Step Up: High Water (2017) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
[CHILL HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- I said I'm fine.
You're not fine, Janelle.
Look, I don't I don't have to go.
- We can figure something else out.
- Don't you dare say that.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I'll be damned if I let you just throw it away.
I just don't get it.
So what if I can't freestyle? It's all choreography.
They teach you a routine - and you fucking learn it, right? - Right.
Anybody could just come in and do a few moves on a whim, that's easy.
- Wait, what? - [EXHALES.]
What's that supposed to mean? Even you said, you're not that ambitious.
I'm just worried you won't have the fire to survive there.
- [PHONE RINGING.]
- You think I can't handle High Water? - I didn't say that.
- Well, I think you just did.
You think I can't handle fucking art school? You don't dance every day.
You don't know what it's like to compete.
Maybe I didn't want to compete.
Did you think about that? - It doesn't mean that I can't do it.
- Doesn't mean you can, either.
Why, because I don't walk around like a psychotic perfectionist? [JANELLE.]
That's exactly my point.
Yeah, well, I'm sorry that I got something that you always wanted.
Guess you're just gonna have to live with it.
- No, you are.
- Yeah, thanks for the support, Janelle.
- Whatever.
- Hey! Your mother's appeal didn't go through.
So she's gonna have to do the full three years.
Yeah.
[SIGHS.]
I'm not going back to Garvey, all right? I can't.
- Oh, okay.
[CHUCKLES.]
- So I need you to sign this, and I need you to do it now, because the program starts today.
'Cause you're not going back to Garvey? I I can't go back there.
Please.
You're telling me what you're not gonna do.
High Water? I thought I shut this down.
Well, you did, but for her.
I'm asking for me.
I'll go by day and I'll get my GED by night.
I promise.
Uncle Al, please, I need this.
- Gimme a pen.
- Wait, you're signing that? The boy needs a win.
Look at his face.
[PEN SCRIBBLES.]
And since you guys think you're the Wonder Twins, give me your paperwork.
I might as well sign it now.
- I'm not going.
- What? I didn't get in.
Shit.
[BLENDER WHIRRING.]
[MAN.]
Congratulations, you just made it into High Water.
Whoo! There she is.
Here.
Drink this and get dressed.
[SNIFFS.]
Mm.
What is it? Hangover cure, guaranteed to make you feel 100 percent better and erase You know what? We gotta go.
Well, hey, what's the rush? You got a roommate or something? - [LAUGHS.]
No, but - Good.
Hey It's our first day, and I don't want to be late.
Yeah.
Me neither.
I like your place.
It's great.
Yeah.
Hey, I can't find your socks.
Oh, uh I kept those on.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, God.
[HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Ohio! Isn't it a bit early for you? Just trying to beat this heat, man.
So, you've got everybody and they mama talkin' about your little brick through the window move yesterday.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Proud of you, man.
But you know you fucked up, right? Look, fuck Marquise, all right? And fuck Garvey, too.
I'm at High Water now, so it doesn't matter.
I'm not gonna see that asshole anymore.
Hmm.
You think a guy like Marquise gives a damn whose property you're on? Right.
Look, this'll blow over eventually, all right? But until then, I need you to keep a low profile.
All right? Come on.
- Come on, what? - I'm giving you a ride.
You're walking to school in that coat is like a walking neon "shoot me" sign.
[CHUCKLES.]
I think you mean "kick me," because that's what they usually [CAR STARTS.]
Haven't you ever wanted something so much that you knew that you had to go for it no matter what it took, because that thing was gonna change your life forever? [SIGHS.]
No.
Look, I know I'm supposed to say somethin' about, "This is life," and you know, "Things don't always work out," or "Everything's not meant to be.
" No, but this was meant to be.
I was gonna get in until they screwed me over.
- They screwed you over.
- Yes, I was set up.
Somebody messed with my music.
They set you up.
- And you know who this was? - A hundred percent.
[SIGHS.]
Then there's only one thing to do.
You gotta go down there and demand a second chance.
- Really? - Absolutely.
Or I could do it.
I mean, I'd go there right now.
Oh, no, no, it's okay.
- I got it.
- Why don't you change clothes? - [SCOFFS.]
- Hey.
Don't ever lie to me again.
- I'm sorry you think someone - No, I don't think, I know.
They were practically bragging about it.
And we'll look into it, but - my decision still stands.
- But That's That's it? I just told you what happened.
That's all you can say? - Unfortunately, yes.
- But that's not fair.
[TAKES DEEP BREATH.]
Look, no disrespect, but I would like to speak to Sage.
Dancer to dancer, I think he'd be a little more sensitive.
For your information, at your age, I was dancing and singing, too.
Only professionally.
Well, I I didn't know.
Dancer to dancer, Janelle, you're very good.
And if you keep working at it, maybe one day you'll be great.
Who knows? But right now, I see someone who wants to make it as a dancer more than you actually want to express yourself as a dancer, and there's a huge difference between the two.
So you have more ambition than soul.
And when the two can catch up with each other, you'll probably go a long way, but for right now, that is all I can say.
Good luck.
And really look out for each other, okay? 'Cause just like Rigo, King, and Poppy came after me, they're probably gonna come after you guys, too.
I was just their first target.
- That's so fucked up.
- Nah, that's beyond fucked up.
You don't mess with another guy's livelihood.
Anybody trying to get in the way of what we're doing here is gonna learn real quick.
Hey, before you go, could we talk for a second? I've got a session on the other side of the building, and I've really gotta go.
But we'll catch up.
- I promise.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
[CELL PHONE RINGING.]
- [DESK PHONE RINGING.]
- [SIGHS.]
Collette Jones.
I'm not answering your calls for a reason, okay? Do not call me again.
We will talk later.
I gotta go.
Bye.
You want to tell me who the fuck let East-O's kid in my school? I did.
Is there a problem? Is there a prob You know good and goddamn well there's a fucking problem.
East-O's kid? Come on! East-O's a fucking lunatic and I don't want him anywhere near me or nothing I'm doing.
Well, East-O is not a student at this school, his son is.
'Lette, look, I'm not playing, all right? Rigo's one of the most talented kids in this city.
But you wouldn't know that because you haven't been around here since the fucking groundbreaking ceremony.
Well, I'm here now, and I want his ass gone.
- Make it happen.
- Oh, okay.
You put me in charge, and we decided that I was going to be making all the decisions for this school.
So unless there is a real reason why he should go, Rigo stays.
[WOMAN.]
That was the craziest audition I've ever seen.
Like, where the hell were his shoes? [RIGO.]
Yeah, but on the real, yo, it was just all way too emotional for me, man.
[LAUGHS.]
The way him and his sister was getting pulled apart from each other [WOMAN.]
That was so hard to watch.
Yeah, don't get it twisted.
Dude danced his ass off yesterday.
Whatever.
What you looking at, bruh? [SCOFFS.]
Yo, I swear, yo, nothing but weirdos in this bitch, man.
[RIGO GROANS.]
What's up, everybody? How y'all doin'? Come on, basic warm up.
Let's get into it right away.
- [HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
- I want to see some good energy.
And focus.
You know how I like it.
Stay loose! [HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Hey! Hey! [SHOUTING ENCOURAGEMENT.]
Back it up! Movin' right, and Double! Hey! Come on, man! Catch it up, let's go! Move up! Break it down, brother! Come on! Hands up! Hey! Up! And down! Hey! Come on, man! Go get it! That's it! That's it! Let's see the freestyle, y'all, come on! Hah! Here we go! Come on, I see ya.
Now nail it! That's it.
All right, precious, I like it! Come on! Whoo! [ALL CHEERING.]
You got it, girl, come on! Come on, man, get in there! Let's go! It's a good time.
Come on, man, come on! Come on, y'all! Back up.
Come on! Hah! Hah! Hip up! So you're saying you know nothing of a corrupted track? What happened between you and Janelle was just a coincidence? Absolutely.
I mean, Rigo and King are a lot of things, but evil geniuses isn't one of them.
