["Monster" by Jane Delaney playing]
♪ I am not afraid of the monsters ♪
♪ Under my bed ♪
♪ They more terrified of the ones living In my head ♪
♪ They so self-destructive Always gotta make a mess ♪
♪ They be so damn destructive But they kinda fun now must confess ♪
♪ If you tell me not to Then you know I got to ♪
♪ If you tell me not to Then you know I gotta ♪
♪ Nobody can save me from myself ♪
♪ I'm haunted by a wicked little spell ♪
♪ Flirted with disaster ♪
♪ Lonely kisses after ♪
♪ Nobody can save me from myself ♪
Hey, stranger.
[excited chatter]
It's not what it looks like.
It is, but I can explain--
-Ow! [gasps] -[figure whispering] I know…
[woman 1] No.
No! No!
[screams]
[shouts]
♪ Nobody can save me from myself… ♪
[woman 1] The power to fly. That's what you dream of.
There's no better feeling.
The truth is, you only fly for a second or two
before gravity takes back what you tried to steal.
Because no matter how hard you work, how strong you are, or how thin you get…
gravity always, always wins.
♪ Forgive me for I must confess… ♪
[loud banging]
♪ But now I should know better… ♪
[banging continues]
♪ Forgive me for I must confess ♪
♪ I never learn my lesson By now, I should know better ♪
[sound distorts]
♪ Nobody can save me from myself… ♪
[woman 2] Neveah. Neveah!
Chicago called.
They said they didn't want me.
Something changed their mind.
♪ I'm a little messed up ♪
[theme music playing]
[woman vocalizes]
[male students chattering]
[siren wails]
What happened?
I wish I knew.
Hey.
Good luck in there.
[students chattering]
[woman 3] The Archer School of Ballet has bolstered its security protocols,
offered counseling to all students,
and put the focus squarely back where it should be,
training the next generation
of world-class dancers.
There are reports of angry parents, donors pulling out.
One star student sadly suffered a fateful misstep.
"Misstep"?
She fell four stories…
[woman 1] Of course, for any dancer, the higher you fly,
the more bone-shattering the landing that inevitably arrives.
You have to be quick on your feet to adapt and deal with the unexpected.
And in time,
you learn two tricks that help you survive when there's trouble in the spotlight.
First, you never lose your smile.
And second,
you make damn sure you distract them with something else to look at.
[woman 4] Madame DuBois.
Neveah Stroyer.
[gasps] Monique DuBois! Oh, my gosh!
Welcome to the Archer School of Ballet.
Our newest arrival, here on a full-ride scholarship.
We helped a girl escape her dead-end life in Compton.
-[camera shutter clicks] -Inglewood, actually, but--
Oh, well, when we see talent, we don't ask where it comes from.
Dancers here have trained since they could walk.
Up for the late arrival?
With a girl of Neveah's talent, two years here will prime her for success.
Dancing in Cassie Shore's footsteps.
Who's Cassie Shore?
We have a tired young lady here. [chuckles]
-Be in touch for a photo release. -[Monique chuckles] Thank you so much.
That went over like a lead balloon.
-Was there something I was-- -Yes, but for now, get her to Alan.
[Cassie] They start with your bones, then your feet, frame, and flexibility.
Your musicality, charisma, and deference.
Then after they've taken you apart…
they wanna see a spark.
It's so we can check your alignment,
see how your turnout is regressing.
You sure she'll do the trick?
[Monique] It's a start.
I'm also announcing the premiere of a new ballet by Ramon Costa.
Ramon Costa? But we don't have him.
Yet.
Neveah, there's a photo of your dad on file. What about your mother?
What about her?
We predict how you'll develop from the--
I know, but you already accepted me.
[Monique sighs]
This Cassie Shore, what went down?
There was an accident.
So she's gone, and that's why I'm here?
You're here, Neveah, because you have something special.
Now go out there and make sure they see it.
Okay, so you're tier three, ages 16 and 17.
Doors lock at curfew, and all guests sign in.
Academics are from eight to noon.
You missed today, but I got your homework.
And then dance is from 1:00 to 6:30.
Lights out at ten.
Honey.
[taps on door] Here's home.
Your roommate's name is June.
You drink or smoke, you're out. You fail your academics, you're gone.
You get too skinny, you're sent home.
You get caught screwing a boy, or a girl, for that matter, bye-bye.
