Feel the Beat 2020

As April Dibrina (April Dibrina) navigates the treacherous waters of Broadway, a chance encounter with Ruth Zimmer, a powerful sponsor, sets off a chain reaction that will forever alter the course of her career. A sudden and unceremonious eviction from her New York City apartment forces April to return to her humble beginnings in Wisconsin, where the memories of her past linger like the faint scent of rain-soaked pavement.

A serendipitous run-in with Miss Barb (Miss Barb), the enigmatic dance teacher, at the local grocery store sets April on a path that will lead her back to the world of dance. As she reconnects with her former classmates, including Lucia, Oona, Kari, Ruby, Zuzu, June, Sarah, and Michelle, April is struck by the unique personalities and quirks of each individual, and begins to see the town’s dance team as a way to revitalize her own passion for performance.

Convinced by Miss Barb’s persuasive arguments, April agrees to take on the role of coach for the New Hope dance team, hoping that the experience will provide a platform for her to perform in front of Welly Wong, the elusive and influential figure who holds the key to her future success. As she throws herself into the task at hand, April finds herself struggling to connect with the young dancers, whose varying levels of talent and dedication often leave her feeling frustrated and unsure.

Despite the setbacks, including a ceiling collapse that forces the team to relocate their practices to the football field and eventually to April’s father’s rustic barn, the New Hope dance team begins to flourish under April’s guidance. As they advance through the competition rounds, April forms strong bonds with each of the dancers, learning valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the power of believing in oneself.

As April’s relationship with Nick (Nick) begins to rekindle, the pressures of competing at the state level threaten to derail her newfound sense of purpose. Taunts from rival dancers serve as a harsh reminder of her past failures, but April’s determination to succeed ultimately proves too great to be overcome.

As the miniature dancers take to the stage, two of their youngest members, June and Michelle, are overcome with anxiety, their tiny feet frozen in place. Enter Dicky, who has been quietly observing their rehearsals and has memorized every step, movement, and pirouette. With his quick thinking and impressive dance skills, he bursts onto the scene, taking the lead and expertly guiding June and Michelle through a series of flawless movements. As they regain their confidence, the three dancers meld together in perfect harmony, their combined energy and enthusiasm palpable.

Fast-forward to state finals, where April finds herself preparing for the next level by calling upon her friend Deco from NYC to craft costumes that will make their team shine. One fateful day, as the tiny troupe is rehearsing a lift in the rustic barn setting, April turns to Sarah and R.J., the star football player who has caught Sarah’s eye, to demonstrate the challenging maneuver. However, just as R.J. lifts Sarah into the air, her silicone bra cup falls to the ground, leaving her mortified and tearful. April rushes to comfort her young friend in the nearby field, offering words of reassurance and support.

As the team’s families rally together to raise funds for their journey to Atlantic City, a turning point arrives when April reconnects with Sarah, who has been struggling to come to terms with her mother’s passing and April’s subsequent departure to New York. This poignant reunion serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.

Once in Atlantic City, April’s star is on the rise after Welly Wong, impressed by her talents, offers her the lead role in his new show on the spot. With Welly’s words still echoing in her ears, April makes the difficult decision to abandon the opportunity and instead honor her commitment to New Hope, leaving Welly and her newfound fame behind. The next day, she realizes her mistake and abandons the rehearsal, proclaiming to Welly that her heart belongs to New Hope.

With a heavy heart, April calls upon Deco once more to drive her back to Atlantic City, where she arrives just in time to offer words of encouragement to her team before their performance. After reconciling with her dancers, April and Nick share a tender kiss, while Welly surprisingly keeps her on board despite her initial departure.

As the curtain rises on Welly Wong’s show in NYC, April finds herself juggling her newfound fame with her passion for teaching dance back home in Wisconsin via video conferencing. On opening night, Welly surprises April by bringing the entire New Hope team over for a lively dance party, where they let loose and celebrate their shared experiences. As they twirl and spin through the streets, Ruth Zimmer drives by, momentarily taken aback by the joyful spectacle unfolding before her eyes.