(Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker)
(woman): They say in dance, the things that look
the most effortless, the most beautiful,
require the most amount of work, but they're worth it.
The same can be said of love.
- Let's go. - I grew up
in Marietta, Georgia, home of peanuts and football.
(all shouting)
Only I hated peanuts, and the big game
never really captured my attention.
My passion was ballet.
Oh! Oh my goodness!
For heaven sakes, Lily Jamison! Look at this mess!
Here are your peanuts, boys. Half of them are on the floor.
Don't worry, Lily.
- I'll take care of this. - Thanks, Beth.
- That's my older sister, Beth. - It's OK. You just keep
practicing. And don't forget, just one plié at a time.
Right from the start, she knew how important ballet was to me.
(Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker) (applause)
For as long as I could remember, my dream was to dance
The Nutcracker's Sugar Plum Fairy.
(applause)
Only this wasn't exactly what I had in mind.
As I got older, I became consumed by ballet.
It was my entire world.
Hey, hey, hey. Lily,
you've got this, OK?
You are a wonderful dancer. Just remember, one plié--
One plié at a time. I know, I know.
Now go get a seat, or you'll be standing in the back the entire show.
Well, it wouldn't be the first time.
- I love you, Beth. - I love you too.
(breathing deeply)
Up to that point, Beth had always been my biggest fan.
(squealing)
And then there was my littlest fan.
Beth's daughter,
my niece Sadie.
Christmas was always
my family's favorite time of year-- delicious food,
new ballet outfits under the tree,
and our traditional family Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Ad Lib.
♪ Three digital cameras Two Falcons tickets ♪
♪ And a part in the New York Ballet ♪
Every time I put on my pointe shoes,
I knew I wanted a career as a professional ballet dancer.
But I wasn't the only girl who felt that way.
If you haven't heard of the American Ballet
Invitational, it's sort of like the World Series, but for non-professional
ballet dancers. I didn't realize there was gonna be so many great dancers.
Lily, relax, OK? You can do it.
Remember, just one--
Plié at a time. (applause)
(announcer): Next, from Marietta, Georgia, number 129,
Lily Jamison.
(Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker)
(applause)
And the winner of the 2003
American Ballet Invitational is...
- from Marietta, Georgia: Lily Jamison! - Whoo!
(applause)
Two weeks later, I got even bigger news.
I was offered a spot at the New York Ballet,
home of the world's most famous Nutcracker.
I wasn't in Marietta anymore, and this wasn't another dance competition.
Alright, boys, go to this corner.
That is where you will begin.
Grand allegro, ready, and...
This was the New York Ballet,
and they were even better than I imagined.
Into position for the adage.
But I wasn't gonna let that stop me from achieving my dream.
Ready, and...
Remember, keep your legs high. Higher!
- Higher! - First, I just needed
to start breathing again.
Uh...
Oh! I'm so sorry!
It's OK. It's OK. I'm Mark.
Hi. I'm Ellie--
Lily! I'm new.
- Hi, new Lily. - Hi.
Come on, Mark. Let's warm up.
(Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker)
[You have no idea, Beth. I have never worked so hard. ]
Well, you knew that was coming.
- [So, what part did you get?] - Well, right now I'm a snowflake.
And what about the Sugar Plum Fairy?
[Yeah, that's kind of a big prize around here.]
Honestly, I'm not sure I'll ever get it.
♪♪♪
Fortunately, I had one thing
to look forward to that year:
Beth and Sadie's Christmas visit.
Alright, you two, which one of these trees has our name on it?
How about this one?
Well, it's very nice, Sadie,
but I think we need something that's bigger.
- How about this one? - I love it!
Beth always knew how to make the holidays extra special.
(applause) While Sadie always shared her mom's love for Christmas,
to my surprise, she also shared my love for ballet...
and my ballet friends.
After Beth and Sadie met my director, Dimitri,
he insisted that they attend his annual Christmas party.
♪ Christmas lights
♪ In the middle of a Christmas night ♪
♪ All the colors shine so bright ♪
Ha, ha! (foreign language)
And welcome, my little Sadie.
Please, come in, make yourselves comfortable.
So, everybody, jingle the bells!
Sadie's here! Our little Christmas princess!
Ew.
Oops. You weren't supposed to see that.
- (laughing) - Gross.
Well, then you definitely don't wanna know what I did to the coleslaw.
(laughing)
Hey, can I... ask you something?
- It's not about the coleslaw, is it? - No, um...
I was just wondering how you got into dancing.
I mean... you don't really seem...
- (laughing) - Graceful?
No, I wasn't gonna say that.
- Obviously you're graceful. - I was on the football team
in high school. Someone told me ballet would help my footwork.
Ah, so you did it to meet the girls.
Yeah, that and... ballerinas don't try to crush you on the line of scrimmage.
(laughing)
Obviously, that ballerina wants to crush you.
She's just mad 'cause things aren't going well with us.
Are you kidding? You guys dance
- so beautifully together. - Actually, we broke up last week.
♪ And a Lamborghini under the tree ♪
♪ On the fourth day of Christmas ♪
♪ My true love gave to me
(He improvises.)
I always thought I'd go into the military. My dad,
my uncles, my grandfather,
they all served.
But then I got into ballet and found out I was pretty good at it.
Let me guess-- you're more of a lover than a fighter.
- That's what I tried to tell Dad. - Mark!
No, guys, I'm all dance, no sing.
- What? Oh, come on, Mark! - Come on, Mark, don't be party pooper!
(laughter)
♪ On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ♪
♪ Five onion bagels
- (cheering) - Four?
