TV Script - Dance Academy

Dance Academy Series 2 – Episode 17

~ Submission by Daniel Gonzalez ~ E: [email protected] / M: 0438 475 902

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13. Int. Cafe Day 3 GRACE, TARA, KAT, ABIGAIL, CAFE EXTRAS GRACE and TARA are slouched back on a couch in the café, finishing off a super-sized ice cream, licking the spoons for the last remnants of chocolate.

GRACE Oh I’m stuffed… what should we do now?

TARA

Well… we could go back to class… GRACE, in a drawl southern accent.

GRACE No Thelma, I thank we should keep going… to the beach…

TARA giggles, continuing the overly dramatic re-enactment of the final scene from THELMA & LOUISE.

TARA Ok then… Let’s keep going! Let’s go all the way.

GRACE

Are you sure?

TARA Yeah… lets do it!

The girls mock passionately hold each others hands.

GRACE I love you Thelma.

TARA

I love you Louise. The girls laugh at themselves and with a heavy heave, GRACE pulls TARA off the couch. Now standing, TARA puts on her shades, locks arms with GRACE.

TARA Let’s do it.



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As they walk out the door looking too cool for school, they brush past KAT and ABIGAIL, who look at them bewildered. 14. Int. Corridor / Studio Day 3 BEN, SAMMY, CHRISTIAN, REMI, OLLIE BEN, SAMMY and CHRISTIAN are walking down corridor, and stop outside the studio door, which is shut.

SAMMY (to Christian)

You were right about me spending way too much time with Ollie.

CHRISTIAN nods in agreement.

SAMMY I don’t know what I was thinking. It’s just that he’s such a cool guy, you know? He’s an awesome dancer, and he’s got such great moves… but you’re right, I was leading him on. I mean come on, can you imagine? Him and me? Pfft! I’m not even gay! (Patronisingly) He needs to find someone on his level…

BEN and CHRISTIAN share a knowing glance and repressed smile. SAMMY opens the door to the studio to reveal REMI and OLLIE looking very close and laughing. OLLIE is teaching REMI how to SWIPE – a hip-hop dance move, where a standing dancer leans back and swings his hands to one side to touch the ground, then flipping the legs over and back, landing in a standing position again. At the point SAMMY enters, REMI is leaning backwards, with OLLIE supporting his waist.

REMY

(to OLLIE) You’ve gotta hold onto me tighter, or I’m gonna fall…

OLLIE

(to REMY, laughing) I’m trying! I’m trying, I won’t drop you I promise…

OLLIE and REMY are laughing, lose balance and fall to the ground, on top of each other. CU on SAMMY’S face – he is both bewildered and jealous at once. CHRISTIAN watches SAMMY from beside him, with concern.



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SAMMY

Well, if that’s what we have to expect from tomorrow’s Hip Hop wars, then we’re a shoe-in!!

REMY and OLLIE stand up, brushing themselves off.

OLLIE (to REMY)

We better leave it there for today. You’re making some good progress, really…

SAMMY

(to REMY) Too little too late if you ask me.

REMY ignores SAMMY’S jibes, grabs his bag and towel, and gives OLLIE a hug goodbye – much to OLLIE’S surprise.

REMY See you tomorrow Ollie.

REMY leaves and SAMMY approaches OLLIE.

SAMMY What are you helping him for? He’s part of the enemy!

OLLIE

It wouldn’t be fair for me to help the 2nd years and not the 1st Sammy, if I am to be an impartial judge of the competition.

SAMMY looks defeated. OLLIE exits the room. 15. Int. Studio Day 3 BEN, SAMMY, CHRISTIAN, CONT. from previous scene: CHRISTIAN and BEN enter the studio and put their things down. As CHRISTIAN passes SAMMY, he gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

SAMMY Great! So what are we gonna do now? We don’t have a team and we don’t have a teacher! We don’t stand a chance!



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BEN Why don’t we hold a solidarity meeting?

CHRISTIAN bows his head and holds up his fist in the air mockingly, as in the 1968 Olympics “Black Power” salute. BEN playfully pulls down CHRISTIAN’S fist.