Basically, just act like I'm watching everything, because I am.
Toodles.
Thanks.
Did she say one? Oh, shit.
[students chattering]
[man] All right, everyone, let's get started.
-Facing the barre in sixth, please. -You're in my spot.
[man] Pressing over to three-quarter pointe plié. Right, left.
Rolling through the feet.
-And reverse. -Sorry, that's mine.
Rise, test your balance.
Open to first.
-Repeat in second. -And anywhere but there.
And finish with a four-count side bend, right, left.
-And a nice, full rond de corps… -Everyone's got their place.
[man] Yes! Let's have a waltz, please. Thank you, Richard.
And…
[playing waltz]
-[man] Relax the ankles in the demi. -You're in the sticks, darling.
[man] Keep the heels together as you roll through.
And demi.
And double.
And lengthen into the grand…
Present the heel in the tendu devant, people!
Humor me, please! People, close the ribs!
I need to see the fifth.
Make your transitions precise.
Your weight over your supporting leg
does not mean slouching.
-We don't wear junk here. -Junk?
Junk. You've covered what I need to see.
Lift in the attitude.
You're sinking in your port de bras. Sternum up.
Drop that hip.
Nope, your hip's still up to your ear.
Your weight's in your heels.
You need to be over your supporting leg.
Drop your hip.
Lift.
Bette, demonstrate to the side.
-[piano music fades] -Look. Do you see?
Okay, I'll spare you.
Just visiting?
New admission.
Then show up next class in proper attire with better shoes.
Those are a fiasco.
[piano music resumes]
Bette, your second arm is late.
Your second arm is late.
No. Try a higher passé.
-[piano music fades] -Another year, and still not a turner.
Your summer break did you no favors.
So, tomorrow after class,
we'll begin pas de deux.
But this term, each of you will be assigned just one partner.
Trust in this building has been broken,
and this may help rebuild it.
[piano music resumes]
[quietly] Wow. He's amazing!
Yeah, if you're hot for psychos.
You ask me, he pushed her.
Nabil, very good.
Pushed who?
His girlfriend, Cassie.
Pinch whatever you need to and get busy.
This is every shoe that ballerinas at City Works rejected,
yours for a few bucks.
You did pretty good today.
[scoffs] Are you kidding? I could not get on my leg.
We've all been there.
You think this place can make me company-ready in two years?
I've seen them do more with less.
But if they're wrong, you're gone.
I'm sorry, we haven't met.
Bette. This is June.
Show me your arches.
-What, my feet? -[June] That won't make a dancer.
Where'd you train?
Bette's just scoping the competish.
Scared.
Anyone who got in this late must be fierce prima material.
All right, pretty good. [sighs]
Friends. [chuckles]
Neveah, these would be perfect for you.
Double X, high vamp?
What is…
Are these Delia Whitlaw's shoes?
Well, her rejects.
[boy] They look like a perfect fit.
-Isn't that interesting, Bette? -You're trash, Shane.
Have fun scavenging with your new petit rat.
June.
[June] Bye.
-Did she just call me a-- -[Shane] A rat, yep.
But like everything in ballet, it sounds better in French.
A little rat's a dancer who's young, pretty, poor, and hella strong.
And this one here wears the shoes of Delia fricking Whitlaw.
It's crazy.
I only applied to the Archer because it's where she went.
-Really? -Yeah.
Then let's get you a front-row seat.
[laughs]
-[male student exhaling] -[students chattering]
-[grunts] -Easy, man.
-Hey. -[grunts] What the fuck!
You're good.
I'm not good. I had another one in me.
Blowing out a pec ain't gonna help with your dancing.
You heard Brooks. I'm out of shape.
[grunts] Guaranteed he wasn't talking about you.
[boy] Caleb, check it out. Second time that cop's talked to him.
She must smell blood.
You tell her anything?
[exhales] Oren, we all stuck to the same story.
Cassie was alone. We weren't there.
[Caleb grunting]
You sure impressed Brooks today.
Not really.
A little rusty.
Must suck, coming all this way to be with your girlfriend…
and then she goes and falls off the fucking building.
I came here to study dance.
Chicago made an offer I cannot refuse.
[Oren] I was watching you.
I know.
You don't have the American style.
That's true.
I'm more than tits and teeth.
I watched you too.
You're banal, safe.
Safe till you showed up.
And then… [whistles]
Splat.
