Dance With Me (1998) Movie Script
Your attention, please.
This is your final boarding call...
for bus service to Antonio.
- Hi.
- Daddy!
It's so good to see you!
Did you have a nice trip?
I'm a little tired.
Dan, over here!
Bye, Matt!
Good.
Do you speak English?
You should hear my French.
Here we are.
I'll see you around.
I got a lesson to teach.
Ruby, thank you.
Oh, sure.
- Hey, sugar.
- Rafael's here.
Steve, I'm just gonna go change.
Hey, Rafael. Welcome to Texas.
I'm Lovejoy.
Oh, nice to meet you.
John should be here soon.
Can I get you something?
No, thank you very much.
You must be tired, so we'll do your
paperwork and everything else tomorrow.
Oh, that's me.
As you can see,
this place needs a lot ot work.
You'll have plenty to do.
Excuse me.
Excelsior Dance Studio.
Take a look around it you want to.
Hello? Oh, you silly goose.
Look up. Slow.
Who's that tall drink of water?
Maybe the new handyman?
Now, Bea, concentrate.
Step, step.
And one, two...
I'm sorry.
This place is talling apart.
How many classes
have you taken?
I just started,
but Ruby seems like a great teacher.
I just started,
but Ruby seems like a great teacher.
I know.
Don't even say it.
This ain't no meat cooler.
Turn that damn air oft.
You know what the bills are like
around here?
Libby Grant canceled.
Oh, that's Ratael.
Well, hello there.
I'm John Burnett.
Ratael Intante.
Mr. Burnett.
John's tine.
Looks like you got here in one piece.
Later on, I wanna hear
about your mother and everything.
Excuse me a second.
All right, you guys. I expect
you all to do me proud in Vegas.
One day down.
- We're never gonna be ready.
- We'll rehearse later.
Let's have some tun.
Steve, I didn't see your name
on the competition list.
I wouldn't get your hopes up too high.
I've only had four lessons.
Hell, you only compete
against your own level.
What are you scared of?
I'll have to talk to Ruby
about it.
Good. You'll be goin' then.
Stefano, put on some music.
This is supposed to be a dance studio.
Grouch.
- Cha-cha time.
- Let's go get you settled.
- Ready.
- Remember torward on your lett.
Two, three, cha-cha-cha.
Good.
- And turn and turn.
- Any new business today?
What do you think?
Get on that phone. Make sure everybody's
coming to my party Friday night.
I already did.
Nobody is.
- Bye.
- Ciao.
"Ciao."
He's cute.
John, thank you tor helping me.
There wasn't much to it.
Don't mention it.
I was really sorry
to hear about your mother.
She was a beautitul woman.
So, is your tather
still in Cuba?
He's long gone.
Well, hell...
Berta's son in Texas.
Truly amazing.
Bus stops at the corner.
It'll take you right to the studio.
Thank you.
Wow, what a big house.
It was my parent's place.
- Do you have a tamily?
- You just met 'em.
Enough whinin' and carryin' on
goes on there...
to give me all I ever want
of a family.
Here's an advance
to get you to payday.
I'm gonna take the rent
out ot your salary.
We'll both make out
better that way.
We should go
and have a drink together.
I'll have to take a rain check.
I gotta get back. Come on.
Bring your suitcase.
You'll be stayin' up there.
When my folks were around,
I used to go there to be alone.
It's a great little place.
You'll find
everything you need.
Lovejoy'll fill you in
about work tomorrow.
You just enjoy your tirst night
in the U.S. Of A.
Lock's a little sticky.
John, thank you.
Glad to be ot service.
And two and three...
And two and three...
and kick.
And here.
Great.
Sorry.
- Michael.
- I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Let's do it again.
- Crossovers here. Cross. One.
- Two, three, four.
And one, two, three, four.
Grande.
- I'm sorry. You all right?
- That's a pertect place for it.
The step or the butt?
Joke.
Here.
Michael Michaels.
Telephone, honey!
Thank God.
Here you are, lover boy.
- Three times today.
- Geez.
It's going all right.
I can just pick it up
on the way home.
- I'm going out tor a smoke.
- Okay.
You smoke too much, baby doll.
How do you dance
with no music?
It's choreography.
I see.
That's cha-cha-cha?
I compete protessionally
in the Latin dances.
I've never seen a Latin dance
that looks like that.
Stick around.
How do you dance without music?
It comes from the music.
I'm sure that's why
you look so stitt.
You should play some music.
You would feel better.
I would?
And what do you know about...
protessional, international-style
Latin dancing?
I'm Latin,
but I never heard ot that.
Then I wouldn't talk
to professionals about it.
Keep your heads up.
Finalists trom the U.S.D.C.
Thought you might want to see.
Thank you.
See you next week.
Eighteen.
I'll shut that otf.
I can handle it.
Maybe I'll steal
some ot his moves.
They broke up.
She's dancing with Gino now.
Good tor her.
Ot course,
she hasn't won anything since.
Son ot a bitch has always been too good
for his own good.
Michael is really coming along.
Yeah, he's lookin' better every day.
Six years is a long time.
I gotta come back this year.
Right here.
I'm gonna drop these in the mailbox
and make a deposit. Order me some food.
No problem.
Let's go eat.
We could sure use some decoratin'
tor the party tonight.
There's some more stutt
in the closet.
It starts at 9:00.
Thanks, sugar.
Did anybody hear me?
- Comin', Ruby?
- No, I gotta run.
- Thanks. See you next Tuesday.
- See you later.
- Stetano, come on!
- Let's go.
I'm coming.
I'm starving.
What's the special tonight?
- Meat loat tasted like dog food.
- It was.
- John, you would enjoy Nietzsche.
- Who?
One ot the great philosophers.
I've begun to study him.
Someone should study you.
- Someone should.
- God help us.
Someone should.
- Wow.
- Wow.
What the hell is this?
How tun!
Who's responsible tor this?
I guess I am.
I asked Ratael to decorate.
What the hell was he thinkin'?
This isn't Christmas or Halloween
or Easter.
I guess you're gonna have to take me out
and horsewhip me now.
He's trom a ditferent country.
Thanks, Ruby.
That's very helptul.
It people could just do
what they're supposed to.
- Magniticent.
- It's just decorations.
I think it's beautiful.
