Step Up: High Water (2017) s01e04 Episode Script
Episode 4
1 [DANCE BEAT PLAYS.]
How low can you twerk? How low can you twerk? How low can you twerk? How low can you twerk? Got no valentine Got no valentine Nigga, that's a lot I been out chasin' dollar signs I been out So, where's the after party? This is the after party.
Hands down, the best breakfast in town.
Oh, man, I could just keep going.
Everybody in that party was so in sync.
- You don't even need words.
- Mm-hmm.
That break dance crew, who were they? You know it's 7:00 am, right? Yes, I know.
It's just I haven't had that much fun dancing in a long time.
Really? You didn't have fun dancing up in High Water with Sage Odom? No, it was fun.
It was fun.
It was just stressful because, you know, everybody - was judging me all the time.
- Mm.
Even at my old school everything had to be perfect, you know? I could never just live in the moment.
I was always thinking about what's next.
I never think about what's next.
- Never? - Never.
You have to be planning your next party.
- I guess it'll be tomorrow.
- You guess it'll be tomorrow? - You are so loud, you know that? - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
Can you look in the glove box and give me some hot sauce? - Uh, what is all this? - Thank you, last night's door.
You don't want to put it in the bank or something? Right now, it's burrito time, then sleep time, then bank time.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
[ITEMS CLATTERING.]
Oh, shit.
Are you seriously just getting in?1 J, tell me you weren't out all night.
Shh.
Okay, here comes the curfew police.
- And, you're drunk? Great.
- First of all, I am not drunk.
I was drunk and high, but now I'm just exhausted.
- Wait, wait, you're high? - Shh.
J, what the fuck is going on? Suddenly you're the girl who runs out in the middle of the night with a boy, with Dondre? Here we go again with this Dondre drama, okay.
I already told you we're just friends, so can you please hold it down? I just I just need to sleep.
Yeah, well not that you care, but I covered for you again.
Uncle Al already left for work.
[SIGHING.]
Wait, our our boxes from Ohio came? That's all your stuff.
I already unpacked my box.
Yeah, one box.
Singular.
[SIGHING.]
Oh, my God, I got in? I got in! New plan.
Ohio State University in the fall.
- You got the cheer scholarship? - Yep! [LAUGHING.]
But, whoa this this is just a partial.
How are you gonna come up with the rest of the money? I don't know.
I'm gonna figure it out, though.
I thought you didn't want to go to college.
Well, I didn't get into High Water, so what else am I gonna do? You know you'll have to finish high school, so Yeah, I'll get my GED.
Tal, hello? This is a good thing.
Do you want to live that far apart? Well, no, Tal.
But, look, you have a lot of good things going for you at High Water, okay? Maybe even a shot at Sage's tour.
Yeah, right.
I'm hanging onto to High Water with tricks and screens.
I can't dance like the other guys, but sure, I'll make the world tour.
Yes, you can, okay? You can learn hip-hop, I know it, and once you do that, I know you'll get a shot on Sage's tour.
You just can't let those assholes intimidate you.
[SIGHING.]
Yo, we need to round out our crew with the best of the new blood, and she's it.
Oh, fuck no, and why do you get to decide? I'm not deciding, I'm just stating facts.
Look, we've all seen how dope she is.
[SCOFFS.]
Whatever.
- You gonna dance in that shit? - I'm not staying.
Sage hooked me up with one of his producers, and I'm gonna work on some new music.
Hell yeah, man.
That's the kind of one-up that we need.
So when we getting in the studio? Ah, he didn't say anything about bringing anyone else, so I just don't want to piss him off, you know? Nah, man, I get it.
It's all good.
Aight, cool.
But, hey, come by later, though.
Yeah, I'll see what I can do.
And try not to fuck it up.
- Hey.
- What? - I'm Tal, by the way.
- I know who you are.
What do you want? You need something? Yeah, yeah.
Um, I need your help.
You're like You're arguably, like, the best dancer in the whole school.
Yeah, well, that's something that we already know.
Right, and I'm the only one who can't dance hip-hop.
Dance hip-hop? Okay, I can't.
Look, whatever it is, I just need some help.
Look, you need help, but not with your moves.
I saw that crazy-ass audition, that crazy-ass greyhound thing.
It's all dope, so why you playing? How about you hit up my Insta if want some of my moves.
Look, I'm not dope, and I don't have Instagram.
Boy, bye.
If you gonna be in this school, you need to stay current.
Instagram, Twitter, it's all part of the game.
Sage sees that, and is gonna for sure take that into account when he's doing the tour.
Yeah, but social media gives me hives.
- I just don't see the point.
- Okay, I can't do this.
Either you in or you ain't, and clearly you ain't, so you can go back to being in the '90s now.
Hey, where's your boy, Davis? I don't know.
Haven't seen him since yesterday.
But no, you killed at that show at the Public.
You know, I remember your audition for it, as well.
You did a pretty good job yourself.
Well, thank you, thank you.
Too bad nobody believed I was 18, though.
The consolation prize wasn't that bad because you took me to dinner.
Uh, I think you followed me to Papaya King, ate your hot dog, ate my hot dog.
Maybe you had been Snoop Dogging a little bit.
Shh, shh.
Good morning, guys.
Good morning.
Okay, okay.
I am so excited because I have been trying to get this man here for a year to teach you the thing that he does better than anyone in the entire world.
So please, please make it worth his time, and give it up for the legendary Quincy Hobbs.
Thank you for that.
Thank you.
Good to see you all.
I want you to find your sizes.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
So, uh, I would like to continue just talking to you about, you know, some of the history of the dance.
As far as I'm concerned, this style of dancing when you're communicating, it comes from a native place, all right? So, let's start with the rudiments that we were doing.
One, two, ready, hey.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
I would like to congratulate you all on your exciting journey of finishing your high school education.
Now, who would like to introduce themselves? Hey, y'all, I'm Rachel.
I'm a dancer, but I'm thinking after this GED, maybe being a forensic attorney.
I love all that Forensic Files shit.
Hey, I'm a dancer, too.
Really, where do you work? Oh, more like an aspiring dancer.
Gotcha, I'm at Velvet City.
Oh, you're a stripper? Oh, I thought you meant a real dancer.
[SCOFFS.]
For your information, hon, in Atlanta, the best dancers are in strip clubs, and the best of the best strip Velvet fucking City.
If you've got a problem with that, then [TEACHER CLEARING THROAT.]
You have something more important to say? - Hmm? - Nope.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
[QUINCY.]
Yeah.
Keep these famous, uh, contributors in mind also.
Cats like Gregory Hines, the Nicholas Brothers, um, and everything they had to go through in order to get this dance to a place of recognition, you know what I mean? [TAPS CLATTERING.]
An expression, like, how do you feel? Uh, I feel I feel good.
- You feel good? - Yeah.
All right, let me hear how "I feel good" sounds through the dance.
Now, you gotta have the conversation.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Yeah, you do your own thing.
You don't do my thing.
You express yourself, you know what I mean? We're gonna do a little trade.
Yeah, so this was something that the cats were doing, and when I mention the cats, I'm talking about some very important men and women of the dance.
Yeah, they would challenge each other to be better.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Unh, unh, hey, oh, hey.
And how about you? You all right? I see you got the personality thing going on, but I need you to, you know, execute the steps, yes? - Yeah.