BEN I’m serious! We can send out a text to all the 2nd yrs to meet in the common room tonight for some old school hip-hop solidarity!

SAMMY

Hey yeah! We can have like a party, get the old gang together again. That’s exactly what we need! Let’s do it.

BEN gets out his mobile and SAMMY and CHRISTIAN gather around him, as they begin typing out the text – “HIP HOP SOLIDARITY PARTY TONIGHT, COMMON ROOM. 2nd YRS ONLY” They press SEND, and look at each other in anticipation. 16. Ext. Beach Day 3 TARA, GRACE TARA and GRACE are sunbaking on the beach, TARA with her sunnies still on. They hear a beeping of a phone. Bleary eyed, they look at each other with minimal movement.

GRACE Ugh… was that you or me?

TARA

I think it was me… hang on… TARA struggles to find the energy to reach over to her bag and pull out her mobile phone. She reads Sammy’s text message.

GRACE What is it?

TARA

Apparently there is a party on tonight for the 2nd years.



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GRACE

Ugh… I just wanna stay here forever… TARA is somewhat more enthusiastic.

TARA No! Come on, it will be fun! There’ll be lots of boys!

GRACE

You and your boys Tara! You’re always thinking about BOYS!

TARA

No I don’t! Besides, this gives me an opportunity to try out my latest idea…

GRACE ears suddenly prick up, and she sits up.

GRACE Oh yes? Prey tell.

TARA

I figure, the reason I haven’t moved on from Christian, is because I haven’t moved on from Christian… I need to pash a boy, any boy, and tonight is going to be the night!

GRACE

Eh – not the worst idea you’ve had. But it’s gotta be a pash and dash alright?

TARA

Of course! Totally meaningless. Just to get over Christian… but… I don’t know if I’ll have the guts!

GRACE has a cheeky grin on her face.

GRACE Oh don’t you worry about that. I’ve got a little surprise for you. It’ll give you all the confidence you’ll need!

17. Int. Studio Day 3 KAT, ABIGAIL, CHRISTIAN, REMY, LULU, LILY, 1ST YR EXTRAS



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KAT and ABIGAIL are teaching the 1st yr students some hip-hop moves. KAT walks off to her bag to get a drink of water, when she hears a beep from her phone. She grabs it and reads the text message. ABIGAIL walks over to KAT and shows her the message.

ABIGAIL What do you think?

KAT

I dunno… I don’t think I’d feel comfortable being there with Tara watching Christian and…

ABIGAIL mockingly shoves her hand in KAT’S face – ‘Talk to the hand’. KAT brushes it off, laughing –

KAT Hey I listen to you rant on about all your ballet stuff, so you can hear all about my boyfriend stuff!

ABIGAIL

What I meant was – it’s a bit of a conflict of interest don’t you think? Us teaching 1st yrs, and attending the 2nd yrs solidarity party?

The 1st yr students are listening in to conversation, whilst practicing moves.

REMY They’re having a party? We should have one too!

CHRISTIAN enters the room looking for KAT, walks over to her and GRACE. GRACE walks back to 1st yrs.

CHRISTIAN So, I take it you’ve heard?

KAT

Yeah but I don’t know if I should go… I mean, I’m technically a 1st yr.

CHRISTIAN

Nah, you’re one of us. You know that. Besides, I think it’s important we go.

KAT



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But what about Tara?

CHRISTIAN What about Tara? We’re just going to give support to the group.

There is a pause between them.

KAT Ok look, if I go, we need to go together – as a couple. We need to make it very clear to everyone what’s going on between us. I think we owe Tara that much.

CHRISTIAN

You’re right, we haven’t been very clear ourselves. Maybe it’s time we go public.

They smile and hold hands, like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. The 1st Yrs and GRACE are watching, rolling their eyes.

LULU Typical 2nd yrs!