And now the cops.
I tell her how Cassie told me how you would drop her.
Perhaps sabotage--
[Oren] I was the best partner she ever had!
-[Nabil] Gotta show me respect. -Hey, guys, break it up!
You don't belong here.
-[Caleb mutters] -[exhales]
[up-tempo music playing]
-Oh, my God. -I have goose bumps, look.
Delia Whitlaw.
Do you know, I've seen, like, a hundred videos of her?
City Works is lucky to get her back.
After rocking it in Europe last year, she could write her own ticket.
[man] Don't be dragged by the tempi. Anticipate.
Oh, she's a goddess.
[man] All right. Let this section travel more.
[Shane sighs] So good.
[Delia panting]
Footwork needs refining.
[Delia] I'm giving it all I've got, Ramon.
There's no room for me in the choreography.
[Ramon] You're dancing from here.
But I need to see it here.
And when the night comes…
here.
The piece is in you.
I'm only drawing it out. Come on.
Touch an audience the same way that you would touch me.
Come on, girl, tear off his shirt.
[Delia] Like this?
If it's something you can use.
Let's go.
[Shane] Well, that's no fun.
[Cassie] Always, something hurts.
Somewhere on your body, there's pain,
an ache that comes from pushing beyond what any person was ever meant to do.
But there's strength in being part of a larger body.
[girl laughs] Please.
[Cassie] The corps de ballet.
-[giggling] -[June] Well, she's certainly got style.
[Bette] Yeah, for a pole dancer.
-That there isn't even ballet. -[hip-hop music playing]
[all laugh]
Guys.
Found your little dance show.
Very cute.
At least somebody here actually likes to dance.
That what this is for you?
Playtime?
You just told me I was good enough to be your friend.
It wasn't because you were good, Petit Rat.
It's because I was better.
I get that I'm late to the party,
and I get that I might ruin your little plan
to be the next queen bee around here,
but I got up in here fair and square, and you best believe
I'm coming for you.
Miss Stroyer, Madame DuBois wants to see you.
Now.
Relax, officer. It's cortisone.
If I could just speak to a few more students--
I spoke to your sergeant. The case is closed.
Yet a beat cop is here exploiting an awful accident,
traumatizing my students, for what?
You can't tell me you're satisfied.
[Monique] You can't tell me you're getting anywhere.
You've had a week to find one iota of foul play,
but it all adds up to a tragic fall.
Piercing this takes time. Every institution has its secrets.
Before the police, you were in the army?
God knows what you did there, officer, but ballet is no place for redemption.
I found her.
We were just wrapping up.
Settling in, I hope.
Dégagez, officer.
You wanted to see me?
[Monique] You're to attend tonight's donor reception.
A driver will fetch you with the others,
and Selena can help you find something presentable in the costume department.
-I have my own clothes. -Of course you do.
But ballet demands a certain--
-Merde! -Oh! Apologies, Madame.
That was bone you hit.
We are about to invest thousands of dollars in you,
and we need to know that in two years' time,
you will be a product…
-Product? -…that we can make use of.
You're either the ASB's future or a bad gamble.
Our key donors will be asking themselves that very question tonight.
On these cards is the story you'll want to tell.
Madame DuBois, I'm just here to dance.
Wrong. Tonight decides your future as much as anything you do in class.
[Cassie] There's a price you pay learning to fly.
They steal your childhood, your family…
-Hey. -…leave you only with friends
who hope every day that your Achilles will snap.
And they never let you grow up.
Ugh!
[Cassie] So if you wanna live a little…
you gotta get creative.
[panting]
[sighs] God, I need this.
I was thinking we should get ourselves cast as partners.
-[Bette] Huh? -We'd dominate.
Word is, I'm getting paired with Nabil.
So we fight it.
[scoffs] I don't want to rock the boat.
[chuckles]
Aw, jeez.
-[exhales] -You think Frenchie's better than me.
And you don't want to be stuck tossing around the new girl.
We can all fake a lot of things onstage.
-But we can't fake love. -Oh, yeah. I can.
-No candles. -[taps on door]
-[panting] Someone's coming. -[grunts]
Oh, well, I guess it's not gonna be me.
[monitor] Mm-hmm.
[Shane sighs]
Oh, I just gotta work out this cramp. Brooks had us do push-ups after barre.
Honey, I don't care if you broke a bone. If Bette's in there, the door is open.