- Yeah, okay, maybe.
Let me see.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
If you're not speaking to the dance, you ain't saying nothing.
And how about you? You all right? - Oh, yeah, yeah.
- All right, are you sure? Uh, let's go over a little bit of the routine that we were doing earlier, yeah? Here we go.
Don't forget about the music! [TAL.]
Hey J, everything okay? Tal, I'm stressing.
I called OSU, and now that I'm out of state, it's fucking expensive.
It's 11 grand for housing alone.
Hey, look, no worries.
After what? Seven years at Wigs and Wangs, you'll be all set.
Tal, come on, I already told you I'm stressing.
You know me.
I need to have something to focus on.
I have to get to college.
All right, all right, all right.
I'm sorry, but you have some time to figure this out, okay, you do.
And listen, if there's one thing I know about you is you can make miracles happen.
All right? Look, I got to go.
I got to get to class, but we can talk later, yeah? Okay, all right, fine.
I'll see you at home.
- All right, I love you.
- Love you, too.
Bye.
[DISTANT CROWD CHEERING.]
Come on, Judge Judy.
Break's over.
Look, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to judge you earlier.
I was just, I was curious.
Sure you were.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Hurt in the best way Hurt in the best way Show me how to live for the wrong bitch All right, here we go.
Come check this playback.
Hurt in the best way Yo, Sage is gonna love this.
This shot is fire.
Told me not to trust nobody But I really wanna love somebody What's up, man? Uh, I'm Zayven.
This shit is fire, right? Yeah.
It's great.
- Y'all did all this already? - Crazy, right? We just flow, bruh, like magic, man.
It takes me and you months to do this kind of shit.
So, uh, when you gonna be free to get on our track? I don't know, man.
Whenever I'm done with this.
[ZAYVEN.]
Hey, man, we gotta hit this hook harder.
- Let's try this one again.
- All right, all right, my bad.
Yo, King, let me holla at you a little later, all right? - Okay, man.
- Oh, yo.
I meant to tell you, Sage is hooking it up at Velvet City tonight, and he said I could bring a guest.
- Yo, are you serious? - Yeah, man, so what you think about me taking Odalie? You know what I mean? Gotta make sure the crew is as tight as possible.
Yeah, uh gotta do it for the crew, right? You already know, man.
Aight, I'll holla at you.
[ZAYVEN.]
All right.
Let's get it.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Oh, thanks for coming in.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Listen, I know tap dancing can be an extremely difficult art form to learn and to process.
I saw you were having some trouble with the routine.
Oh, yeah, a little bit, but I think I'm starting to get it.
Okay.
Want to go over some of the stuff? Sure.
Yeah, that's cool.
You know the G step? Yeah, the G step.
I see I don't have to teach you that.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
Where'd you train? I, um, I watched some YouTube videos.
Some YouTube videos? Yeah, but you also trained.
Where? Yeah, and High Water is a school for underprivileged kids in this neighborhood.
Yeah, it is.
But it's the only place in the world like it.
I mean, it's the only place I can follow my dreams and actually become a real artist.
I have to be here.
I have to.
Yeah, you know, art lives in the truth.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Um All right, I'm gonna keep this little information between us, you know, but as you progress, you can only be the artist you want to be if you stop hiding.
- Yeah.
- Yeah? Mm-hmm.
You know, you're a very talented dancer.
- I'll keep an eye on you.
- Seriously? - Yeah.
- Cool.
When you start working professionally, you can be whoever you want to be.
- I'll keep working.
- All right, and stop frontin'.
[LAUGHING.]
Okay, thank you.
All right.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
[JANELLE LAUGHING.]
Stop.
[DONDRE.]
Janelle, what are we doing here? [JANELLE.]
Just hold on, be patient.
See, there we go.
This is what you wanted to show me? Yes.
Dondre, come on.
[LAUGHS.]
I had this crazy idea.
What if you let me help you throw your party tomorrow night? - In a gym? - Yeah look.
I know it sounds crazy, but it's gonna be next level, really? Okay, I already asked.
Nobody's using the gym.
Look, I know you didn't know me back in Ohio, but I was the queen of throwing bomb-ass pep rallies, okay? Nobody works a basketball court better than me.
Pep rallies, that's cute.
Listen, I know that you're probably Chef Curry with it - Just come on, okay? - but, I'm not seeing it.
Just imagine this, okay? - Basketball players over there, - Mm-hmm.
Drinks over there.
Girls grinding on their guys somewhere over there.
Hmm? Yeah, you're making it pretty hard for me to say no.
Look, I saw how much money you can make from last night, okay, doing what you do, and I'm never gonna make that amount of money working at Wigs and Wangs, so Right, I know.
[LAUGHING.]
So, will you let me help? Please? All right, I'm in.
- Wait, really? - Yeah.
- Really? - Yeah.
Mm.
Thank you.
Oh, one more little tiny little thing.
Yeah? Um, I'm gonna need some cash, just for party expenses.
[LAUGHING.]
God, I feel like I'm being used.
- Thank - Ahh.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Gotta watch me Gotta watch me Stones on my wrist like I'm Rocky Real over here you a copy Pay per view, boy you gotta comp me I do it for the team Yeah, I do it for the city I do it for the greens Yeah, I do it for a check I do it for the dream I ain't doing nothing less I do it for the ring Homeboy puts it best Coming home now get my Lebron on Dirty Sprite remix in my Styrofoam Damn, you lookin' damn.
Thanks, I know.
Did Sage really set all this up? Yeah, and you know I'm gonna make sure he hears all about you, too, so you can eventually get on this tour with me.
- I mean, that's why I'm here.
- [LAUGHING.]
- What's up, buddy? - What's going on, man? You must be Odalie.
Rigo won't stop talking about you.
Seriously? Yeah.
Man, yo, you really gotta see this girl dance.
- She's on some next level shit.
- Cool, nice.
I'm looking forward to it.
Listen, I got some people that would love to meet you guys.
I'm gonna go grab 'em.
Why don't you make yourselves at home, all right? Cool.
Can you believe this shit? We're in the hottest club in Atlanta right now.
Your music drops here and it pops, you can make it anywhere.
Well, uh, I'm glad you could make it out.
I almost didn't, but, you know, I heard Future was gonna be here, so - Oh, I'm not good enough? - No, you're kind of a dick.
It's working pretty well for me, though.
Don't you think? Look, when you got a dad like mine, it comes with some shit, so you kinda learn to keep your guard up.
Because of him, people treat me like I'm a star already.
Half these motherfuckers don't even know me, so who am I supposed to trust? - Actually, I kind of get that.
- Yeah? Well, then you know how much I need to make my own way out here.
I gotta make my own name, maybe even get my dad out the streets.
My parents are pretty overprotective, too.
So, tell me about this Davis guy.
What's up with you and him? He's cool and talented, but he's got a lot going on right now, and I'm actually kind of worried about him.
Well, look, I hope that don't get in the way of High Water.
Sage told me we gotta watch out for people who could take us off track.
You don't want to get lost out here trying to rescue stray dogs.
What are you doing here? Where did you get that? Off your desk.
You can't just be walking around here like you own the place.
Is that how you talk to all your investors? You're also a parent.
Parents are not allowed on campus anymore without permission.
Can I have permission? You're trying to get back in, huh? I'm trying to see where my money is going.
