Step Up: High Water (2017) s01e01 Episode Script
Pilot
1 One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight! [UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
[WOMAN.]
I feel like fire I feel like rain I can take you higher But you gotta earn the name Oh, oh Whoo, I'm lit, don't mess with it Whoo, stand back, let me do Whoo, I'm lit, don't mess with it Whoo Hands to the sky Show me that you're mine Hands to the sky Show me that you're mine And, baby, worship me Worship me And get it together Make it feel good Uh-huh, whoo Patiently, quietly Faithfully, worship me [LIGHT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING.]
- [JANELLE.]
Hey, Tal.
- Hey, what's up? Let's go to Rey's.
I'm starving.
Move.
Uh, but Mom's coming to get us.
No.
Mom texted, she said she's gonna be working late.
Again? That's like the third time this week.
Yeah, well, you know Mom.
Stashing up money for our college fund or whatever.
- Speaking of college application - Don't, don't, Jay.
- Don't, seriously.
- Don't what? I'm just being helpful.
No, you're not being helpful.
You're being bossy.
I'm not.
As usual.
Seriously, I don't know how they get so much bossy in such a such a stunted body.
First of all [SCOFFS.]
you may be taller, but I'm smarter, not to mention older.
You're older by two minutes, okay? That's not even older, that's just that's just eager.
- How was practice? - I mean, good, but obviously not good enough.
I don't know why Kerry keeps fighting me on every damn move.
Oh, I don't know, maybe maybe it's 'cause you're so bossy.
Whatever.
And I am older.
Listen, the deadline is next week, okay? I applied for two scholarships, dance and cheer.
You have to apply for at least one.
I'm not good enough to get a dance scholarship.
You're just too afraid to audition.
Well, you're gonna have to get over it, okay? Because we're going to Ohio State, then we're going to LA to be dancers.
- That's the plan.
- Whatever.
I just don't understand your lack of ambition.
We're just different.
You dance to perform, I dance for me.
I think that that is so selfish, Tal.
- How is that selfish? - I just think it is [INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
Mom? Mom! Are you okay?! Are you okay?! [MAN.]
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[JANELLE.]
What the hell is happening here? - Your mother's been arrested.
- Drug-related offense.
[MAN.]
Easy, ma'am.
No, no, no.
Mom, are you okay? She's been sober for 10 years.
- Are you kidding me? - [MOTHER.]
I'm sorry, baby.
Are you kidding me?! How could you do this to us? How could you do this to us again?! - I'm sorry, baby.
I'm so sorry.
- [JANELLE.]
Sorry means nothing! You are so selfish! Let me go! Tal? - No.
She's going away! - [TAL.]
Okay.
[MAN.]
You guys wanna get a couple of things overnight Can you give us a damn minute?! Look at me.
Look look at me.
All right? We've been taking care of each other our whole lives.
- Tal, look at her! - [TAL.]
And it doesn't It doesn't matter.
Right, it's always been just us.
In the womb, all the years that she was using, even the years that she wasn't, it's just us.
It always has been, and it always will be.
As long as we're together, we'll be all right.
No, she's going away, Tal! She is.
She probably is.
And we still have each other, right? We still have each other.
[SOBS.]
Let's get some stuff.
Do you remember what he looks like? He was weird.
He was all right.
When did he even watch us? We were like six.
He let me eat marshmallows for breakfast and taught you how to play the sports book.
Yeah, well, at least he's not in jail.
Uh - [UNCLE AL.]
Hey! - [TAL.]
Hey.
Hey.
Welcome to Atlanta! Whoa, you guys have got so big, bruh! Like it's like I used to tell your daddy, you guys looking more and more like the mailman every day.
[LAUGHS.]
That was funny.
That was funny.
Let's roll.
[WOMAN.]
Oh, all the time I've been happy You guys all right? Look, I know you've been through a lot, but you're gonna like Atlanta.
It's a new start, a fresh start.
There's a lot of cool things here.
We got the MB Stadium, and this is home of the would-have, should-have, could-have-been Dirty Bird, but then mother lost a 24-point lead.
How do you bust a 24 lead? Anyway, Atlanta's home to many world-famous institutions.
See? That's what I've been trying to tell her.
But we don't live by none of that.
- [HORN HONKS.]
- What's up, Brad? That's my homeboy right there.
See, over here, we got the shoe store, we got the liquor store, pawnshop, church.
Cellular store, liquor store, pawnshop, church.
Gun store, cellular store, liquor store, pawnshop, church.
The shoe store, we got the liquor store See that over there? Don't you ever end up like them.
Them are hookers.
That's Cindy and Sharon.
Don't ask me how I know they name, I just do.
- [WOMAN.]
Hey, Al! - [UNCLE AL.]
Hey, gal! This is my place.
"Al's Wigs and Wangs?" [Al.]