Okay.
Well, that's good to know, because contrary to popular belief, no one is above the law here.
You ain't gotta tell me that.
And this wouldn't have anything to do with your most recent breakup with Rigo? What, you didn't think I'd know? [SCOFFS.]
Nah, there's no drama.
She messed up the freestyle.
- Simple as that.
- Good.
I'd hate to think that you would sabotage another woman over boy drama.
Don't let your loyalty to Rigo become a liability.
Meaning? Meaning I think you need to rely on your own power.
I told you I coulda handled it.
That was some stupid shit, Rigo.
I did it for you.
Why are you tripping? Yeah, well now your little stunt's got Collette looking at me all cross-eyed.
Who cares what she thinks? I'm dancing for Sage now.
That means there's nothing for us to worry about.
Sage paid attention to you for five minutes, so don't get cocky.
And did you see Davis and Odalie? They ain't playin' no games.
And you saw what that crazy kid did yesterday.
Bruh, I just said I'm dancing for the man who founded the damn school, and you're worried about some randoms? Are you serious right now? Yo, what the fuck is your problem?! You're my fucki" problem, bitch.
- What?! - You heard what the fuck I said.
You know what? If you ever try to set me up the way you did Janelle, I swear to God I'll break your fuckin' neck.
- Man, I'll beat your ass up! - Hey! - What? What? - Calm down.
- [SAGE ON PA.]
Ladies and gentlemen - [WOMAN.]
Sage is here.
If you could kindly make your way to the main hallway immediately, thank you very much.
[ALL CHATTERING.]
First and foremost, I'd like to thank you all for coming out.
I understand how incredibly busy you are, so I will make this brief.
It would appear that there's been some speculation as to why I've come back.
I've even been told that some people have issue with the fact that I've come back.
And to those people, I say kiss my entire black ass.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- That is not the announcement.
The real reason that I brought you all here today, the reason that I called this press conference, is to let the entire world know that I'll be starting a brand-new tour for the summer.
- [STUDENTS MURMURING.]
- All new music.
And High Water will be the headquarters of the entire fucking thing.
[CHEERS, APPLAUSE.]
That's right! Any questions? - [CLAMORING.]
- Go.
Melissa Knowles, HLN.
How many cities? Mm, details are currently being ironed out.
Next question.
- [CLAMORING.]
- [KNOWLES.]
Will there be any opportunities for any of the students to join the tour at some point? [CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING.]
Good question, good question.
Yes, there will be an opportunity for some students to join me.
Now, students that show me that they can be professional, will be treated not to mention compensated as professionals.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd love to sit and chat, but I have work to do.
- Thank you so much for you time.
- [APPLAUSE, CHEERS.]
See you on the road.
[APPLAUSE CONTINUES.]
- [WOMAN CLEARS THROAT.]
- Okay.
You got all that, right? Okay, so tomorrow Excuse us for a second.
Thank you.
- A tour? A tour.
- Uh-huh.
And all new music? Sage, there's no new music.
Then I will make some new music.
It's all coming back to me.
Okay? Don't worry about it.
Listen, if I say there's gonna be a tour, - there's gonna be a tour.
- It's that easy? No, it's not that easy.
But I'm me, Sage Odom.
Check's already cut.
Fix your face, okay? This is what High Water's about, right? - Let's go.
- [WOMAN CLEARS THROAT.]
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING.]
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
Hey.
Thank your mom for dinner.
Tell her it was great.
- Appreciate it.
- Yeah.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on.
Slow down.
Want to ask you if you want to come to my party tomorrow night.
It'll take your mind off some things.
Sorry.
Thank you, but I'm not really in the mood.
I gotta figure out what I'm gonna do, otherwise Uncle Al's gonna have me back at Garvey, flipping wings.
Okay, so you don't flip wings.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, you do realize I don't just go around inviting any ol' girl - to come party with me, right? - Yes, you do.
You throw parties for a living.
You invite girls all the time.
Point taken, but I've never offered to take a girl with me as my quote-unquote "plus one" before.
It's a pretty monumental moment in Black History that you're kind of shittin' on right now.
[LAUGHING.]
- I think I'm a little offended.
- Really? Yeah.
So what's it gonna be? Dondre, I know that your parties are super fun, but I just - Just what? - [AL.]
Chit-chat's over.
unless you wanna come with me and fry some chicken.
Nah, I gotta catch up on my soaps.
- [JANELLE LAUGHS.]
- Uh-huh.
That's why I never had kids.
- No return on your investment.
- [DONDRE CHUCKLES.]
Let's go, let's ride.
Tell your mama I don't eat pumpkin pie.
- That was casserole.
- Yeah, whatever.
[COLLETTE.]
It's just a little blip until I can figure out where I'm gonna pull the money from, all right? I'll have some answers shortly.
Okay, thank you.
So, how's the expansion? Atlanta's a small town.
I'm not really here for small talk, okay? I can see.
I mean, we out here in the middle of fucking nowhere.
You trying to kill me or something? I've asked you plain and simple to stop calling.
So now I'm here, talking to you face to face.
Our little thing, we can't keep doing it, okay? - It's done.
- Is that what you call it? "Little thing"? You are so beautiful.
You know what? [CHUCKLES.]
You know what? I I'm actually serious.
I am.
Uh, Sage is back in town and so we can't keep doing this.
So it's like that? Are you serious? Sage comes back and everything is over between us? I'm the one that carried you when you fucked up your knee.
Where the hell was he? The tour had to keep moving.
The tour? He blew up and he forgot all about us.
Sage made up for it.
He gave me High Water.
He just using you up, until you got nothing else.
Okay, not going Not doing this.
Wait wait.
Wait, wait, wait.
Did you not just hear what the fuck I said to you? Move! Fucking move! [CAR ENGINE STARTS.]
[MCCOY.]
Now, I know you're all buzzing about the news.
But I need for you to understand that touring is more than just about one person.
It's about us being a part of a unit.
Do you understand what I mean? A unit.
So for this assignment, what I need for you to do is form groups of two or more and choreograph a routine that demonstrates the power of teamwork.
Pick your partners.
[STUDENTS MURMURING.]
So you wanna do this? Yeah.
Hey, you got Hi.
Hey, you, uh Oh, you you already have a group.
- Yeah, I already got a partner.
- Cool.
You just don't get it, do you? Nobody wants to dance with you because everybody knows the way you got in here was straight bullshit, dawg.
I said it.
You didn't do none of the work, you're not from around here.
You ain't nothing but a whack-ass dancer just like your sister, yo.
Fuck up outta here.
Oh yeah, if she's so whack, then why'd you go out of your way to keep her out? - Yo, don't play with me - Yeah, whatever.
Just let it go.
Ladies, ladies.
So if we do four two in each corner and you have four looking up - I came as soon as I got your text.
- Know what I mean? I can't tell you how excited I am to work with you.
Time for ass-kissing has come and gone, young one.
I'mma call you so we could finish this, aight? So, got any stories about my dad from back in the day? Did he really get all the ladies like he says? You know how he is.
Truth be told, me and your daddy weren't that tight.
[GRUNTS.]
But like you said, "You know how he is.
" - You got the steps I sent you? - Yeah.
- You studied 'em? - Yeah.
- Show me.
- [HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Five, six Five, six, seven, and Yeah? Come on.
Ready? Five, six, seven, and Boom! Bam.
Hey, yo, explode.
Take it.
Slide.
Stop, all right.
Stop.
Stop, stop, stop, stop.
You said you studied it.
- You told me you studied it.
- Yeah.
Don't worry about it.
I'm gonna add a little wrinkle right here.
Okay, so when we get here boom.
Here, from this slide, throw out a chest right here boom.
Bring it down, over, on the toe.
Pull the shirt.
[WHOOSHES.]
Come on.
Five, six, seven, boom! - Come on, man! - I got it.
I got it.
Five, six, seven, and Big arms, big arms! [QUIET, MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING.]