Look at this.
This estimate is steep as fuck.
Look at the quote.
He's overcharging you.
He's killing your budget.
And how would you know that? Business is business, and I runs mine.
All you got to do is withhold on the payment 'til the shit is done.
I can do that? If you look at the costs, I got a guy that can handle it.
How much will that save? Let me do the numbers.
Okay.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
But then, when you're done, you leave.
- Am I clear? - I come and go as I please.
Showing up here like you did was reckless and stupid, and we can't be doing this.
Last time I checked, reckless and stupid is what gets you going.
[HEAVY BREATHING.]
So, we rep'd all the dancers from the Formation tour.
This is Lexie, she handles all the talent.
My man Mac is in charge of digital influence.
Deals these guys put together are no joke.
I told you.
This the big leagues.
It's crazy.
Excuse me for a second.
Don't be too long.
What are you doing here? [SCOFFS.]
I'm here looking for someone, but no, no, don't act like I didn't just see what I just saw.
Are you seriously here with Rigo right now? After all the shit you gave me for going out with him.
Are you fucking him? No, it's not what it looks like.
This is a business proposition.
Really, is it? Because it doesn't look like one.
You know, I'll just go ask him myself.
No, wait.
I know this looks weird, but he's not as bad as you think.
You know what he did to me.
I know how he rolls, Janelle, but I promise you this is different.
He wants the two of us to be a team.
And you don't think he said the exact same thing to me? - I can handle him, Janelle.
- Really? And what about Davis? 'Cause I thought you two were supposed to be a team, or are you only about trading up now? You know what? I'm doing what I need to do to make it.
Sage might be taking dancers on tour! And that is your only goal even if it means without your friends? Got it.
Well, good luck with that.
Hi, I'm looking for a girl named Rachel.
Thank you.
Hey.
Well, hey, look who it is.
What, you need some cash for school? What? No.
'Cause you're kind of tiny, but I guess we got some boys that like that.
Um, thank you, but no.
Right now I'm just looking for some of the best dancers for my party.
[SCOFFS.]
Hold on, you're throwing a party? Girl wearing a turtleneck to a strip club? Where, the Boys and Girls Club? Yeah, kind of.
Did I mention I could pay in advance? All right.
[CLEARING THROAT.]
- How do you stay so fine? - You know what? It's late.
You know, you remember that ratchet music video we did? Man, I saw your little ass wigglin', and you got me hooked right then.
Listen, don't play that love-at-first-sight bullshit with me, okay? You only fuck with me to get back at Sage, and you know what's pathetic? Is that I use you to do the same thing.
Sage helped me create this school, and we're doing something great for these kids here, kids the world doesn't give a fuck about.
So, you trying to save the world? [SCOFFS.]
Could you do me a favor? Don't come sniffing around here anymore, all right? I'm serious.
Don't ruin this for me.
Can you do that, please? You know, I'm never gonna hurt you, but when it comes to my son, I'm gonna be standing right over Sage's fucking shoulder.
I know you don't wanna hear this, Ernest, but Sage is looking out for Rigo.
He's got a meeting tonight at Velvet City.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Hurt in the best way Hurt in the best way Show me how to live - Ooh, this shit is good.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- It's nice.
You know, you're exactly the kind of artist we're looking for.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You got that raw, natural talent.
Listen, I'm not exaggerating when I say I see gold, platinum albums, even private jets in your future.
Nice.
Let's do it, man.
I'm ready to work.
Man, ever since I was a kid, I had dreams to do this, and I just, I'm ready [YELPING.]
- Stop! - [ERNEST.]
The fuck you doing? Stop, Dad, stop! Get off of me! You keeping secrets from me? What are you thinking? If I am not a part of what Sage is doing, then it ain't right, you understand me? Why are you always so down on Sage? What'd he ever do to you? Dad! [GRUNTING.]
[COUGHING.]
Jesus, boy.
Sage and I were partners, you knew that right? - Right? - I guess so.
Well, we were.
Just like you and King.
We were gonna do this music shit together.
Yeah, well why aren't you then? Because he don't got no fucking loyalty, Rigo! Sage, we all knew he was gonna go places.
We all knew that shit.
But there was this one fool who'd stand in his way.
He wasn't backing down, so I handled that shit.
Yeah, I handled that motherfucker on my own just so Sage can get his own record deal.
You know how he repaid me? Do you? Motherfucker dropped me like I was nothing! He left me in the fucking dirt! I did what I had to do, son.
I can't go back from that.
I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
Well, now you do.
Dad? [CHILL MUSIC PLAYING.]
I'm about to proposition you.
You know you're not my type, right? I'll help you, well, I'll try to help you with some hip-hop.
Seriously? - Cause - Eh! Only if you help me with this tap shit.
I'm surprised you even care about tap dancing intensive.
Look, I like to stay on top of my game.
I'm always killing it, but this shit right here is making me look bad.
So what the fuck is this flap shit Quincy's talking about? It's a simple move, it's nothing.
Okay.
It's in the sound.
Flap.
Right, but don't it's not about what it looks like, it's Tap's all about, you know, sound and rhythm, you know? It's expression.
So think about that.
Flap.
Flap.
Bah! - Bah! - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
All right, do you remember the steps? Eh, um.
We'll walk it.
Five, six, seven, and - Okay, not bad, not bad.
- Better? - From Sage.
- Who are you? Sage's second assistant.
It's from his new line.
It hasn't even hit stores yet.
How lucky are you? There's a note.
All right, guys, we have to hit it hard, okay? Okay, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, bam, okay? That's the only way we stay in sync.
You doing the booty shake too early.
- Feet land on five.
- Man, fuck this.
Look, any dance I can't do in these shoes is a waste of my time.
Where the fuck are you guys going? Janelle, obviously we have a different way of moving, one that's very lucrative, I might add.
I know, but you guys can learn this.
No one's got time for that shit.
Either you can work with what we do, or you can find some other dancers for your lame-ass party.
Okay.
Okay.
Well, how would you do it? Bitch, take notes.
This is how we get down.
Let's see it all together.
Hold, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four, five, six.
Yo, that tap shit was fucking hard.
- It's not that hard.
- Whatever.
Hey, this my cousin, Kazoo.
- Yeah.
- Yo, what's up man? Hey, play us somethin' real quick! Aight.
Now, can you at least move like you from the A? Dab, hit them folks, nae nae? - Not even fucking nae nae? - What the fuck is that? All right, let's try this.
How about you show me what you got? Well, that's the point.
Like, that was always my sister's thing, so I don't have anything.
Look, I saw your audition.
You had a couple of hot moves in there mixed with all that contemporary shit.
That's just something I got from some guy.
What guy? You mean somebody else could be doing this tutoring shit? No, well You know Dondre, right? Yeah, everybody knows Dondre.
Right, well, he's my neighbor, and sometimes I watch him dance.
Whoa, wait.
You watch him? [STAMMERS.]
I mean, like, for his moves! [LAUGHS.]
I get it now.
- You're one of those.
- Wait, one of what? You're a self-hater.
You only crush on straight guys.
Always wanting, never getting.
Well, thank you for the insight, Dr.
Love.
Seems like you got it all figured out with Rigo, don't you? - What's that supposed to mean? - I may have my issues, but at least they're not fucking assholes.
