Original subtitles

[theme music]

[humming]

Pah! Padum. Okay!

Who will be my partner for the dance contest?

Simone?

Oh, Arvid..

I'm really not a very good dancer.

- Sarah? - I don't think so, Arvid.

Ha-ha. You're not a very good dancer either?

No, you're not a very good dancer.

Okay. Fine.

Arvid, you embarrassed yourself last time.

And you embarrassed the IHP, too.

We were the laughing stock of the entire school.

Of the whole city.

How do you know? You weren't even here then.

It's written on the wall of the girls' restroom.

I erased it.

(all) It's back.

[instrumental music]

[school bell ringing]

- Morning, everybody. - 'Good morning.'

Listen, I, uh, I wanted to tell you before we start.

I volunteered to be the disc jockey

for the All City Dance Contest.

- That's great. - Yeah!

And, um, I'm hoping that

you guys are gonna participate too.

Hey, decorations.

I bet we can do a real job on that gym, you guys.

Great! We appreciate it.

I was hoping actually, that some of you

are gonna participate in the contest itself.

- No way. - I will, Mr. Moore.

How about the rest of you?

Mr. Moore, we don't have time for that sort of thing.

We'd rather study for our mid-term.

You know, it-it seems, you like to compete

in areas in which you already excel.

Like science fairs and academic meets.

At least, Arvid has the courage

to try something that he's not very good at.

Sorry.

Well, I'm much better now though.

I've been taking Arthur Murray classes.

And I rented "Saturday Night Fever" and "Dirty Dancing."

Are you sure it wasn't Nerdy Dancing?

[chuckling]

Let's face it, Mr. Moore, dances to us

are as intellectually stimulating as "The Gong Show."

Yeah. And what're you gonna learn from a dance?

Quite a bit, actually. Yeah.

Name one.

Uh, the Charleston.

I learned that at my Arthur Murray class.

♪ Pa pah pah pah pa pah para pah pa ♪♪

You see, just as free spirited

and free wheeling as the 20s themselves.

- Alright, Arvid. - Bravo, Arvid.

It was also one of the first times whites did a dance

that was based on black dance moves.

White culture starting to rip off the black culture.

So name another dance.

- Eh, the twist. - Ah-huh. The twist!

[chuckling]

Now, this was the first dance

in which couples danced apart.

So, what does that suggest about the early 1960's?

Uh, rebelliousness, individualism.

It was the beginning of the "Do Your Own thing" generation.

Right. And-and then there is the tango.

Which originated in the bordellos of Buenos Aires.

Mm-hmm, and when it was popularized

by the high society

if you knew how to do it

they knew where you learned it.

- 'Mm-hmm.' - Ah-huh.

Times must have changed 'cause I learned it from a nun.

♪ Parrum parrum parrum pum pum pum ♪

What are you doing?

- The tango, baby. - Well, why didn't you say so?

♪ Paa rrumm parum parrum pum pum pum ♪

♪ Paa rrumm paru parrum pum pum pum ♪

♪ Paa rrumm parum parrum pum pum pum ♪

♪ Pa rrumm pa rrumm pum pa rum pum pum ♪♪

(Sarah) 'Whoa!'

[applauding]

Very impressive. Very impressive!

Alex, uh, why didn't you tell us

that you were a master of the dance move?

I didn't know I was until I saw Arvid dance.

[laughing]

Oh, well, you two were really great.

You've gotta enter the dance contest.

- Yeah! - Yeah, you guys.

We might actually win this time.

Yeah, this is a chance for the IHP

to make up for Arvid's humiliation.

- Yeah. - 'Right.'

Wait, why can't I make up for my own humiliation?

Why? Because my dog dances better than you, Arvid.

And he's only got three legs.

That's why I call him Tripod.

[all exclaiming]

[instrumental music]

[scatting]

Alright. One more time, one more time.

- What do you think? - They're great!

At last, I'm gonna win the All City Dance trophy.

