Feel the Beat 2020

April Dibrina is a passionate young dancer with dreams of making it big on Broadway. During a relentless rainstorm, she impulsively steals a cab from an older woman to make it to a pivotal audition. Although her performance impresses the sponsor Ruth Zimmer, their history complicates matters; Ruth, having recognized April from the taxi incident, swears to ruin her in the industry. When April tries to clarify the misunderstanding, she inadvertently causes Ruth to fall off stage, resulting in a severe injury that gains viral attention on social media, leading to her public humiliation.

After being evicted, April finds herself back in her small Wisconsin hometown. At the local grocery store, she unexpectedly encounters Miss Barb, the dance teacher from New Hope, who extends an invitation for April to visit her dance studio. It’s here that she comes face to face with her former boyfriend Nick, the very person she left behind for her Broadway aspirations.

At the studio, April observes a diverse mix of young dancers, including Lucia, a girl prone to forgetfulness; Oona, who struggles with anxiety; Kari, who stealthily manages her own dance lessons; Ruby, lacking in confidence; Zuzu, who is deaf; and June, Miss Barb’s daughter, along with Nick’s younger sisters, Sarah and Michelle. Dicky, Zuzu’s younger brother, also observes their practices with keen interest.

Miss Barb proposes that April takes the reins as the coach for the town’s dance team in an upcoming competition. Initially hesitant, April soon realizes that this opportunity could lead her to perform in front of the influential Welly Wong, potentially reviving her stagnant career. She enthusiastically commits herself to a rigorous training schedule, though her demanding approach strains relationships with the dancers and leads to Ruby quitting.

As the New Hope dance team progresses through various competition stages, April forms a deeper connection with the young dancers, adapting and improving her teaching by even learning sign language to communicate more effectively with Zuzu. However, mishaps occur when the dance studio’s ceiling collapses after April encourages her dancers by insisting they “don’t suck,” showcasing their growth. With repairs financially out of reach, the team’s practice shifts first to the football field and then to April’s father’s barn, which Nick graciously assists in fixing.

As the dance team continues to gain momentum towards the state competition, April and Nick begin to rekindle their prior relationship. However, during one crucial performance, rival dancers taunt April for her past failures, causing her to stumble momentarily before regaining her focus.

In a particularly tense moment during the mini’s 6-and-under category, young dancers June and Michelle freeze in fear of performing. Just then, Dicky, who has absorbed the choreography while watching from the sidelines, joyfully leaps onto the stage to dance alongside them, which encourages June and Michelle to join in as well. Dicky subsequently becomes a member of the dance troupe.

As the team prepares for the finals, April reaches out to her New York friend Deco for costume assistance. One rehearsal at the barn leads to an embarrassing moment for Sarah when her silicone bra cup falls during a demonstration with R.J., the football player she’s crushing on. April takes it upon herself to comfort Sarah after the incident, demonstrating her maturity and supportiveness.

Through community effort, the dancers’ families gather enough funds to travel to Atlantic City for the finals. April reconnects with Sarah, who felt abandoned after their mother passed away, reinforcing the personal bonds that dance fosters. Upon reaching Atlantic City, Welly Wong, captivated by their performance, offers April the lead role in his upcoming show. Torn between her aspirations and her commitment to the New Hope team, April decides to rush into rehearsal, leaving her team heartbroken—especially Sarah.

The following day, April comes to a profound realization about her misplaced priorities. She rejects Welly’s offer and contacts Deco, urging him to drive her back to Atlantic City just in time to rally her team before their final performance. With reconciliation achieved with her dancers, April shares a meaningful kiss with Nick, while Welly agrees to keep her involved in the project despite her departure from the rehearsal.

Ultimately, April shines in her performance within Welly Wong’s show in NYC while continuing to teach her classes in Wisconsin through video chats. On the night of the grand opening, Welly surprises April by bringing her New Hope team over for a spirited dance party in the streets. As everyone dances joyously, a passing Ruth Zimmer witnesses the celebration, her reaction filled with disbelief.