Except they're busy.
Fighting.
I don't hear it.
The silent treatment phase. Brutal.
Yeah. Do you want to see brutal?
-No. -No.
[Oren speaking indistinctly]
Oh, hey, Torri.
You know the rules.
Did the door blow shut? I hadn't noticed. Oren, did you notice?
-Was deep into the causes of the Cold War. -[Torri] Mm-hmm.
Actually, Torri, I'm glad you came by. You know I'm attending that event later?
I have this lovely, bejeweled cocktail mini,
but the tulle's a little fuzzy, so I'll need use of an iron.
-[exhales] -I'm done playing this game.
Hey, I owe you one.
Why didn't I just borrow one of theirs?
That looks nice.
I'm so not ready for this.
Okay, let me have a look at what I have.
Yeah.
You just need a little extra zhuzh.
Or… like that.
That looks chic. And the other girls, they're just jealous.
Of what?
You saw how the ballet master was going at me.
Wrong this, wrong that.
At least he was paying you attention.
He never gives me a single correction.
-Maybe you're already good enough. -It's ballet. Nobody's good enough.
["Own It" by Daam playing]
[Cassie] There's a twisted bargain to ballet.
After all your hard work, your pain and sacrifice,
when you walk among mortals,
you become a god.
You're a perfect, worshipped fruition of the best the body can do.
[photographer] Fantastic. Thank you. Can we get a quick candid with you?
Yeah, together. All right, big smiles, now.
Love it. Fantastic suit.
-♪ Are you man enough for me? ♪ -♪ Are you man enough for me? ♪
-♪ Or are you man enough to be? ♪ -♪ Are you man enough to be? ♪
-♪ Are you man enough for me? ♪ -♪ Are you man enough for me… ♪
[cell phone vibrates]
♪ Are you man enough for me? ♪
-♪ Or are you man enough to be? ♪ -♪ Are you man enough to be? ♪
-♪ Or are you man enough for me? ♪ -♪ Are you man enough for me? ♪
-♪ Or are you man enough to be? ♪ -♪ Are you man enough to be? ♪
[camera shutter clicks, beeps]
And after this past week, I have to admit
that it turns out not all press is good press.
[scattered laughter]
[Monique] But thanks to you here, this school is stronger than ever.
Inspired by your faith and generosity,
the school will be creating a new ballet
in Cassie's honor,
by renowned choreographer Ramon Costa.
-[crowd gasps] -You gotta be kidding me.
The ballet world will soon have its eye on the school for the right reasons.
To a bright future.
[man] Yeah, cheers! Bright future!
This had better work.
Yes, and we appreciate the support from enthusiasts like you.
I'm worth a lot more than a fat check.
Leave the Archer to its director.
Let's just hope the crisis isn't beyond you.
Hello again.
Hey there.
So I hear they call you the wrench?
With a name like Alan, it kind of fits.
How was your first day?
They kind of threw me in the deep end.
You've got a decent arch and open hips, and around here, that'll get you far.
Tell it to that sadistic jackass.
The way he rolls? You have no idea.
Oh, I do. Topher Brooks is my husband.
Well…
better mingle. [exhales]
I'm not doing it, Monique.
Once I set this new piece at City Works, I'm back to Paris.
To choreograph another art wank?
Ramon, I'm offering you a safe place to work out big ideas,
get a jump on talent.
He's got all the talent he needs.
[Monique] It would show loyalty to the school,
which means loyalty to the professional company
we build dancers for.
City Works Ballet will commission a full-length work next year.
If you work with us, I'll push for you to get that gig.
I know you're desperate to tell a new story, Monique…
but I'm long past being your boy toy.
Darling, there's cheese on that.
Trust me, Mother, I earned it today.
I'm glad to hear. Oren, what a delight.
-Mrs. Whitlaw. Thanks for having us. -[kisses]
I swear we host these jamborees just to clap eyes on our girls.
I hope we'll all be seeing lots of you two this season, onstage and off.
I hope so too.
Topher.
Tell us.
Is this a star pairing or what?
Partners have already been finalized.
I'm sure you'll do the right thing.
I always do, Katrina.
Mom, you can't boss around my ballet master!
I wouldn't dream of it.
Now, let's get you in front of Ramon Costa.
Where's that shawl that goes with that dress?
I didn't need it tonight.
Those bony shoulders are turning heads. You're not eating enough.
