Synopsis
Danielle Brandt and her team members are photographed with a fancy backdrop at Bachata-Fest Denver. They keep it professional, going for a classic look.
Danielle and her friends prepare to perform at the convention. They are overwhelmed by the glamorous environment. Danielle reminds her team members not to screw up. Mrs. Burke says, “Do what you love, and it will set you free.” They give a good performance. Eight months later, Danielle recalls the event as she puts together a new audition routine.
Meanwhile, Paloma Garcia fixes breakfast for her father when things take a turn for the worse. After cutting her thumb, she burns the tortillas, and her father goes ballistic. She’s had enough. After an excruciating fight with her father, Paloma moves out of his house.
Paloma attends classes at the local community college. She watches Ms. Schmidt dance to a bachata song and is entranced. After spending a night in her car, Paloma talks to Sharon about renting a room at her place.
Sharon agrees after learning that Paloma’s brother, Carlos, died six months ago. His loss weighs heavily on Paloma. She auditions for Danielle’s team but is not selected.
Refusing to give up, Paloma decides to create her own team. She recruits José, Maria, Juan, Chen, Naomi, and Bob. While Paloma knows they have a lot to learn, she’s not going to let that stop her.
Paloma and José drive to Denver, where they can dance bachata at a restaurant called Estrada’s. There, Paloma meets Brad, a skilled dancer, and José meets Sophia, a waitress. They each flirt and get jealous of the other.
Paloma works with her team. In and out of the classroom, they become much better bachata dancers. Danielle is very serious about competing with her team. Paloma’s team has fun growing together.
Danielle convinces Paloma to give a performance at Jack’s Bar & Grill. It’s a disaster. Members of the audience heckle and boo Paloma’s team. They leave feeling defeated. Danielle gloats.
Paloma goes to the cemetery with her father to visit Carlos’ grave site. Mr. Garcia lets Paloma know that he’s proud of her and that he misses her. She begins to trust in José.
At Bachata-Fest Denver, Danielle lashes out at Paloma, blaming her for distracting her dancers, which led to mistakes made during their performance. Paloma says they were trying to be supportive. Danielle bullies Paloma until she goes into a tailspin of self-doubt and hopelessness.
Despite being humiliated by Danielle, Paloma chooses to compete with her friends. They give an extraordinary performance. The crowd goes wild. Paloma and José decide to make their relationship a priority.
Paloma and her team are photographed with a fancy backdrop. They take a variety of shots, including a few that showcase their playfulness. Paloma and her friends are welcomed into Denver’s Bachata community, and she feels free.