Voted Best Lemon Pepper Wet Wing 2003, [TAL.]
"Wigs around back?" Boy, you got to have two revenue streams.
You never know when the white man gonna take one from you.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING, ENGINE REVS.]
One other thing if you ever see that man in that car in your vicinity, change your vicinity.
I mean that.
You hear me? Yeah.
- What? - This ain't Ohio.
- Sorry.
- You find yourself staring at someone, it'll be the last thing you'll ever see.
Get your ass in the car.
[UNCLE AL GRUNTING.]
- A'ight.
- [WOMAN.]
Whoo! What do we have here? This is my nephew, Tal, and my niece, Janelle.
They're gonna be crashing here for a while.
If she was related to you, she'd be ugly.
Name's Dorrie.
If you need anything, holla at ya boy, because, you know, I run this town.
That's nice to know.
I forgot to tell y'all, we got little black leprechauns around here.
Just step over 'em.
Quit looking at my niece.
Haters, man.
Voila.
Home.
[SIGHS.]
Well, a little tour.
This is the living room.
This furniture's vintage, so kind of watch it.
This is a dinette room- slash-sunroom, I guess.
Look, I know you guys are here under some tough circumstances but we're family.
That's why I didn't let you go to foster care.
I wish I could've helped your father and your mother more, but I'm helping you guys.
Okay? I have a couple of rules.
Education is number one in this house, all right? Number two, I don't like idle minds.
So, when you're not studying your books, you'll be doing a weekly shift at Wangs.
We have to work at Al's Wigs and Wangs? Yeah, and you can thank me later because jobs are hard to come by.
Um, that's about it.
Let whoa, one other thing.
No drugs.
Janelle, this is your room.
I worked on it for two weeks to make it perfect for a young lady.
I installed that ceiling fan, hmm? And this is yours, pimpin'.
- Huh? [LAUGHS.]
- Yeah, it's nice.
Listen, I know a playa when I see one, okay? So, no ladies in here, huh? I'm not gonna be raising no babies, you know? I see how you roll.
It's the jacket.
Look, make this room your room.
Do whatever you want, just don't touch my Hey, unpack, get some rest, because you got school in the morning, all right? MM-hmm? High-five.
Maybe next time.
[SINGER.]
Ooh-wee On the block, man, they tell me to go He is out of his God damn mind.
Yeah, well, we don't have a choice, so How are we supposed to keep up with our dancing, and go to school and work at his greasy wing store? This was not the plan, Tal.
Well, in case you didn't notice, life doesn't give a Take the Lords' name in vain Ain't no tears in my pain From the block to the boardroom My dudes, man, we reign We reign forever, the code is stick together We mash even though The forecast is stormy weather It's nothing, I mean, a few rainy days I mean, it's how we was raised Most succumb to the pressure, but it's how we was made We're different, we're gifted Like the wheat when it's sifted Through the muck and the mire Their heads down, and we lifted Now my people is winning, I swear we got it honest Grind hard through the night [FADES.]
Same thing in the morning This mother look like he got a Netflix password.
Hey, yo, what is it? Lone wolf shooter.
[MAN.]
Hey, what are you holding? Your antichrist manifesto? That would be "anarchist," genius, wouldn't it? - All of you, stop! - Get out of here, man.
What kind of fool are you?! - [SOUL MUSIC PLAYING.]
- [DOOR BELL DINGS.]
- Big Al.
- What's up, Dondre? [INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER.]
I know what she was talkin' about.
This is my nephew, Tal.
This is Dondre.
This is Dorrie's brother.
They live next door.
Oh, right.
Family from Ohio, right? - How ATL treatin' you? Good? - Yeah.
Cool.
- 12 straight up? - Already know, baby.
- What you wanna drink? - Let me get a Coke.
What kind of Coke? - Mountain Dew.
- Mountain Dew? I gotta go way in the back for damn Mountain Dew.
Joseph, where you putti" the Mountain Dew?! Coke? Mountain Dew? Yeah, we, uh, call everything a Coke down here.
It's a Southern thing.
That makes total sense.
It's different here.
It ain't so bad.
Plus, from what I hear, it was it's kind of tough in Ohio, too.
[CHUCKLES.]
Well you know.
Come tonight.
Got a party business.
Music, dancing, cold beverages, the whole neighborhood shows up.
20 bucks? 30 VIP? I No, no, no.
My treat.
VIP all the way.
Just ask for Dondre.
Cool.
Can I bring my sister? Yeah.
Sure thing.
Uh, maybe we, uh, keep this from the uncle.
All right, Ohio? Cool.
Yo, big Al, where my Mountain Dew at? [UNCLE AL.]
I got your Mountain Dew right here.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
What, I can't do fun too? No, I'm excited.
I mean, you can do fun.
It's just since when do you want to go to a party? Since our hot neighbor gave me a VIP pass.