Five, six, seven Okay, what's the problem? - [SIGHS.]
- Nothing, okay? I got it.
You can't let that kid get to you like this.
- We've gotta focus.
- Look, I know that, all right? I've just got a lot of shit on my mind.
Well, get over it.
Fine.
You ready to address the elephant in the room? Okay, fine.
We'll have the damn talk.
- Last night was - The most fun I had in a long time.
That's why it can't happen again.
Mira, mamita, I swear you're amazing, all right? And under normal circumstances, I swear, I'd be pursuing the hell out of this, but Look, my life is way too crazy to be getting caught up in any extracurricular right now.
- I understand.
- No, you don't.
Look, I'm gonna just be real with you, okay? I'm homeless right now, and I get money whenever I can.
Plus, I got a little brother in foster care that I'm really trying to get custody of, so I guess you could say I'm really kinda going through a lot of shit right now.
That's the reason why I got so mad at Rigo, okay? I'm sorry.
No, uh My God, Davis, I'm sorry.
- I didn't know.
I promise - No, it's cool, 'cause you know, then this whole High Water thing happened, and then Sage makes this announcement.
I mean, this could be my answer.
If I make this tour this summer, I could stack some paper, I could get my own place and my little brother could live with me.
You're the best dancer here.
That's why I need us to keep it strictly professional, so you could make that happen for me.
Okay, uh I'll do whatever I can.
Thank you.
Look, and I promise you, as soon as we make this happen, you'll be our first house guest, okay? [CHUCKLES.]
That's on my pinky shit.
All right, now that we got the air clear let's smash this routine.
Five, six, seven, and Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.
Levels, all right? Don't ever give 'em the same energy twice.
All right, if I can see it coming, it's wrong.
Say, it.
"If I see it coming, it's wrong.
" - If I see it coming, it's wrong.
- Five, six, seven, and Stop, man! Now you're telegraphing.
Come on, you do that shit on stage, people gonna demand they fucking money back.
- Can you hear me? - Yes.
- Then say something.
Can you hear me? - Yes.
I shouldn't see the next move coming, right? Five, six, seven, and boom! Don't don't telegraph that shit.
Stop! Stop, stop! Are you here to waste my time? No.
I don't got better shit to do than this? - Yes.
- You wanna be a icon, right? - Yes.
- Do you wanna be a icon? - Yes.
- Then show me, goddamnit! Five, six, seven, and Uh-oh, somebody looks tired.
Are we tired? Icons don't get tired.
You think I'm gonna let you be tired? Hell no, you ready? Are you ready? Five, six, seven Next, let's go.
You're embarrassing yourself and wasting my time.
Sloppy.
Real sloppy.
Come on, man, levels! All right, that's enough for today, Rigo, you can go home.
[MUSIC STOPS.]
I expect better tomorrow.
- What the hell was that? - Just testing the kid.
He's all that.
He's supposed to be able to handle it, right? Okay, that's bullshit and you know it.
All right, so how about this? If I can't kick him out, I'll make him quit.
[COLLETTE.]
What is wrong with you? We're supposed to be building these kids up.
There's kids here that need our help and there's kids and parents here that ain't gonna be nothing but trouble for us.
Sage You don't know how dangerous East-O really is.
He could come in here and destroy everything I've built - and I'm not fucking having that.
- Got it.
I got it.
But listen, whatever your beef is with him, you can't take it out on his kid.
You want East-O gone? Fine.
Find another way.
[DOOR OPENS, SHUTS.]
[HIP-HOP PLAYING ON TV.]
Damn it.
- Can I help you? - Yeah, is Tal here? Um, no.
I'll wait.
Uh, you know what, actually I don't think Tal is coming in at all today, so can I help you with something? You must be the twin.
What's up, shorty? My name is Marquise.
That crazy muthafucka that beat your brother's face in.
It's nice to meet you.
[SCOFFS.]
All right, you tell that bitch boy you don't just trash my car and walk away.
Me and him, long fuckin' way from done.
I'm not sure what he did or what you're talking about, - but I'll pay for the damages.
- Man, fuck them damages! This ain't about the money.
Me and him squarin' this shit face-to-face, you feel me? Hmm? [GASPS.]
Then again, you're the sister, right? Maybe you'll do.
My bad, my bad, Janelle, sorry I'm late.
Take your break now.
Hey, my man, you good? You good? Can we take your order or something? Man, I'm straight, dawg.
- Thank you.
- All right, cool.
I'mma see you later, twin.
[DOOR OPENS.]
I don't know this guy, Tal, but he was serious, okay? - I was scared for my life.
- Well, I don't know what to do, okay? Dondre said to just lay low and wait it out.
I don't care what Dondre said.
We can't just wait it out.
We've gotta call the police, or - [WINDOW SHATTERS.]
- [BOTH CRY OUT.]
[PANTING.]
The fuck was that? [TIRES PEELING OUT.]
[TAL.]
Shit.
I think they're gone.
[SIGHS.]
Oh, fuck.
Look, let's just get this shit cleaned up.
- [POUNDING ON DOOR.]
- [GASPS.]
[DONDRE.]
Open up.
It's Dondre.
[JANELLE EXHALES.]
[CONTINUES POUNDING.]
Everything okay? What happened? This guy Marquise threw a fuckin' brick through Wait, wait, wait, Marquise? Yeah, he came to Wings and Wangs earlier threatening me 'cause some shit Tal did.
- Fuck.
- I just don't know what to do.
No, it's okay.
You don't have to do nothing.
Come here.
You don't have to do anything.
We'll figure this out, okay? [SIGHS.]
Think I got something in the garage to patch that up, all right? - You good? - Yeah.
All right.
So, uh, what was that all about? - What was what? - You and Dondre.
What, are you like a thing now? Uh, is that really what you wanna talk about right now? No, no, I'm just saying.
But, I mean, if you don't like him, probably don't lead him on.
It's not really fair, you know? Fair to who? Him or you? - [CHUCKLES.]
Does it matter? - Are you serious? You're the one who got into High Water.
You're the one who gets to dance every day and live my dream.
You've got my life.
And now you want Dondre, too? He's not even gay! For your information, no.
No, I don't want any of that.
I don't want Mom to be in jail.
I don't want to be here, and I don't want to be at a school where I fail every minute of the fucking day.
No, Janelle, I don't want that.
Look, I'm sorry, okay? That school is lucky to have you.
- Yeah, whatever.
- No, I'm serious.
Hey You just started doing hip-hop and you're really good.
Okay? And not just that, but you can write, you can draw, - you're ridiculously talented.
- [LIGHT CHUCKLE.]
Look, you've got to get your ass back in there tomorrow and show them what you're made of, okay? You took my spot.
You owe me that.
- Okay? - All right.
All right, and if you go back tomorrow, you do that and you still want to quit? - Then I'll kick your ass again.
- [LAUGHS.]
Yes, ma'am.
Hey, you do video, right? Yeah, so I have this dog, but I want to blow it up.
I want to make it like a silhouette, so I saw you using the green screen.
And if I can use that to blow it up and make them silhouettes that move So you know your boy had a private session with Sage yesterday, right? Yo, are you for real? Yeah, man, we was choppin' it up about the tour.
He was showin' me moves.
Man, you know how it is.
Man, I wish I would've been there, 'cause I would've told Sage, "You ain't gotta teach me nothin', pimp.
" Peep this right here.
Turn me up.
[HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
- [LAUGHS.]
- Yeah, Mr.
Odom.
- What you know about that, shorty? - Nah, nah, nah.
See, you gotta break it down like this.
- Peace.
- Hey! Okay.
[STUDENTS CHEERING.]
- [MUSIC INCREASES IN VOLUME.]
- Hey! Hey! Hey! [ALL CHEERING.]
[CHEERING.]
[LOUD CHEERING.]
Yeah! - [LOUD CHEERING.]
- [MUSIC STOPS.]
[MAN.]
All right, come on, break it up.
Back to class.
Let's go.
Poppy.
Poppy, come on.
- Professional.