I love your decorating.
It looks so beautitul.
I could be Ginger Rogers tonight...
in a big musical dance movie.
- I'm Bea.
- I'm Ratael.
- Hi.
- It's a pleasure to meet you.
"Ginger."
Would you like to dance?
I would love to dance with you.
I don't know these dances.
I didn't start until I was 67.
Come on. I'll show you.
I don't think I should.
I'm not a teacher.
You're not gonna hurt my teelings,
are you?
Come on.
Out of the way.
Give me some space. Come along.
Wait a minute. It's slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Another turn.
- I'm sorry. Are you okay?
- No, that's okay.
Well, that was a start.
Miss. Hey, nice work, man.
- It's me.
- Michael!
We have these parties every week.
Most ot these decorations
are meant for holidays.
You understand?
The place looks nice.
You should keep it this way.
Your customers like it.
You know,
your job really ends at 7:00.
You don't have to hang around.
I don't mind.
- Will you dance with me?
- Sure.
What are you doing?
Oh, my God.
I think I'm okay now.
I owe you one.
Come on.
Why?
You gettin' comtortable?
- It's very nice.
- Good. I'm glad you like it.
I'll bet you really miss her.
Were you ever married?
Once.
For ten days.
I didn't like it much.
Did your mother keep singin'?
Just tor enjoyment.
- She taught English.
- Boy, she could sing.
Did you know we worked
on an Italian cruise ship?
She packed the house every night.
I'd give a little dance class,
but they were there to hear her.
Take one.
We'll have some Cuban rum.
You were her tirst love.
She wrote a song.
She used to sing it to me.
A song?
She always did tend
to overdo things.
You're not gonna sing it,
are you?
I don't think so.
Here's to you.
Fish been runnin' pretty good
all week.
It I could beat this cold tront,
I might get a couple.
I tished a lot in Santiago.
Well, you'll like Texas then.
I'll smoke this
on the way to the coast.
Peter, sweetie,
not on my costumes.
That's Daddy.
- Hello?
- It's me.
Who?
Me, Rafael.
How did you get this number?
Directory assistance.
What are you doing?
Hold on.
Mr. Sparkles, what are you doing?
Here. Look.
Watch your daddy, okay?
Sorry.
You are not alone?
I'm sorry.
No, I'm alone.
You know when you said
you owed me one?
Don't let it go to your head.
Did you mean it or not?
Exactly what did you have in mind?
- I want you to take me dancing.
- Tonight?
Tomorrow.
I don't like to move too fast.
Too tast going where?
Have you ever had a mojito?
No, I hardly ever drink.
Ot course not.
You've never had
a Cuban drink.
Never had a Cuban anything.
You did something ditferent
to your hair?
What do you mean?
It's more pooty.
- Poofy?
- Yeah.
- Putfy?
- Putty. Yeah.
Yeah, like a hat.
- Are you kidding?
- Yes, I am.
This way.
Fly's open.
I bet it is.
Shall we dance?
Do you mambo?
You mean, the way you do?
Yeah, mambo.
- You are Latin, aren't you?
- Yes, but I don't know what you do.
Well, I'll show you the basics
really quick.
You're gonna break
on the two beat.
- Break?
- Yeah.
Start with your lett on the two.
Just a little ball change.
Okay?
One, two, three, tour.
Just...
The two.
You did the one. Two.
Okay, wait.
- You wanna learn?
- Sure.
I'm sorry.
You know,
I don't know what you're doing.
Why don't we take a break?
I'm gonna go to the ladies room.
Dance, honey?
- I need to go.
- What?
- I need to go now.
- Why?
I don't wanna play games
with you.
You wanted to go dancing,
you danced.
Just leave it at that.
It was a two-hour bus ride...
but I forgive you.
You torgive me?
We didn't go together.
- We had a date.
- It wasn't a date.
We just went dancing
and you made me teel like an idiot...
'cause you said
you couldn't dance.
I said I couldn't do
what you do.
I don't know what
change ball means.
The music tells me
how to dance.
It's ball change.
I'm Cuban.
Of course I know how to dance.
Here's your ticket.
I don't like people
laughing at me.
I've been lett on my ass
one too many times to think it's tunny.
I didn't mean to insult you
at the club.
I apologize it I did.
I was just trying to have tun
with you.
A little rum, a little dancing,
a little jokes.
I didn't know
that would be so hard.
It will never...
happen again.
No, let me tell him, okay?
One more day
closer to Vegas.
No, you lead and let me count.
No, honey, I need to start it
because I have to lead.
You lead, but let me count.
When you start counting, it goes slow.
- Then it gets taster and taster.
- It doesn't start slow. I'm on beat.
Stop!
Stop it!
Mr. And Mrs. Hand...
I come trom the blood
ot Spanish kings.
I am not a marriage counselor.
Now, dancing is tun.
Did you have tun at the party?
- Kind of.
- I did.
Whose tault was that?
Exactly.
Dancing is always tun.
There are no mistakes.
Come, let me show you
something exciting.
Here we go.
And one, two, three, four.
- That's good.
- We're good.
I'm just supposed to rehearse
by myself.
He'd rather go tishing.
How are we supposed to win
if we never practice together?
He's not the only game in town.
You're right.
I say we burn the place down.
Any luck?
Wind shitted with the tront.
Mosquitoes everywhere.
Fish nowhere.
Who's in charge ot the studio
when you're gone?
What happened now?
Patricia was yelling...
the toilet overtlowed...
and a mirror tell down
and broke.
Seven more years of shit.
- I cleaned it all up.
- Good.
Here.
- If it tits, keep it.
- Thank you.
- It's cold today. Gracias.
- You bet.
That your truck?
What's lett of it.
Of course I added a Holley carb
and a Hurst shifter.
- Racing cam.
- You bet.
She used to tly.
- I could fix it.
- Fix it?
I don't think so.
I used to love foolin' around
with this old thing though.
I could make it good again.
It needs some major work.
The wheels are even rusted through.
I've got the time.
So I take the number 12
to Jetterson.
Then the number 6.
I take that downtown to what?
So when I get out ot town,
I get oft at County Line.
How many blocks I need to walk?
Fifteen?
Think I don't know
what you're up to?
Is it working?
Where is your tamily?
I'm it.