18. Ext. Wharf Day 3 Shots of Sydney Harbour as the sun begins to set over Sydney. 19. Int. Café Evening 3 SAMMY, SAMMY is all dressed up and perfumed. He is passing through the deserted café looking for OLLIE. He hears music and sees a light coming from the studio door up ahead and walks towards it. 19a. Int. Studio Evening 3 SAMMY, OLLIE SAMMY arrives quietly to the doorway to the studio where OLLIE is practicing ballet dance moves – Batterie, Brisé, a Cabriole, Echappé, etc. SAMMY watches for a moment, until there is a break in OLLIE’S dancing, and he steps into the studio making his presence felt.

SAMMY



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Wow! I didn’t realize you were so good at ballet too!

OLLIE Oh this? I was just practicing.

SAMMY

Well, it was great! They stare at each other awkwardly for a moment, OLLIE wiping off his sweat with a hand towel.

OLLIE So… what brings you here all dressed up… and smelling so nice?

SAMMY goes red.

SAMMY Oh… nothing! Um… there’s a party on tonight! In the common room! I just ah… wanted to invite you along!

OLLIE

Oh I don’t know… I’ve gotta…

SAMMY No come on! You have to come! It’ll be fun. I promise!

OLLIE is smiling at SAMMY.

OLLIE Ok, I’ll try to swing by later… ok?

SAMMY is positively beaming.

SAMMY Great! I’ll see you later tonight…

SAMMY begins to run off, but turns suddenly at the doorway.

SAMMY It’s a 2nd yrs only party… so um… you can’t bring anyone from the 1st yrs…

OLLIE nods. SAMMY smiles and leaves. 20. Int. Tara’s room Evening 3



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GRACE, TARA TARA is applying make up in front of a mirror. She is all dolled up in her best bad girl outfit. There is an urgent knock on the door.

TARA (whispering)

Who is it?

GRACE It’s me! Just open the door! Hurry!

TARA opens the door and GRACE enters, holding something behind her back.

GRACE Remember I said I had a surprise for you?

TARA nods.

GRACE Ta-da!!

GRACE holds out a bottle of whiskey. TARA is shocked.

TARA Oh no! I can’t!

GRACE

What do you mean you can’t?

TARA When I was 7, I ate waaay too much fruitcake. No-one told me it had brandy in it. The room was spinning. I was vomiting all night!

GRACE looks at TARA in disbelief and gives her the bottle.

GRACE Well, you’re not 7 anymore! Drink up! This will give you the confidence you need.

TARA looks at the bottle in her hands, looks at GRACE who is egging her on. She takes a swig, spilling a bit. The girls laugh. 21. Int. Studio Evening 3



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KAT, ABIGAIL, CHRISTIAN, 1st YRS EXTRAS 1st YRS are leaving the studio. KAT and ABIGAIL are gathering their things, whilst CHRISTIAN waits for them.

KAT Do you mind waiting for me, I just gotta make a quick pit stop.

KAT runs off to the toilet, leaving her bags with CHRISTIAN. ABIGAIL and CHRISTIAN walk slowly towards the doorway of the studio.

ABIGAIL You know, I’ve got you all figured out… I’ve seen the way you look at me…

CHRISTIAN smiles nervously at GRACE.

ABIGAIL You’ve been working your way through all my roommates just to get to me, haven’t you?!

CHRISTIAN and GRACE laugh together. 22. Int. Common Room Evening 3 BEN, SAMMY, KAT, CHRISTIAN, TARA, GRACE, 2nd YR EXTRAS The Common Room is mostly empty except for a few select 2nd yr students, spread sporadically around the room. The lights are dimmed, there’s some basic attempt at decoration strewn across the walls, and music is playing too loudly for the number of people present. It’s a depressingly empty party. BEN is going around the room offering snacks to the few present, trying to be a good host. SAMMY is in a corner, fretting and eyeing each and every movement at the door.

BEN (to SAMMY)

Don’t worry, they’ll come! CHRISTIAN and KAT are in another corner, hanging out together, alone. They try to stand beside each other, but both are awkwardly shifting their bodies to feel comfortable. CHRISTIAN



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attempts to put his arm around KAT, then changes his mind, and leans on her shoulder, then shifts to trying to hold her hand, but neither of them seem to be able to co-ordinate their bodies together. They look and feel very awkward.

BEN What’s with them?