- [LAUGHS.]
Yeah.
Hey, look, that was crazy.
This is the energy we need to bring to class later today, okay? Mm-hm.
Let's go.
[ENGINE SHUTS OFF.]
- [HIP-HOP PLAYING ON STEREO.]
- [LAUGHS.]
Hell, nah, I know Dondre ain't in the trap.
Let me guess, you either chasing some project chick or your phone navigation all fucked up.
Nah, none of that.
- Can I talk to you for a minute? - Of course, man.
Hey, you still having that party tonight? Of course.
You gonna fall through, right? Man, you already know.
And for the eleven-teenth time, you need to let me sell my inventory at your jam, homie.
Ah.
Trying to tell you, man, we could make a killing.
You keep shooting me down, but drug money is still money.
And if it's good for me, it's real good for you.
You won't even know I'm at the damn party, dawg.
You'll just see me in the back and get a nice cut on the back end.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
All right, hypothetically speaking, let's just say I was open to the idea for a minute.
- Hmm.
- What would you do for me? I just told you I'll give you a cut on the back side.
Nah, you can keep the cut.
I want something else.
- I'm listening.
- I need you to let the beef with ol' Ohio boy and his sister slide.
I'll take care of the damages.
- Just let them be, all right? - [LAUGHS.]
Damn, I mean, I know shorty fine and all that, but is the ass really that good, homie? - Nah, it ain't about that.
- What you mean it ain't about that? - It ain't about her? - Nah.
Who's it about? Is it about him? - Nigga, you gay? - Chill out.
Hey, let me know, homie.
I ain't giving my Chick-fil-A up for nobody.
Whatever, man.
We got a deal or what? [GROANS.]
All right, let's run it.
We got that.
We got a deal, homie.
All right, man.
Keep it easy, Dondre.
Aight.
All righty.
Easy money.
[R&B PLAYING.]
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
That, my friends, is what we mean by collaboration.
That piece was about teamwork, connection, and trust.
As well as some other intangibles.
[LAUGHS.]
Okay, who's left? You haven't gone yet.
- Where's your group? - Uh [SNICKERING.]
I just need a minute.
What's that? [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[DOWNTEMPO HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
[ENERGY KICKS UP.]
[CHEERS, APPLAUSE.]
Bravo! Bra-muthafuckin'-vo! Did y'all see that? Did y'all see this? This is what I'm talking about! This This is what I need.
- This is why I'm here! - He didn't even follow the assignment.
Shut up.
He did do the assignment.
He was supposed to partner.
He partnered with himself.
Thinkin' outside the box.
He just raised the bar on all you muthafuckas, and you know what? I love it! You wanna rock with me? - Stuff like this.
Yes? - [STUDENTS.]
Yes.
- Yes? - [LOUDER.]
Yes! - Great job.
Great job.
- Thanks, man.
Shit like that! [MCCOY.]
Thank you very much, everybody.
Class dismissed.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
- Great, man.
- Thank you.
Good job.
- Yo.
- Man! I couldn't have done it without you, man, seriously, thank you.
[POPPY.]
All right, I see you.
That was tight.
[CHUCKLES.]
Uh thanks.
But you know you gotta do that every day here, right? Yeah, right, I'm starting to figure that out.
All right.
And, yeah, hey, but for what it's worth, Rigo shouldn't have stepped in for you at the battle.
That's wrong.
I know.
Sorry, sir, I can't let you in the building right now.
What? You know who I am? Of course I do.
You're Rigo's father, but it's Sage's new policy.
No parents allowed during school hours.
Sage's policy? What kind of bullshit is that? I'm sorry, but, uh, either you can wait out here or I can have you escorted off the property.
Boy, you ever put your hands on me, I All right.
Forget this shit.
You be sure and tell your little boss he can't keep me out of everywhere.
Fuck! Hey, I'll holla at you.
Aight, dawg.
Be good.
Hey.
Hey, congratulations on our little battle earlier.
You dope as hell.
But I'm pretty sure you already know that, though, right? Not really, but that's nice of you to say.
Hey, hold on, wait.
Check it.
All right, Sage been working with me one-on-one to get right for the tour, and the moves is mad fire.
so if you're interested, I wouldn't mind showing 'em to you.
- Sage.
- Yeah.
Okay.
Sure, I guess.
[SAGE.]
Rigo.
Rigo? Let me talk to you right quick.
See? Told you.
- How you feel? - Good.
You know why I was working you so hard yesterday, right? Nah, man, it's cool.
I can handle it.
I know that, 'cause you're a star.
[CHUCKLES.]
I don't see it in a lot of people, but I see it in you.
You got that potential to - You know what I mean? - Yeah.
But you gotta be willing to do what it takes.
- You know I am.
- I know.
I know.
Listen, nobody's been there but me, so I'm the only person - that can really guide you, you dig? - Ain't nobody gonna outwork me.
I know that, but see, the work is the easy part.
You know what the hard part is? Hard part is coming to wraps with the fact that everybody can't take the ride with you.
Let me explain something to you.
See when you're a star, there's gonna be a lot of people want to tag along, ride your coattails, take credit for shit, get in your way, slow you down.
You know, folks like your pops.
But you trust me, though, right? Yeah.
Yeah.
I ain't gonna steer you wrong, brother.
- It's me and you, yeah? - Yeah.
- Always, bro.
- All right.
All right, man, I'll holla at you.
All right.
Hey.
What up? Sage taking care of you like I asked? Yeah.
He say anything about those beats I gave him? Yeah, he said he was gonna get right on it.
All right.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
[DAVIS.]
Today was such a blast.
Thank you.
Hey, don't thank me now.
Just buy me dinner every night when you make it.
- [BOTH LAUGHING.]
- Okay, okay, deal.
When I get as good as you, I'll be happy to.
Hey, if you wanna, you can crash on the couch here tonight.
Just friends.
Pinky shit.
[SIGHS.]
Nah, nah, I better not.
I'll see you tomorrow, okay? See you tomorrow.
Thanks.
Wow.
[EXHALES.]
[SIGHS.]
[RATCHET CLICKING.]
What what the hell's this? [CHUCKLING.]
It's a It's a ballet pole.
You'd be better at this than fightin'.
You know.
Not the kind of pole that I was gonna put in here, but, you know.
Hey, congratulations, kid.
Keep up the good work.
[DOWN-TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING.]
[CHUCKLES.]
[AL.]
You must be out of your damn mind if you think I'm gonna let you go out of this house at this hour! [JANELLE.]
Come on, I worked for you all day.
The rest of my day was shit.
- I just need some air! - You better listen to me.
'Cause you're gonna do something you're going to regret! - Hey, Dondre.
- What's up, girl? I'm sorry I missed dinner.
Um, I'm just leaving the campus library now.
My meeting with the professor ran late.
So I'll be home soon.
[WOMAN.]
All right.
I'll see you then.
- Okay, bye.
- Bye, sweetheart.
[HIP-HOP BLASTING ON SOUND SYSTEM.]
[MAN.]
Hey, Dondre! Yo, Dondre! [JANELLE CHUCKLES.]
What's good, baby? [CHATTERING.]
Relax.
Everything's cool.
Watch.
[MAN 2.]
Yo, sick party, Dondre! What did you do? We came to an understanding.
Tell your brother we're all good now, okay? But no more bricks through the window, all right? Thank you.
Any time.
[NEW SONG PLAYING.]
[ALL CHANTING.]
Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! You know what this is, right? What, did you want one? Uh, yeah.
Yeah.
[PHONE BUZZING.]
[DOOR SLAMS.]
[HIGH-ENERGY CLUB MUSIC PLAYING.]
[CROWD CHEERING.]
[CROWD CHANTING.]
Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! One, two, ready, hey! Next on Step Up High Water I have a show coming up and I need a dancer.
What if you let me help you throw your party tomorrow night? I'm about to proposition you.
You know you're not my type.
Are you seriously here with Rigo right now? I am doing what I need to do to make it.