I'm fine, Mom, and I'm glad to see you.
Well, I had a flight back to New York tonight.
But some things are more important.
Exactly.
What happened to Cassie reminds us all, life's short.
What's your role?
My role?
Your part in the ballet showcase.
Oh. Well, with the accident, they've delayed any casting announcements.
Bloody artists, can't keep their schedule.
It's The Sleeping Beauty this year, which is perfect for me.
Everybody says I'm guaranteed to dance Aurora now.
-Why can't you believe in me? -[mother] I do.
I'm just not paying through the teeth
so you can get a rubbish education and no future.
I get it. You want a doctor, a lawyer, a senator.
Mom, I just want to dance.
So dance… in your bedroom, in the shower.
Go prance at your prom like every other teenage girl.
But I did not raise my only child to prop up the scenery.
You're either on track to make principal dancer or you're out.
Mom!
I'm on track.
Look, I'll get a lead role, and every artistic director will want me
because Cassie won't be stealing my spotlight.
She didn't steal it, June. She's better than you.
She's not better than me now.
[laughs]
Now, that's my girl.
What do you think is one of the factors that gave you the cutting edge
to get you where you are today?
I think it was the gymnastics that helped me advance so quickly
when I started ballet.
And the hip-hop stuff I do, it's kind of--
I saw some videos online.
There's a wonderful power to them.
-[camera shutters click] -It's just me messing around.
The girls here diss them big time.
I mean, I've seen some rough stuff back home,
but nothing compared to this shit.
Yes, what I think Neveah would like to emphasize
is how the ASB is about the f--
Fundamentals. Yes.
In which I am in great need of.
I have raw talent, but that needs shaping if I want a career in ballet.
And for that, the Archer School is the best place.
Well, thank you, Neveah. And good luck.
-[Monique] Thank you. -[reporter] Thank you.
You had a script.
I also had a life.
Why are you here slumming with the students?
-I figured if Ramon was coming-- -Smart.
-Keep an eye on him. -Hmm.
Ramon Costa, may I present my daughter Bette?
ASB's next star graduate.
He's already working with a graduate.
We're not potato chips, Delia.
-You can have more than one. -[phone beeps]
Mr. Costa, I hope you have a chance to watch me in class tomorrow.
I'm not in the habit of viewing students.
Too bad. You might be surprised.
-[camera shutter clicks] -[laughs] Thank you so much.
It's so good to see you. Thank you, Zandara.
-Just gotta say, huge fan. -You're very kind.
Neveah Stroyer. It's my first day here.
Yes, I saw Monique parading you around.
Yeah. I'm not sure I landed my jumps, you know what I mean?
You kick high and smile, she'll love you.
This one wears your shoes.
My what?
Your pointe shoes.
Crams her little bunions into them like she's Cinderella.
Actually, Cinderella's foot fits perfect--
Bette, have you been drinking?
-Did no one here get told fairy tales? -We were too busy living them.
This isn't your world, little rat. Knowing the steps doesn't mean you belong.
Well, someone here must think I do.
-You don't get it, do you? -Bette, quit it.
The only reason Monique let you in
was to give the school a shiny, new distraction
after stupid Cassie bled out on the street.
But you're even stupider. You can't see they're using you.
You'd just rather stand here star-fucking my sister.
Sister?
Neveah, if you're here, you're good.
Nevie.
Just wanted to let you know I landed.
You're doing that thing you do when you're trying not to cry.
-I don't have a thing I do. -Hell yeah, you do.
You know, for a star dancer, your muscle control sucks.
And so does my situation here.
I need money. I'll pay you back, I promise.
-You're not coming home. -It's not working!
They got me playing some crazy-ass script that's not even me.
You did it. You got out.
What for, Ty?
I came here to dance,
to do the one thing in my crazy-ass life that I can hold onto,
and they don't care about that.
So what?
I don't fit in.
Well, halle-fucking-lujah!
What dancer wants to?
Nevie, you're never getting this chance again,
so you take everything you can from those freaks,
and when you're done, stratosphere.
Stratosphere, baby.
[Nabil] Neveah.
Nabil, hey.
If you need someone else to say you are a good dancer…
…you aren't.
But when you don't look like you jumped out of the music box--
-[Nabil] It's not how we look. -I see who these ballet companies hire,
and most of the time, it's not us.
[Shane] Ow, fuck me!