Uh, just a little pointer, kids.

Um, here's a little move

that won me the Army Corps of Engineers dance-a-thon on Guam.

[scatting]

[instrumental music]

And so, this is gonna be an extremely challenging exam.

We got a lot to cover in the next three days

I just wanna warn you.

Sorry, I'm late.

[school bell ringing]

Actually, Alex, you're not late.

You're early for tomorrow.

Which is when I'll see the rest of you.

- Except for you, Alex Torres. - See you later.

I'd like to know where you've been the last couple of days.

Practicing with T.J.

See, this is her only free period.

Ah, Alex.

You know, I have been covering a lot of ground in here.

We have a-a very tough exam coming up.

Don't worry, Mr. Moore, I can handle it.

Hey, I'm a really smart guy.

Yeah. So am I. I made up the exam.

I thought you wanted us to be in this contest.

Well, I do, I just want you to remember

the rest of your responsibilities.

I know, I know.

Hey, check out this move.

[scatting]

[instrumental music]

- So are you ready, Alex? - Yo!

Are you ready?

Sure. T.J. and I worked out this great move.

Oh, no! I meant for the test.

Oh, yeah. I'm sure I'll do okay.

Alright, I'll ask you one question.

If you know this, you'll ace the test.

- Uh-huh. - Go ahead.

When Cordell Hull was the secretary of state

what was his involvement in the inception

of the Good Neighbor policy?

Cordell, who?

Good luck, man.

[instrumental music]

[pop music]

[all cheering]

I'm really nervous about tonight, Alex.

Hey, don't be nervous.

You're good, I'm great. We're gonna kill 'em. Here.

You guys are incredible.

And, Alex, I just want you to know that

my feelings are not hurt and

I'll be rooting for you guys tonight.

- Thanks, Arvid. - Thanks, Arvid.

Hi. Uh, Alex. Can I talk to you for a minute alone?

Sure, Mr. Moore.

It's about that test, isn't it?

- Yeah. - I know.

I-I could have done better.

Well, you couldn't have done much worse. Uh..

You flunked it.

- Flunked? - Yeah.

I can't believe it.

I've never flunked anything in my entire life.

Well, listen, can I get back to dance practice now?

No, uh, no. This means there is no more dance practice for you.

- Sorry. - What do you mean?

Well, you know the rules, Alex.

I mean, you have to maintain a passing grade average

if you wanna participate in extra-curricular activities.

Right now, you're flunking history.

Yeah, but I didn't think that applied.

Oh, to you? Hah. It-it applies to everyone, Alex.

It's a Board Of Education rule.

Come on, Mr. Moore. You know I'm good at history.

I can always get my grade up.

But there's only one dance contest.

I mean, there's gotta be some way around that rule, right?

Well, not that I know of.

Wait a minute, you were the guy who wanted me

to be in this contest in the first place.

Well, I'm also the guy that warned you

about neglecting your studies.

Mr. Moore, I can pass a history exam anytime.

But the contest is tonight.

Well, I'm sorry, Alex.

But for you, the contest is history.

Damn.

[instrumental music]

Oh, come on, Mr. Moore.

We've been working hard, real hard.

T.J., I'm-I'm truly sorry that this has happened.

And I'm sure that you can find a replacement.

[scoffs] Every good dancer in the school is taken.

[coughing]

Hey, hey, hey, wait a minute.

I may not be in the same league as Alex

but I'm not gonna embarrass anybody.

I-I've been working on a few steps.

Um, check me out.

Well, never seen that step before.

It's a modified merengue.

It's a lemon meringue.

[laughing]

Well, T.J.?

Well, I-I have seen worse.

- Yeah? Who? - You. Last year.

Come on. Let's give it a try.

- Alright, T.J. - Good for you.

[instrumental music]

What do you mean he can't dance in the contest?

[grunts] James Brown.

What kind of idiotic rule is that?

Uh, it's from the Board Of Education.

Perhaps you've heard of it?