- (hubbub) Three? - Diamond bracelets.
- Two? - ♪ Black bears dancing
Everybody!
♪ And a Lamborghini under the tree ♪
(soft guitar music)
During the next few years I spent dancing
in New York, some things kept improving.
(bell ringing)
(applause)
Now, next,
the role of Sugar Plum Fairy goes to...
Jade Parker. (applause)
Some things didn't.
Congratulations, Jade.
But it was OK.
Mark and I were happy.
(laughing)
I was sure he was The One.
Merry Christmas, Frank!
- Merry Christmas, Lily. - Careful down, please!
Take your seats. First of all, this year's Prince
will be danced by...
Mark Anders. (applause)
And this year's Sugar Plum Fairy...
Lily Jamison!
- (applause) - What?
I can't believe this.
My goodness!
- Are you shaking? - It's called nerves.
(breathing deeply) (cell phone buzzing)
- Do you want to get that? - No,
it's probably just my parents letting me know they arrived.
They're gonna see their baby girl's big solo debut, hmm?
(cell phone buzzing) Get the phone. I've pinned enough.
Thank you.
Hi, Mom! I hope you're calling from the hotel
and not the airport. Curtain's in a couple of hours and--
What do you mean, you're still in Georgia?
What happened?
- (sobbing) - We're at the hospital.
[Kevin was driving the girls to the airport and there was an accident.]
Sadie's fine.
(sobbing)
Beth?
[Baby, I'm so sorry...]
[I'm so sorry.]
(sobbing)
(sniffling)
(Mark): I'm so sorry.
We should get you back to the apartment so you can get packed.
- I'm not going home. - What?
Why?
My mom said Beth would want me to dance.
- I have to find my headpiece. - What are you doing?
- Why can't I find it? - Lily. Lil.
- Go be with your family. Be with Sadie. - No, I have to get ready.
I just heard.
- I am so sorry. - Dim, any chance
- we can get her on a plane tonight? - No!
My mom wants me to do this for my sister.
Beth wanted this for me. I have to do this for her.
Mark, is she ready to dance?
- Dimitri, I'm right here. Ask me. - Mark?
- I can do this! Tell him, Mark! - Lily,
dancing just isn't important right now.
No, I... I have to do this.
I'm sorry, you're not focused. Anything could happen.
I'm afraid you're gonna hurt yourself out there.
I will be fine!
But you're not. I don't think you should dance.
Mark,
- don't do this to me. - It's settled, then.
Jade will stand in tonight.
I am sorry, Lily, but it is for the best.
- No! - You'll have your chance again.
Next year.
- How could you do this to me? - Lily, you have to trust me.
This is the right thing to do.
You need to be with your family. I'm just trying to protect you.
No! You're killing everything I ever wanted!
- Everything Beth ever wanted for me! - That's not fair.
What's not fair is you taking this dream away from me.
(sniffling)
I didn't know it then, but...
that was the day I said goodbye to Mark.
And goodbye to ballet.
Last breath in...
(breathing deeply)
Let it all out.
(exhaling)
Namaste.
(class): Namaste.
Thank you.
Bye.
Hey, Lily. Thanks for the great class.
I did not know yoga could be such a good workout.
- (laughing) - Um,
so, my office is having a party next Thursday.
- I don't know if you have plans, but... - Oh.
- Next Thursday? - Yeah.
I think I have something
- at my niece's ballet studio-- - Really? I didn't get an invite.
- It's just a dress rehearsal. - Since when did you ever go--
It's not a big deal, really. I should've asked earlier.
Anyway, thanks again.
- Great class as always, Lily. - Thank you.
Really? You go to dress rehearsals now?
- The point is, I don't date my clients. - The point is,
- you don't date anyone, honey. - You know what?
I'm gonna be late to pick up Sadie. I will see you at dinner.
Mom was right. It was like I'd developed an allergy to ballet
and men. But the truth is,
spending time with Sadie was more than enough for me.
(piano music)
I had a lot of reasons for leaving New York,
but Sadie was the real reason I never went back.
I could never replace her mother,
but I was determined to help raise her as best I could.
You must be so proud of Sadie winning the American Ballet Invitational.
- Yeah. - I guess that dancing's in her blood.
(piano music)
Please, come in.
Girls,
I think most of you know Sadie's aunt, Lily Jamison.
Well, like Sadie, Lily also won the ABI
and actually went on to dance with the New York Ballet.
- She was a prima ballerina. - That was a long time ago.
Lily, would you like to do something with the girls?
I don't dance anymore.
I'm just saying,
you could've done something. It was so embarrassing.
Oh my goodness, you're kidding!
- What? - Uh...
"Based on Sadie's recent performance in the ABI regionals,
"the Philadelphia Ballet would like to invite Sadie McRae
"to be a guest artist performing the role
of Clara in this season's The Nutcracker."
- (squealing) - That's a lead role!
With a real ballet company, just like you,
- Aunt Lily! - I know what they want.
They want to get her into their school, and if that works out, their company.
Most people would think that's a good thing.
No. Sadie is not ready for this.
You mean you're not ready for this.
She... she's too trusting. She's too innocent.
I know exactly how you feel. I remember being faced
with a similar situation, but Beth convinced me
that nothing was gonna stop you from pursuing your dream.
I know. But--
No buts. You're going.
This will be good for Sadie and good for you too.
♪ Go get the old chimney sweeper ♪
♪ Make sure the chimney is clear ♪
That's the last of it.
- You got this? - I got it.
Alright.
Thank you.