Look, I just mean you take so much shit from that guy, and you're just as good as he is, maybe even better.
Dance class has started.
Where's your phone? - It's right there.
- Hey, Kazoo, turn the music up.
Now, stop worrying about everyone looking at you, - and just feel the damn beat.
- Okay.
[SLOW HIP-HOP BEAT.]
Good.
Now follow.
Hey, record this shit.
And put your hat on.
I came up from nothin', nigga You can't tell me shit Can you at least look like you got a little bit of swag? Okay, God! - All right.
- I'm trying.
Just check this out.
Whoo, pow.
Ooh, and we throw it.
Hey, and hit.
Yeah, roll it.
Take it around, throw it up, hit them folks.
What? It's like you're dunking a basket.
You ain't never played basketball before? No, I play lacrosse.
Oh, my God, listen, hit them folks 101.
Take it, dunk that bit.
I came up from nothing, nigga You can't tell me shit Yeah, did it on my own Check out my neck Check out my wrist I swear I ain't never expected it To be like this now a nigga gettin' rich I swear every day we lit now Every day we lit You can't tell me shit 'Member I was broke Now I'm getting rich When your diamond colder than a bitch Then you know you lit When you quick to take a nigga bitch Then you know you lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit every day we lit I came up from nothing, nigga You can't tell me shit Yeah, did it on my own Check out my neck Check out my wrist I swear I ain't never expected it to be like this Now a nigga getting rich I swear every day we lit [DRAMATIC MUSIC.]
Hey, I got your message.
What was so urgent? Is this where you been hidin' all night? Chill, just listen.
Hmm.
Hey, hey, hey.
Who is this? - It's me.
- You? This shit is fucking dope, like, super dope.
You really think it's hot? Bro, if you played this at Velvet City, the place would go crazy! Producers will flip over this.
Any artist would want to hop on it.
Any artist but me, right? You know what I mean.
Like a real rapper, like Sage or Rigo.
So, let me get this straight.
I can produce tracks for you and Rigo to impress Sage, and I can make stuff for other producers, but when I get on my own track, it's like I'm invisible.
King, no.
This sounds great, I was just saying that maybe You know what? Um I got some more work I gotta do, so if you don't mind.
You're not invisible to me.
[MUSIC GETS LOUDER.]
So, uh, let me start by saying thank you, all, for allowing me into your space this week.
It has been a lovely experience for me.
Uh, I've really enjoyed myself.
I enjoyed the experience.
I enjoyed the exchange, and I hope that you know and you realize that, um, Atlanta is filled with such rich and diverse artistry.
I hope you embrace that.
As far as the tap dancing goes, I encourage you to continue to explore what we've shared in here.
I encourage you to be the best you can be, but for now, in this moment, I want us to just sorta loosen up and just express ourselves for a second that is, like, free from critique.
No audience, just us, sorta vibing.
Okay, one, two, ready, hey.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
I know that you're all working really hard to be a part of Sage's show for the tour he has coming up, but for now I want you to just free yourself of that.
You know, no audience, just us, free from critique, just express yourself.
Let's hear from somebody.
Let's hear from you.
One, two, just express yourself, one, two, ready, hey.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four, yeah.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Uh-huh.
Sing the song! The music! Take your time! All right, let's do it! Whoo! Hey! Unh, unh! One, two, one, two, three, hey! [UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC.]
Oh! Unh! [SCATTING.]
[CHEERING.]
Whoo! Good job.
[MAN.]
That shit was dope.
- Yeah.
- That was incredible! Uh, do I see a little teary eye? Are you getting soft on me about this? No, I'm fine.
It's just This is everything I've ever wanted for this school, you know? Well, congratulations to you, and, you know, let me have your attention, please.
Um, it just so happens, you guys have helped me as well.
Uh, I have a show coming up in New York, and I need a dancer, and I was wondering you interested? - Me? - Yeah.
Yes! I want it! - Good, congratulations.
- Thank you.
Congratulations, Sage would be so proud of you.
Great work, great job.
Great job, everyone! [CLASS APPLAUDS.]
- You're a professional now.
- I know! That's amazing.
Yo, I couldn't have done this without you.
- You're welcome.
- Thanks.
[LAUGHING.]
Congrats, Poppy.
Thank you, King.
- You good? - Yeah, I'm good.
It's just Sage has sent me this new coat.
It's straight fire, right? And it's fur lined.
Yo, seriously, Pops, this is like the best thing - that's ever happened.
- I know, right? This shit is, like, professional.
I'm gonna get paid and everything.
Did y'all not hear? Sage hooked me up last night! Velvet fucking City, fool, VIP.
Yo, we were sitting right next to Future.
- No way.
- Yes way, ain't that right, Odalie? Yeah, it was some next level shit.
I'm talking bottles of Hennessy.
Anyways, like I was saying, I bet you Quincy can get me some of those Hamilton tickets.
- Like - Yo, look, Pops, I'm happy for you.
You know, you're gonna have a nice little week doing your little tap dance shit.
Excuse me? I'm sorry, but that ain't shit.
Sage is about to guarantee me the tour.
That's a whole fucking year.
What the fuck did you just say to me? What the fuck is wrong with you? Yo, seriously? Pop, what the fuck is wrong with you? What the fuck you gonna do, huh? Put hands on me? - Watch me.
- Are you fucking serious?! Don't you ever fucking speak to me again.
Yo, King, can you believe this shit? Yeah, man.
You're a fucking dick.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Fuck this shit.
[MAN.]
Yo, King.
What's up, man? I got that new track you was looking for, but it's hot, so it's gonna be about 350, you feel me? Yo, keep them tracks coming, man.
You're gonna get paid.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
Hey, here you go.
Sorry about that.
- How we doing? - Doing good.
- Yeah? - Mm-hmm.
Hey, girl.
I heard this was the hottest party in town, congrats.
You got to be kidding me, right? - Hey, look, I just - No, no, no, hell no.
You out with this asshole again? So much for being all business, Odalie.
They're not allowed in.
You two, you can go, bye.
Oh, it's like that? Come on.
[CROWD CHEERING.]
[HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Look who jumped up out the cage it's the whopper I'm a put it on the grill, make it hot Try to put an end to it Tryin' to stop us But it's okay, my whole team going to the top Ba ba ba ba ba ba tell them watch the band play I'm a run them bands up I been on the campaign I know them simple-minded dudes don't entertain you I had to step up on my cuffers on to claim you You know you rocking with the best baby right now If you was up I know that drink would bring you right down I'm about to build a club up in my crib Do it big, bad girls You know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me [CROWD CHEERING.]
That was hot, Miss Janelle.
- Really? - Yeah, really.
[LAUGHING.]
[GASPING.]
What's wrong, you okay? Uh, yeah, no.
Yeah, um Look, I like you and this and working with you a lot.
It's just, I've never exactly done it before.
[CHUCKLES.]
- Sorry.
- No, no, no, hey, hey.
Don't apologize, okay? There are other things we can do.
Hey, J, you'll never guess what.
I got a Five, six, seven, and Next on Step Up High Water You promised a live stream performance of a single you haven't even written yet! They're saying Sage is broke.
[AL.]
Oh, hell no.
No Dondre.
Stop acting like you're my dad.
Anybody got anything to say other than some criticism?
