You're really good at modern.
You can be really good at modern, too.
So, we need to start practicing before everyone else shows up.
Yeah. Okay.
What's wrong?
I don't know.
Modern, improv... It just gets to my head.
You can do it.
Okay, listen...
ballet is all about taking movement and turning it into feelings.
And you're amazing at it.
Modern is just the opposite.
It's taking your feelings and turning it into movement.
It's all about just expressing yourself, and doing it from the heart.
Just fill in the blanks.
Feel in the blanks.
"Feel in the blanks?"
I think I can give it a shot.
Okay, let's give it a shot.
I'm going to tap you, and you move. Ready?
There you go.
Okay, keep going. Keep going.
Thanks, Bella.
Hi, guys.
Sorry we're late.
Well, let's get started.
Okay, everybody, gather around, please. Gather around.
As all of you know, there's only a few days left until the final audition.
So I want you to look around right now.
Look around.
These are not your friends.
They're your competition.
Understood?
Dismissed.
Good class today.
Yeah. Thank you.
Yeah.
So, is it true?
Is what true? You're Kate Parker's sister.
-What? -That's what I heard.
You're Kate Parker's sister?
Well, yeah, I'm her sister.
So you're what, just going through the motions here?
Did any of us actually have a chance at getting ahead of you?
Or have you had this deal since day one?
What deal?
That Kate will guest star for the company next season,
so long as you get accepted.
Where did you all hear this? Is this true?
No.
Why didn't you at least tell me?
I didn't want anyone to know.
Well, you must have told someone.
You told everyone Kate was my sister?
And that she had some sort of a bullshit deal going on with Jonathan?
Am I just another competitor for you to eliminate?
You really haven't changed since Dallas, have you?
Partner up!
Bella, where have you been? I've been looking for you.
What's going on? Are you all right?
Okay, let's begin with chassé, fouetté into arabesque.
Positions, please.
And seven, eight.
And a one, two...
three, four...
five, six...
seven, eight.
Are you trying to take me out?
What is going on over there?
Nothing, I just... I'm sorry.
Again!
Bella!
Go away!
I saw you running with Allegra, but I really shouldn't be surprised.
I guess the world is full of insecure backstabbers and cutthroats.
Bella, Allegra didn't tell anyone about Kate.
You asked her? Yes, and it wasn't her.
And I don't know who spread the rumor about you and Jonathan having a deal...
But if you say it's not true, then I believe you.
Now, we need to focus.
There's only a couple more days before our final audition,
and I know you want to get into the ABC as much as I do.
We need to work together, Bella...
not against each other.
Teammates, remember?
And you need to talk to Allegra, not me.
Hey.
I owe you an apology.
What happened in Dallas?
I wasn't kicked out.
Not by the faculty.
I was run out by the other dancers.
Why?
Charlotte Ostenberg. My biggest rival.
She was my best friend, too.
At least I thought she was.
I couldn't figure out why they hated me so much.
Everyone.
Charlotte was telling the other dancers
that I was saying terrible things about them behind their back.
I was so miserable that I couldn't even dance.
I just had to leave.
But I can't leave here.
This is my last year to get into a company
and after what happened in Dallas,
no one else will even let me audition.
Bella...
This is it for me.
I'm sorry.
All right, listen up.
It's come to our attention
that certain rumors have been circulating about a deal with ABC?
Let's get one thing straight. This is unacceptable.
There were absolutely no deals made with Kate Parker.
Nobody's spot here is guaranteed.
If any of you expect to have a career here at the ABC, all of this ends now.
You're not here to have fun. You are here to be professionals.
I don't care how good any of you are at dance.
If you can't respect each other, you do not belong here.
Once ABC's name has been dragged through the mud,
it's not a rumor, it's not gossip. It's defamation.
So when we got wind of this yesterday, we suspected Ivan. We called him.
He admitted to authoring that rumor.
He realized if he didn't confess,
he would never get a chance to dance at a company like this ever again.
And to whomever else decided to help spread this rumor around camp,
do yourself a favor.
Step forward.
I did.
It was me. I'm sorry.
Do you realize the damage a rumor like this could have on a company?
I called Ivan at the hospital. He was angry.
He told me that you were Kate's sister,
and that you would always get into the company.
That there was a deal. I thought it was true.
He told me that it wasn't fair, to me or any of us, and I believed him.
I realize now he was just trying to get you to...
Quit? Is that it?
He told me that if you left, I had a better chance of getting in
because they couldn't find me a partner.
I'm so sorry, Bella.
Well, Candie, thank you for coming forward with that.
I think I should leave.