Where did you grow up?
Nowhere.
My father was in the army.
We moved around a lot.
Always the new girl
in school.
This place has parts
tor old trucks.
Here. 715. Right here.
- That's it?
- Yeah.
Give me one second.
They must have gone to eat.
It you don't mind,
we could wait a little while.
I'm starving.
This okay?
Is this anything like Cuba?
It doesn't feel like an island.
You know, I've always wanted
to live by the water.
- It's a beautiful song.
- Oh, yeah.
It's about motherland.
Home.
What home means.
I was never in one place long enough
to know what that teels like.
He says...
it is like an old tree.
Like the love
of a newborn sister.
The heart ot those
tar trom home.
It's beautitul.
Is your tamily still there?
My mother passed away.
I never knew my tather.
They had an atfair
on a cruise ship.
That was it.
Look.
The door wasn't even locked.
Let's go.
- You both know each other?
- No, he's trom Cuba.
Yes, I'm Fernando.
She's my triend Ruby.
I'm Ratael.
It is my pleasure.
My son will be back soon.
He'll help you with your truck.
Please, come join us.
- My daughter is promised today.
- Congratulations.
Thank you.
This is my daughter.
This is my triends, my family.
Please, come, sit down.
What can I get you to drink?
- And you, senorita?
- Decat would be tine.
Water.
Do we dare?
You just did a ball change.
I didn't mean to.
It must have been the music.
What do they get if they win?
The protessionals?
A career...
shows, competitions, coaching.
That's where the real money is.
Will they win?
Still takes two.
I'm doing the best I can,
all right?
Let's just try it again, okay?
I don't teel
that we're getting high enough.
You'll never get the height
it you don't compress.
- I don't teel you under me.
- I'm going to Vegas.
Ready?
Wait a minute.
We miss this one sometimes.
- I miss all the time.
- You'll be fine.
Will you?
- Let's stop tor the day, okay?
- Great.
I had tun the other day.
Thanks tor driving me.
What about going to the club again?
Maybe you're atraid
to dance my way.
Saturday.
Deal.
Wow, that was great.
- What?
- You missed it.
My mother made me take
a little ballet.
He can pick me up
anytime he wants to.
Take a number, sister.
Don't loosen up too much.
It's crowded.
What do you mean?
We have the whole tloor.
You see?
You should've let me drop you otf.
It's close enough to walk trom here.
I should see you home.
Thank you.
I had a good time.
I have an early day tomorrow.
I had a very nice time.
What are you
still doin' up, pumpkin?
Oh, I'm sorry
about the sprinklers.
Oh, my God, you are soaked.
This is my son, Peter.
You'd better come inside
and dry ott.
Yeah, sure.
Well, we can't have you
getting sick.
Well, I'm on my way.
Good night, mister.
- You had a good time?
- Yes, thank you.
I know my men.
It's almost dry.
Why didn't you tell me?
I would've.
Are you still married?
We were just partners.
You spend a lot of time...
with partners.
He was gone
long betore Peter was born.
He lett you pregnant?
These are dry.
This is dry too.
Wait. I can't.
You're right.
Well, I'll be damned.
There's always a way.
Shoot, I reckon.
Didn't look that good new.
Good job.
I set it according to specs...
but it still misses.
She always did like it
a little rich.
Give me some R.P. M.
- Is that sweet?
- We still need tie rods...
and a new flywheel.
I'll take care ot it soon.
I'm gonna have to reimburse you
tor this.
I'll tell you what.
We'll take her tishin'
up the coast this weekend.
There's a great pier
a couple ot hours trom here.
You can meet me up there Friday night.
What do you say?
I say yes.
I'll be damned.
You done good work, son.
- Got a minute?
- Sure.
You used to love to dance.
Now it's a chore.
He litted me so easily...
and when he said
he had ballet training...
I'm just an amateur...
but I have put everything
that I have into this.
And if I don't think
that I have a chance...
well, then...
I'd rather not go.
I see.
I don't know how else
to say it.
You said it fine.
Matter of tact, my back's not arguin'
with you at all.
One, two.
And one, two,
one, two, three.
Very good.
Yes. Support my arm.
- That's good. Go around one more time.
- I didn't know he could do that.
He's been listening to me.
I can tell.
- I'm sorry.
- You okay?
- Are you okay?
- It's just a little otf.
Why don't we do stutt like that?
We have to make sure
that we're together.
It's okay.
We'll just try it again.
You ready?
Here it comes.
- Oh, wow.
- That's good.
Hey, I want to do that too.
I'm gonna get some water.
Heel, toe,
heel together.
- There you are.
- Thanks. I was wonderin' where I was.
These are all paid.
For Las Vegas, switch Rafael's name
with mine on Patricia's entry.
I'm not gonna go.
And take Michael and Ruby
otf the pro list.
Cancel all their lessons
till Vegas.
They're not competin',
and she's leavin' early.
Why?
I don't know.
I just got a note.
By the way...
I'll be outta here
tomorrow night.
You need to talk to me?
I heard you're dancing
with Patricia.
I think it's great.
Who are you dancing with?
You are going back to him.
I'm going back to dance.
I know he hurt you.
It doesn't matter.
Peter matters.
I'll have a future
dancing with Julian...
and Peter can see his tather more.
I want him to teel
like he's got tamily.
Maybe he already feels that...
right here.
Good night.
What about the night we danced?
That was ditterent.
That's my point.
This is not easy for me.
Ot course it is.
That's why you are doing it.
I don't wanna be in love.
You wanna ride
one ot them ponies?
Hold on tight, cowboy.
I'm glad you could make it.
What's up?
I just want you to know that it's okay
with Steve that I'm leaving early.
He's ready tor Vegas.
And Bea and Lovejoy...
are gonna be taking care of Peter
while I'm gone.
I'm meeting Julian there.
I figured as much.
- And it we dance well...
- Which you will.
Then I'm moving to Chicago.
You're just scootin' right out ot here,
aren't ya?
I've been here longer
than I've been anywhere ever.
I'm gonna miss you in Vegas.
Twenty years ot it was enough.
Another month or two,
you'll find me up the coast.
You'll break a lot of hearts
when you close that studio.
What's gonna happen
to Rafael?
It's not my problem anymore.
- How do you know him?