TARA and GRACE arrive. SAMMY jumps up to greet them.

SAMMY Ah, TARA. GRACE. I’m glad you’re here! The party’s just getting started!

GRACE

(under her breath to Tara) Looks like it’s already dead to me…

The girls giggle.

SAMMY What?

TARA

Oh no nothing. It’s soooo good to see you Sammy! TARA clearly drunk, gives SAMMY a big hug.

TARA And you too Benny boy!

SAMMY gives GRACE a look. KAT and CHRISTIAN see the group forming and walk over, holding hands. TARA notices this, is shocked, but doubles up in courage.

TARA Christian!! Kat!! It’s even good to see YOU!!

GRACE subtly pulls the reigns on TARA, who quietly mouths – What?!

CHRISTIAN So… some party huh?

TARA interrupts –



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TARA Oh look!! It’s… what’s-his-name…!! Grace let’s go over there and say hello!

GRACE and TARA run off to the other side of the room. 23. Int. Corridor (outside Common Room) Evening 3 SAMMY, 1ST YR #1 (50 WD), 1ST YR #2, 1ST YR EXTRAS SAMMY exits the common room, whips out his mobile phone. As he slowly walks down the corridor, he looks up ‘OLLIE’ in his contacts and dials. Whilst the phone rings, he notices up ahead, a door with smoke coming out of it and loud (but muffled) music emanating from it. He walks towards it to get a closer look. As he reaches the door, it opens to pumping music and laser disco lights. He sees a room packed full of 1st yrs, and two students all wet and wrapped in towels, running out leaving a trail of water on the floor behind them.

1ST YR #1 Oh. My. God. That hot tub is AMAZING!!

1st YR #2 & #2 run off giggling to each other. SAMMY is dumbfounded, and almost misses the beep on OLLIE’S answering machine.

SAMMY Oh… ah, hi Ollie. It’s Sammy. I thought you said you were gonna stop by the party tonight. Where are you?

SAMMY hangs up, eying the door of the pumping party, as he slowly walks back to his own party in the common room. 24. Int. Common Room Evening 3 SAMMY, BEN, TARA, GRACE, KAT, CHRISTIAN, 2ND YR EXTRAS, SAMMY enters the common room, and solemnly takes his place back in the corner, passing BEN and TARA and has run up and plonked herself on BEN’S lap.

TARA Hi Ben! How’s it going?



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BEN looks stunned, but smiles. TARA looks around the room.

TARA God, do you think we’re the funnest people at this party?

TARA offers BEN a swig of her bottle. BEN politely refuses. TARA looks towards CHRISTIAN and KAT who are holding hands (but trying to hide it) and talking to some other students.

TARA Do you think Christian is happy?

BEN

I dunno… but I think he’s doing much better now that he’s found his dad.

TARA turns to BEN in dismay.

TARA What?!?

TARA gets up and drunkenly walks over to CHRISTIAN, grabs his shoulder and twists him around. GRACE is watching this from across the room.

TARA What’s this I hear about you finding your dad?

CHRISTIAN is shocked.

CHRISTIAN What? Who told you that?

TARA

After everything I’ve done for you!... You left me because of it, and then you go off with her and do it anyway! You’re a jerk!

TARA storms off back to BEN, leaving CHRISTIAN and KAT bewildered.

KAT I knew this was a bad idea…

Back to TARA and BEN who is trying to get TARA’S focus.



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BEN

Are you alright?

TARA I’m fine…

TARA look up at BEN’S concerned eyes, and after a beat goes in for a drunken kiss. BEN pulls away.

BEN Whoa… no, no… wait… wait…

TARA looks at BEN with tears in her eyes.

BEN I’m not going to kiss you… well, not here… but… lets go outside.

Humiliated, TARA brushes him off. But BEN grabs her, pulls her over his shoulder and takes her outside. 25. Int. Corridor (outside Common Room) Evening 3 BEN, TARA, BEN sets her down and holds her close so she doesn’t lose balance. TARA mistakes it as a tender moment and goes in for another kiss – but vomits on BEN’S shoes instead. TARA back away, recovering and feeling humiliated. BEN tries to console her, but brushes his hand away.