Either you in or you ain't.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- I said I'm fine.
You're not fine, Janelle.
Look, I don't I don't have to go.
- We can figure something else out.
- Don't you dare say that.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I'll be damned if I let you just throw it away.
I just don't get it.
So what if I can't freestyle? It's all choreography.
They teach you a routine - and you fucking learn it, right? - Right.
Anybody could just come in and do a few moves on a whim, that's easy.
- Wait, what? - [EXHALES.]
What's that supposed to mean? Even you said, you're not that ambitious.
I'm just worried you won't have the fire to survive there.
- [PHONE RINGING.]
- You think I can't handle High Water? - I didn't say that.
- Well, I think you just did.
You think I can't handle fucking art school? You don't dance every day.
You don't know what it's like to compete.
Maybe I didn't want to compete.
Did you think about that? - It doesn't mean that I can't do it.
- Doesn't mean you can, either.
Why, because I don't walk around like a psychotic perfectionist? [JANELLE.]
That's exactly my point.
Yeah, well, I'm sorry that I got something that you always wanted.
Guess you're just gonna have to live with it.
- No, you are.
- Yeah, thanks for the support, Janelle.
- Whatever.
- Hey! Your mother's appeal didn't go through.
So she's gonna have to do the full three years.
Yeah.
[SIGHS.]
I'm not going back to Garvey, all right? I can't.
- Oh, okay.
[CHUCKLES.]
- So I need you to sign this, and I need you to do it now, because the program starts today.
'Cause you're not going back to Garvey? I I can't go back there.
Please.
You're telling me what you're not gonna do.
High Water? I thought I shut this down.
Well, you did, but for her.
I'm asking for me.
I'll go by day and I'll get my GED by night.
I promise.
Uncle Al, please, I need this.
- Gimme a pen.
- Wait, you're signing that? The boy needs a win.
Look at his face.
[PEN SCRIBBLES.]
And since you guys think you're the Wonder Twins, give me your paperwork.
I might as well sign it now.
- I'm not going.
- What? I didn't get in.
Shit.
[BLENDER WHIRRING.]
[MAN.]
Congratulations, you just made it into High Water.
Whoo! There she is.
Here.
Drink this and get dressed.
[SNIFFS.]
Mm.
What is it? Hangover cure, guaranteed to make you feel 100 percent better and erase You know what? We gotta go.
Well, hey, what's the rush? You got a roommate or something? - [LAUGHS.]
No, but - Good.
Hey It's our first day, and I don't want to be late.
Yeah.
Me neither.
I like your place.
It's great.
Yeah.
Hey, I can't find your socks.
Oh, uh I kept those on.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, God.
[HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Ohio! Isn't it a bit early for you? Just trying to beat this heat, man.
So, you've got everybody and they mama talkin' about your little brick through the window move yesterday.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Proud of you, man.
But you know you fucked up, right? Look, fuck Marquise, all right? And fuck Garvey, too.
I'm at High Water now, so it doesn't matter.
I'm not gonna see that asshole anymore.
Hmm.
You think a guy like Marquise gives a damn whose property you're on? Right.
Look, this'll blow over eventually, all right? But until then, I need you to keep a low profile.
All right? Come on.
- Come on, what? - I'm giving you a ride.
You're walking to school in that coat is like a walking neon "shoot me" sign.
[CHUCKLES.]
I think you mean "kick me," because that's what they usually [CAR STARTS.]
Haven't you ever wanted something so much that you knew that you had to go for it no matter what it took, because that thing was gonna change your life forever? [SIGHS.]
No.
Look, I know I'm supposed to say somethin' about, "This is life," and you know, "Things don't always work out," or "Everything's not meant to be.
" No, but this was meant to be.
I was gonna get in until they screwed me over.
- They screwed you over.
- Yes, I was set up.
Somebody messed with my music.
They set you up.
- And you know who this was? - A hundred percent.
[SIGHS.]
Then there's only one thing to do.
You gotta go down there and demand a second chance.
- Really? - Absolutely.
Or I could do it.
I mean, I'd go there right now.
Oh, no, no, it's okay.
- I got it.
- Why don't you change clothes? - [SCOFFS.]
- Hey.
Don't ever lie to me again.
- I'm sorry you think someone - No, I don't think, I know.
They were practically bragging about it.
And we'll look into it, but - my decision still stands.
- But That's That's it? I just told you what happened.
That's all you can say? - Unfortunately, yes.
- But that's not fair.
[TAKES DEEP BREATH.]
Look, no disrespect, but I would like to speak to Sage.
Dancer to dancer, I think he'd be a little more sensitive.
For your information, at your age, I was dancing and singing, too.
Only professionally.
Well, I I didn't know.
Dancer to dancer, Janelle, you're very good.
And if you keep working at it, maybe one day you'll be great.
Who knows? But right now, I see someone who wants to make it as a dancer more than you actually want to express yourself as a dancer, and there's a huge difference between the two.
So you have more ambition than soul.
And when the two can catch up with each other, you'll probably go a long way, but for right now, that is all I can say.
Good luck.
And really look out for each other, okay? 'Cause just like Rigo, King, and Poppy came after me, they're probably gonna come after you guys, too.
I was just their first target.
- That's so fucked up.
- Nah, that's beyond fucked up.
You don't mess with another guy's livelihood.
Anybody trying to get in the way of what we're doing here is gonna learn real quick.
Hey, before you go, could we talk for a second? I've got a session on the other side of the building, and I've really gotta go.
But we'll catch up.
- I promise.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
[CELL PHONE RINGING.]
- [DESK PHONE RINGING.]
- [SIGHS.]
Collette Jones.
I'm not answering your calls for a reason, okay? Do not call me again.
We will talk later.
I gotta go.
Bye.
You want to tell me who the fuck let East-O's kid in my school? I did.
Is there a problem? Is there a prob You know good and goddamn well there's a fucking problem.
East-O's kid? Come on! East-O's a fucking lunatic and I don't want him anywhere near me or nothing I'm doing.
Well, East-O is not a student at this school, his son is.
'Lette, look, I'm not playing, all right? Rigo's one of the most talented kids in this city.
But you wouldn't know that because you haven't been around here since the fucking groundbreaking ceremony.
Well, I'm here now, and I want his ass gone.
- Make it happen.
- Oh, okay.
You put me in charge, and we decided that I was going to be making all the decisions for this school.
So unless there is a real reason why he should go, Rigo stays.
[WOMAN.]
That was the craziest audition I've ever seen.
Like, where the hell were his shoes? [RIGO.]
Yeah, but on the real, yo, it was just all way too emotional for me, man.
[LAUGHS.]
The way him and his sister was getting pulled apart from each other [WOMAN.]
That was so hard to watch.
Yeah, don't get it twisted.
Dude danced his ass off yesterday.
Whatever.
What you looking at, bruh? [SCOFFS.]
Yo, I swear, yo, nothing but weirdos in this bitch, man.
[RIGO GROANS.]
What's up, everybody? How y'all doin'? Come on, basic warm up.
Let's get into it right away.
- [HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
- I want to see some good energy.
And focus.
You know how I like it.
Stay loose! [HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Hey! Hey! [SHOUTING ENCOURAGEMENT.]
Back it up! Movin' right, and Double! Hey! Come on, man! Catch it up, let's go! Move up! Break it down, brother! Come on! Hands up! Hey! Up! And down! Hey! Come on, man! Go get it! That's it! That's it! Let's see the freestyle, y'all, come on! Hah! Here we go! Come on, I see ya.
Now nail it! That's it.
All right, precious, I like it! Come on! Whoo! [ALL CHEERING.]
You got it, girl, come on! Come on, man, get in there! Let's go! It's a good time.
Come on, man, come on! Come on, y'all! Back up.
Come on! Hah! Hah! Hip up! So you're saying you know nothing of a corrupted track? What happened between you and Janelle was just a coincidence? Absolutely.
I mean, Rigo and King are a lot of things, but evil geniuses isn't one of them.
Okay.