This hot neighbor team Tal or team Janelle? He gave me the gave me the pass, right? [SINGER.]
Nobody pray for me It been a day for me Way, yeah, yeah Hey, I remember syrup sandwiches And crime allowances finesse a nigga With some counterfeits But now I'm countin' this parmesan Where my accountant lives In fact, I'm downin' this With my boo bae tastes like Kool-Aid For the analysts, girl, I can buy yo' ass The world with my pay stub - Ohio! - Oh, hey, look, that's Dondre.
[JANELLE.]
That's Dondre? Pull up on your block, then break it down That's our neighbor? What's up, man? - Took you long enough.
- Sorry, yeah, we're late.
- You good? - Yeah, I'm good.
- Oh, this must be the sister.
- Nice to meet you.
Name's Dondre.
Glad y'all could make it.
My left stroke just went viral I promised you VIP, right? - Yeah.
- VIP it is.
It's levels to it, You and I know Be humble Sit down Be humble Sit down Be humble Sit down - Are you from H-Dub? - No, Ohio.
[DONDRE.]
Yo, it's cool, big dawg, they're with me.
- Yeah, we're good.
- Cool, cool.
Be humble Sit down Be humble Sit down - Hey, King! - Yo, what's up? [GLASS SHATTERS.]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
Listen, I got some business to attend to.
Don't let anybody throw you any shade.
Especially these H-Dubbers.
They think they run the place.
Like they some kind of stars already.
All right? - Okay.
- Okay.
You might wanna take this off.
It's hot.
What the hell's an H-Dubber? I have no clue, but this party is crazy.
Yo, yo, yo, King! Give me the mic, baby, let me rock out.
Listen, man, under normal circumstances, I'm down, but it's a paying gig and Dondre makes the rules.
So you gotta take it up with him.
Yeah, uh - [AIR HORN BLOWS.]
- Ooh.
- [Guess it's show time.
- crowd cheering.]
- [UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
- Ohh! [INDISTINCT SHOUTING.]
This your beat? Who else, bruh? That's fire! [INDISTINCT SINGING.]
[RIGO.]
Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Whoo! Yeah! All right! That's tight, man.
Dondre done stepped it up.
Yeah, I'm telling you, man, everything we do has to be bigger and better.
Bro, we ain't gonna let nobody sleep on us, you heard? Yeah.
Aah! [LAUGHS.]
[KING.]
Yo, this year, we're taking over the world, man.
We already got how we want it.
Just need to focus.
Yeah, uh f-focus.
I'll be right back.
- This is so cool.
- This is amazing.
- Not no Ohio party.
- Hey, what's up, little mama? - You want some? - Oh, no, I'm okay.
Nah, you're more than okay.
Hey, come here.
Let me talk to you real quick.
Hey, hold this real quick.
- What? - Come on.
- Appreciate it.
- Hey [HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
Tonight is the perfect night [MAN.]
To show me your wild side We party on the beach side Under the moonlight Show me where to put my hands Girl, you know I love when you dance Show me how you dip and wind With so much control You got me saying ohh Oh, baby, you got me praying Ohh Please save me Please, please Ohh Because you know how to break me down The way you drop it I love it when you dip low - Oh, how low can you go - Oh, hell no.
Love it when you dip so Oh, I see you making new friends.
I was just having some fun.
You must be confused, boo, in here trying to dance with my man.
Look, I don't know what you think you're doing with him - and that nonexistent ass - Calm down, man.
Damn, why you always think I'm doing something?! - Because you are! - Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Don't y'all got school in the morning? You need to bring your ass to auditions so you can with us this year.
Why don't you come on over to High Water and see why we are better than you? Ooh.
I'm sorry, did you just say High Water? What business is it of yours? Why is she even still here? Sage Odom's High Water is here? They all go there.
He's he's talking about High Water.
Sage Odom's school is here, Tal.
- What? - All right.
Look, we gotta go.
Dondre, thank you so much, this was amazing.
Yeah, catch you later.
See ya.
Oh, how low can you go Love it when you dip so low And I'm yearning for more Love it when your hips flow So much more than you know [WOMAN.]
Sage Odom, your school is for low-income kids in your old neighborhood, but it's also sort of an experiment, isn't it? [SAGE.]
High Water is, uh, emphatically not a school.
It's more of an immersive apprenticeship program where kids learn what they need in order to hone their passion and make it pay.
Art is not a pipe dream.
It's not expendable.
It's a commodity.
It's America's most lucrative export.
Tal? They're auditioning writers, directors, performance artists, singers, designers, and this week, they're auditioning dancers, okay? We have to go.
I've never auditioned for anything, okay? - You know that.
- Don't you see it? Maybe all this happened for a reason.
You think there's a good reason Mom relapsed and went to jail and we ended up here? No, I'm not saying that.