Welcome to Philadelphia, ladies. Have a merry Christmas.
(both): Merry Christmas!
- ♪ Fabulous Christmas - Wow!
- ♪ I love this time of the year ♪ - I love this apartment.
All it needs is a Christmas tree.
- Thank you, Aunt Lily. - Aw...
(jingle bells ringing)
I've never been a guest artist before. What happens now?
Come on, you're gonna be late. (man talking)
We're looking forward to a fantastic Nutcracker this year.
And, as we do every year, we've invited
a talented newcomer to dance the role of Clara.
Let's give a warm welcome to Sadie McRae!
- Where is she? - Oh! I'm in here!
(sound fades out)
Mark.
Oh my gosh, why is this happening? Why is he here?
This isn't gonna work.
Are you OK?
Yeah. You know,
teenage girls, scheduling... it's crazy.
I gotta go.
- Sorry. - Excuse me.
Hi, Lily.
Mark. Hi.
It's good to see you.
It's good to see you too, I guess.
How have you been? How's Georgia?
Look, what... what is this?
I mean, you couldn't tell me that you were here?
I tried to reach you so many times after New York.
I called you every day for, like, 6 months, but you never responded.
- (stammering) - I don't know what to say.
This is really strange.
I get it. But so much time has passed.
Can we at least talk about what happened?
I don't think that's such a good idea. I...
Actually, I don't think any of this is a good idea. I'm taking Sadie--
Wait. You can't pull Sadie, please.
I had no idea she was your niece when I saw her tape from the regionals.
I picked her because she was the best dancer we saw.
She's amazing.
I assume you've been helping.
I don't have anything to do with dance anymore.
Does anyone else here know about us?
No. Of course not.
Good, 'cause that would just make an awkward situation even more awkward.
I understand. I do.
But Sadie deserves
this opportunity.
I'll stay out of your way. Philly's a big city.
I guess I... I can just drop her off and pick her up,
I mean, it's not like we have to see each other all the time.
Dropping off, picking up...
Careful, someone might mistake you for a dance mom.
Well, I'm not a mom,
and thankfully, a dance aunt isn't a thing.
Mark, can I have a word with you about next week's board meeting?
Of course.
Duty calls.
- Alright, you got the door? - Sorry.
Good morning.
- Hi! - You gotta be kidding.
I probably didn't mention
that the company owns the building and puts up some of the staff
- and dancers. - Hm.
- See you there! - Ugh.
You OK?
My stomach's just feeling a little weird.
Probably those cheesesteaks we ate last night.
Maybe it's Mr. Anders.
- What's that supposed to mean? - Well, when I used to sit
next to Tommy Reynolds in math class, I always felt a little nauseous.
- Why? - 'Cause he was super cute.
(laughing) Do you know Mr. Anders
- from anywhere? - No. Yes.
Well, sort of.
It's a small world, Sadie, and it just keeps getting smaller
- the older you get. - You had a crush on him.
It's awfully chilly
in Philadelphia. Did you remember to pack
all those warm clothes I laid out for you?
No. Yes.
- Well, sort of. - Very funny.
Alright, have a great first rehearsal.
Uh, you're not gonna come in and see your favorite niece
on her first day with a professional ballet company?
- Ah-- - If you come in, I promise
I won't ask any more questions about Mr. Anders.
Fine. Let's go.
(piano music)
Finish strong, finish strong.
Together...
Spice it up.
Nice and sassy.
Nice. Alright, take five, ladies,
please. Juliette, let's do your solo from the top, please.
And...
(Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker)
- (Christmas music playing) - I'm so excited about this!
- What can I get you? - Two hot chocolates, please.
Whipped cream on both?
- Do you need to ask? - They told us we have to ask.
I'm kidding, I just meant--
- Never mind. Yes, on both. - Extra hot soy latte for Mark!
- Hey look, it's Mr. Anders! - Sadie!
Unbelievable.
- How are you? - Good, how are you?
Hi. Sadie, we have to go feed the dog.
You have a dog?
No.
Uh, it's someone else's dog. They asked us to feed him.
- Our building doesn't allow dogs. - Yeah,
it's in another building. A dog building.
A building where they allow dogs.
And cats. Personally, I prefer dogs.
Uh, two hot chocolates for Lily?
Sorry, the dog gets really grumpy when he's hungry.
We're not gonna go feed a dog, are we?
- No, we're not. - OK, I know I made a deal,
but can I please ask a few more questions about Mr. Anders?
Absolutely not.
OK, fine, but just so you know, I'm a great listener,
- so if you ever need anyone-- - Thanks, I will keep that in mind.
Hey, look! A gingerbread house!
Just like I used to make with my mom.
That's the kind of thing that can make a girl forget...
about her aunt Lily's deep dark secrets.
Oh, really? Well, then I guess we'd better go get you
- a smaller one. - OK!
- Wow, that looks fantastic! - I know.
Finally some Christmas spirit. Now all we need is a tree.
Yes, and I promise we will get one
as soon as I figure out where they sell them.
Aunt Lily, there's a place a few blocks away.
Really. How do you know?
It could be all the Christmas trees with price tags on them.
I'm going to the gym. Call me if you need me.
(Mark panting)
(Lily sighs.)
- OK, I'll see you later. - OK.
Have a great day.
- Love you. - Love you!
- Hey. Hi. - Hi.
So here's the deal. Every Tuesday and Thursday, after drop-off, all the moms
go grab coffee at the Keystone Diner. We would love it if you would join us.
- That sounds fun, but I-- - No, no, no. No buts. Come on,
we're leaving right now. I mean, it's just coffee, right?