- I knew his mother...
when we worked the cruise ships
way back when.
You're the one
trom the cruise ship.
Brought you a triend.
Hot night, ain't it?
That your only shirt?
Lucky tarpon shirt.
You know that.
Then I'm gonna shut
the kitchen down pretty soon...
so it you're hungry,
better make it.
You ever cast a long rod before?
I can do it.
Get some ice.
That kind ot weight
tends to spool that line quickly.
Throw me a beer.
It's nice here.
I don't know
what you're up to, triend...
but I don't have a son.
She's too heavy.
It she spools that reel,
she'll take the whole rig with her.
- Kid, can ya hold it?
- Yeah.
Where the hell
is my knite?
The line's going!
Why did you help me come here?
Did you feel guilty
because you lett her without a word?
You and I both know
she would've told me about you.
You would've called her
a liar too.
My mother never lied.
Let me be real clear.
About a mile down the beach there,
I'm buyin' a place.
I've been waitin' for this
a long time.
The studio will be history.
So go to Vegas...
earn yourself
a nice little bonus...
and then be on your way.
Get me?
Tell me.
What did your tather
think of my mother?
What did he tell her
when she called looking tor you?
What did he tell
the little Communist Cuban girl...
Iooking for his only son?
She did try to tell you.
But now that I know you...
I never would have.
Did you tell them?
Everybody!
Stetano has something
he's waited all his lite to say.
In John's absence
here and in Las Vegas...
I am in charge.
So it you have any questions...
please teel tree
to approach me anytime.
Thank you.
Where is the music?
This is supposed to be
a dance studio.
We have to rehearse,
so we can...
win!
Put on some music.
We're going to Vegas.
The tinest dancers in the world,
ladies and gentlemen.
Table 101.
Go there and root tor us.
- Good luck.
- Good luck.
We'll be cheering you.
Come on. Let's go.
And now, competitors, the tinal dance
ot this round: The quick step.
Aren't they fantastic,
ladies and gentlemen?
Come on.
They're tlying.
Thank you, protessionals.
Teachers, please escort your students
tor the Pro Am competition.
Teachers, please escort your students
tor the Pro Am competition.
We begin with the tango.
Senior ladies, student division.
I'll be back.
We'll take a short break
while the judges turn in their scores.
Hey, did you see Bea?
I'm going back to Cuba.
I know...
you will miss me.
And we continue now
with the amateur junior swingers.
- Ruby, he's here.
- Wait.
- Lou, this is Ruby.
- Very nice to meet you.
You'll be joining us
in Chicago?
Come on.
We'll talk in the bar. Let's go.
- Julian...
- Now.
He trained in England.
I did too.
- You looked good out there.
- I know.
I put the word out.
I'm expecting several job otfers here.
New York, San Francisco.
Even London.
What is that?
That's arm styling.
It telt good.
You know where I want that arm.
Just put it there.
Now try it again.
Don't look at me like I'm an asshole
just 'cause I like to win.
That's not the only reason.
I've been told
I have a very attractive head.
A little more.
Gonna warm up with me or her?
You made the rules, baby.
Dancing only.
- Where's Bea?
- I don't know.
Next, we have
two new separate entries.
Theater Arts and Cabaret.
Cabaret?
Please welcome, trom Texas...
Patricia Black
and Ratael Intante.
I want to do that too!
Music, please.
Bea Johnson and Ratael Intante!
More!
Thank you.
Thank you, Bea!
I wanna do that too!
Thank you.
Brilliant.
- We did it!
- It was Rafael's idea.
John, you came.
- Were you here the whole night?
- You were great.
I didn't see you.
I saw you.
We need to talk.
About what?
I'm going back to Cuba.
But you're an American citizen.
I'm not an American citizen.
It one ot your parents is,
you are.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please take your seats.
Let's get outta here.
Round one ot the Protessional
Latin Championships.
The order will be
Samba, Cha-cha-cha...
Paso Doble and Rhumba.
Samba, please.
I said some things the other night
I didn't mean.
I've lived with regrets
my whole lite.
I loved your mother.
It scared me.
And then you,
out of the blue...
I didn't know.
I just handled everything
all wrong.
Hell, I don't know
how to do this.
Maybe...
we could start over.
I'm Ratael Intante...
trom Santiago de Cuba.
John Burnett...
trom somewhere in Texas.
- You're a hell ot a dancer.
- Si.
I was proud of you out there.
You nailed that star litt.
Who are your tavorite couples?
Who are your tavorite couples?
Only six will return.
You are dragging, man.
You're leading me too hard.
And now...
the tinalists...
tor the Protessional Latin
World Open Championships.
From Italy, couple number 243.
From the U.S.A.,
couple number 285:
Julian Marshall
and Ruby Sinclair!
- We love you!
- From Montreal, Canada...
couple number 293.
Don't die on me.
Watch your tempo.
Watch your ego.
From South Atrica,
couple number 336.
- And from Finland, couple number 333.
- That's my teacher!
Samba, please.
Cha-cha-cha.
- Move your teet.
- Stop pushing me.
Paso Doble.
What a show, ladies and gentlemen.
They've been dancing all night.
Let's show them
your appreciation.
My legs are cramping.
- Just keep moving.
- They're cramping.
One more dance.
Don't screw it up now.
Rhumba, please.
Dance.
Come on.
Go, U.S.A.!
And now, ladies and gentlemen...
And now, ladies and gentlemen...
the results of the 22nd World
Protessional Latin Championships.
In sixth place, trom South Africa.
In titth place, trom Italy.
And in fourth place...
from Finland.
Good luck, baby.
In third place,
trom Montreal, Canada.
It's gonna be us or them.
And...
our runner-up...
trom the U.S.A.
My Ruby!
- And the new professional champions...
- You were great.
From the United States ot America...
Julian Marshall
and Ruby Sinclair!
- You were great!
- Thank you.
Cheers.
You were great.
Have a seat.
Beautitul. Very nice.
I just have to say,
you blew me away.
You were just incredible.
I want you to work tor me.
I have something here.
Contract.
Look those over.
I think you'll tind it
very, very generous.
You wanna dance?
Any questions?
Just feel free to ask.
You and Julian will be
very successtul in Chicago.
You got great benetits.
It's the tinest studio
in Chicago.