How low can you twerk? How low can you twerk? How low can you twerk? How low can you twerk? Got no valentine Got no valentine Nigga, that's a lot I been out chasin' dollar signs I been out So, where's the after party? This is the after party.
Hands down, the best breakfast in town.
Oh, man, I could just keep going.
Everybody in that party was so in sync.
- You don't even need words.
- Mm-hmm.
That break dance crew, who were they? You know it's 7:00 am, right? Yes, I know.
It's just I haven't had that much fun dancing in a long time.
Really? You didn't have fun dancing up in High Water with Sage Odom? No, it was fun.
It was fun.
It was just stressful because, you know, everybody - was judging me all the time.
- Mm.
Even at my old school everything had to be perfect, you know? I could never just live in the moment.
I was always thinking about what's next.
I never think about what's next.
- Never? - Never.
You have to be planning your next party.
- I guess it'll be tomorrow.
- You guess it'll be tomorrow? - You are so loud, you know that? - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
Can you look in the glove box and give me some hot sauce? - Uh, what is all this? - Thank you, last night's door.
You don't want to put it in the bank or something? Right now, it's burrito time, then sleep time, then bank time.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
[ITEMS CLATTERING.]
Oh, shit.
Are you seriously just getting in?1 J, tell me you weren't out all night.
Shh.
Okay, here comes the curfew police.
- And, you're drunk? Great.
- First of all, I am not drunk.
I was drunk and high, but now I'm just exhausted.
- Wait, wait, you're high? - Shh.
J, what the fuck is going on? Suddenly you're the girl who runs out in the middle of the night with a boy, with Dondre? Here we go again with this Dondre drama, okay.
I already told you we're just friends, so can you please hold it down? I just I just need to sleep.
Yeah, well not that you care, but I covered for you again.
Uncle Al already left for work.
[SIGHING.]
Wait, our our boxes from Ohio came? That's all your stuff.
I already unpacked my box.
Yeah, one box.
Singular.
[SIGHING.]
Oh, my God, I got in? I got in! New plan.
Ohio State University in the fall.
- You got the cheer scholarship? - Yep! [LAUGHING.]
But, whoa this this is just a partial.
How are you gonna come up with the rest of the money? I don't know.
I'm gonna figure it out, though.
I thought you didn't want to go to college.
Well, I didn't get into High Water, so what else am I gonna do? You know you'll have to finish high school, so Yeah, I'll get my GED.
Tal, hello? This is a good thing.
Do you want to live that far apart? Well, no, Tal.
But, look, you have a lot of good things going for you at High Water, okay? Maybe even a shot at Sage's tour.
Yeah, right.
I'm hanging onto to High Water with tricks and screens.
I can't dance like the other guys, but sure, I'll make the world tour.
Yes, you can, okay? You can learn hip-hop, I know it, and once you do that, I know you'll get a shot on Sage's tour.
You just can't let those assholes intimidate you.
[SIGHING.]
Yo, we need to round out our crew with the best of the new blood, and she's it.
Oh, fuck no, and why do you get to decide? I'm not deciding, I'm just stating facts.
Look, we've all seen how dope she is.
[SCOFFS.]
Whatever.
- You gonna dance in that shit? - I'm not staying.
Sage hooked me up with one of his producers, and I'm gonna work on some new music.
Hell yeah, man.
That's the kind of one-up that we need.
So when we getting in the studio? Ah, he didn't say anything about bringing anyone else, so I just don't want to piss him off, you know? Nah, man, I get it.
It's all good.
Aight, cool.
But, hey, come by later, though.
Yeah, I'll see what I can do.
And try not to fuck it up.
- Hey.
- What? - I'm Tal, by the way.
- I know who you are.
What do you want? You need something? Yeah, yeah.
Um, I need your help.
You're like You're arguably, like, the best dancer in the whole school.
Yeah, well, that's something that we already know.
Right, and I'm the only one who can't dance hip-hop.
Dance hip-hop? Okay, I can't.
Look, whatever it is, I just need some help.
Look, you need help, but not with your moves.
I saw that crazy-ass audition, that crazy-ass greyhound thing.
It's all dope, so why you playing? How about you hit up my Insta if want some of my moves.
Look, I'm not dope, and I don't have Instagram.
Boy, bye.
If you gonna be in this school, you need to stay current.
Instagram, Twitter, it's all part of the game.
Sage sees that, and is gonna for sure take that into account when he's doing the tour.
Yeah, but social media gives me hives.
- I just don't see the point.
- Okay, I can't do this.
Either you in or you ain't, and clearly you ain't, so you can go back to being in the '90s now.
Hey, where's your boy, Davis? I don't know.
Haven't seen him since yesterday.
But no, you killed at that show at the Public.
You know, I remember your audition for it, as well.
You did a pretty good job yourself.
Well, thank you, thank you.
Too bad nobody believed I was 18, though.
The consolation prize wasn't that bad because you took me to dinner.
Uh, I think you followed me to Papaya King, ate your hot dog, ate my hot dog.
Maybe you had been Snoop Dogging a little bit.
Shh, shh.
Good morning, guys.
Good morning.
Okay, okay.
I am so excited because I have been trying to get this man here for a year to teach you the thing that he does better than anyone in the entire world.
So please, please make it worth his time, and give it up for the legendary Quincy Hobbs.
Thank you for that.
Thank you.
Good to see you all.
I want you to find your sizes.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
So, uh, I would like to continue just talking to you about, you know, some of the history of the dance.
As far as I'm concerned, this style of dancing when you're communicating, it comes from a native place, all right? So, let's start with the rudiments that we were doing.
One, two, ready, hey.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
I would like to congratulate you all on your exciting journey of finishing your high school education.
Now, who would like to introduce themselves? Hey, y'all, I'm Rachel.
I'm a dancer, but I'm thinking after this GED, maybe being a forensic attorney.
I love all that Forensic Files shit.
Hey, I'm a dancer, too.
Really, where do you work? Oh, more like an aspiring dancer.
Gotcha, I'm at Velvet City.
Oh, you're a stripper? Oh, I thought you meant a real dancer.
[SCOFFS.]
For your information, hon, in Atlanta, the best dancers are in strip clubs, and the best of the best strip Velvet fucking City.
If you've got a problem with that, then [TEACHER CLEARING THROAT.]
You have something more important to say? - Hmm? - Nope.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
[QUINCY.]
Yeah.
Keep these famous, uh, contributors in mind also.
Cats like Gregory Hines, the Nicholas Brothers, um, and everything they had to go through in order to get this dance to a place of recognition, you know what I mean? [TAPS CLATTERING.]
An expression, like, how do you feel? Uh, I feel I feel good.
- You feel good? - Yeah.
All right, let me hear how "I feel good" sounds through the dance.
Now, you gotta have the conversation.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Yeah, you do your own thing.
You don't do my thing.
You express yourself, you know what I mean? We're gonna do a little trade.
Yeah, so this was something that the cats were doing, and when I mention the cats, I'm talking about some very important men and women of the dance.
Yeah, they would challenge each other to be better.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Unh, unh, hey, oh, hey.
And how about you? You all right? I see you got the personality thing going on, but I need you to, you know, execute the steps, yes? - Yeah.
- Yeah, okay, maybe.
Let me see.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
If you're not speaking to the dance, you ain't saying nothing.