Sure!
She's in!
It's official, I'm a dance mom.
All Victoria wants this year for Christmas are headphones...
that look like earrings.
She'll just have another excuse to say she didn't hear me.
- (women laughing) - What does Sadie want?
Uh... How long do I have?
Do not worry. When all else fails,
- what do we do? - (together): Gift cards!
Hi. Sorry I'm late.
- What did I miss? - Christmas gifts.
- Oh. I am all done. - Because you're perfect. She's perfect.
- Is your daughter into jewelry yet? - Sadie's actually my niece.
Her mom died when she was 7.
Oh, losing your mother at that age, I can't imagine.
She seems to be doing well.
Yeah, after her mom died, she... she really gravitated
towards ballet. I think she needed something challenging
- to distract her. - I had to drag Ilene
into class, kicking and screaming
- those first two years. - We remember the screaming.
- (Ilene's mom laughing) - Did Sadie's mom dance?
No, she didn't.
I wonder what inspired Sadie.
She saw you dancing perhaps.
Umm, no. I... I don't dance.
Really? You never danced?
I-I mean,
a little as, as a kid,
but... I guess we all did, right?
Did we?
Hey, is this a coffee shop or a courtroom?
Think the prosecution's had a little too much caffeine.
- (some women laughing) - Ohhh...
And what do you think about Mark?
Oh! Mr. Anders?
I, um...
I guess he's alright.
He is a ballet master and a war hero.
- What's not to like? - Wait. Who was a war hero?
Mark. He served in Afghanistan.
- I can't believe-- - You can't believe what?
Uh...
I just...
I think he... he seems like such a ballet guy.
You need to close your eyes and picture him in a uniform.
Come on. Lily, try it.
Close your eyes.
- I'm in. - You're always in.
Hey, who wants to split a piece of cheesecake?
Oh.
(Lily): Was everything OK at rehearsal today?
The other kids seemed nice.
They're OK.
- Did something happen? - Doesn't matter.
Sadie, if there's a problem, it might help to talk about it.
I'm not having a problem, OK?
Sure.
I'm sorry, Aunt Lily, it's just
all the rehearsals and the new people,
I just... I just don't know.
Hey, I know exactly what it feels like.
It's hard coming to a new place and dancing with new people
and trying to fit in all at the same time.
- Yeah. - But I tell you what,
your mom would be really proud of you right now.
You think?
Absolutely. (Sadie laughing)
- Good night, sweetie. - Night!
Sorry. No, I am telling you,
I don't think it's a good idea to tell them about New York
or my history with Mark. I mean,
[you know how dance moms are.]
Honey, isn't it more stressful trying to cover it up?
I'm not covering it up; I'm just...
[being selective about what I choose]
[to share.] (sighing)
Are you shaking your head?
[Yes, because being selective about sharing]
- is no way to make friends. - [Who says I'm trying to make friends?]
(chuckling)
I have to admit though, it is pretty cool
being around a dance company again.
[All the hard work and seeing it all come together...]
...really brings me back.
Do you miss it?
[A little. Maybe.]
I don't know.
Right now, I am just focused on Sadie.
She's all that matters.
She has no idea how lucky she is to have you in her life.
- I love you, Mom. - [I love you too, baby.]
(soft music playing)
♪♪♪
(She turns off the music.)
(door opening)
- Good night. - Good night.
(gentle music playing)
♪♪♪
(The music stops.)
Wow! Small world.
Yeah, especially when you're living right across the hall
from someone.
Hey, you and Sadie want to go ice skating tonight?
- (Lily scoffing) - It's like 10:30, Mark.
How about dinner?
How about I go back up to my apartment
and go to bed?
- ♪♪♪ - You're right. It's late.
Yeah.
- (sigh) - Nice job, Mark.
- (Christmas music playing) - Hey. Any trees
that are, you know, on the small side?
It's just for me. Thanks.
Wow! Now, that's what I call a Christmas tree.
(laughing): That's what I call way too big!
- And way too expensive. - No, come on, it's beautiful!
- Look at it! - Sadie, you and I couldn't
- even carry that tree home. - Ho! Ho! Ho!
Now, what would it take for me to send you home
with this lovely Douglas fir right here.
This year's model has all the options you could ever want.
Yikes.
Are you following me?
I mean, seriously what are the odds?
- Hey, we need to find a tree. - Yeah, and a tree like this
might really, you know, spruce up the place.
- Ugh! - You're obviously
pining for a tree. (Sadie giggling)
- Trying to branch out? - You need to stop now.
- (Sadie): Yeah. - Trees like this don't just
- grow on trees, you know? - We'll take it.
Sold!
If you like, I can give you a hand, get it up to your place.
- OK! - No thanks.
Unless of course, "tree" is a crowd?
Ah... OK, we almost
made it! Oh, Sadie,
good thing we didn't get that 15-foot tree.
Oh, come on, that would have been so much more awesome.
This one's going to be perfect.
Alright, where should we put it?
- Sorry. - Alright, where's the stand?
I thought it was on there.
Nope.
Oh no. Really, guys? It must have fallen off.
I'm sorry, Sadie.
Hey, we'll get another one.
OK. See you later, Mr. Anders.
See you, Sadie.
- Thanks for your help. - Anytime.
Hey, is that...?
So you were in the military?
Because some of the other moms were talking
- today and-- - I had fun today.
Good night, Lily.
(piano music)
(piano music playing)
- (The piano music stops.) - OK. OK, good.
A little more plié in the spin around,
but otherwise, this section's really improving.