TARA Don’t… just leave me a lone…

26. Int. Common Room Evening 3 SAMMY, GRACE, KAT, CHRISTIAN, 2ND YR EXTRAS, CHRISTIAN and KAT are alone in a corner of the room. KAT looks distressed.

KAT I shouldn’t have come here… what are we doing Christian? What are we?

CHRISTIAN tries to respond but can’t find the words.



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KAT

I mean… are we a couple? Should we even BE a couple? Look what it’s doing to Tara… despite all of this, I still consider her a friend. What kind of a friend am I to do this to her…

CHRISTIAN

But… I really like you Kat. The whole Tara thing – it’s over between us. I want to be with you Kat…

CHRISTIAN tries to move in and hug KAT, but she pushes him away.

KAT I… I can’t… it’s creating too many problems for everyone involved... I don’t want to be the cause of that.

KAT leaves the room clearly distressed. CHRISTIAN, looking defeated, leaves a moment later. SAMMY, who is watching the events from another corner of the room, is suddenly left alone at the party, as the last remnants of 2nd yr students follow CHRISTIAN out the door. As they leave, in bursts ABIGAIL, all happy and excited, covered in streamers and glitter from the 1st yr party.

ABIGAIL Ok everyone, I’m here! Let’s get this par –

She looks around at the empty, depressing room, SAMMY hunched over and sulking in the corner.

ABIGAIL Where is everyone?

27. Int. Corrodir (Common Room) Evening 3 BEN, TARA, GRACE, MS RAINE TARA has her face buried in some nearby pot plants, with BEN trying to console her. BEN motions her to take a seat and relax. GRACE arrives on the scene with a glass of water in one hand and half empty packet of bread in the other.



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GRACE Ok. Drink this. You need to keep your fluids up. And eat some of this brea –

TARA, clutching her stomach, looks at the bread like she’s about to hurl again, and waves it away.

GRACE You’ve gotta eat bread – it’s the first rule for preventing a hangover. It soaks up all the alcohol in the stomach!

BEN

Something tells me there’s not much left in there… Suddenly, MS. RAINE arrives on the scene, and motions BEN and GRACE away with her hands – ‘shoo, leave her to me’. GRACE hands MS. RAINE the cup of water for TARA. MS. RAINE takes a seat next to TARA.

MS. RAINE Here… drink this. You’ve got to –

TARA

Yeah. Fluids. I got it. TARA takes the cup and cradles it.

MS. RAINE I had heard there was a party being held…

TARA

Yeah, well it wasn’t a very good one. MS. RAINE tries to repress a smile. There is a moment of pause between them.

MS. RAINE I have been observing your behavior over these past few weeks…

TARA rolls her eyes and heaves a sigh, knowing she is about to be lectured.

MS. RAINE



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But there’s something I just don’t understand. You fought so valiantly to get back into the Dance Academy – but recently, it looks to me like you’re trying your hardest to throw it all away! What’s happened to you to act this way?

There is silence from TARA.

MS. RAINE I mean, at first I thought it was this business with Saskia, but then I see the way you are with your peers and notice that dynamic has changed… ever since Grace arrived…

TARA

(mumbles) It has nothing to do with Grace.

MS. RAINE

Excuse me?

TARA It has nothing to do with Grace!

MS. RAINE

Well, then. What is it?

TARA It’s everything! It’s YOU! It’s Saskia, it’s everyone in this place! I can’t take it anymore!

MS. RAINE is momentarily taken aback by the sudden outburst.

MS. RAINE Wh… what do you mean?

TARA

I can’t trust anyone anymore.

MS. RAINE But Tara, you can always tr –

TARA

No! I can’t! Especially not you! (pause) Y’know, when all this stuff was happening with Saskia, you didn’t believe me. Instead you gave me a hard time. And



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even AFTER Saskia left you still gave me a hard time. You only let me back in because my dad threatened to sue over my back injury!

MS. RAINE is lost for words.