-[grunts] -[Nabil] Hey, Shane.
-The party's over. -[Shane] Party is only starting, Nabil.
We're just warming up.
Now the old farts are tucking in, we're getting busy.
I heard what you were saying about not fitting the mold.
That's a good thing, and it always has been.
So if you ever want proof that dancers like you have been around forever…
…say the word. I'll show you some.
Go open the gate and let in the masses!
June!
Hey. June Park, isn't it?
-Officer Cruz? -Yeah.
You're out late.
My mother's in town.
Oh, that's nice. Little support these days.
After all, you were Cassie's roommate, weren't you?
Yeah.
Must be hard for you, lying in your bed, staring at her empty one,
asking yourself, "What the hell happened?"
Isn't your investigation over?
Officially, yeah, but I…
I lost someone…
not that long ago, and I can't shake it.
Bet you can't either.
They all say she slipped.
You ask me, she jumped.
Then how'd she land on her back?
Maybe she wasn't interested in admiring the view on the way down.
No history of depression, no note.
Who'd read it?
We all admired Cassie, but we didn't much like her.
A raft of rivals.
-And this. -[cell phone beeps]
I took this on the roof today. See that? Those are scuff marks.
Someone was backing away. They were trying to get free of something.
Are-- are you saying Cassie was pushed?
I'm not saying anything.
Look. I don't know a nutcracker from my nightstick,
but I know danger when I see it.
Folks at your school might keep getting hurt unless we shine a light.
Here's my card.
There's rules, officer.
And I'm not the one around here to break them.
["I Know a Place" by Muna playing]
[Cassie] All day, someone else controls what you eat,
what you wear, how you move, and who you touch.
You're strapped into the roller coaster with your fiercest competitors.
But what nobody else sees
is those rivals are also the only people who get you…
who celebrate you for who you are and challenge you to do better.
There's no other way to say it.
They're your tribe.
♪ I know a place we can go ♪
♪ Where everyone gonna lay down Their weapon ♪
♪ Lay down their weapon ♪
♪ Just give me trust And anything can happen ♪
♪ 'Cause I know, ooh-ooh! ♪
♪ I know a place we can go ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ Where everyone gonna lay down Their weapon ♪
♪ Lay down their weapon ♪
♪ Just give me trust And watch what happens ♪
♪ I know, ooh-ooh! ♪
-♪ I know a place we can stay ♪ -♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ Where everyone gonna lay down Their weapon ♪
♪ Lay down their weapon ♪
♪ Don't you be afraid of love And affection ♪
-♪ Just lay down your weapon ♪ -[students chattering and laughing]
[rock music playing]
♪ No, our song won't go unsung ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh! ♪
♪ Our fight is never done ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh! ♪
♪ Our song won't go unsung ♪
♪ Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh! ♪
♪ Our fight is never done ♪
♪ So see you on the other side ♪
[vocalizing]
♪ See you on the other side ♪
[vocalizing]
♪ See you on the other side ♪
Hey. You know I don't go there.
Except I kind of do.
We're just helping each other out here.
I know, not like this means anything.
How'd you get your V-cut like that?
How about we use our anatomy, not talk about it?
Seriously, though… what's your secret?
Don't know, I just dance.
I worked all summer on my external obliques
trying to carve out a set,
and I can't get your results.
-Lucky me. -Hmm.
If you go to the gym, I should-- Oh, my God.
[vocalizing]
[Oren inhales]
[moans]
♪ See you on the other side ♪
I didn't see you.
Nobody does.
[Neveah] Delia.
Dropping off the trash, all for you.
How do I know if I'm the right fit?
You just keep your neck long,
your hips small,
your arches high.
[June] And bone.
[ratcheting]
-They want to see bone. -[bones cracking]
[gasps, cackles]
June, stop!
-[whimpering] -You need help!
Help!
-[gasps] -[Delia] The only way out is up.
[Neveah] Mom! Mom!
[straining]
Mom! Mom!
Mom!
[grunts]
[panting] Cassie.
You should never have come.
No!
[shouts]
[panting]
Pathetic.
You're shit.
[scoffs]
Here to steal my secrets?
No, thanks. I got my own.
Bet you do.
[Neveah] You're thinking about it too much.
Trying to show how hard you're working, like that gets you points or something?
Except nobody wants to see you sweat.
I've had the country's top teacher--
And look where that got you.