I think the tempo is a little brisk. Just a moment.
When we're circling around, I really need more resistance
or I'm gonna fall on my butt, and that will be embarrassing--
Why do you keep trying to direct everybody?!
- Uh, I was just suggesting. - It's not your job.
- You're not the director. - Stop being such a know-it-all!
Hey! How was it?
(Sadie sighs.) Uh-oh!
(indistinct chatter) I take it it didn't go so well?
- Sadie! What's wrong? - I was just trying
to help another dancer with the choreography.
Wasn't that Mr. Anders' job?
Oh, great! So now you're on their side? Wow!
Sadie!
You know that's not true. (knocking)
- (music of The Nutcracker) - Oh! Hey.
Hi. I was wondering...
What's that awful smell?
Uh, I was just burning some popcorn. Come in.
- Ah. - So to what do I owe
- the honor? - Uh...
I'm worried about Sadie.
Apparently, she's been giving some of the other kids advice,
and, uh, it's not going so well.
Hey, I get attitude
and I'm the director.
Do you think she's coming down with a case
- of the Clara complex? - Well, sure.
She's 14. Her first big role at the company.
I guess her ego was bound to get a little out of control.
Might be helpful if you were around her in rehearsals.
- You think that would help? - I do. And while you're there,
I could really use help with this year's Sugar Plum Fairy.
- What? - She's having some mechanical issues.
No. I... I'm not a dancer anymore.
I haven't danced for a really,
really long time. Why would she even listen to me?
Lily, I'm not asking you to dance, just give her
- some pointers. - I-I don't know, Mark.
What's the issue? Working with me?
Working with another dancer? Getting involved
- in the whole ballet scene again? - Uh, D, all of the above.
OK, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret.
You're in way over your head?
No. You think I'm in over my head?
Well, if you're asking, I guess you must be.
I just like having you around,
- that's all. You've good energy. - Thanks, coach.
But since you think I'm in over my head, then you have to help me.
- Oh, I "have" to help you? - Uh-huh.
- Is that a rule? - It's a preference.
- (Lily sighing) - I know.
I know, I was supposed to get a tree stand.
Why bother? It's not like we have any ornaments.
Hey! I'll make you a promise.
By this time tomorrow, that tree will be
standing on its own, and it will be lit up like a...
Like a Christmas tree.
(both laughing)
(jingling bells)
- It's the same problem. - Listen, I don't care
what the problem is. It's personal.
No, you don't.
Take a five and fix it. You hear me?
It's so simple. (indistinct chatter)
Sounds a little rough in there.
Well, when your lead dancers are also a couple on the rocks,
it can provoke certain emotions.
Today apparently, they're off again.
Sounds vaguely familiar. (Mark sighs.)
Listen, I'd love it if you could help her
with the big lift.
(Lily sighs.)
OK, but can we do it in the small studio?
It's a little more private back there.
Yes. Thank you.
(indistinct chatter)
OK, gang, I've brought in
another set of eyes to help us with the big lift.
- This is Lily Jamison. - Hi.
- Aren't you Clara's mom? - Sadie. Her name is Sadie.
- Whatever. - I'm her aunt.
- What is she doing here? - OK. Let's just show her
what we've got, huh? Here we go.
And...
(Juliette grunts.)
- What's going on here? - Uh,
Juliette, I think you need to jump a little higher.
- He could bend a little lower. - I still think you need
to jump a little higher. I just don't want to see you get hurt.
Thank you. That makes the two of us.
OK, let's try this again, please.
Here we go.
And...
- Hm! Ah! - Oh! Are you OK?
Juliette, wait!
I have been dancing with this company
for seven years now; you really expect me
to take instructions from some dance mom?!
Dance aunt actually.
For your information, Lily and I danced together
at the New York Ballet. She's one of the most gifted
dancers I've ever worked with. You should be grateful
that someone of her caliber is willing to work with you.
(Juliette sighs.)
Uhhh, that just slipped out. I'm sorry.
I gotta get out of here.
- (indistinct chatter) - I'm coming with you.
I have something I have to do.
- Hot date? - Yeah, with a tree stand.
It's all about personal taste. You got your bucket tree stand.
You got your snowflake tree stand.
You really don't care, do you? (Christmas music playing)
No. No, I do. I...
I was just thinking something a little more basic.
Put a tree in it. It stands up.
- It's a tree stand. - (chuckling): OK.
- ♪♪♪ - And then when Sadie gets home
from rehearsals, she'll be really happy.
And you get points for being a good aunt.
(man): Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!
(girl): Santa, I want a puppy for Christmas.
I remember. I used to beg my mom to take me see Santa
and then as soon as I saw him, I'd freak out
- and wanna go home. - Ha!
When I was a kid, I would show up to see Santa with a list
and just hand it to him because I didn't trust his memory.
I don't know what I'm gonna tell those other moms tomorrow.
I was really trying to keep our relationship
and my dancing in the past.
Yeah, I'm sorry about that.
No, it's... it's my fault really.
I should have just been upfront about it.
(Christmas music playing)
I guess I'll go with the snowflake.
Semper fi.
Hi.
Sorry.
Sadie's running late, she'll be down in three minutes.
- I have something to-- - I have something I wanted--
Uh, is it OK if I go first?
- Sure. - Yesterday,
the whole thing with Juliette, I...
- I owe you an explanation. - No, you don't owe me anything.
No, I-I do. Um,
Mark and I used to dance
in New York, but it was a long time ago
and it's just something I don't talk about anymore.