Well, that's good to know, because contrary to popular belief, no one is above the law here.
You ain't gotta tell me that.
And this wouldn't have anything to do with your most recent breakup with Rigo? What, you didn't think I'd know? [SCOFFS.]
Nah, there's no drama.
She messed up the freestyle.
- Simple as that.
- Good.
I'd hate to think that you would sabotage another woman over boy drama.
Don't let your loyalty to Rigo become a liability.
Meaning? Meaning I think you need to rely on your own power.
I told you I coulda handled it.
That was some stupid shit, Rigo.
I did it for you.
Why are you tripping? Yeah, well now your little stunt's got Collette looking at me all cross-eyed.
Who cares what she thinks? I'm dancing for Sage now.
That means there's nothing for us to worry about.
Sage paid attention to you for five minutes, so don't get cocky.
And did you see Davis and Odalie? They ain't playin' no games.
And you saw what that crazy kid did yesterday.
Bruh, I just said I'm dancing for the man who founded the damn school, and you're worried about some randoms? Are you serious right now? Yo, what the fuck is your problem?! You're my fucki" problem, bitch.
- What?! - You heard what the fuck I said.
You know what? If you ever try to set me up the way you did Janelle, I swear to God I'll break your fuckin' neck.
- Man, I'll beat your ass up! - Hey! - What? What? - Calm down.
- [SAGE ON PA.]
Ladies and gentlemen - [WOMAN.]
Sage is here.
If you could kindly make your way to the main hallway immediately, thank you very much.
[ALL CHATTERING.]
First and foremost, I'd like to thank you all for coming out.
I understand how incredibly busy you are, so I will make this brief.
It would appear that there's been some speculation as to why I've come back.
I've even been told that some people have issue with the fact that I've come back.
And to those people, I say kiss my entire black ass.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- That is not the announcement.
The real reason that I brought you all here today, the reason that I called this press conference, is to let the entire world know that I'll be starting a brand-new tour for the summer.
- [STUDENTS MURMURING.]
- All new music.
And High Water will be the headquarters of the entire fucking thing.
[CHEERS, APPLAUSE.]
That's right! Any questions? - [CLAMORING.]
- Go.
Melissa Knowles, HLN.
How many cities? Mm, details are currently being ironed out.
Next question.
- [CLAMORING.]
- [KNOWLES.]
Will there be any opportunities for any of the students to join the tour at some point? [CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING.]
Good question, good question.
Yes, there will be an opportunity for some students to join me.
Now, students that show me that they can be professional, will be treated not to mention compensated as professionals.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd love to sit and chat, but I have work to do.
- Thank you so much for you time.
- [APPLAUSE, CHEERS.]
See you on the road.
[APPLAUSE CONTINUES.]
- [WOMAN CLEARS THROAT.]
- Okay.
You got all that, right? Okay, so tomorrow Excuse us for a second.
Thank you.
- A tour? A tour.
- Uh-huh.
And all new music? Sage, there's no new music.
Then I will make some new music.
It's all coming back to me.
Okay? Don't worry about it.
Listen, if I say there's gonna be a tour, - there's gonna be a tour.
- It's that easy? No, it's not that easy.
But I'm me, Sage Odom.
Check's already cut.
Fix your face, okay? This is what High Water's about, right? - Let's go.
- [WOMAN CLEARS THROAT.]
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING.]
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
Hey.
Thank your mom for dinner.
Tell her it was great.
- Appreciate it.
- Yeah.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on.
Slow down.
Want to ask you if you want to come to my party tomorrow night.
It'll take your mind off some things.
Sorry.
Thank you, but I'm not really in the mood.
I gotta figure out what I'm gonna do, otherwise Uncle Al's gonna have me back at Garvey, flipping wings.
Okay, so you don't flip wings.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, you do realize I don't just go around inviting any ol' girl - to come party with me, right? - Yes, you do.
You throw parties for a living.
You invite girls all the time.
Point taken, but I've never offered to take a girl with me as my quote-unquote "plus one" before.
It's a pretty monumental moment in Black History that you're kind of shittin' on right now.
[LAUGHING.]
- I think I'm a little offended.
- Really? Yeah.
So what's it gonna be? Dondre, I know that your parties are super fun, but I just - Just what? - [AL.]
Chit-chat's over.
unless you wanna come with me and fry some chicken.
Nah, I gotta catch up on my soaps.
- [JANELLE LAUGHS.]
- Uh-huh.
That's why I never had kids.
- No return on your investment.
- [DONDRE CHUCKLES.]
Let's go, let's ride.
Tell your mama I don't eat pumpkin pie.
- That was casserole.
- Yeah, whatever.
[COLLETTE.]
It's just a little blip until I can figure out where I'm gonna pull the money from, all right? I'll have some answers shortly.
Okay, thank you.
So, how's the expansion? Atlanta's a small town.
I'm not really here for small talk, okay? I can see.
I mean, we out here in the middle of fucking nowhere.
You trying to kill me or something? I've asked you plain and simple to stop calling.
So now I'm here, talking to you face to face.
Our little thing, we can't keep doing it, okay? - It's done.
- Is that what you call it? "Little thing"? You are so beautiful.
You know what? [CHUCKLES.]
You know what? I I'm actually serious.
I am.
Uh, Sage is back in town and so we can't keep doing this.
So it's like that? Are you serious? Sage comes back and everything is over between us? I'm the one that carried you when you fucked up your knee.
Where the hell was he? The tour had to keep moving.
The tour? He blew up and he forgot all about us.
Sage made up for it.
He gave me High Water.
He just using you up, until you got nothing else.
Okay, not going Not doing this.
Wait wait.
Wait, wait, wait.
Did you not just hear what the fuck I said to you? Move! Fucking move! [CAR ENGINE STARTS.]
[MCCOY.]
Now, I know you're all buzzing about the news.
But I need for you to understand that touring is more than just about one person.
It's about us being a part of a unit.
Do you understand what I mean? A unit.
So for this assignment, what I need for you to do is form groups of two or more and choreograph a routine that demonstrates the power of teamwork.
Pick your partners.
[STUDENTS MURMURING.]
So you wanna do this? Yeah.
Hey, you got Hi.
Hey, you, uh Oh, you you already have a group.
- Yeah, I already got a partner.
- Cool.
You just don't get it, do you? Nobody wants to dance with you because everybody knows the way you got in here was straight bullshit, dawg.
I said it.
You didn't do none of the work, you're not from around here.
You ain't nothing but a whack-ass dancer just like your sister, yo.
Fuck up outta here.
Oh yeah, if she's so whack, then why'd you go out of your way to keep her out? - Yo, don't play with me - Yeah, whatever.
Just let it go.
Ladies, ladies.
So if we do four two in each corner and you have four looking up - I came as soon as I got your text.
- Know what I mean? I can't tell you how excited I am to work with you.
Time for ass-kissing has come and gone, young one.
I'mma call you so we could finish this, aight? So, got any stories about my dad from back in the day? Did he really get all the ladies like he says? You know how he is.
Truth be told, me and your daddy weren't that tight.
[GRUNTS.]
But like you said, "You know how he is.
" - You got the steps I sent you? - Yeah.
- You studied 'em? - Yeah.
- Show me.
- [HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Five, six Five, six, seven, and Yeah? Come on.
Ready? Five, six, seven, and Boom! Bam.
Hey, yo, explode.
Take it.
Slide.
Stop, all right.
Stop.
Stop, stop, stop, stop.
You said you studied it.
- You told me you studied it.
- Yeah.
Don't worry about it.
I'm gonna add a little wrinkle right here.
Okay, so when we get here boom.
Here, from this slide, throw out a chest right here boom.
Bring it down, over, on the toe.
Pull the shirt.
[WHOOSHES.]
Come on.
Five, six, seven, boom! - Come on, man! - I got it.
I got it.
Five, six, seven, and Big arms, big arms! [QUIET, MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING.]
Five, six, seven Okay, what's the problem? - [SIGHS.]