You know you want to say something, so just say it.
Oh, no, I wouldn't want to mess you up.
Please.
What I do is I think of my hips turning on an axis.
So when you go to start your turn…
…you stay in the plié longer.
That way you're halfway into your turn before you're up.
So it's a cheat?
Call it a dance hack.
Good, but stay in the plié longer.
Now you're dancing like a Whitlaw.
That was supposed to be a compliment, Miss Thing.
Know what it's like having a sister who just made principal dancer?
Everybody thinks that's why you got accepted here.
Exactly.
I think it was your parents' money that got you in.
Which is why at crack of dawn…
I'm here.
["Slow Dive" by Clavvs playing]
[vocalizing]
[jogger panting]
♪ Forget the words I said Remove them from your head… ♪
[chattering]
♪ Erase the time we spent And everything we did then ♪
♪ Hide me from your eyes Between your day and night ♪
♪ Neither wrong nor right In a slow dive ♪
♪ At twilight ♪
♪ You come closer and closer ♪
♪ Don’t ♪
♪ You could run me over and over ♪
♪ But I know you, let me go ♪
[vocalizing] ♪ Don't… ♪
[retching]
[flushes]
♪ Don't… ♪ [vocalizes]
[exhales]
♪ It's all up in the air now ♪
♪ Oh, let me go ♪
[vocalizing] ♪ Don't ♪
♪ Hold me close ♪
♪ Don't ♪
♪ Starve yourself of my attention ♪
♪ Phase me out of sight ♪
♪ Save yourself from my intentions ♪
♪ Hide me in your twilight ♪
[vocalizing]
[Topher] Partnering. It is about working together,
but it's also about…
opposition.
About finding a language of reach and response.
A partner doesn't have to be a friend.
Nureyev was 20 years younger than Fonteyn.
Hallberg and Osipova, they did not even speak the same language.
But through the dance, you will find a bond,
or you will die trying.
Sarah, you will dance with Kirill.
Gwen, you'll dance with Josh.
Lily, you'll be with Evgeni.
-Emily with Lucas. Esmé with Caleb. -[students murmuring]
Neveah with Oren.
June, you'll dance with Nabil,
and, Bette, you will be with Shane.
Wait, I'm with Nabil? [gasps]
-Hey, Nabil. -Mr. Brooks, aren't I paired with Nabil?
Ballet is ever-changing, Miss Whitlaw.
I just think I'm better off with him.
He's taller, je parle français, and he's, you know, my level.
Shane is a fine dancer, quite capable of partnering you. Or…
do you question me?
Of course not.
Thank you, sir.
Try to contain your enthusiasm.
You better fucking dance.
-[classical music playing] -[Topher] Let us begin. And that's right.
Piqué into fifth.
Tombé straight from that attitude, no hesitation.
[sighs]
-Turn out those petit battements, ladies. -[phone vibrates]
-Everything okay? -Just a message from an old friend.
[Topher] No one needs to see that transition en face!
Nabil, nice elevation on that lift.
Evgeni, get her further over her leg.
Bette, no, it's straight into passé relevé.
There's no extra pas de bourrée. Stop cheating.
Hold my hips, not my waist.
The transition from the pirouette into the attitude is late.
You need to get the leg out and lift under the thigh.
Well, I can't if he won't put me on my leg.
That's not the problem. You need to spot faster,
anticipate the arabesque, and get over your box.
-But if Shane-- -[Topher] Enough! I didn't correct Shane.
I corrected you, again.
Show me the pirouette.
No, that's not working.
Let's try another section.
I can't look at this anymore.
Take it from the corner into the jetées.
-[classical music playing] -Come on, girl, you got this.
[Topher] Shane, faster hands. Bette, find your center.
Close your ribs and up, up, go up!
-[grunts] -[gasps] Lordy fuck, are you okay?
-[students murmuring] -[girl] Is she okay?
-[Bette] I'm fine. -Are you sure?
-[music stops] -Yes.
Yeah.
Let's do it again.
I'll spare you.
If you don't properly prepare for a lift, it will never work.
If your timing isn't in sync,
you need to find a way to save it, to adapt.
Has anyone been paying attention?
We have.
Well, all right, then. Show me the second half.
We can go now.
[classical music playing]
More extension on that cambré.
[music stops]
Thank you.
We'll continue tomorrow.
[Ramon] Tomorrow's spoken for.