I'm saying What? Can't I just be excited about something? J, these people are the best of the best, all right? They're practically professionals.
Let it go.
[JANELLE.]
I know all of that, but you know me.
- I at least have to try.
- Yeah, I know.
Good luck convincing Uncle Al.
Yeah, well, even Uncle Al has to see what an amazing opportunity this is.
[SIGHS.]
- Can't you knock?! - Tal, get your ass dressed.
God.
No diploma? What good is it if there's no diploma? High Water is pre-professional.
It prepares you to make a living an artist.
Only thing they can prepare you making a living as an artist is if you win the lotto.
I suggest you work on your education.
And we will see what college we can get you into.
I don't wanna go to college.
Yeah, but you did apply for a scholarship at Ohio State, so But college is not gonna get me where I wanna go.
High Water is.
It's the chance I've been busting my ass for my entire life, I just need your approval.
You familiar with that show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - Of course.
- My final answer is hell no.
You tell them people get them a diploma, then we talk.
Please don't do this.
Tal, if I don't at least try, I will hate myself for the rest of my life.
Well, if Uncle Al finds out and we get split up, I'll hate you for the rest of your life.
- Tal - We had a plan.
This is the plan.
Don't you see? We wanted to get to New York to dance, to be famous.
Who is more famous than Sage Odom? Yeah, but Uncle Al could really throw us out.
Uncle Al is not gonna throw us out.
I only need his approval if I get in, and even you said it, what are the odds of that? Just cover for me for one day.
Oh, come on, Janelle.
Stay away from the cute boy.
And if you see the mean girl, run like hell.
We get a call tonight with Mom at 7:00.
So don't be late, all right? I mean it.
Kill it.
Thank you.
Hi.
Are you here for the dance orientation? - Yes.
Janelle Baker.
- All right.
Uh, Janelle, it looks like your online registration - is complete.
- Mm-hmm.
So today we're gonna have a tour of High Water, followed by a showcase from our current students.
Tomorrow, the audition process begins.
For now, just step over with the other applicants.
Okay.
Thank you.
Sorry.
Oh, man.
This is insane.
Yeah.
I know, right? I'd kill to meet Sage Odom.
I mean, a chance to learn from that dude? - That's crazy.
- I'm Janelle.
- Davis.
- Hi.
Odalie.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hey.
I just found out about auditions yesterday.
Really? I've been rehearsing for about a year.
I didn't mean to sound like a freak.
- It's okay.
- [MAN.]
Everyone? Group's leaving me.
I'll catch up with you guys in a bit, all right? Excuse me.
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
He's cute.
- [LAUGHS.]
- Good morning.
You must be my group.
Welcome to High Water.
Now, as you know, we are not a traditional art school.
We don't have grades or diplomas.
Instead, we focus on teaching you everything that you will need to succeed as an artist in today's world.
Now, we accept artists 16 to 25.
Is there anyone here who is under 18? - I am.
- Yeah, me, too.
Okay, well, I hope that you're all aware that if you don't already have your high school diploma, you're gonna need to get it online or pass the GED.
- Mm-hmm.
- [BOY.]
Great.
Okay.
Let's get started.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS.]
The fashion department is integral to every other department here.
Designers learn the basics of creating costumes for all kinds of performances.
The videography program focuses on direction and editing.
You will be relying on the students in this department to help you create dance and performance videos to enhance your web presence.
Since all of you are applying for the dance program, you'll be spending most of your time in here.
Where's that fine sister of yours? She's, uh she's taking over the world.
Cool picture.
Is it a dog? Uh, yeah.
It's a it's a greyhound.
Skinny thing.
Yeah, they're they're skinny and weird.
And other dogs can sense it, so they attack them.
You can't take a greyhound to a dog park because other dogs go after them.
That's some Right? Yeah.
Speaking of that guy, Marquise? Don't mess with him.
[TAL.]
Trust me, I know.
[COLLETTE.]
Okay, everyone, let's head into the performance space.
Some current High Water students are gonna show you just how high the bar's been set here.
Find a seat.
Go ahead.
[METAL CLANGING RHYTHMICALLY.]
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
[MAN.]
Shut the [BLEEP.]
up Bring it back, back, back, back, back Bring it back What? [MUSIC PAUSES.]
[MUSIC RESUMES.]
I met them last night.
She does not like me at all.
Shut the [BLEEP.]
up, bring it [MUSIC STOPS, CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
All right, all right.
Hello.
If you haven't met me yet, I am Collette Jones, and I am the head of High Water.
That great piece was created by three of our students, King, Rigo, and Poppy.
Here at High Water, we believe in the value of gifts and the power of hard work, but most importantly, we believe in collaboration.
Now, this isn't just an institution for dancing or singing, creation, or even performance.