Yeah.
You have two days until your final audition.
Okay, get out there, practice, practice, practice.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Fancy yourself to be a ballerina, do you?
No.
Well, that's good, because you'll never be one.
You've had some training, but you'll never make the cut.
I didn't come here to be a ballerina.
Jonathan doesn't expect me to be a ballerina.
And what do you expect of yourself?
Other than to be Kate Parker's sister?
My sister didn't have any more training than I had when I started.
Yes, but she had talent.
I started training when I was four years old.
And by the time I got accepted into the Academy,
I had already put in thousands of hours...
of blood, sweat, discipline.
I earned my place in the Academy.
Well, you should have the same expectations of me as everyone else.
I expect greatness. And I just don't see it.
I'm sorry, I'm being honest. You're young.
You can find a different path, and maybe even succeed.
Well, Tommy and Jonathan see something in me.
And I know it.
I may never be as good a ballerina as you or Kate, but I'm okay with that.
I didn't like ballet when I got here.
I didn't even want to see myself in a mirror.
But the more I danced, the less I cared.
Look, you can try and mess with my head, but it doesn't matter.
You play the cards you're dealt.
Maybe it's time you learnt that for yourself.
You injured yourself 15 years ago.
You should get over that.
Get out.
I'm practicing.
Hi.
Hey.
What's up?
Just thinking about tomorrow.
It's a lot of pressure.
Yeah, but we've trained for that.
Look at how far we've come.
Everything will be great.
Yeah. Everything will be great.
Have a good night.
Yeah, you too.
Bella!
Yeah?
I can't sleep.
I don't think anyone can sleep tonight.
Come in!
Hey, what's up?
Why aren't you in your outfit yet?
Vanessa called.
There's this new dance company, and her dad's involved.
Yeah?
They've already made me an offer, but I have to be in Paris for tomorrow night.
And I'm taking it. My flight leaves in three hours.
What?
No! No, you don't have to be in Paris by tomorrow. That's crazy.
You're caving. You're caving in to the pressure.
Please, Richard, I know we can do this.
What if we don't?
Paris is a sure thing. I'm sorry.
What's wrong?
Richard left.
Bella, I don't know what to do.
I don't have a partner, so I can't even audition.
Yeah, you can.
This is it.
Everything you've worked towards for the past six weeks,
everything you've dreamt of since that very first dance class.
Today's the day you'll never forget.
And just in case that's not enough motivation for you,
we have a very special guest judge today.
Cooper Nielsen.
Hello everybody. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you got.
And Jonathan pretty much has it covered,
but there's one thing he forgot to mention.
One very important thing.
Have fun out there.
Let's begin.
Damon and Bella? You're up.
I won't be dancing at today's audition.
Bella, what are you talking about?
Where does this leave your partner?
Richard got accepted to a dance company in Paris
and he left this morning.
So that leaves Allegra without a partner.
I want her to take my place.
She's the best dancer here and she deserves this chance.
More than I do.
Are you sure?
All right. I accept your decision.
Damon, Allegra, it's all yours.
No... I can't.
What are you doing? Just feeling in the blanks.
This is supposed to be a duet!
Let them go.
# Forgive me for my selfish ways #
# Why don't you talk to me #
# I'm just tryin' to feel the love again #
# Why don't you talk to me #
# I'm just tryin' to feel the love again #
# You were never there for me #
# Like I was for you #
# Show me what it means to love #
# I guess you never know #
# And it hurts so you can't breathe #
# Dance the pain away #
# You kiss me like you mean it #
# Why can't you ever stay #
# Stay, ho #
# Why don't you talk to me #
# I'm just tryin' to feel the love again #
Since you presented yourselves as one, we'll judge you that way.
You'll all get into the studio company...
or you all won't get into the studio company.
We'll have the results for you shortly.
Well, I should let my parents know what's happening.
Come on. Take a walk with me.
You guys really shouldn't have done that.
You wanted to see me?
Here, have a seat.
We've watched you grow into a wonderful dancer, Gwen.
However, we feel you're still not quite ready for the company.
But we have reserved a spot for you in the Academy, if you're interested.
-No way. -Way.
Of course I'm interested!
Thank you so much. Can I give you a hug?
Sure.
Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you.
The ABC isn't everything, though.
I guess I don't even want to dance there that badly.
Yeah, you do.
Okay. Yeah, I do.
There's something I want even more right now.
And what would that be?
Get a room, you two.
My god. I didn't even see you.
Really? You didn't see me?
I wonder why.
So what did your parents have to say?
Guys, it's the results.
We all look together.