Tomorrow we begin auditions.
The rep this term is no longer The Sleeping Beauty.
Tomorrow, I work on a new ballet.
No Sleeping Beauty?
That little bitch.
We'll create a ballet of passion and darkness on the edge of desire.
We tell the story…
of Jack the Ripper.
The sex maniac who killed those women, like, a hundred years ago?
We'll find something more appropriate.
What could be better?
We live in a dark, twisted world full of loss, lies, and brutality.
Monique DuBois…
you have your ballet.
Auditions tomorrow. Go.
You know we have our favorites.
And so do I.
[cell phone rings]
-June. -You were right.
I can't stop thinking about Cassie.
The thing is, she wasn't alone on the roof.
And Madame DuBois knows it.
There was a secret party with every tier-three student but me.
I was in my room where I was supposed to be.
They all told me they were tucked in. If you see or hear anything--
There won't be.
I won't be here much longer.
Got you some ice.
Don't need it.
[scoffs] Just chill.
Literally.
You were right.
Good. Feels better?
I mean about us dancing together this year.
My parents could pull some strings.
No, you were right.
It's better we don't mix dance and our relationship.
Because you had one good pas de deux and some easy choreography?
It wasn't easy for you.
[Bette] It would be if we were partners.
Shane doesn't know how to handle me.
Bette.
And plus, you know she's the reason I fell.
She was pushing me this morning, making me do too much.
Right. It was Neveah's fault or Shane's or Brooks'.
But you were the one who fell, Bette.
[Bette scoffs]
["Glowing in the Dark" by Emily Rowed playing]
♪ Got on an airplane ♪
♪ You flew across the country ♪
♪ To give that star to me ♪
♪ Now it's hanging on the wall ♪
♪ And you're stumbling, stumbling Stumbling, stumbling ♪
♪ If that one star ♪
♪ Glowing in the dark ♪
♪ Could bring you back, Bring you back here… ♪
Petit rat.
[Cassie] When you make that leap, you fly alone.
It can help if there are others onstage with you,
that corps de ballet.
♪ Holding out for the change We can fix any mess we make ♪
♪ Let 'em out if you wanna ♪
♪ I'm standing in their way ♪
♪ Holding out for the change We can fix any mess we make ♪
♪ Let 'em out if you wanna… ♪
I'm sorry.
[Cassie] They're the company's lowest, the corps.
[June sobbing] I'm so sorry.
[Cassie] The hungriest, most vulnerable.
Cassie.
I'm sorry.
[Cassie] Only there's power in that hunger.
It drives you to take crazy risks,
to do what it takes to stand out from the crowd.
You risk too much,
fly too high…
-[screams] -…and you could end up like me,
in this bed,
clinging to life.
♪ If that one star ♪
♪ Glowing in the dark could bring you back Bring you back here… ♪
[Cassie] In the corps, your job is to fit in,
to be an invisible part of a larger body while others claim the spotlight.
In French, "corps" means "body,"
or what you might call a corpse.
What all of us are fighting not to become.
It's that last turn nobody wants to make when you die…
or when enough people see you that way.
♪ All the stars ♪
♪ All the stars that come at night Don't compare ♪
♪ Don't compare to the one inside ♪
♪ All the stars ♪
♪ All the stars that come at night Don't compare ♪
♪ Don't compare to the one inside ♪
♪ It's hanging on the wall ♪
♪ If you're stumbling, stumbling Stumbling, stumbling ♪
♪ You put a star on your bag Got on an airplane ♪
♪ You flew across the country ♪
♪ To give that star to me ♪
♪ Now it’s hanging on the wall ♪
♪ And you're stumbling, stumbling Stumbling, stumbling ♪
♪ If that one star glowing in the dark ♪
♪ Could bring you back Bring you back here ♪
♪ If that one star glowing in the dark ♪
♪ Could bring you back Bring you back here ♪
♪ Holding out for the change We can fix any mess we make ♪
♪ Let 'em out if you wanna ♪
♪ I'm standing in their way ♪
♪ Holding out for the change We can fix any mess we make ♪
♪ Let 'em out if you wanna I'm standing in their way ♪
♪ When you were craving to leave You started spinning out ♪
♪ It flipped you right upside down So you could finally tell ♪
♪ It's hanging on the wall While you're stumbling, stumbling ♪
♪ Stumbling, stumbling ♪