- Nothing, okay? I got it.
You can't let that kid get to you like this.
- We've gotta focus.
- Look, I know that, all right? I've just got a lot of shit on my mind.
Well, get over it.
Fine.
You ready to address the elephant in the room? Okay, fine.
We'll have the damn talk.
- Last night was - The most fun I had in a long time.
That's why it can't happen again.
Mira, mamita, I swear you're amazing, all right? And under normal circumstances, I swear, I'd be pursuing the hell out of this, but Look, my life is way too crazy to be getting caught up in any extracurricular right now.
- I understand.
- No, you don't.
Look, I'm gonna just be real with you, okay? I'm homeless right now, and I get money whenever I can.
Plus, I got a little brother in foster care that I'm really trying to get custody of, so I guess you could say I'm really kinda going through a lot of shit right now.
That's the reason why I got so mad at Rigo, okay? I'm sorry.
No, uh My God, Davis, I'm sorry.
- I didn't know.
I promise - No, it's cool, 'cause you know, then this whole High Water thing happened, and then Sage makes this announcement.
I mean, this could be my answer.
If I make this tour this summer, I could stack some paper, I could get my own place and my little brother could live with me.
You're the best dancer here.
That's why I need us to keep it strictly professional, so you could make that happen for me.
Okay, uh I'll do whatever I can.
Thank you.
Look, and I promise you, as soon as we make this happen, you'll be our first house guest, okay? [CHUCKLES.]
That's on my pinky shit.
All right, now that we got the air clear let's smash this routine.
Five, six, seven, and Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.
Levels, all right? Don't ever give 'em the same energy twice.
All right, if I can see it coming, it's wrong.
Say, it.
"If I see it coming, it's wrong.
" - If I see it coming, it's wrong.
- Five, six, seven, and Stop, man! Now you're telegraphing.
Come on, you do that shit on stage, people gonna demand they fucking money back.
- Can you hear me? - Yes.
- Then say something.
Can you hear me? - Yes.
I shouldn't see the next move coming, right? Five, six, seven, and boom! Don't don't telegraph that shit.
Stop! Stop, stop! Are you here to waste my time? No.
I don't got better shit to do than this? - Yes.
- You wanna be a icon, right? - Yes.
- Do you wanna be a icon? - Yes.
- Then show me, goddamnit! Five, six, seven, and Uh-oh, somebody looks tired.
Are we tired? Icons don't get tired.
You think I'm gonna let you be tired? Hell no, you ready? Are you ready? Five, six, seven Next, let's go.
You're embarrassing yourself and wasting my time.
Sloppy.
Real sloppy.
Come on, man, levels! All right, that's enough for today, Rigo, you can go home.
[MUSIC STOPS.]
I expect better tomorrow.
- What the hell was that? - Just testing the kid.
He's all that.
He's supposed to be able to handle it, right? Okay, that's bullshit and you know it.
All right, so how about this? If I can't kick him out, I'll make him quit.
[COLLETTE.]
What is wrong with you? We're supposed to be building these kids up.
There's kids here that need our help and there's kids and parents here that ain't gonna be nothing but trouble for us.
Sage You don't know how dangerous East-O really is.
He could come in here and destroy everything I've built - and I'm not fucking having that.
- Got it.
I got it.
But listen, whatever your beef is with him, you can't take it out on his kid.
You want East-O gone? Fine.
Find another way.
[DOOR OPENS, SHUTS.]
[HIP-HOP PLAYING ON TV.]
Damn it.
- Can I help you? - Yeah, is Tal here? Um, no.
I'll wait.
Uh, you know what, actually I don't think Tal is coming in at all today, so can I help you with something? You must be the twin.
What's up, shorty? My name is Marquise.
That crazy muthafucka that beat your brother's face in.
It's nice to meet you.
[SCOFFS.]
All right, you tell that bitch boy you don't just trash my car and walk away.
Me and him, long fuckin' way from done.
I'm not sure what he did or what you're talking about, - but I'll pay for the damages.
- Man, fuck them damages! This ain't about the money.
Me and him squarin' this shit face-to-face, you feel me? Hmm? [GASPS.]
Then again, you're the sister, right? Maybe you'll do.
My bad, my bad, Janelle, sorry I'm late.
Take your break now.
Hey, my man, you good? You good? Can we take your order or something? Man, I'm straight, dawg.
- Thank you.
- All right, cool.
I'mma see you later, twin.
[DOOR OPENS.]
I don't know this guy, Tal, but he was serious, okay? - I was scared for my life.
- Well, I don't know what to do, okay? Dondre said to just lay low and wait it out.
I don't care what Dondre said.
We can't just wait it out.
We've gotta call the police, or - [WINDOW SHATTERS.]
- [BOTH CRY OUT.]
[PANTING.]
The fuck was that? [TIRES PEELING OUT.]
[TAL.]
Shit.
I think they're gone.
[SIGHS.]
Oh, fuck.
Look, let's just get this shit cleaned up.
- [POUNDING ON DOOR.]
- [GASPS.]
[DONDRE.]
Open up.
It's Dondre.
[JANELLE EXHALES.]
[CONTINUES POUNDING.]
Everything okay? What happened? This guy Marquise threw a fuckin' brick through Wait, wait, wait, Marquise? Yeah, he came to Wings and Wangs earlier threatening me 'cause some shit Tal did.
- Fuck.
- I just don't know what to do.
No, it's okay.
You don't have to do nothing.
Come here.
You don't have to do anything.
We'll figure this out, okay? [SIGHS.]
Think I got something in the garage to patch that up, all right? - You good? - Yeah.
All right.
So, uh, what was that all about? - What was what? - You and Dondre.
What, are you like a thing now? Uh, is that really what you wanna talk about right now? No, no, I'm just saying.
But, I mean, if you don't like him, probably don't lead him on.
It's not really fair, you know? Fair to who? Him or you? - [CHUCKLES.]
Does it matter? - Are you serious? You're the one who got into High Water.
You're the one who gets to dance every day and live my dream.
You've got my life.
And now you want Dondre, too? He's not even gay! For your information, no.
No, I don't want any of that.
I don't want Mom to be in jail.
I don't want to be here, and I don't want to be at a school where I fail every minute of the fucking day.
No, Janelle, I don't want that.
Look, I'm sorry, okay? That school is lucky to have you.
- Yeah, whatever.
- No, I'm serious.
Hey You just started doing hip-hop and you're really good.
Okay? And not just that, but you can write, you can draw, - you're ridiculously talented.
- [LIGHT CHUCKLE.]
Look, you've got to get your ass back in there tomorrow and show them what you're made of, okay? You took my spot.
You owe me that.
- Okay? - All right.
All right, and if you go back tomorrow, you do that and you still want to quit? - Then I'll kick your ass again.
- [LAUGHS.]
Yes, ma'am.
Hey, you do video, right? Yeah, so I have this dog, but I want to blow it up.
I want to make it like a silhouette, so I saw you using the green screen.
And if I can use that to blow it up and make them silhouettes that move So you know your boy had a private session with Sage yesterday, right? Yo, are you for real? Yeah, man, we was choppin' it up about the tour.
He was showin' me moves.
Man, you know how it is.
Man, I wish I would've been there, 'cause I would've told Sage, "You ain't gotta teach me nothin', pimp.
" Peep this right here.
Turn me up.
[HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
- [LAUGHS.]
- Yeah, Mr.
Odom.
- What you know about that, shorty? - Nah, nah, nah.
See, you gotta break it down like this.
- Peace.
- Hey! Okay.
[STUDENTS CHEERING.]
- [MUSIC INCREASES IN VOLUME.]
- Hey! Hey! Hey! [ALL CHEERING.]
[CHEERING.]
[LOUD CHEERING.]
Yeah! - [LOUD CHEERING.]
- [MUSIC STOPS.]
[MAN.]
All right, come on, break it up.
Back to class.
Let's go.
Poppy.
Poppy, come on.
- Professional.
- [LAUGHS.]
Yeah.