And how about you? You all right? - Oh, yeah, yeah.
- All right, are you sure? Uh, let's go over a little bit of the routine that we were doing earlier, yeah? Here we go.
Don't forget about the music! [TAL.]
Hey J, everything okay? Tal, I'm stressing.
I called OSU, and now that I'm out of state, it's fucking expensive.
It's 11 grand for housing alone.
Hey, look, no worries.
After what? Seven years at Wigs and Wangs, you'll be all set.
Tal, come on, I already told you I'm stressing.
You know me.
I need to have something to focus on.
I have to get to college.
All right, all right, all right.
I'm sorry, but you have some time to figure this out, okay, you do.
And listen, if there's one thing I know about you is you can make miracles happen.
All right? Look, I got to go.
I got to get to class, but we can talk later, yeah? Okay, all right, fine.
I'll see you at home.
- All right, I love you.
- Love you, too.
Bye.
[DISTANT CROWD CHEERING.]
Come on, Judge Judy.
Break's over.
Look, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to judge you earlier.
I was just, I was curious.
Sure you were.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Hurt in the best way Hurt in the best way Show me how to live for the wrong bitch All right, here we go.
Come check this playback.
Hurt in the best way Yo, Sage is gonna love this.
This shot is fire.
Told me not to trust nobody But I really wanna love somebody What's up, man? Uh, I'm Zayven.
This shit is fire, right? Yeah.
It's great.
- Y'all did all this already? - Crazy, right? We just flow, bruh, like magic, man.
It takes me and you months to do this kind of shit.
So, uh, when you gonna be free to get on our track? I don't know, man.
Whenever I'm done with this.
[ZAYVEN.]
Hey, man, we gotta hit this hook harder.
- Let's try this one again.
- All right, all right, my bad.
Yo, King, let me holla at you a little later, all right? - Okay, man.
- Oh, yo.
I meant to tell you, Sage is hooking it up at Velvet City tonight, and he said I could bring a guest.
- Yo, are you serious? - Yeah, man, so what you think about me taking Odalie? You know what I mean? Gotta make sure the crew is as tight as possible.
Yeah, uh gotta do it for the crew, right? You already know, man.
Aight, I'll holla at you.
[ZAYVEN.]
All right.
Let's get it.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Oh, thanks for coming in.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Listen, I know tap dancing can be an extremely difficult art form to learn and to process.
I saw you were having some trouble with the routine.
Oh, yeah, a little bit, but I think I'm starting to get it.
Okay.
Want to go over some of the stuff? Sure.
Yeah, that's cool.
You know the G step? Yeah, the G step.
I see I don't have to teach you that.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
Where'd you train? I, um, I watched some YouTube videos.
Some YouTube videos? Yeah, but you also trained.
Where? Yeah, and High Water is a school for underprivileged kids in this neighborhood.
Yeah, it is.
But it's the only place in the world like it.
I mean, it's the only place I can follow my dreams and actually become a real artist.
I have to be here.
I have to.
Yeah, you know, art lives in the truth.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Um All right, I'm gonna keep this little information between us, you know, but as you progress, you can only be the artist you want to be if you stop hiding.
- Yeah.
- Yeah? Mm-hmm.
You know, you're a very talented dancer.
- I'll keep an eye on you.
- Seriously? - Yeah.
- Cool.
When you start working professionally, you can be whoever you want to be.
- I'll keep working.
- All right, and stop frontin'.
[LAUGHING.]
Okay, thank you.
All right.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
[JANELLE LAUGHING.]
Stop.
[DONDRE.]
Janelle, what are we doing here? [JANELLE.]
Just hold on, be patient.
See, there we go.
This is what you wanted to show me? Yes.
Dondre, come on.
[LAUGHS.]
I had this crazy idea.
What if you let me help you throw your party tomorrow night? - In a gym? - Yeah look.
I know it sounds crazy, but it's gonna be next level, really? Okay, I already asked.
Nobody's using the gym.
Look, I know you didn't know me back in Ohio, but I was the queen of throwing bomb-ass pep rallies, okay? Nobody works a basketball court better than me.
Pep rallies, that's cute.
Listen, I know that you're probably Chef Curry with it - Just come on, okay? - but, I'm not seeing it.
Just imagine this, okay? - Basketball players over there, - Mm-hmm.
Drinks over there.
Girls grinding on their guys somewhere over there.
Hmm? Yeah, you're making it pretty hard for me to say no.
Look, I saw how much money you can make from last night, okay, doing what you do, and I'm never gonna make that amount of money working at Wigs and Wangs, so Right, I know.
[LAUGHING.]
So, will you let me help? Please? All right, I'm in.
- Wait, really? - Yeah.
- Really? - Yeah.
Mm.
Thank you.
Oh, one more little tiny little thing.
Yeah? Um, I'm gonna need some cash, just for party expenses.
[LAUGHING.]
God, I feel like I'm being used.
- Thank - Ahh.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Gotta watch me Gotta watch me Stones on my wrist like I'm Rocky Real over here you a copy Pay per view, boy you gotta comp me I do it for the team Yeah, I do it for the city I do it for the greens Yeah, I do it for a check I do it for the dream I ain't doing nothing less I do it for the ring Homeboy puts it best Coming home now get my Lebron on Dirty Sprite remix in my Styrofoam Damn, you lookin' damn.
Thanks, I know.
Did Sage really set all this up? Yeah, and you know I'm gonna make sure he hears all about you, too, so you can eventually get on this tour with me.
- I mean, that's why I'm here.
- [LAUGHING.]
- What's up, buddy? - What's going on, man? You must be Odalie.
Rigo won't stop talking about you.
Seriously? Yeah.
Man, yo, you really gotta see this girl dance.
- She's on some next level shit.
- Cool, nice.
I'm looking forward to it.
Listen, I got some people that would love to meet you guys.
I'm gonna go grab 'em.
Why don't you make yourselves at home, all right? Cool.
Can you believe this shit? We're in the hottest club in Atlanta right now.
Your music drops here and it pops, you can make it anywhere.
Well, uh, I'm glad you could make it out.
I almost didn't, but, you know, I heard Future was gonna be here, so - Oh, I'm not good enough? - No, you're kind of a dick.
It's working pretty well for me, though.
Don't you think? Look, when you got a dad like mine, it comes with some shit, so you kinda learn to keep your guard up.
Because of him, people treat me like I'm a star already.
Half these motherfuckers don't even know me, so who am I supposed to trust? - Actually, I kind of get that.
- Yeah? Well, then you know how much I need to make my own way out here.
I gotta make my own name, maybe even get my dad out the streets.
My parents are pretty overprotective, too.
So, tell me about this Davis guy.
What's up with you and him? He's cool and talented, but he's got a lot going on right now, and I'm actually kind of worried about him.
Well, look, I hope that don't get in the way of High Water.
Sage told me we gotta watch out for people who could take us off track.
You don't want to get lost out here trying to rescue stray dogs.
What are you doing here? Where did you get that? Off your desk.
You can't just be walking around here like you own the place.
Is that how you talk to all your investors? You're also a parent.
Parents are not allowed on campus anymore without permission.
Can I have permission? You're trying to get back in, huh? I'm trying to see where my money is going.
Look at this.
This estimate is steep as fuck.
Look at the quote.
He's overcharging you.
He's killing your budget.