No, I can't.
This is your final boarding call...
for bus service to Antonio.
- Hi.
- Daddy!
It's so good to see you!
Did you have a nice trip?
I'm a little tired.
Dan, over here!
Bye, Matt!
Good.
Do you speak English?
You should hear my French.
Here we are.
I'll see you around.
I got a lesson to teach.
Ruby, thank you.
Oh, sure.
- Hey, sugar.
- Rafael's here.
Steve, I'm just gonna go change.
Hey, Rafael. Welcome to Texas.
I'm Lovejoy.
Oh, nice to meet you.
John should be here soon.
Can I get you something?
No, thank you very much.
You must be tired, so we'll do your
paperwork and everything else tomorrow.
Oh, that's me.
As you can see,
this place needs a lot ot work.
You'll have plenty to do.
Excuse me.
Excelsior Dance Studio.
Take a look around it you want to.
Hello? Oh, you silly goose.
Look up. Slow.
Who's that tall drink of water?
Maybe the new handyman?
Now, Bea, concentrate.
Step, step.
And one, two...
I'm sorry.
This place is talling apart.
How many classes
have you taken?
I just started,
but Ruby seems like a great teacher.
I just started,
but Ruby seems like a great teacher.
I know.
Don't even say it.
This ain't no meat cooler.
Turn that damn air oft.
You know what the bills are like
around here?
Libby Grant canceled.
Oh, that's Ratael.
Well, hello there.
I'm John Burnett.
Ratael Intante.
Mr. Burnett.
John's tine.
Looks like you got here in one piece.
Later on, I wanna hear
about your mother and everything.
Excuse me a second.
All right, you guys. I expect
you all to do me proud in Vegas.
One day down.
- We're never gonna be ready.
- We'll rehearse later.
Let's have some tun.
Steve, I didn't see your name
on the competition list.
I wouldn't get your hopes up too high.
I've only had four lessons.
Hell, you only compete
against your own level.
What are you scared of?
I'll have to talk to Ruby
about it.
Good. You'll be goin' then.
Stefano, put on some music.
This is supposed to be a dance studio.
Grouch.
- Cha-cha time.
- Let's go get you settled.
- Ready.
- Remember torward on your lett.
Two, three, cha-cha-cha.
Good.
- And turn and turn.
- Any new business today?
What do you think?
Get on that phone. Make sure everybody's
coming to my party Friday night.
I already did.
Nobody is.
- Bye.
- Ciao.
"Ciao."
He's cute.
John, thank you tor helping me.
There wasn't much to it.
Don't mention it.
I was really sorry
to hear about your mother.
She was a beautitul woman.
So, is your tather
still in Cuba?
He's long gone.
Well, hell...
Berta's son in Texas.
Truly amazing.
Bus stops at the corner.
It'll take you right to the studio.
Thank you.
Wow, what a big house.
It was my parent's place.
- Do you have a tamily?
- You just met 'em.
Enough whinin' and carryin' on
goes on there...
to give me all I ever want
of a family.
Here's an advance
to get you to payday.
I'm gonna take the rent
out ot your salary.
We'll both make out
better that way.
We should go
and have a drink together.
I'll have to take a rain check.
I gotta get back. Come on.
Bring your suitcase.
You'll be stayin' up there.
When my folks were around,
I used to go there to be alone.
It's a great little place.
You'll find
everything you need.
Lovejoy'll fill you in
about work tomorrow.
You just enjoy your tirst night
in the U.S. Of A.
Lock's a little sticky.
John, thank you.
Glad to be ot service.
And two and three...
And two and three...
and kick.
And here.
Great.
Sorry.
- Michael.
- I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Let's do it again.
- Crossovers here. Cross. One.
- Two, three, four.
And one, two, three, four.
Grande.
- I'm sorry. You all right?
- That's a pertect place for it.
The step or the butt?
Joke.
Here.
Michael Michaels.
Telephone, honey!
Thank God.
Here you are, lover boy.
- Three times today.
- Geez.
It's going all right.
I can just pick it up
on the way home.
- I'm going out tor a smoke.
- Okay.
You smoke too much, baby doll.
How do you dance
with no music?
It's choreography.
I see.
That's cha-cha-cha?
I compete protessionally
in the Latin dances.
I've never seen a Latin dance
that looks like that.
Stick around.
How do you dance without music?
It comes from the music.
I'm sure that's why
you look so stitt.
You should play some music.
You would feel better.
I would?
And what do you know about...
protessional, international-style
Latin dancing?
I'm Latin,
but I never heard ot that.
Then I wouldn't talk
to professionals about it.
Keep your heads up.
Finalists trom the U.S.D.C.
Thought you might want to see.
Thank you.
See you next week.
Eighteen.
I'll shut that otf.
I can handle it.
Maybe I'll steal
some ot his moves.
They broke up.
She's dancing with Gino now.
Good tor her.
Ot course,
she hasn't won anything since.
Son ot a bitch has always been too good
for his own good.
Michael is really coming along.
Yeah, he's lookin' better every day.
Six years is a long time.
I gotta come back this year.
Right here.
I'm gonna drop these in the mailbox
and make a deposit. Order me some food.
No problem.
Let's go eat.
We could sure use some decoratin'
tor the party tonight.
There's some more stutt
in the closet.
It starts at 9:00.
Thanks, sugar.
Did anybody hear me?
- Comin', Ruby?
- No, I gotta run.
- Thanks. See you next Tuesday.
- See you later.
- Stetano, come on!
- Let's go.
I'm coming.
I'm starving.
What's the special tonight?
- Meat loat tasted like dog food.
- It was.
- John, you would enjoy Nietzsche.
- Who?
One ot the great philosophers.
I've begun to study him.
Someone should study you.
- Someone should.
- God help us.
Someone should.
- Wow.
- Wow.
What the hell is this?
How tun!
Who's responsible tor this?
I guess I am.
I asked Ratael to decorate.
What the hell was he thinkin'?
This isn't Christmas or Halloween
or Easter.
I guess you're gonna have to take me out
and horsewhip me now.
He's trom a ditferent country.
Thanks, Ruby.
That's very helptul.
It people could just do
what they're supposed to.
- Magniticent.
- It's just decorations.
I think it's beautiful.
I love your decorating.
It looks so beautitul.