High Water is purposed to develop and strengthen your gifts in here, so that you can be an instrument of change out there.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Okay, any questions? How often is Sage Odom here? Do we ever get to perform for him in person? - [CROWD MURMURING.]
- We get that question a lot, and while High Water definitely is Sage's vision, he's a very busy man, and so his time is limited.
Next question? [SAGE.]
I wouldn't necessarily say that.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
I mean, you do have a point with my time being limited.
I am a very busy man, but, you know, I could always make time for a little [CROWD CHEERING.]
May I? [CLEARS THROAT.]
Future of High Water, make some noise.
[CROWD CHEERING.]
As of late, I've been doing a lot of interviews about High Water and what we're doing here.
And it would seem that they take every opportunity to downplay what is happening here, Asking me questions like, "Is this a vanity project?" Mind you, when I say "they," I'm talking about that they, the they that you're thinking of right now, you.
They don't want you to have art centers.
They don't want you to have afterschool programs.
They wanna keep you stupid by having bull music and reality TV in constant rotation.
These are the people that keep asking me this same question, this same dumbass question, "Sage Odom, is this a vanity project?" A question to which I, in my most friendliest tone, - respond with, "No.
" - [LAUGHTER.]
No, this is not a vanity a project.
What this is, is a mission to get the art back to the people through the actual artists.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
[SAGE.]
So the answer to the question, "Will Sage Odom be around this semester?" You damn right I'm-a be around this semester! [CROWD CHEERING.]
Now, the ones that I find special, students that I find special, I will personally select you to work with me.
- [CROWD CHEERING.]
- Oh, yes.
Oh, yes.
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on.
Because see, the students that I find lacking, I will personally walk your ass out that front door and make sure that you are not in the way for someone that deserves to be here.
- Do we understand each other? - [CROWD EXCLAIMS.]
- Do we understand each other? - [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Enough talk, we got work to do! I'll see you this semester! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Okay, so the fragrance company call, that needs to happen now or it's not happening.
- Got it.
- Did they call yet? - Hey.
Hi.
- Hey.
There she is.
God, you look amazing.
- How you been? - Thank you.
Thanks.
- [GRUNTS.]
- Okay.
Good to see you.
Look, do you wanna explain to me Sage? Why you blew into town and ambushed me on stage and announced that you were taking over? Thank you.
Not taking over.
Just a little spark, that's all.
But we do have a lot to talk about, so I feel like we should maybe - Okay, so when? - [CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
- What are you doing in town? - I'm gonna Oh, I okay.
I gotta take this, but, um, dinner tomorrow night, 10:00, my hotel, yes? You look good.
Thanks.
Whatever.
[SIGHS.]
Okay.
Six buffalo dry, six nuclear wet - with blue cheese.
- [TAL.]
Six, six dry? - Right, okay.
- Okay? Straight legs.
I don't want the flat parts, all right? I do want the little leg part.
Okay, well, they're wings.
They'd be arm parts, right? You're getting smart with me, man? You catching some type of attitude, dawg? - No, man.
I - Hey, where your manager at, man? - Bring your manager out here.
- Come on, man.
I need some real help before I Yelp trash this.
What's up, Straight-Leg Ray? Go take out the trash.
What can I get you right now? The same thing I get every time.
- Six buffalo dry.
- [AL.]
Right, right.
- Six nuclear wet.
- Right, straight up.
[MARQUISE.]
What up, East-O? So, Marquise, man, I hear on the street you pumping something serious out here.
[MARQUISE.]
You already know how we do it, right? Yeah, I see, I see.
I see.
You know, like, people are telling me, like, "East-O, you need to put this high school boy down for a job," and I'm thinking you already work for me, right? [CHUCKLES.]
Yo, now, you got your side hustle and you didn't even tell your boy? How do you think that makes me feel? East, look.
No, yo, East aah! I'm talking to you, mother Look, man ah! You hear me when I'm talking to you? [GROANS.]
Huh? Huh? Huh? [GASPS.]
Didn't I tell you this is not Ohio? You see something, you look the other way.
Yes, sir.
[SIGHS.]
I got one God damn job, that's keeping you alive.
- One God damn job.
- I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry.
Be smart.
Okay.
Been a parent for 15 minutes.
I don't like this.
Be smarter, man.
[DAVIS.]
I still can't get over Sage Odom.
I thought I was gonna faint.
That dude could be off doing whatever the hell he wants.
It's crazy he even spends time with people like us.
I mean, people from his 'hood who don't have anything.
That whole showcase thing was next level.
Yeah, we have to be as good as every dancer on that stage today.
What do you know? It's The Mighty Hannibal.
You like the old-school stuff? Yeah, my pops used to have a sick vinyl collection.
We used to play records every Sunday morning.
- It was kind of like church.
- That sounds like fun.
You should have us over sometime.
- Maybe we'll get the spirit.