Hey, look, that was crazy.
This is the energy we need to bring to class later today, okay? Mm-hm.
Let's go.
[ENGINE SHUTS OFF.]
- [HIP-HOP PLAYING ON STEREO.]
- [LAUGHS.]
Hell, nah, I know Dondre ain't in the trap.
Let me guess, you either chasing some project chick or your phone navigation all fucked up.
Nah, none of that.
- Can I talk to you for a minute? - Of course, man.
Hey, you still having that party tonight? Of course.
You gonna fall through, right? Man, you already know.
And for the eleven-teenth time, you need to let me sell my inventory at your jam, homie.
Ah.
Trying to tell you, man, we could make a killing.
You keep shooting me down, but drug money is still money.
And if it's good for me, it's real good for you.
You won't even know I'm at the damn party, dawg.
You'll just see me in the back and get a nice cut on the back end.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
All right, hypothetically speaking, let's just say I was open to the idea for a minute.
- Hmm.
- What would you do for me? I just told you I'll give you a cut on the back side.
Nah, you can keep the cut.
I want something else.
- I'm listening.
- I need you to let the beef with ol' Ohio boy and his sister slide.
I'll take care of the damages.
- Just let them be, all right? - [LAUGHS.]
Damn, I mean, I know shorty fine and all that, but is the ass really that good, homie? - Nah, it ain't about that.
- What you mean it ain't about that? - It ain't about her? - Nah.
Who's it about? Is it about him? - Nigga, you gay? - Chill out.
Hey, let me know, homie.
I ain't giving my Chick-fil-A up for nobody.
Whatever, man.
We got a deal or what? [GROANS.]
All right, let's run it.
We got that.
We got a deal, homie.
All right, man.
Keep it easy, Dondre.
Aight.
All righty.
Easy money.
[R&B PLAYING.]
[CHEERING, APPLAUSE.]
That, my friends, is what we mean by collaboration.
That piece was about teamwork, connection, and trust.
As well as some other intangibles.
[LAUGHS.]
Okay, who's left? You haven't gone yet.
- Where's your group? - Uh [SNICKERING.]
I just need a minute.
What's that? [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[DOWNTEMPO HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
[ENERGY KICKS UP.]
[CHEERS, APPLAUSE.]
Bravo! Bra-muthafuckin'-vo! Did y'all see that? Did y'all see this? This is what I'm talking about! This This is what I need.
- This is why I'm here! - He didn't even follow the assignment.
Shut up.
He did do the assignment.
He was supposed to partner.
He partnered with himself.
Thinkin' outside the box.
He just raised the bar on all you muthafuckas, and you know what? I love it! You wanna rock with me? - Stuff like this.
Yes? - [STUDENTS.]
Yes.
- Yes? - [LOUDER.]
Yes! - Great job.
Great job.
- Thanks, man.
Shit like that! [MCCOY.]
Thank you very much, everybody.
Class dismissed.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
- Great, man.
- Thank you.
Good job.
- Yo.
- Man! I couldn't have done it without you, man, seriously, thank you.
[POPPY.]
All right, I see you.
That was tight.
[CHUCKLES.]
Uh thanks.
But you know you gotta do that every day here, right? Yeah, right, I'm starting to figure that out.
All right.
And, yeah, hey, but for what it's worth, Rigo shouldn't have stepped in for you at the battle.
That's wrong.
I know.
Sorry, sir, I can't let you in the building right now.
What? You know who I am? Of course I do.
You're Rigo's father, but it's Sage's new policy.
No parents allowed during school hours.
Sage's policy? What kind of bullshit is that? I'm sorry, but, uh, either you can wait out here or I can have you escorted off the property.
Boy, you ever put your hands on me, I All right.
Forget this shit.
You be sure and tell your little boss he can't keep me out of everywhere.
Fuck! Hey, I'll holla at you.
Aight, dawg.
Be good.
Hey.
Hey, congratulations on our little battle earlier.
You dope as hell.
But I'm pretty sure you already know that, though, right? Not really, but that's nice of you to say.
Hey, hold on, wait.
Check it.
All right, Sage been working with me one-on-one to get right for the tour, and the moves is mad fire.
so if you're interested, I wouldn't mind showing 'em to you.
- Sage.
- Yeah.
Okay.
Sure, I guess.
[SAGE.]
Rigo.
Rigo? Let me talk to you right quick.
See? Told you.
- How you feel? - Good.
You know why I was working you so hard yesterday, right? Nah, man, it's cool.
I can handle it.
I know that, 'cause you're a star.
[CHUCKLES.]
I don't see it in a lot of people, but I see it in you.
You got that potential to - You know what I mean? - Yeah.
But you gotta be willing to do what it takes.
- You know I am.
- I know.
I know.
Listen, nobody's been there but me, so I'm the only person - that can really guide you, you dig? - Ain't nobody gonna outwork me.
I know that, but see, the work is the easy part.
You know what the hard part is? Hard part is coming to wraps with the fact that everybody can't take the ride with you.
Let me explain something to you.
See when you're a star, there's gonna be a lot of people want to tag along, ride your coattails, take credit for shit, get in your way, slow you down.
You know, folks like your pops.
But you trust me, though, right? Yeah.
Yeah.
I ain't gonna steer you wrong, brother.
- It's me and you, yeah? - Yeah.
- Always, bro.
- All right.
All right, man, I'll holla at you.
All right.
Hey.
What up? Sage taking care of you like I asked? Yeah.
He say anything about those beats I gave him? Yeah, he said he was gonna get right on it.
All right.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
[DAVIS.]
Today was such a blast.
Thank you.
Hey, don't thank me now.
Just buy me dinner every night when you make it.
- [BOTH LAUGHING.]
- Okay, okay, deal.
When I get as good as you, I'll be happy to.
Hey, if you wanna, you can crash on the couch here tonight.
Just friends.
Pinky shit.
[SIGHS.]
Nah, nah, I better not.
I'll see you tomorrow, okay? See you tomorrow.
Thanks.
Wow.
[EXHALES.]
[SIGHS.]
[RATCHET CLICKING.]
What what the hell's this? [CHUCKLING.]
It's a It's a ballet pole.
You'd be better at this than fightin'.
You know.
Not the kind of pole that I was gonna put in here, but, you know.
Hey, congratulations, kid.
Keep up the good work.
[DOWN-TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING.]
[CHUCKLES.]
[AL.]
You must be out of your damn mind if you think I'm gonna let you go out of this house at this hour! [JANELLE.]
Come on, I worked for you all day.
The rest of my day was shit.
- I just need some air! - You better listen to me.
'Cause you're gonna do something you're going to regret! - Hey, Dondre.
- What's up, girl? I'm sorry I missed dinner.
Um, I'm just leaving the campus library now.
My meeting with the professor ran late.
So I'll be home soon.
[WOMAN.]
All right.
I'll see you then.
- Okay, bye.
- Bye, sweetheart.
[HIP-HOP BLASTING ON SOUND SYSTEM.]
[MAN.]
Hey, Dondre! Yo, Dondre! [JANELLE CHUCKLES.]
What's good, baby? [CHATTERING.]
Relax.
Everything's cool.
Watch.
[MAN 2.]
Yo, sick party, Dondre! What did you do? We came to an understanding.
Tell your brother we're all good now, okay? But no more bricks through the window, all right? Thank you.
Any time.
[NEW SONG PLAYING.]
[ALL CHANTING.]
Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! You know what this is, right? What, did you want one? Uh, yeah.
Yeah.
[PHONE BUZZING.]
[DOOR SLAMS.]
[HIGH-ENERGY CLUB MUSIC PLAYING.]
[CROWD CHEERING.]
[CROWD CHANTING.]
Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! Turn up! One, two, ready, hey! Next on Step Up High Water I have a show coming up and I need a dancer.
What if you let me help you throw your party tomorrow night? I'm about to proposition you.
You know you're not my type.
Are you seriously here with Rigo right now? I am doing what I need to do to make it.
Either you in or you ain't.