The thing is that Sharon found this old photo online
of you and Mark from back then,
and pretty clear you guys were more than just dance partners.
We were.
The problem is now she's telling everyone that Sadie got
the role of Clara because you and Mark used to date.
What?!
No, listen, I know that Sadie absolutely deserves
to be Clara. I mean, I've seen the girl dance.
I just wanted you to know what everyone was saying.
I don't understand. Did I do something to offend Sharon?
There was a lot of talk last year
that Sharon's daughter would be cast as Clara,
but Mark really wanted to stick with the guest-dancer tradition,
and so...
Sorry.
I'm ready.
Thank you. (music of Silent Night playing)
(door chime)
Hey. What's going on? Are you OK?
People are saying the only reason Sadie got the role...
was because you and I used to date.
What?! We chose Sadie because she was the best.
So you promise, having her in this production
has nothing to do with me?
I'm not gonna tell you that seeing you again isn't nice,
but honestly, if I had known Sadie was your niece,
I probably wouldn't have chosen her
because of what happened to us in New York.
You mean, what you did to us in New York.
I didn't mean to do anything, but love you,
to watch out for you.
Lily, I thought I was doing the right thing.
I believed in my heart
that you should go home to your family.
Well, that wasn't your decision to make.
You have no idea how badly you hurt me.
You think you were the only one who was hurt, whose life was changed?
My sister died. I wanted to dance.
That was my choice,
no matter how crazy you thought it might seem.
(gentle music)
I know how important it was for you
to dance that night.
And I know whatever I decided might hurt you,
might hurt us,
And you were in so much pain and so vulnerable.
It was an impossible situation.
I've been struggling with this forever.
You're right,
I should have fought for you.
Your choice should have been my choice.
Yesterday, when you were working with Juliette...
(Lily sniffling) ...she could have hurt herself.
She almost did. She was so upset.
That could have been me.
I couldn't see it eight years ago,
but yesterday, for the first time...
...I know you were protecting me.
You shouldn't be the one that's sorry. I'm sorry.
(cell phone dinging)
(chuckling and sniffling)
Oh! You should get that.
(Lily chuckling)
Juliette just quit the company.
- Oh no! - Yeah, I mean,
Suzanne's her understudy,
but she's got to get up to speed right away.
I could probably do it with a little help.
'Cause that went so well the first time.
(both chuckling)
Thank you.
(soft Christmas music playing)
The other kids are so mean.
I know it can be really competitive.
You think?
Sometimes, it feels a little cruel, doesn't it?
Yeah.
They're saying I only got the part of Clara
because you and Mr. Anders used to date.
You heard that?
(Lily sighing)
I just want them to know that I'm a good dancer.
Oh, Sadie, sweetie,
I'm so sorry.
No. This is a professional dance company;
you only dance if you deserve to be there,
like you.
You just do your best, and they'll know you belong.
I guess.
You know what your mom used to say to me?
What? (gentle guitar music)
"One plié at a time."
- Can you do that? - I can try.
Good.
Do you ever wish that you haven't given up dance?
Every now and then,
but everything happens for a reason.
And if I'd stayed in New York,
then I couldn't have raised you.
- I love you, Aunt Lily. - Oh,
I'm pretty crazy about you too.
- Alright. Let's decorate. - OK.
- (Mark clapping twice) - Alright. Listen up, guys.
I have some good news and I have...
Let me rephrase that.
I have some news and I have some other news.
What's the news?!
(laughing)
Juliette has left the company.
Wait, did you know about that?
The good news is that Suzanne Tyler will be
getting a well-deserved opportunity to shine
as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Let's hear it for Suzanne, come on!
(piano music playing)
Must be nice to get an all-expense-paid trip
- to the big city. - That's what happens
- when your mom dates the director. - Ahem!
Either of you two compete at the Regionals?
- I did. - And?
I had a sinus infection that weekend.
Sadie won the Regionals. First place.
Just thought you should know.
I like your turns.
- Thanks. - Nice job.
Not a bad day after all.
Yeah, I saw how you handled things with Sadie
and the other kids. You were good.
Well, there's one thing I'm really not good at.
- Christmas shopping. - I'm great at it.
That's what I thought. How would you guys like
to do me a favor and show me how the pros shop?
- Sure! - It's a date.
It's not a date.
- (Sadie laughing) - ♪♪ Deck the halls
♪ With boughs of holly Falalalala lala lala ♪
- ♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly - Christmas carolers, guys!
Can we please sing?
Trust me, nobody wants to hear me singing.
Haha! I'm still thawing out, you go ahead.
- (Sadie): Fine! - ♪ Don we now our gay apparel
♪ Falala lalala la la la
- ♪ Troll the ancient... ♪ - She's good.
♪ Yuletide carol ♪
♪ Falalalala lala lala
♪ See the blazing yule before us ♪
♪ Falalalala lala lala (Mark laughing)
What?
Hold still. Hold still.
- ♪ Falalalala lala lala - Oh, my goodness.
- ♪ Follow me in merry measure - There.
♪ Falala lalala lalala
♪ While I tell of Yuletide treasure, falalala ♪♪
Was it better?
- What do you think? - I-I still think
you need to bring your spot upstage a little sooner.
- OK. - Yeah. Good.
Keep working on that, please. Thank you, Lily.
Alright, so we'll...