- Yeah, I would but, um, we lost the records in a move, so You know, I used to use a lot of old music back home, you know, when I choreographed routines.
Wait, you choreographed? What, like for a company? Oh, no.
For, like, cheerleading.
- Don't laugh.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I know people don't look at cheerleading as dancing exactly, but No, I have mad respect.
I do.
I mean, if you led your squad it means you know how it is to work.
Ladies, I gotta get going, okay? We got a big day tomorrow.
Oh, yes.
- I'm gonna get a refill.
- Okay.
Cool.
So tell me about Ohio.
[SIGHS.]
Ohio.
Ohio is cold.
[TAL.]
Yes, of course, Janelle will be here next time.
Yeah, she, uh she wanted to skip orientation to talk to you, but it was me that wouldn't let her.
Yeah.
What'd the lawyer say? That's it's it's fine.
That's Oh, damn, there's the beeps, Mom.
I we're out of time, all right? But I love you, okay? I mean, we both love you.
We both love you.
[WOMAN.]
I hardly ever dream It's been so long It's much more vivid than what I remember, oh, Lord I stand in a moment trying hard to hold on Each second passes to the past And then it's all gone Hey, now, hey, now, here we go Ooh, yeah Hey, now, hey, now, here we go Wait now, wait now, there we go Oh, yeah Wait now, wait now, there we go Yeah To my millennium Count to a thousand one The hearts that came and gone Love, life, hate, death is my millennium And everything I've lost I'll keep it close in my millennium, millennium Oh, oh My millennium, millennium Hey, now, hey, now, here we go Ooh, yeah Hey, now, hey, now, here we go [VOCALIZES.]
Wait now, wait now, there we go Oh, yeah Wait now, wait now, there we go Yeah To my millennium Count to a thousand one The hearts that came and gone Love, life, hate, death is my millennium And everything I've lost I'll keep it close in my millennium, millennium Oh, oh My millennium, millennium [FADES.]
Oh, Lord [SIGHS.]
Tal, you are not gonna believe my day.
I've gotta get into this place! The people are so passionate and What's wrong with you? You missed our call with Mom.
Don't pretend you suddenly care, because you don't.
O-of course, I care.
Why wouldn't And don't worry, I lied for you.
Again! You did not have to lie.
I just forgot.
They're not going easy, J.
She got three years, no good behavior.
And it's that long before she even gets to go up for parole.
Have you even thought about what it must be like - for her in there? - Of course I thought about it, Tal! She's our mother.
How could I not think about it? But we need to think about me and you right now.
We're the ones here taking care of us.
Look, you said it yourself, okay? Atlanta has a lot of good things going - if you would just come with me - Yeah, right.
Yeah.
For you.
You know what it has for me? It has a school.
It has a wing store, and it has an uncle who's keeping me quite literally in the closet! And what, I'm not allowed to be hopeful even just a little, why, because you're miserable? Well, you've always been miserable.
No.
No, you're just not allowed - to be that damn selfish.
- Excuse me? It's not just Mom's thing, you know.
[MAN.]
In the middle of the dark See your soul shine through [WOMAN.]
See your soul shine through [MAN.]
Always been a rebel breaking all the rules [WOMAN.]
Breaking all the rules [MAN.]
Been preparing for this moment For all of your life [WOMAN.]
For all of your life [MAN.]
Hey, put it on all the line Got the world to lose [WOMAN.]
Got the world to lose [MAN.]
Got the world to lose, how do you How do you bring the best out of me? How do you flow so gracefully? Don't wanna look away You got me lost in a standstill What have you done? [WOMAN.]
What have you done? [MAN.]
What are you doing? [WOMAN.]
What are you doing? [MAN.]
Oh, what have you done? [WOMAN.]
What have you done? [MAN.]
What are you doing to me? Ain't nothing like a vision coming to life Hey That's more than valuable Safe to say priceless So priceless How do you How do you bring the best out of me? How do you flow so gracefully? Don't wanna look away [FADES.]
You got me lost in a standstill Uh, another day, another dollar, no More like another day, another problem, yo Homie, my pack is falling down like some dominoes Wondering on what time I go Filled up with Dominoes And the G to plea the synergy is leaving But mentally I'm stilla G, friends can be deceiving [DJ.]
Oh! King of the A is in the building! [CROWD CHEERING, MUSIC CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY.]
[DJ.]
Y'all know what it is when Sage Odom in the building! - We turning up all night, baby! - Let's go! What's up, Sage? [EAST-O.]
Sage the virgin! How you gonna creep up in my hood without a hello? Big East-O.
What's the word, man? - What's going on, man? - Good to see you, sir.
Yeah, man, it's been a long time since both of us were sneaking through that back door, huh? - We was wild boys back then.
- Oh, yeah, man.
Hey, you're doing good out there, big time, man.