Welcome to the ABC Studio Company's Night of Modern,
celebrating our five newest members:
Megan Holmes, Patrick Fenwick,
Allegra Hjelmstad, Damon Wilson, and Bella Parker.
# I was born in a thunderstorm #
# I grew up overnight #
# I played alone I played on my own #
# I survived #
# Hey #
# I wanted everything I never had #
# Like the love that comes with light #
# I wore envy and I hated that #
# But I survived #
# I had a one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go #
# Where the wind don't change #
# And nothing in the ground can ever grow #
# No hope, just lies #
# And you're taught to cry in your pillow #
# But I survived #
# I'm still breathing, I'm still breathing #
# I'm alive #
Jonathan really nailed it.
Brilliant, isn't it?
Fine.
#...In the strangest place #
# Way in the back of my mind #
# I saw my life in a stranger's face #
# And it was mine #
# I had a one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go #
# Where the wind don't change #
# And nothing in the ground can ever grow #
# No hope, just lies #
# And you're taught to cry in your pillow #
# But I survived #
# I'm still breathing, I'm still breathing #
# I'm alive #
Bravo!
You did it, Miss Parker.
Thank you.
What are you doing here?
Do you think I'd miss my sister's debut show?
From half-way around the world?
Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for anything.
Couple of peas in a pod, we are.
Don't I know it.
It's good to see you!
Come and meet some of my friends.
Yeah, I'm sure some of them have already heard of you.
Allegra! This is Kate, my sister.
-Hi! -Hi!
You're so good. That was amazing.
It's nice to finally meet you.
My goodness! Yes! Your lift was amazing at the end.
Myron...
So...
the young dance prodigy returns.
Looking for a job?
No.
Actually, I'm with the Studio Company... at the ABC.
You gotta be kidding.
How's the pie?
Better with company.
Thank you.
# This time, I say we're through... #
# I... I... I ain't never seen her before #
# One pretty little trick tryna #
# Run out through the back door #
# So I step to the left, puffed out the chest #
# Kid so fly had to show 'em that ass #
# That action, distraction #
# Make this a chain reaction #
# She was more than a ten her and her friends #
# Made their own money and had their own ends #
# Yow, yip-yip yow #
# Come here lemme show you a pretty little face #
# It's more than now, dip-dip dow #
# You stay here and let you girl go #
# I don't mean, mean no harm #
# And I wanna show you the rude boy charm and #
# Yep, give me the signal, I'm on it #
# That there body need warning, warning #
# You know that chick, she's fine #
# And you know she's bad as how she looks, she's mine #
# She's all I want and I need, no lie #
# I ain't wastin' no time #
# You see her going around 'cause she's a... #
# Hold up! Wait a minute! #
# Minute, minute, minute #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# That girl #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# That chick, that chick right there # No #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# That girl #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# She seem like a quiet girl #
# You know I don't buy it, not for a second #
# On your mark # # Get set #
# Everything you protect is out #
# And I'm tryna see what you all about #
# Are you a Gemini or a Leo? #
# I'm a Taurus, check out my ego #
# A little famous, check out your TiVo #
# And where we see the pretty gal go, we go #
# Yo, I'm more than good company #
# And a quick check, lemme put you in check I'm a vet #
# When it comes to the sweat running down your neck from that DJ set #
# Pull up, pull up # # Blonde, redhead, to a brunette #
# Pull up, pull up # # I see you rolling it like roulette #
# Pull up, pull up #
# From the front view to the silhouette, you a threat #
# Even I'll have that body in debt #
# You know that chick, she's fine #
# You know she's bad as how she looks, she's mine #
# All mine #
# She's all I want and I need, no lie #
# I ain't wastin' no time #
# You see her fooling around 'cause she a... #
# Hold up! Wait a minute! #
# Minute, minute, minute # # That chick, that chick right there #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# That girl #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# That girl #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# That chick right there #
# That chick, that chick right there #
# She a little off to the left #
# Skirt showing all the goodies in the La Senza she got left #
# Now she off to the right # # To the right #
# With about five guys following behind her all night #
# She putting them seams to the test #
# It seems that seam cannot cover the brrr... #
# Heart pumping like a 20-minute workout #
# She in control, keep Captain Kirk out #
# See the twerk there? See the body bounce? #
# You know that she only dip when it really counts #
# Animal prints on undergarments #
# Give me one touch, I'm on it #
# On it, on it # # You know that chick, she's fine #
# You know she's bad as how she looks, she's mine #
# She's all I want and I need, no lie #
# I ain't wastin' no time #
# You see her fooling around 'cause she a... #
# Hold up! Wait a minute! #