TARA And then there’s the others. Y’know, last year, us 2nd Yrs were a good group. We were friends. Now we’re all at each other’s throats. I can’t even speak to Christian, let alone be in the same room as him. He and Kat are a constant reminder of my failings! And on top of that, I have this really painful back injury, and I’m still expected to perform at my peak. It’s too much! I can’t take it anymore!

TARA breaks out crying. MS. RAINE attempts to console her.

MS. RAINE There, there. It’s alright.

TARA

Grace has been my only friend through all of this…

MS. RAINE Sssh. I know it’s been difficult. The lessons of love and trust are the harshest lessons to learn in life. But it’s a sign of your maturity Tara.

TARA looks up at MS. RAINE.

MS. RAINE When I look at some of the other students in your year, they’re still playing the games of children. But not you. When I look at you, I see the young woman you are becoming, and if it seems at times that I am being harsher on you than the others, it’s because I am trying to guide you onto that path of maturity.

TARA wipes her eyes of tears.

MS. RAINE We all go through tough times in our lives Tara. But the mature person uses those experiences to enhance their life, not to destroy it. Use these experiences in your dance Tara, it’ll make you a stronger dancer I



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assure you, but more importantly, it will make you a stronger person.

TARA nods and gives MS. RAINE a hug.

TARA Thanks Ms. Raine. (pause) I’m still gonna get detention aren’t I?

MS. RAINE laughs lightly and smiles. So does TARA. 28. Ext. Dance Academy / Sydney Harbour Sunrise 4 Shots of the wharf, sun rising over the harbour, fog under the bridge, early morning ferries on the harbour commuting people to work, etc. 29. Int. Corridor Morning 4 SAMMY, OLLIE, REMY, STUDENT EXTRAS SAMMY is walking despondently through the corridor, head hanging low. Up ahead he spots OLLIE.

SAMMY Hey! Ollie!

SAMMY runs up to OLLIE, who has stopped and turned to greet SAMMY.

SAMMY Where were you last night?

OLLIE is all smiles.

OLLIE Oh, I’ve heard rave reviews! How on earth did you manage to get a hot tub!?

SAMMY grinding his teeth –

SAMMY That wasn’t us. That was the 1st yrs.

There is silence between them.

SAMMY



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So?? Where were you last night?

OLLIE Oh I had some things to do…

SAMMY

I was waiting all night for you. I really wanted you to be there…

OLLIE

You know, I didn’t promise to be there… OLLIE sees SAMMY’S disappointed reaction.

OLLIE Look, a bonding session for the 2nd yrs isn’t really my cup of tea. I thought it best to leave it up to you.

SAMMY

Did you go to Remy’s party?

OLLIE What? Well, not that it’s any of your business – no. I didn’t go to Remy’s party…

SAMMY looks relieved, but OLLIE looks annoyed. They’ve stopped at the doorway to the studio.

OLLIE Why was it so important for me to be at your party?

SAMMY

Oh don’t worry. It doesn’t matter. OLLIE looks at SAMMY trying to figure him out, then shakes his head and enters the studio. REMY arrives on the scene and walks up to SAMMY.

REMY So! Some party last night huh? Loud music, lots of people, a hot tub… oh wait, that was our party! Hope your hip-hop moves don’t suck as much as your parties do!

REMY leaves laughing as an annoyed SAMMY shakes his head and walks on down the corridor.



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30. Int. Studio Morning 4 SAMMY, TARA, BEN, CHRISTIAN, GRACE, OLLIE, 2ND YR EXTRAS The 2nd yr students are preparing themselves for the class, talking amongst themselves and stretching. GRACE and TARA are sitting together, lacing up their Pointes.

TARA Oh I don’t think I can do this…

GRACE

Well, you’re gonna have to suck it up, coz they’re not gonna let you skip two classes in a row. Come on.

GRACE helps TARA up off the floor. CHRISTIAN enters, and there is a quick awkward glance between TARA and CHRISTIAN. ZACH enters and sets up, followed by SAMMY, who sees BEN, smiles and waves and walks over to him.

ZACH Ok class, let’s get into formation.

The class slowly gather around ZACH.