I could be Ginger Rogers tonight...
in a big musical dance movie.
- I'm Bea.
- I'm Ratael.
- Hi.
- It's a pleasure to meet you.
"Ginger."
Would you like to dance?
I would love to dance with you.
I don't know these dances.
I didn't start until I was 67.
Come on. I'll show you.
I don't think I should.
I'm not a teacher.
You're not gonna hurt my teelings,
are you?
Come on.
Out of the way.
Give me some space. Come along.
Wait a minute. It's slow.
Quick, quick, slow.
Another turn.
- I'm sorry. Are you okay?
- No, that's okay.
Well, that was a start.
Miss. Hey, nice work, man.
- It's me.
- Michael!
We have these parties every week.
Most ot these decorations
are meant for holidays.
You understand?
The place looks nice.
You should keep it this way.
Your customers like it.
You know,
your job really ends at 7:00.
You don't have to hang around.
I don't mind.
- Will you dance with me?
- Sure.
What are you doing?
Oh, my God.
I think I'm okay now.
I owe you one.
Come on.
Why?
You gettin' comtortable?
- It's very nice.
- Good. I'm glad you like it.
I'll bet you really miss her.
Were you ever married?
Once.
For ten days.
I didn't like it much.
Did your mother keep singin'?
Just tor enjoyment.
- She taught English.
- Boy, she could sing.
Did you know we worked
on an Italian cruise ship?
She packed the house every night.
I'd give a little dance class,
but they were there to hear her.
Take one.
We'll have some Cuban rum.
You were her tirst love.
She wrote a song.
She used to sing it to me.
A song?
She always did tend
to overdo things.
You're not gonna sing it,
are you?
I don't think so.
Here's to you.
Fish been runnin' pretty good
all week.
It I could beat this cold tront,
I might get a couple.
I tished a lot in Santiago.
Well, you'll like Texas then.
I'll smoke this
on the way to the coast.
Peter, sweetie,
not on my costumes.
That's Daddy.
- Hello?
- It's me.
Who?
Me, Rafael.
How did you get this number?
Directory assistance.
What are you doing?
Hold on.
Mr. Sparkles, what are you doing?
Here. Look.
Watch your daddy, okay?
Sorry.
You are not alone?
I'm sorry.
No, I'm alone.
You know when you said
you owed me one?
Don't let it go to your head.
Did you mean it or not?
Exactly what did you have in mind?
- I want you to take me dancing.
- Tonight?
Tomorrow.
I don't like to move too fast.
Too tast going where?
Have you ever had a mojito?
No, I hardly ever drink.
Ot course not.
You've never had
a Cuban drink.
Never had a Cuban anything.
You did something ditferent
to your hair?
What do you mean?
It's more pooty.
- Poofy?
- Yeah.
- Putfy?
- Putty. Yeah.
Yeah, like a hat.
- Are you kidding?
- Yes, I am.
This way.
Fly's open.
I bet it is.
Shall we dance?
Do you mambo?
You mean, the way you do?
Yeah, mambo.
- You are Latin, aren't you?
- Yes, but I don't know what you do.
Well, I'll show you the basics
really quick.
You're gonna break
on the two beat.
- Break?
- Yeah.
Start with your lett on the two.
Just a little ball change.
Okay?
One, two, three, tour.
Just...
The two.
You did the one. Two.
Okay, wait.
- You wanna learn?
- Sure.
I'm sorry.
You know,
I don't know what you're doing.
Why don't we take a break?
I'm gonna go to the ladies room.
Dance, honey?
- I need to go.
- What?
- I need to go now.
- Why?
I don't wanna play games
with you.
You wanted to go dancing,
you danced.
Just leave it at that.
It was a two-hour bus ride...
but I forgive you.
You torgive me?
We didn't go together.
- We had a date.
- It wasn't a date.
We just went dancing
and you made me teel like an idiot...
'cause you said
you couldn't dance.
I said I couldn't do
what you do.
I don't know what
change ball means.
The music tells me
how to dance.
It's ball change.
I'm Cuban.
Of course I know how to dance.
Here's your ticket.
I don't like people
laughing at me.
I've been lett on my ass
one too many times to think it's tunny.
I didn't mean to insult you
at the club.
I apologize it I did.
I was just trying to have tun
with you.
A little rum, a little dancing,
a little jokes.
I didn't know
that would be so hard.
It will never...
happen again.
No, let me tell him, okay?
One more day
closer to Vegas.
No, you lead and let me count.
No, honey, I need to start it
because I have to lead.
You lead, but let me count.
When you start counting, it goes slow.
- Then it gets taster and taster.
- It doesn't start slow. I'm on beat.
Stop!
Stop it!
Mr. And Mrs. Hand...
I come trom the blood
ot Spanish kings.
I am not a marriage counselor.
Now, dancing is tun.
Did you have tun at the party?
- Kind of.
- I did.
Whose tault was that?
Exactly.
Dancing is always tun.
There are no mistakes.
Come, let me show you
something exciting.
Here we go.
And one, two, three, four.
- That's good.
- We're good.
I'm just supposed to rehearse
by myself.
He'd rather go tishing.
How are we supposed to win
if we never practice together?
He's not the only game in town.
You're right.
I say we burn the place down.
Any luck?
Wind shitted with the tront.
Mosquitoes everywhere.
Fish nowhere.
Who's in charge ot the studio
when you're gone?
What happened now?
Patricia was yelling...
the toilet overtlowed...
and a mirror tell down
and broke.
Seven more years of shit.
- I cleaned it all up.
- Good.
Here.
- If it tits, keep it.
- Thank you.
- It's cold today. Gracias.
- You bet.
That your truck?
What's lett of it.
Of course I added a Holley carb
and a Hurst shifter.
- Racing cam.
- You bet.
She used to tly.
- I could fix it.
- Fix it?
I don't think so.
I used to love foolin' around
with this old thing though.
I could make it good again.
It needs some major work.
The wheels are even rusted through.
I've got the time.
So I take the number 12
to Jetterson.
Then the number 6.
I take that downtown to what?
So when I get out ot town,
I get oft at County Line.
How many blocks I need to walk?
Fifteen?
Think I don't know
what you're up to?
Is it working?
Where is your tamily?
I'm it.
Where did you grow up?