What they don't know won't hurt. Capiche.

Dr. Samuels.

Uh, look, I wouldn't do that to win a football game.

So I'm not gonna do it to win a dance contest. Okay?

Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't really want me to.

Hmm..

Well, you know the rules do say

that you're allowed to give a make-up test.

Failure to study for an exam

is not really an excuse for needing a make-up exam.

And besides, why should Alex Torres

get special treatment?

Why?

Have you seen our trophy case?

We've got hockey trophies bowling trophies

chess trophies, we've even got a cribbage trophy.

Do you know what's missing?

Yeah, I have no idea. An Emmy?

You don't get it.

I want that All City Dance trophy.

Well, okay. I'm behind you all the way.

I-I will offer you a tip though.

Don't wear tights.

[instrumental music]

What are you doing?

Oh, it-it's quite brilliant, actually.

The "Odor Eater" method.

I just follow these until I get the steps memorized.

How's he doing?

Well, he's not Fred Astaire.

He is not even Fred Flintstone.

Arvid. Arvid, you're gonna be okay.

I am?

Yeah. Just let me show you a few things.

Oh, forget it, Alex. Godzilla moves nicer.

Oh, he's right, Alex. I'm startin' to panic.

Look, don't pay any attention to these guys.

- And you don't need these. - Oh. Oh.

- Come on. Come here. - Oh.

It's real easy. Here.

A one, two.

One, two. A one, two.

You know, if you'd have cracked opened a book once in a while

this never would've happened.

Alright. You're right. I screwed up.

I didn't get my priorities straight.

And now I gotta pay the price.

Hey, no. I think I'm paying the prize.

Come on. Shut up and dance.

Let's go. And one, two.

One, two. One, two.

One, that's it.

One, two. Now smile.

And one, two. There you go.

Get down.

[pop music]

You know, he's getting better.

Hey, if you work with a person, usually they come around.

Hey, Arvid, let me show you what comes next.

We're doomed.

Actually, I think we're gonna come out alright.

We would've come out alright if you'd have given

Alex a make-up test.

Well, Dr. Samuels, that's what I propose to do.

Really, Mr. Moore?

You're gonna give me another chance?

Hey, if you work with somebody, usually they come around.

You're kind of late.

Contest begins in four hours.

He'll never make it.

We'll help him study, Mr. Moore.

- Yeah. Yeah. - We can do that.

We'll set up continuous tutoring until the contest.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Well, what're we standing around for?

Let's do it!

[all cheering]

Wow! I'm so happy, I feel like dancing.

- No! - Not again.

Uh, Arvid, actually I think you should continue practicing.

There's no guarantee that Alex is gonna pass this exam.

Oh.

Feet, don't fail me now.

[instrumental music]

Okay. I've got Alex up to World war II.

It's your turn to take over, Viki.

Uh, Aristotle, show Arvid the tape.

- Got it. Arvid. - Huh?

Hey, look through here man.

[laughs] It's an old Jerry Lewis movie.

No, dude. That's you.

I think I'll help Alex study.

Uh, Arvid. Get back here.

From the top. A five, six, seven, eight.

♪ Ba ba ba ba ba ba.. ♪♪

[instrumental music]

Here you are.

Alex, I wanna say good luck on the test.

Mr. Moore.

Thank you for giving me another chance.

I know I've been kind of a jerk.

Well, everybody is entitled to be a jerk occasionally.

Just don't make a habit out of it.

- Right. - So, uh..

- Break a leg. - Never say that to a dancer.

Oh.. Stay on your toes.

Okay, Alex, you'll have three essay questions.

Now, just take your time and don't rush.

The contest doesn't start for another, half hour.

How's he doing?

Ah. I don't know. He just started.

Just started? We're finished.

Oh, Arvid. Everything's gonna be alright.

Yeah, Arvid, you're gonna be wonderful.

Yeah, we're behind you all the way.

And that outfit! Hm. What can I say?

You're stunning.