ZACH Right. The Pas De Deux – from the French, meaning none but two. In ballet, it is partnering; a duet – comprised of an entre, adagio, two variations and a coda – a conclusion. This is what we’re going to focus on today – the coda – so please pick a partner of the opposite sex. The person closest to you will do. Good. Let’s get started.

TARA and GRACE look around and see that BEN and SAMMY are closest to them. GRACE jumps towards SAMMY, leaving TARA no option but to choose BEN. Ballet music begins to play, as TARA and BEN awkwardly come together.

ZACH To start with lets practice the Arabesque position.



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The class getting into position, as TARA and BEN are face to face.

TARA Look… I’m um… sorry about last night.

BEN

It’s fine. Don’t even worry about it. TARA does an about turn, with BEN’S support on her waist. As TARA bends forward –

BEN

Besides… it’s understandable you’d fall for a stunningly handsome guy like me… I tend to have that effect on girls.

TARA almost falls, BEN holding her. She stands up, looking at BEN smiling.

TARA What effect – the urge to vomit?

TARA gives a smart smile back. They laugh quietly.

ZACH Tara, Ben – focus! Show me your arabesque…

TARA and BEN get back into position. ZACH taps BEN’S grip on TARA’S leg.

ZACH It’s your job Ben, to give support to your partner. She’s relying on you not to let her fall, remember that.

BEN reaffirms his grip around TARA’S waist and leg.

ZACH And Tara, you have to trust that he will hold you, so you can stretch yourself further. Show me.

TARA looks at BEN and smiles, as she extends herself under BEN’S grip.

ZACH Good. Good.



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ZACH moves around the room, watching and giving pointers to the other classmates. TARA looks at GRACE and SAMMY struggling together, and smiles. She looks towards CHRISTIAN who is entirely focused on his task at hand. He seems cold and mechanical, like he’s on autopilot. 31. Int. Studio Morning 4 SAMMY, TARA, BEN, CHRISTIAN, GRACE, OLLIE, 2ND YR EXTRAS CUT TO: end of class, students are packing up. BEN approaches TARA again. GRACE who is beside her, makes herself scarce.

BEN I feel… I need to talk to you about that kiss… last night…

TARA looks like a deer stuck in headlights, but tries to laugh it off, like it meant nothing to her.

TARA Oh look, I’m happy to just forget about it, if you are?

BEN

Sure… it’s just that… I don’t want you leaving here, thinking that I didn’t want to kiss you back.

TARA looks up at BEN.

BEN I mean, not that I want to kiss you now, but, I mean, I do, but… not… um… what I mean is… I really like you Tara, I think you’re great. You’re pretty, you’re a great dancer…

TARA is looking anxious, waiting for the BUT –

BEN But, it’s just…

TARA

I know, I know, I’m not your type. It’s fine, I didn’t really think I was –

BEN



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No, Tara. Stop. I was about to say… it’s just that I think a kiss should be something special. And I didn’t want our first kiss to be… a drunken pash.

TARA laughs, relieved and smiles at BEN.

TARA I need it to be special too.

SAMMY sees the students, and CHRISTIAN leaving class, and jumps in front of the doorway, blocking their exit.

SAMMY Hey, hey, hey! Where’s everyone going?

CHRISTIAN

What are you doing? Get out of the way.

SAMMY No! I won’t! Have you all forgotten what’s on right now? The Hip-Hop wars! Our chance to finally stick it to those know-it-all 1st yrs!

The class moans in disdain.

SAMMY We can’t just stand aside and let them think they’re better than us!

CHRISTIAN

Oh come on Sammy, who cares! The class moans in agreement.

SAMMY I do. I care! Look at what’s become of us! We’ve grown apart! We don’t talk to each other anymore. I’ve seen some of you avoiding each other in the corridor!

CHRISTIAN passes a guilty glance towards TARA who returns it. SAMMY walks between his classmates as he makes his speech.

SAMMY This dance competition isn’t about hip-hop. It’s not even about beating those smug little 1st yrs – it’s more than that. It’s about us! It’s about our friendship, it’s



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about our solidarity, our comradeship! We used to work together! We used to care about each other! We used to be a team!

SAMMY stops back at the door.