- Grammys? World tours? - It's crazy, it's crazy.
What you been up to, though, man? You know, same old.
Hey, remember when we was kids, man, and we made that whack-ass track? - Drop it, bop it.
- Drop it, bop it.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
A lot has changed since then, man.
A lot has changed.
Most definitely.
You became a big star and forgot about us little folk, huh? Come on, man.
Don't do me like that.
I never forget where I came from, you know that.
Yo, I got these beats you got to hear, man.
- Will raise your next level.
- Okay, all right.
- All right, I'll check - Matter of fact, no.
Let me get your number.
Talk some business.
All right, absolutely.
No problem, brother.
[MAN ON RADIO.]
batting in two of those runs.
Here is game summary Atlanta scored 2 runs in the third, one in the fourth.
Jones with the hot bat tonight All right, I'll see you at school, Tal.
- I have a early club meeting.
- Oh, yeah? What do you got? Robotics Club or Youth for Christ Crusade? [CHUCKLES.]
Bye.
Keeping busy.
Good girl.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
Ready to do your thing, Ms.
Janelle? You remembered my name? I asked around.
What, you nervous? No, no, just a bad morning.
Oh, good, 'cause I could take one look at you and tell you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
[CHUCKLES.]
And if you need anything else around here, just holler at me, all right? - My name's R - Rigo.
I know.
Hmm! Looks and brains.
See? Told you.
Nothing to worry about.
Good luck.
[MAN.]
All right, listen up, let's go! How you doing? My name is Boomer.
I'm one of the dance coaches here at High Water.
Welcome to part one of our audition process.
Today, you'll be observed by myself and the rest of the dance faculty.
At any point, you could be eliminated, taking you out of contention.
Those still standing at the end of this round get to move on to the next.
Is that clear? [STUDENTS.]
Yes.
All right, we call today - the Suicide Squeeze.
- [BOOMER.]
That's right.
- Dancers that survive will continue on this week to complete the audition process.
- Are y'all ready? - [STUDENTS CHEERING.]
[BOOMER.]
Let's back it up, let's go, come on! - [APPLAUSE.]
- [BOOMER.]
yeah, yeah.
All right, here we go, this first part, it starts off by going one, two.
Yeah, next you do a fall out right away.
Five, six, seven, you hop.
One two.
You gotta hop on your right foot.
Scoop, scoop.
Yeah, clean lines.
Five, six, seven, hop! One three, scoop, hop.
From here, you're gonna drop.
Bop.
Shoop, shoop.
Pulling this down.
[GRUNTS.]
Yeah.
Turn around.
[WHOOSHES.]
Step.
Give me some attitude in this pop, boom.
Yeah.
Strong.
Very nice.
Here we go.
Five six five, six, do it again.
Hop.
Hop.
Scoop it.
Scoop, scoop.
[GRUNTING RHYTHMICALLY.]
Through! Ta ta, pull, round, seven, pop.
All right, you guys ready to do this? [CROWD CHEERING.]
This is where it matters right now.
I'm gonna give group one the floor.
[CROWD CHEERING.]
[BOOMER.]
Let's go! Bring that heat! Music! [DANCE MUSIC PLAYING.]
[BOOMER.]
Come on! You can go, thanks for coming.
Thank you so much.
This is it, all right? - [CROWD CHEERS.]
- Group three, let's get it.
Come on, group three.
[MUSIC RESUMES.]
No, thank you.
No, thank you.
You're safe, you can go.
- You made it through.
- Thank you.
[BOOMER.]
You made it.
- They are good.
- Not as good as us.
Don't even think about getting with that girl, man.
You know Poppy can't handle that.
And when Poppy's unhappy, throws off the whole vibe of the group.
Well, me and Poppy broke up, so I'm serious, man.
Do nothing to help that chick.
We'll be fine, all right? I just wanna play with her a little bit.
[SOFTLY.]
Come on, Janelle, you're killing me.
- [MAN.]
These are real, right? - [MAN.]
Right.
That's real, though.
That's that's real.
- Yo.
- My man.
[MAN.]
One more time like that.
Five, six, seven, you go.
One and two and three, four, five, six.
Hop, hop, you're gonna jump out on one, clap your hands on two.
Guys, hold up, hold up.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.
Sage Odom.
[APPLAUSE.]
Well, here you are, the final 40.
Now, after this round, there will be half of you left.
Okay.
What are we standing around for? Let's go! Let's get it going! Let's go! All we gotta do is get through this next round.
We got this, right? Hey.
Cut the chatter, let's get to work.
[WOMAN.]
All right, group one.
To the floor.
- Let's see you.
- [APPLAUSE.]
So what, you think you know something? No, man, I I don't know anything, all right? And I didn't I didn't see anything.
[MARQUISE.]
Doesn't matter what you saw.
You ain't in the game.