(piano music)
♪♪ The sky opens wide
♪ You close your eyes
♪ And no one can find you
♪ But still it begins
♪ And so it is
♪ Your eyes can't hide you
♪ You build those castles in the sand ♪
♪ And hope with everything you have ♪
♪ The wind is calm tonight
♪ Looking for answers in the dark ♪
♪ You're searching endless works of art ♪
♪ To find life inside of them
♪ Oh, to find light inside of them ♪
♪ The flying gets harder
♪ As you fall
♪ Gravity holds no weight at all ♪
♪ Flying gets harder
♪ As you fall
♪ Gravity holds no weight at all ♪
♪ When help eludes you, call on love ♪
♪ Oh oh well
♪♪♪
♪ Above the road
♪ Hold me aloft
♪ Yeah ♪
Ah! Ah!
Argh! Cramp, cramp, cramp, cramp. Cramp.
Ugh! Argh!
(Mark exhaling forcefully)
Just keep the energy under your arms.
- There you go. Nice. - Thank you.
(indistinct chatter)
- Hey. - Hey.
- How did it go? - Went well, thanks.
So, is that just something
you don't talk about?
I can give you my rank, name and serial number.
Anything more, you'll have to buy me a drink.
(snigger)
Well, Sadie is going to the movies
with the other girls, so...
(smooth jazz version of Silent Night)
...I guess I could do that.
(indistinct chatter)
When you left New York, I was hurting.
I needed change.
I wasn't sure what to do.
My family's military history,
knowing what was going on overseas;
enlisting just felt like the right thing for me.
That was a big change.
Yeah. It was rough.
I lost some friends.
And that's why I don't talk about it.
So sorry.
Must have been hard coming home.
Felt disconnected.
For the first time, I began to regret
I had lost my chance to dance.
So how did you end up here?
Dance is really the only thing I know.
But you're not dancing.
Yeah.
Directing just sort of came naturally.
I guess I got used to bossing people around in the service.
So what were you? Like an officer
- or something? - I was a gunnery sergeant.
Oh!
Well, Gunnery Sergeant Anders...
...how would you like to come over to our place
for Christmas dinner after the show?
I mean, since we're across the hall and all.
I'll be there.
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ Falalala lala lala
- What? - What's going on with you?
Nothing. What? I'm just feeling good.
OK.
I had a good night's sleep.
Just a good night's sleep? Really?
- Uh-huh. - Nothing else going on?
Nothing else with a guy who maybe you knew
- a long time ago and had a-- ? - OK,
knock it off, wise guy.
I'll see you after rehearsal.
- Bye. - (chuckling): Bye.
- (woman): Hi. - (Sadie): Hi.
- Hi there. - Hi.
Look. Maybe it was wishful thinking
that I could keep my relationship with Mark a secret,
But this idea that Sadie got the role of Clara
because of that relationship is just hurtful.
Especially to Sadie.
I'm sorry.
I hope so. Because it really needs to s--
(siren wailing) Uh-oh.
You're kidding, right?
I don't have anyone else, Lily.
I can't just step into a lead role cold. You know it doesn't work that way.
If you don't dance the Sugar Plum, there's no show.
I don't want to embarrass myself. Or the company.
- I'll work with you. - That's great, but you're not
putting on pointe shoes for the first time in eight years.
You can do this. I wouldn't ask you if I didn't know you could do it.
OK. I love that you're so sure, but if I'm going
to be up on that stage, it's important that I'm sure.
What's going on?
Mark's asking me to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy.
- (giggling) - Oh. Wait. This is for real?
Yeah! It's for real.
What?
If you don't do it, you'll never know what might have been.
Yes!
It's beautiful.
We have it all to ourselves until opening night.
(she sighs) Feel free to embarrass yourself.
I haven't felt butterflies like this in a long time.
It's magical in here, isn't it?
I miss the feeling.
Well. Wanna mark through the pas?
Let's do it.
Well, this is awkward.
Why? It's only been eight years.
- Shall we start from the top? - Yeah.
OK.
(tender piano music)
(makes whooshing noise) And a million pirouettes.
Nice.
Ow! Ow!
- Did I hit you?! - Yeah.
- Are you OK? - Oh, it's fine.
I'm totally fired.
It wasn't your fault.
Umm... Let's try the diagonal.
(gentle music speeds up and orchestra comes in)
(emotional music)
If I didn't know any better, I'd think you've been dancing
alone every night in the gym around 11.
- (scoffing) - And if I didn't know
any better, I'd think you'd been spying on me!
You know, there are dancers who would pay a lot of money
- to have you coach them. - Yeah. I don't think
any of them live in Marietta, Georgia.
I'm not saying you should do it in Georgia.
- Oh. Tennessee? - Hmmm. A little further north.
- Kentucky? - Higher.
- Oh, I know. Maryland. - Uh-huh.
I can't even think about that right now.
I just need to get through Saturday night and...
What's wrong?
I mean, it's one thing to rehearse Sugar Plum...
It's a whole other thing to perform in front of
an actual live audience. That's...
a little scary.
- Hold that thought. - Where are you going?
Hey. Can you guys turn it up a little bit?
- What are you doing? - Come on! What do you say?
- (Latin music) - No!
- Come on. Come join me. - Right here?
- Yeah! - Oh... OK...
Get those hips working.
Now we're talking.
That's not so bad.
(crowd exclaiming)
You're a natural!
Yeah!
(crowd clapping and cheering)
Stage fright, huh?
Let's go from the développé.
Alright.
Not like that.
Mark's the director, Darren.
Make sure you're far enough from him that you can get
that nice bend in your back. Last time.
- Is that what you're gonna do? - Well, if you're gonna hold me
- like that, I think I have to. - Alright.
Let's leave this for now, move on to the next section.
This production is falling apart.