SAMMY We’ve been through a lot together, and I had always dreamed we’d be going through a lot more. We need to put aside our petty differences that have divided us these past few months, and come together to show these first yrs – no, the world! – that we’re better than this! This isn’t just some dance off. It’s much bigger – because if we can’t come together for a stupid little dance off, what hope do we have of getting through our time here at the Academy?

The group stands in silence, looking guiltily at each other.

SAMMY Now, I am going out there to face these 1st yrs. But you gotta make a decision – you either come with me, or face all of this alone.

SAMMY storms out of the studio, leaving the rest of his classmates looking at each other bewildered. 32. Int. Corridor Morning 4 SAMMY, OLLIE, STUDENT EXTRAS Continuation from previous scene. SAMMY has just stormed out of the studio, and into the corridor. He is a focused man and doesn’t realize he has almost bowled over OLLIE.

OLLIE Whoa – Sammy!

No response. OLLIE realizes something is up and chases after SAMMY.

OLLIE Sammy! Sammy! What’s wrong?



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SAMMY comes to, and realizes what’s happened. He is a bit dazed and confused.

SAMMY What?... oh… nothing. Just this stupid dance off…

OLLIE

Yeah, you coming? You’re going the wrong way man! OLLIE is laughing and smiling. SAMMY begins to focus some more on OLLIE, who is smiling at him warmly.

OLLIE Come on mate, lets –

SAMMY grabs OLLIE’S face and plants a long, passionate kiss on his lips. OLLIE is stunned and is trying to regain balance. SAMMY just raises his eyebrows and smiles, and walks off down the corridor to the dance off, leaving OLLIE behind. OLLIE refocuses, and chases after SAMMY. 33. Ext. Wharf Morning 4 SAMMY, OLLIE, CHRISTIAN, KAT, GRACE, TARA, ABIGAIL, REMY, LULU, LILY, 1ST YR EXTRAS, 2ND YR EXTRAS A crowd is gathering out on the wharf, of 1st and 2nd yr students, with loud cheers and music. Some students are already dancing inside the circle. The crowd parts at one end for SAMMY’S arrival. Right on his tail is OLLIE, who grabs SAMMY by the wrist and spins him around. OLLIE looks at SAMMY, face to face, both with big grins on their faces, and gives him a hug. Close behind them are the 2nd yr gang – BEN, TARA, GRACE, ABIGAIL. BEN runs and jumps on top of SAMMY & OLLIE playfully. They make their way to the 2nd yr side (camera left) as the circle closes again and find their places. After a few moments, the 1st yrs clear the dance floor, and TARA, GRACE & BEN jump up and start busting out some dance moves, to the cheers of the 2nd yrs. As they finish their routine, they move off to the side, panting and wheezing, smiling and giving each other hi-fives. The 1st yrs take over the floor again, as the crowd parts once again – for CHRISTIAN and KAT.



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They walk in together, looking very cool, but they’re not holding hands. They look at each other, smiling, and as KAT turns to take her place in the 1st yr group (camera right), CHRISTIAN grabs her by the wrist, spins her around and kisses her, in front of everyone. The crowd cheers. TARA is watching, and for a moment her heart skips. She is shocked. But a moment later, BEN, who is standing near her and who has also noticed, turns to TARA and smiles. TARA smiles back, with a slight nod – everything is ok. SAMMY is reveling with his 2nd Yr friends. CHRISTIAN takes pride of place under SAMMY’S left arm, with OLLIE under his right. They are cheering on ABIGAIL as she takes on KAT on the dance floor. A few more montage shots of various 1st and 2nd yr students dancing off together. Everyone is in an extremely happy mood. TARA goes up to CHRISTIAN and drags him on the dance floor. Finally, SAMMY and OLLIE jump on the dance floor, followed by all the 2nd yr students.

(V.O.) TARA Life is tough sometimes. But it’s not about painting over those cracks and masking those breaks in life – it’s about learning to accept your weaknesses, and finding new ways to sure yourself up with the support of your friends.

THE END

TV Script - Dance Academy

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Transcript of TV Script - Dance Academy