And how would you know that? Business is business, and I runs mine.
All you got to do is withhold on the payment 'til the shit is done.
I can do that? If you look at the costs, I got a guy that can handle it.
How much will that save? Let me do the numbers.
Okay.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
But then, when you're done, you leave.
- Am I clear? - I come and go as I please.
Showing up here like you did was reckless and stupid, and we can't be doing this.
Last time I checked, reckless and stupid is what gets you going.
[HEAVY BREATHING.]
So, we rep'd all the dancers from the Formation tour.
This is Lexie, she handles all the talent.
My man Mac is in charge of digital influence.
Deals these guys put together are no joke.
I told you.
This the big leagues.
It's crazy.
Excuse me for a second.
Don't be too long.
What are you doing here? [SCOFFS.]
I'm here looking for someone, but no, no, don't act like I didn't just see what I just saw.
Are you seriously here with Rigo right now? After all the shit you gave me for going out with him.
Are you fucking him? No, it's not what it looks like.
This is a business proposition.
Really, is it? Because it doesn't look like one.
You know, I'll just go ask him myself.
No, wait.
I know this looks weird, but he's not as bad as you think.
You know what he did to me.
I know how he rolls, Janelle, but I promise you this is different.
He wants the two of us to be a team.
And you don't think he said the exact same thing to me? - I can handle him, Janelle.
- Really? And what about Davis? 'Cause I thought you two were supposed to be a team, or are you only about trading up now? You know what? I'm doing what I need to do to make it.
Sage might be taking dancers on tour! And that is your only goal even if it means without your friends? Got it.
Well, good luck with that.
Hi, I'm looking for a girl named Rachel.
Thank you.
Hey.
Well, hey, look who it is.
What, you need some cash for school? What? No.
'Cause you're kind of tiny, but I guess we got some boys that like that.
Um, thank you, but no.
Right now I'm just looking for some of the best dancers for my party.
[SCOFFS.]
Hold on, you're throwing a party? Girl wearing a turtleneck to a strip club? Where, the Boys and Girls Club? Yeah, kind of.
Did I mention I could pay in advance? All right.
[CLEARING THROAT.]
- How do you stay so fine? - You know what? It's late.
You know, you remember that ratchet music video we did? Man, I saw your little ass wigglin', and you got me hooked right then.
Listen, don't play that love-at-first-sight bullshit with me, okay? You only fuck with me to get back at Sage, and you know what's pathetic? Is that I use you to do the same thing.
Sage helped me create this school, and we're doing something great for these kids here, kids the world doesn't give a fuck about.
So, you trying to save the world? [SCOFFS.]
Could you do me a favor? Don't come sniffing around here anymore, all right? I'm serious.
Don't ruin this for me.
Can you do that, please? You know, I'm never gonna hurt you, but when it comes to my son, I'm gonna be standing right over Sage's fucking shoulder.
I know you don't wanna hear this, Ernest, but Sage is looking out for Rigo.
He's got a meeting tonight at Velvet City.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Hurt in the best way Hurt in the best way Show me how to live - Ooh, this shit is good.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- It's nice.
You know, you're exactly the kind of artist we're looking for.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You got that raw, natural talent.
Listen, I'm not exaggerating when I say I see gold, platinum albums, even private jets in your future.
Nice.
Let's do it, man.
I'm ready to work.
Man, ever since I was a kid, I had dreams to do this, and I just, I'm ready [YELPING.]
- Stop! - [ERNEST.]
The fuck you doing? Stop, Dad, stop! Get off of me! You keeping secrets from me? What are you thinking? If I am not a part of what Sage is doing, then it ain't right, you understand me? Why are you always so down on Sage? What'd he ever do to you? Dad! [GRUNTING.]
[COUGHING.]
Jesus, boy.
Sage and I were partners, you knew that right? - Right? - I guess so.
Well, we were.
Just like you and King.
We were gonna do this music shit together.
Yeah, well why aren't you then? Because he don't got no fucking loyalty, Rigo! Sage, we all knew he was gonna go places.
We all knew that shit.
But there was this one fool who'd stand in his way.
He wasn't backing down, so I handled that shit.
Yeah, I handled that motherfucker on my own just so Sage can get his own record deal.
You know how he repaid me? Do you? Motherfucker dropped me like I was nothing! He left me in the fucking dirt! I did what I had to do, son.
I can't go back from that.
I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
Well, now you do.
Dad? [CHILL MUSIC PLAYING.]
I'm about to proposition you.
You know you're not my type, right? I'll help you, well, I'll try to help you with some hip-hop.
Seriously? - Cause - Eh! Only if you help me with this tap shit.
I'm surprised you even care about tap dancing intensive.
Look, I like to stay on top of my game.
I'm always killing it, but this shit right here is making me look bad.
So what the fuck is this flap shit Quincy's talking about? It's a simple move, it's nothing.
Okay.
It's in the sound.
Flap.
Right, but don't it's not about what it looks like, it's Tap's all about, you know, sound and rhythm, you know? It's expression.
So think about that.
Flap.
Flap.
Bah! - Bah! - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
All right, do you remember the steps? Eh, um.
We'll walk it.
Five, six, seven, and - Okay, not bad, not bad.
- Better? - From Sage.
- Who are you? Sage's second assistant.
It's from his new line.
It hasn't even hit stores yet.
How lucky are you? There's a note.
All right, guys, we have to hit it hard, okay? Okay, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, bam, okay? That's the only way we stay in sync.
You doing the booty shake too early.
- Feet land on five.
- Man, fuck this.
Look, any dance I can't do in these shoes is a waste of my time.
Where the fuck are you guys going? Janelle, obviously we have a different way of moving, one that's very lucrative, I might add.
I know, but you guys can learn this.
No one's got time for that shit.
Either you can work with what we do, or you can find some other dancers for your lame-ass party.
Okay.
Okay.
Well, how would you do it? Bitch, take notes.
This is how we get down.
Let's see it all together.
Hold, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four, five, six.
Yo, that tap shit was fucking hard.
- It's not that hard.
- Whatever.
Hey, this my cousin, Kazoo.
- Yeah.
- Yo, what's up man? Hey, play us somethin' real quick! Aight.
Now, can you at least move like you from the A? Dab, hit them folks, nae nae? - Not even fucking nae nae? - What the fuck is that? All right, let's try this.
How about you show me what you got? Well, that's the point.
Like, that was always my sister's thing, so I don't have anything.
Look, I saw your audition.
You had a couple of hot moves in there mixed with all that contemporary shit.
That's just something I got from some guy.
What guy? You mean somebody else could be doing this tutoring shit? No, well You know Dondre, right? Yeah, everybody knows Dondre.
Right, well, he's my neighbor, and sometimes I watch him dance.
Whoa, wait.
You watch him? [STAMMERS.]
I mean, like, for his moves! [LAUGHS.]
I get it now.
- You're one of those.
- Wait, one of what? You're a self-hater.
You only crush on straight guys.
Always wanting, never getting.
Well, thank you for the insight, Dr.
Love.
Seems like you got it all figured out with Rigo, don't you? - What's that supposed to mean? - I may have my issues, but at least they're not fucking assholes.
Look, I just mean you take so much shit from that guy, and you're just as good as he is, maybe even better.
Dance class has started.
Where's your phone? - It's right there.