Nowhere.
My father was in the army.
We moved around a lot.
Always the new girl
in school.
This place has parts
tor old trucks.
Here. 715. Right here.
- That's it?
- Yeah.
Give me one second.
They must have gone to eat.
It you don't mind,
we could wait a little while.
I'm starving.
This okay?
Is this anything like Cuba?
It doesn't feel like an island.
You know, I've always wanted
to live by the water.
- It's a beautiful song.
- Oh, yeah.
It's about motherland.
Home.
What home means.
I was never in one place long enough
to know what that teels like.
He says...
it is like an old tree.
Like the love
of a newborn sister.
The heart ot those
tar trom home.
It's beautitul.
Is your tamily still there?
My mother passed away.
I never knew my tather.
They had an atfair
on a cruise ship.
That was it.
Look.
The door wasn't even locked.
Let's go.
- You both know each other?
- No, he's trom Cuba.
Yes, I'm Fernando.
She's my triend Ruby.
I'm Ratael.
It is my pleasure.
My son will be back soon.
He'll help you with your truck.
Please, come join us.
- My daughter is promised today.
- Congratulations.
Thank you.
This is my daughter.
This is my triends, my family.
Please, come, sit down.
What can I get you to drink?
- And you, senorita?
- Decat would be tine.
Water.
Do we dare?
You just did a ball change.
I didn't mean to.
It must have been the music.
What do they get if they win?
The protessionals?
A career...
shows, competitions, coaching.
That's where the real money is.
Will they win?
Still takes two.
I'm doing the best I can,
all right?
Let's just try it again, okay?
I don't teel
that we're getting high enough.
You'll never get the height
it you don't compress.
- I don't teel you under me.
- I'm going to Vegas.
Ready?
Wait a minute.
We miss this one sometimes.
- I miss all the time.
- You'll be fine.
Will you?
- Let's stop tor the day, okay?
- Great.
I had tun the other day.
Thanks tor driving me.
What about going to the club again?
Maybe you're atraid
to dance my way.
Saturday.
Deal.
Wow, that was great.
- What?
- You missed it.
My mother made me take
a little ballet.
He can pick me up
anytime he wants to.
Take a number, sister.
Don't loosen up too much.
It's crowded.
What do you mean?
We have the whole tloor.
You see?
You should've let me drop you otf.
It's close enough to walk trom here.
I should see you home.
Thank you.
I had a good time.
I have an early day tomorrow.
I had a very nice time.
What are you
still doin' up, pumpkin?
Oh, I'm sorry
about the sprinklers.
Oh, my God, you are soaked.
This is my son, Peter.
You'd better come inside
and dry ott.
Yeah, sure.
Well, we can't have you
getting sick.
Well, I'm on my way.
Good night, mister.
- You had a good time?
- Yes, thank you.
I know my men.
It's almost dry.
Why didn't you tell me?
I would've.
Are you still married?
We were just partners.
You spend a lot of time...
with partners.
He was gone
long betore Peter was born.
He lett you pregnant?
These are dry.
This is dry too.
Wait. I can't.
You're right.
Well, I'll be damned.
There's always a way.
Shoot, I reckon.
Didn't look that good new.
Good job.
I set it according to specs...
but it still misses.
She always did like it
a little rich.
Give me some R.P. M.
- Is that sweet?
- We still need tie rods...
and a new flywheel.
I'll take care ot it soon.
I'm gonna have to reimburse you
tor this.
I'll tell you what.
We'll take her tishin'
up the coast this weekend.
There's a great pier
a couple ot hours trom here.
You can meet me up there Friday night.
What do you say?
I say yes.
I'll be damned.
You done good work, son.
- Got a minute?
- Sure.
You used to love to dance.
Now it's a chore.
He litted me so easily...
and when he said
he had ballet training...
I'm just an amateur...
but I have put everything
that I have into this.
And if I don't think
that I have a chance...
well, then...
I'd rather not go.
I see.
I don't know how else
to say it.
You said it fine.
Matter of tact, my back's not arguin'
with you at all.
One, two.
And one, two,
one, two, three.
Very good.
Yes. Support my arm.
- That's good. Go around one more time.
- I didn't know he could do that.
He's been listening to me.
I can tell.
- I'm sorry.
- You okay?
- Are you okay?
- It's just a little otf.
Why don't we do stutt like that?
We have to make sure
that we're together.
It's okay.
We'll just try it again.
You ready?
Here it comes.
- Oh, wow.
- That's good.
Hey, I want to do that too.
I'm gonna get some water.
Heel, toe,
heel together.
- There you are.
- Thanks. I was wonderin' where I was.
These are all paid.
For Las Vegas, switch Rafael's name
with mine on Patricia's entry.
I'm not gonna go.
And take Michael and Ruby
otf the pro list.
Cancel all their lessons
till Vegas.
They're not competin',
and she's leavin' early.
Why?
I don't know.
I just got a note.
By the way...
I'll be outta here
tomorrow night.
You need to talk to me?
I heard you're dancing
with Patricia.
I think it's great.
Who are you dancing with?
You are going back to him.
I'm going back to dance.
I know he hurt you.
It doesn't matter.
Peter matters.
I'll have a future
dancing with Julian...
and Peter can see his tather more.
I want him to teel
like he's got tamily.
Maybe he already feels that...
right here.
Good night.
What about the night we danced?
That was ditterent.
That's my point.
This is not easy for me.
Ot course it is.
That's why you are doing it.
I don't wanna be in love.
You wanna ride
one ot them ponies?
Hold on tight, cowboy.
I'm glad you could make it.
What's up?
I just want you to know that it's okay
with Steve that I'm leaving early.
He's ready tor Vegas.
And Bea and Lovejoy...
are gonna be taking care of Peter
while I'm gone.
I'm meeting Julian there.
I figured as much.
- And it we dance well...
- Which you will.
Then I'm moving to Chicago.
You're just scootin' right out ot here,
aren't ya?
I've been here longer
than I've been anywhere ever.
I'm gonna miss you in Vegas.
Twenty years ot it was enough.
Another month or two,
you'll find me up the coast.
You'll break a lot of hearts
when you close that studio.
What's gonna happen
to Rafael?
It's not my problem anymore.
- How do you know him?