Alright, we better get started.

Arvid. Good luck to you. T.J.

- Thanks. - Good luck to you.

Oh, come on, Arvid. Everybody gets stage fright.

Just try going over the routine in your mind.

- Okay? - Good idea. Okay.

I'm dancing, I'm twirling, I'm leaping

I'm crashing, I'm bleeding.

[instrumental music]

(Charlie) Well, good evening and welcome

ladies and gentlemen to Fillmore High

'for the third year in a row.'

Kids are set to prance

to cop the top slot in the All City Dance.

Now, everybody needs a jam to bust a move

and I'm Charlie Gimme Moore

here to dig a deep groove.

Gimme Moore, Gimme Moore. What kind of name is that?

Well, I can throw down a mix that'll knock you flat.

And so, "Gimme Moore" is what you'll be cryin'

until your feet are dead, and the night is dyin'.

[cheering]

(Charlie) 'And right now'

with the eager aid of Eric, my engineer to the inner ear

we are ready to drop this one.

So, kick it to me one time.

Our first contestant's from Bronx High School.

Heady Posey and Rosario Roberto Jr.

[all applauding]

[pop song]

- Come on, Alex. - Shh.

Come on, Alex.

[music continues]

What is that, Arvid?

A visual aid. Left, right.

Whoops.

[applause]

Alright, I think you better hose down the floor.

I smell smoke.

Let's hear it again for Bronx Science.

- Okay. First one's done. - Great.

(Charlie) 'Alright, everybody, our next couple'

'hails from Van Buren High.'

Let's hear it for Jody Williger and Doug Whaley.

[applause]

[instrumental music]

Here's number two. I think you'll like it.

It's, uh, it's different. It's interesting.

Oh, trust me.

Mr. Moore, how's he doing?

Arvid, look. Just relax.

Go out. Do the best you can.

Now, it's only a dance contest, so have some fun.

D-d-d-don't you have any of those obscure, yet-yet, uh

insightful, historical analogies

that will help convince me that I can win this thing?

Didn't anyone ever tell you the story

of a little engine that could?

Tell me again.

Done.

Okay?

Last one.

[music continues]

I hope I passed it, Mr. Moore.

I wouldn't wanna let you down twice.

[audience cheering]

I think I can dance. I think I can dance!

Okay, Arvid. We might be on next.

Umm, okay, our next contestants hail

from ha-ha, our familiar halls right here in Fillmore.

T.J. Jones, and..

I think I can dance. I think I can dance.

- Alex Torres. - Yeah!

I don't have to dance.

I don't have to dance.

[pop music]

(male #1) 'Whoo! Whoo!'

[rhythmic clapping]

[music continues]

[audience cheering]

[rhythmic clapping]

Ah!

- You okay? - I'm fine. I'm fine.

Let's go. Come on. And..

No.

I'm not fine.

Come on.

Okay, we're just gonna cool here for a minute

while we see if the, uh, folks from Fillmore

can continue the jam.

I don't believe this. What are we gonna do now?

Come on, Arvid. Just go out there and do it.

You know the steps.

[indistinct chatter]

Well, uh, Fred Astaire danced with a coat rack

and Gene Kelly with an umbrella.

So, continuing the tradition

of men dancing with bizarre partners

once again, here is Fillmore's Alex Torres with Arvid Engen.

Arvid!

[pop music]

[audience cheering]

[music continues]

[audience cheering]

[audience clapping]

[instrumental music]

Uh-oh. I have the winners names in my hand.

And the winner of the mixed couples competition

'the most mixed couple of all'

"Alex Torres, T.J. Jones and Arvid Engen."

Arvid, you were great!

[cheering]

[audience clapping]

Congratulations.

I haven't seen two men dance together so beautifully

since I was on Guam.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, and now, uh

to lead us off in our traditional spotlight dance..

...tonight's winning couple.

Perhaps not. Come on, everybody. Let's dance.

[pop music]

[theme music]

[music continues]