- Hey, Kazoo, turn the music up.
Now, stop worrying about everyone looking at you, - and just feel the damn beat.
- Okay.
[SLOW HIP-HOP BEAT.]
Good.
Now follow.
Hey, record this shit.
And put your hat on.
I came up from nothin', nigga You can't tell me shit Can you at least look like you got a little bit of swag? Okay, God! - All right.
- I'm trying.
Just check this out.
Whoo, pow.
Ooh, and we throw it.
Hey, and hit.
Yeah, roll it.
Take it around, throw it up, hit them folks.
What? It's like you're dunking a basket.
You ain't never played basketball before? No, I play lacrosse.
Oh, my God, listen, hit them folks 101.
Take it, dunk that bit.
I came up from nothing, nigga You can't tell me shit Yeah, did it on my own Check out my neck Check out my wrist I swear I ain't never expected it To be like this now a nigga gettin' rich I swear every day we lit now Every day we lit You can't tell me shit 'Member I was broke Now I'm getting rich When your diamond colder than a bitch Then you know you lit When you quick to take a nigga bitch Then you know you lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit Every day we lit every day we lit I came up from nothing, nigga You can't tell me shit Yeah, did it on my own Check out my neck Check out my wrist I swear I ain't never expected it to be like this Now a nigga getting rich I swear every day we lit [DRAMATIC MUSIC.]
Hey, I got your message.
What was so urgent? Is this where you been hidin' all night? Chill, just listen.
Hmm.
Hey, hey, hey.
Who is this? - It's me.
- You? This shit is fucking dope, like, super dope.
You really think it's hot? Bro, if you played this at Velvet City, the place would go crazy! Producers will flip over this.
Any artist would want to hop on it.
Any artist but me, right? You know what I mean.
Like a real rapper, like Sage or Rigo.
So, let me get this straight.
I can produce tracks for you and Rigo to impress Sage, and I can make stuff for other producers, but when I get on my own track, it's like I'm invisible.
King, no.
This sounds great, I was just saying that maybe You know what? Um I got some more work I gotta do, so if you don't mind.
You're not invisible to me.
[MUSIC GETS LOUDER.]
So, uh, let me start by saying thank you, all, for allowing me into your space this week.
It has been a lovely experience for me.
Uh, I've really enjoyed myself.
I enjoyed the experience.
I enjoyed the exchange, and I hope that you know and you realize that, um, Atlanta is filled with such rich and diverse artistry.
I hope you embrace that.
As far as the tap dancing goes, I encourage you to continue to explore what we've shared in here.
I encourage you to be the best you can be, but for now, in this moment, I want us to just sorta loosen up and just express ourselves for a second that is, like, free from critique.
No audience, just us, sorta vibing.
Okay, one, two, ready, hey.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
I know that you're all working really hard to be a part of Sage's show for the tour he has coming up, but for now I want you to just free yourself of that.
You know, no audience, just us, free from critique, just express yourself.
Let's hear from somebody.
Let's hear from you.
One, two, just express yourself, one, two, ready, hey.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four, yeah.
[TAPS CLATTERING.]
Uh-huh.
Sing the song! The music! Take your time! All right, let's do it! Whoo! Hey! Unh, unh! One, two, one, two, three, hey! [UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC.]
Oh! Unh! [SCATTING.]
[CHEERING.]
Whoo! Good job.
[MAN.]
That shit was dope.
- Yeah.
- That was incredible! Uh, do I see a little teary eye? Are you getting soft on me about this? No, I'm fine.
It's just This is everything I've ever wanted for this school, you know? Well, congratulations to you, and, you know, let me have your attention, please.
Um, it just so happens, you guys have helped me as well.
Uh, I have a show coming up in New York, and I need a dancer, and I was wondering you interested? - Me? - Yeah.
Yes! I want it! - Good, congratulations.
- Thank you.
Congratulations, Sage would be so proud of you.
Great work, great job.
Great job, everyone! [CLASS APPLAUDS.]
- You're a professional now.
- I know! That's amazing.
Yo, I couldn't have done this without you.
- You're welcome.
- Thanks.
[LAUGHING.]
Congrats, Poppy.
Thank you, King.
- You good? - Yeah, I'm good.
It's just Sage has sent me this new coat.
It's straight fire, right? And it's fur lined.
Yo, seriously, Pops, this is like the best thing - that's ever happened.
- I know, right? This shit is, like, professional.
I'm gonna get paid and everything.
Did y'all not hear? Sage hooked me up last night! Velvet fucking City, fool, VIP.
Yo, we were sitting right next to Future.
- No way.
- Yes way, ain't that right, Odalie? Yeah, it was some next level shit.
I'm talking bottles of Hennessy.
Anyways, like I was saying, I bet you Quincy can get me some of those Hamilton tickets.
- Like - Yo, look, Pops, I'm happy for you.
You know, you're gonna have a nice little week doing your little tap dance shit.
Excuse me? I'm sorry, but that ain't shit.
Sage is about to guarantee me the tour.
That's a whole fucking year.
What the fuck did you just say to me? What the fuck is wrong with you? Yo, seriously? Pop, what the fuck is wrong with you? What the fuck you gonna do, huh? Put hands on me? - Watch me.
- Are you fucking serious?! Don't you ever fucking speak to me again.
Yo, King, can you believe this shit? Yeah, man.
You're a fucking dick.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC.]
Fuck this shit.
[MAN.]
Yo, King.
What's up, man? I got that new track you was looking for, but it's hot, so it's gonna be about 350, you feel me? Yo, keep them tracks coming, man.
You're gonna get paid.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
Hey, here you go.
Sorry about that.
- How we doing? - Doing good.
- Yeah? - Mm-hmm.
Hey, girl.
I heard this was the hottest party in town, congrats.
You got to be kidding me, right? - Hey, look, I just - No, no, no, hell no.
You out with this asshole again? So much for being all business, Odalie.
They're not allowed in.
You two, you can go, bye.
Oh, it's like that? Come on.
[CROWD CHEERING.]
[HIP-HOP PLAYING.]
Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Look who jumped up out the cage it's the whopper I'm a put it on the grill, make it hot Try to put an end to it Tryin' to stop us But it's okay, my whole team going to the top Ba ba ba ba ba ba tell them watch the band play I'm a run them bands up I been on the campaign I know them simple-minded dudes don't entertain you I had to step up on my cuffers on to claim you You know you rocking with the best baby right now If you was up I know that drink would bring you right down I'm about to build a club up in my crib Do it big, bad girls You know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me Bad girls you know what it is Shake it for me Shake, shake, shake shake it for me [CROWD CHEERING.]
That was hot, Miss Janelle.
- Really? - Yeah, really.
[LAUGHING.]
[GASPING.]
What's wrong, you okay? Uh, yeah, no.
Yeah, um Look, I like you and this and working with you a lot.
It's just, I've never exactly done it before.
[CHUCKLES.]
- Sorry.
- No, no, no, hey, hey.
Don't apologize, okay? There are other things we can do.
Hey, J, you'll never guess what.
I got a Five, six, seven, and Next on Step Up High Water You promised a live stream performance of a single you haven't even written yet! They're saying Sage is broke.
[AL.]
Oh, hell no.
No Dondre.
Stop acting like you're my dad.
Anybody got anything to say other than some criticism?