When a young criminal is forced to do community service at a dance school, he strikes up a relationship with a dancer and helps her get into a dance company. Tyler can't stay out of trouble. When he and his friends vandalize the Maryland School of the Arts theater late one night, and he takes the blame so his friends can escape, he's forced to work 200 hours of community service at the school. One day, he spots Nora, a young and talented dancer, preparing for a showcase that will give her the opportunity to be hired by a professional dance company. She keeps an eye on him too, spying on him one day while he is breakdancing in the parking lot. Nora's partner sprains his ankle, leaving her in the terrible position of having to audition younger dancers, none of whom have the strength or the skill to help her succeed in her showcase. When Tyler volunteers, she is understandably hesitant, but when he proves himself to be the most qualified candidate, she allows him to partner with her. Tyler and Nora both fight early on, but eventually they learn how to get along, and they even begin to develop romantic interest in one another. When Nora's original partner recovers, however, Nora decides to return to dancing with him, relegating Tyler back to his community service work, breaking his heart. Tyler tells her off and storms out, but when Nora's partner reveals that the choreography has been changed (by Tyler) to the point where it's too difficult for him anymore, Nora is forced to prepare to do her entire routine by herself-- not nearly as intriguing. Yet when one of Tyler's friends is killed, it makes him realize he needs to leave his criminal life behind, and he returns the night of the show to beg Nora to allow him to dance with her.
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Best part of story, including ending:
It's not a terribly complex story, but the characters are decently developed, and the two leading actors are good dancers with terrific chemistry.
Best scene in story:
The first time Nora spies Tyler, his breakdancing in the parking lot is mixed together with some silly mockery of ballet moves, including him balancing on his tiptoes. It's a funny moment that makes him likable.
Opinion about the main character:
Tyler is a bit of a street punk, but you can tell from early on that there's good underneath the surface. Channing Tatum wasn't a star yet when this came out, but he already had his charm.