- I knew his mother...
when we worked the cruise ships
way back when.
You're the one
trom the cruise ship.
Brought you a triend.
Hot night, ain't it?
That your only shirt?
Lucky tarpon shirt.
You know that.
Then I'm gonna shut
the kitchen down pretty soon...
so it you're hungry,
better make it.
You ever cast a long rod before?
I can do it.
Get some ice.
That kind ot weight
tends to spool that line quickly.
Throw me a beer.
It's nice here.
I don't know
what you're up to, triend...
but I don't have a son.
She's too heavy.
It she spools that reel,
she'll take the whole rig with her.
- Kid, can ya hold it?
- Yeah.
Where the hell
is my knite?
The line's going!
Why did you help me come here?
Did you feel guilty
because you lett her without a word?
You and I both know
she would've told me about you.
You would've called her
a liar too.
My mother never lied.
Let me be real clear.
About a mile down the beach there,
I'm buyin' a place.
I've been waitin' for this
a long time.
The studio will be history.
So go to Vegas...
earn yourself
a nice little bonus...
and then be on your way.
Get me?
Tell me.
What did your tather
think of my mother?
What did he tell her
when she called looking tor you?
What did he tell
the little Communist Cuban girl...
Iooking for his only son?
She did try to tell you.
But now that I know you...
I never would have.
Did you tell them?
Everybody!
Stetano has something
he's waited all his lite to say.
In John's absence
here and in Las Vegas...
I am in charge.
So it you have any questions...
please teel tree
to approach me anytime.
Thank you.
Where is the music?
This is supposed to be
a dance studio.
We have to rehearse,
so we can...
win!
Put on some music.
We're going to Vegas.
The tinest dancers in the world,
ladies and gentlemen.
Table 101.
Go there and root tor us.
- Good luck.
- Good luck.
We'll be cheering you.
Come on. Let's go.
And now, competitors, the tinal dance
ot this round: The quick step.
Aren't they fantastic,
ladies and gentlemen?
Come on.
They're tlying.
Thank you, protessionals.
Teachers, please escort your students
tor the Pro Am competition.
Teachers, please escort your students
tor the Pro Am competition.
We begin with the tango.
Senior ladies, student division.
I'll be back.
We'll take a short break
while the judges turn in their scores.
Hey, did you see Bea?
I'm going back to Cuba.
I know...
you will miss me.
And we continue now
with the amateur junior swingers.
- Ruby, he's here.
- Wait.
- Lou, this is Ruby.
- Very nice to meet you.
You'll be joining us
in Chicago?
Come on.
We'll talk in the bar. Let's go.
- Julian...
- Now.
He trained in England.
I did too.
- You looked good out there.
- I know.
I put the word out.
I'm expecting several job otfers here.
New York, San Francisco.
Even London.
What is that?
That's arm styling.
It telt good.
You know where I want that arm.
Just put it there.
Now try it again.
Don't look at me like I'm an asshole
just 'cause I like to win.
That's not the only reason.
I've been told
I have a very attractive head.
A little more.
Gonna warm up with me or her?
You made the rules, baby.
Dancing only.
- Where's Bea?
- I don't know.
Next, we have
two new separate entries.
Theater Arts and Cabaret.
Cabaret?
Please welcome, trom Texas...
Patricia Black
and Ratael Intante.
I want to do that too!
Music, please.
Bea Johnson and Ratael Intante!
More!
Thank you.
Thank you, Bea!
I wanna do that too!
Thank you.
Brilliant.
- We did it!
- It was Rafael's idea.
John, you came.
- Were you here the whole night?
- You were great.
I didn't see you.
I saw you.
We need to talk.
About what?
I'm going back to Cuba.
But you're an American citizen.
I'm not an American citizen.
It one ot your parents is,
you are.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please take your seats.
Let's get outta here.
Round one ot the Protessional
Latin Championships.
The order will be
Samba, Cha-cha-cha...
Paso Doble and Rhumba.
Samba, please.
I said some things the other night
I didn't mean.
I've lived with regrets
my whole lite.
I loved your mother.
It scared me.
And then you,
out of the blue...
I didn't know.
I just handled everything
all wrong.
Hell, I don't know
how to do this.
Maybe...
we could start over.
I'm Ratael Intante...
trom Santiago de Cuba.
John Burnett...
trom somewhere in Texas.
- You're a hell ot a dancer.
- Si.
I was proud of you out there.
You nailed that star litt.
Who are your tavorite couples?
Who are your tavorite couples?
Only six will return.
You are dragging, man.
You're leading me too hard.
And now...
the tinalists...
tor the Protessional Latin
World Open Championships.
From Italy, couple number 243.
From the U.S.A.,
couple number 285:
Julian Marshall
and Ruby Sinclair!
- We love you!
- From Montreal, Canada...
couple number 293.
Don't die on me.
Watch your tempo.
Watch your ego.
From South Atrica,
couple number 336.
- And from Finland, couple number 333.
- That's my teacher!
Samba, please.
Cha-cha-cha.
- Move your teet.
- Stop pushing me.
Paso Doble.
What a show, ladies and gentlemen.
They've been dancing all night.
Let's show them
your appreciation.
My legs are cramping.
- Just keep moving.
- They're cramping.
One more dance.
Don't screw it up now.
Rhumba, please.
Dance.
Come on.
Go, U.S.A.!
And now, ladies and gentlemen...
And now, ladies and gentlemen...
the results of the 22nd World
Protessional Latin Championships.
In sixth place, trom South Africa.
In titth place, trom Italy.
And in fourth place...
from Finland.
Good luck, baby.
In third place,
trom Montreal, Canada.
It's gonna be us or them.
And...
our runner-up...
trom the U.S.A.
My Ruby!
- And the new professional champions...
- You were great.
From the United States ot America...
Julian Marshall
and Ruby Sinclair!
- You were great!
- Thank you.
Cheers.
You were great.
Have a seat.
Beautitul. Very nice.
I just have to say,
you blew me away.
You were just incredible.
I want you to work tor me.
I have something here.
Contract.
Look those over.
I think you'll tind it
very, very generous.
You wanna dance?
Any questions?
Just feel free to ask.
You and Julian will be
very successtul in Chicago.
You got great benetits.
It's the tinest studio
in Chicago.
No, I can't.