I'm going to speak to the board about having him replaced
- after it's over. - Hold on a second. No,
the production is not falling apart. And Mark is actually
the only one who's keeping this thing going.
First, her niece gets the role of Clara,
and now Lily as the Sugar Plum Fairy?
I'm sorry. I'm not buying it!
I know! I'm pinching myself that Sadie and I get to dance...
on the same stage together.
- And Mark? - [He's changed, Mom.]
And yet, he hasn't changed at all. You know what I mean?
Well, it sounds like maybe you've changed a little, too.
Maybe. It's been the strangest few days.
But in a good way.
Sounds great. Now, aren't you glad
you listened to your wise old mother for a change?
- Yes, Momma. - [So,]
[when are you seeing Mark next?]
I asked him to Christmas dinner to our place.
I was thinking I'd make my holiday shepherd's pie.
Only if you're trying to get rid of him.
What's going on?
- No one told you? - Told me what?
I forgave Mark for his temporary lack of judgement,
- and came back to do the show. - You forgave Mark.
You didn't really think Mark would choose you over me
as Sugar Plum?
Hey! Where are you going?
I can't believe you did this to me again.
- What are you talking about? - I trusted you.
Lily, wait!
What happened?
Juliette?!
Hey Mark! I called Juliette last night--
- Hold on. What are you doing here? - You were right. I overreacted.
- But the good news is, I'm back! - No. You don't get to walk out
on everybody then stroll back in the day before the show.
You need to leave. Now.
- Hold on, Mark-- - Not now, Darren.
You quit the company, and you've been replaced.
Wait a second--
Darren! I'm not asking for your opinion!
OK, how about this? She goes, I go.
(knocking)
Lily! (knocking)
(cell phone rings)
Aren't you that dancer from Marietta, Georgia?
What are you doing here?
I've been looking everywhere. I need to explain something--
Mark, listen. I can't go through this.
- I fired Juliette. - What?
Truth is, I never hired her back. I don't know why
she thought she could just walk back in like that.
Wow. I really thought--
You thought I was pulling the rug out again. I get it.
This time, I'm not letting you walk away.
Not from the show and not from me.
Look, I can't change the past,
but I can offer you a future here together.
- What are you saying? - I'm saying most people only
get one chance, but we're getting two. Let's get it right!
- But my life's back in Georgia. - Your life is here.
Lily, we both know you should be back in ballet.
Dancing, teaching, doing what you love...
Come on. This is the city of love.
Actually, that's Paris. Philly's the city
of brotherly love. It's a little bit different.
Whatever.
So, what do you say?
I say we get through opening night
before we make any crazy plans.
Yeah.
About opening night... When I fired Juliette,
Darren left with her. So,
we've lost our prince as well.
- What? - Yeah. If I cancel the show,
I'll never direct again. On the other hand,
I don't have any other options.
Yes you do!
I appreciate your enthusiasm,
Lily, but there's nobody else in the company who can be ready
- by tomorrow night. - I'm not talking about
anyone else in the company! You know every step, every turn.
- You can do every lift. - Me?! No way.
Do you ever want to direct again?
You're the one who just said we were getting a second chance.
Yeah, a second chance with us, not me dancing!
- Why not both? - I need to think about it.
There's no time to think about it!
- This is the only option! - What if it doesn't work?
Then you'll have a great story to tell your friends
- at the post office. - Post office?
In your next career.
So, are you in or you out?
(Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker March plays)
There you are. Be at places in five.
Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. The performance is
about to begin.
(music crescendos)
(drums imitate ripping sound)
(tragic music)
(fast bells chime in)
(applause)
(Boom!) (crowd exclaims)
(war style music)
(gentle harp)
(quiet, magical music)
(tragic music building)
(dramatic timpani)
(applause)
Sadie?!
Have you seen Sadie?
- Sadie! - Hi!
- Am I doing OK? - OK? You are amazing!
You're doing so good!
So I know it's just Act One and I'm really not supposed to
be back here, but Sadie, you are so wonderful, you really are!
Thank you!
I have been coming to this Nutcracker
performance for the last nine years. Sadie,
you danced Clara like nobody I have ever seen!
It was just breathtaking.
Thank you so much! That means the world.
And I'm going to recommend to the board that they not only
offer this young lady a full scholarship at our school,
but that they beg you to stay on in some capacity.
Because we need you here, Lily.
Thank you!
- Good luck. Have fun! - Thank you!
What?
You're nervous about the lift.
We need to run it again.
OK.
No, wait, wait! Sorry. I wasn't ready.
- Ready? - Yeah.
Ah! OK. I can feel the tension in your arms. You have to relax.
That's easy for you to say.
What? If you have a suggestion, I wanna hear it.
You told me not to direct anyone.
The no-directing rule doesn't apply right now.
I'm directing you to direct, quickly!
Fine. I think you're lunging a little too far forward
and Aunt Lily, you're just hesitating. Commit to the lift!
- So it's his fault? - So it's her fault?
You guys, just remember:
One plié at a time.
- You've got this. - Thanks.
Mark.
Look at me.
I love you.
I know you can do this.
I know we can do this.
(whimsical music)
(Tchaikovsky's Russian Dance)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic finale)
(gentle harp music)
(strings chime in)
(romantic music)
(flourishes on the harp)
(music builds up dramatically)
(dramatic music)
(music crescendos)
(dramatic wind instruments and drum roll)
(applause)
Yes!
(applause and whistling)
(Lily): I know what Beth would say.
That even a goofy kid from a small town
can find her prince...
if she takes it just one plié at a time.
(applause)
♪♪♪
[♪♪]