You don't know You're not important.
You're just some insect.
Let's get this [MAN.]
Let's get to business No forgiveness, I'm out for vengeance My hunger vicious When I finish, I eat the dishes I'm from the bottom Overpowered and underprivileged So I came to run it I ain't talking physical fitness Surviving from ashes to rising Now it's time that we establish who I am I'm riding, I last Number 77, thank you very much.
To clash with the Titans, I'm ready for war It's time to feel the force Kicking in the door What you looking at? A boss And now I'm ready for war 'Cause I want it all, and I want it more I don't wanna talk now, I'm ready for war Time to feel the force - Oh, yeah.
- Kicking in the door You're looking at a boss And now I'm ready for war 'Cause I want it all - I'm ready for war - Number 62, thank you very much.
I'm ready for war, surviving [SAGE.]
Thank you very much, number 60.
Now it's time that we establish who I am I'm riding 84, thank you.
Feel to clash with the Titans, I'm ready for war It's time to feel the force kicking in the door You looking at a boss, and now I'm ready for war - Because I want it all - 53, thank you very much.
I don't wanna talk now, I'm ready for war Time to feel the force, kicking in the door You looking at a boss, and now I'm ready for war [MUSIC FADES.]
All right, 53, you're safe.
Yes! Yeah! - [SCREAMING.]
- Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo! - [SOBBING.]
- [LAUGHS.]
I think the insect just lost his Man, get him the out of here, man, come on, come on.
- [ODALIE.]
Oh, my God! - [JANELLE.]
We made it.
[DAVIS.]
We made it to the next round! I still can't believe there's still two more rounds to go.
I know.
I gotta head home though, but I'll see you guys tomorrow? - Okay.
You killed it.
- Thanks, you, too.
See you tomorrow.
All right, y'all.
[SIGHS HAPPILY.]
[CLAPPING.]
- Big congrats, girl.
- Thank you.
Now that you're practically official around here, I'd like to show you around.
- [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
- [LINE RINGS.]
Look, I was just standing here thinking, me and you could really shut this place down next year.
[PHONE VIBRATES.]
Please, please pick up.
Please pick up.
Please pick up.
Please pick up.
You need to get that? No, I would love for you to show me around.
[ENGINE REVVING.]
That's my dad right there.
- You want a ride? - Um Yeah, sure.
Come on.
[TAL SOBBING SOFTLY.]
This creativity, these kids, this is where I need to be.
[TAL.]
Next on STEP UP: High Water - [JANELLE.]
Who did this to you? - [TAL.]
Doesn't matter.
Go get your dream.
One of us should have it.
Is Rico gonna be helping all of us or just you? [JANELLE.]
He was just showing me some steps.
I'm sure he was.
Your solo audition is your moment of truth.
By the end of today, the new class of High Water - will be chosen.
- Music.
[MAN.]
Made in Georgia.
- [SHARP EXHALE.]
- Diba-diba-duh-dee-duh
[WOMAN.]
I feel like fire I feel like rain I can take you higher But you gotta earn the name Oh, oh Whoo, I'm lit, don't mess with it Whoo, stand back, let me do Whoo, I'm lit, don't mess with it Whoo Hands to the sky Show me that you're mine Hands to the sky Show me that you're mine And, baby, worship me Worship me And get it together Make it feel good Uh-huh, whoo Patiently, quietly Faithfully, worship me [LIGHT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING.]
- [JANELLE.]
Hey, Tal.
- Hey, what's up? Let's go to Rey's.
I'm starving.
Move.
Uh, but Mom's coming to get us.
No.
Mom texted, she said she's gonna be working late.
Again? That's like the third time this week.
Yeah, well, you know Mom.
Stashing up money for our college fund or whatever.
- Speaking of college application - Don't, don't, Jay.
- Don't, seriously.
- Don't what? I'm just being helpful.
No, you're not being helpful.
You're being bossy.
I'm not.
As usual.
Seriously, I don't know how they get so much bossy in such a such a stunted body.
First of all [SCOFFS.]
you may be taller, but I'm smarter, not to mention older.
You're older by two minutes, okay? That's not even older, that's just that's just eager.
- How was practice? - I mean, good, but obviously not good enough.
I don't know why Kerry keeps fighting me on every damn move.
Oh, I don't know, maybe maybe it's 'cause you're so bossy.
Whatever.
And I am older.
Listen, the deadline is next week, okay? I applied for two scholarships, dance and cheer.
You have to apply for at least one.
I'm not good enough to get a dance scholarship.
You're just too afraid to audition.
Well, you're gonna have to get over it, okay? Because we're going to Ohio State, then we're going to LA to be dancers.
- That's the plan.
- Whatever.
I just don't understand your lack of ambition.
We're just different.
You dance to perform, I dance for me.
I think that that is so selfish, Tal.
- How is that selfish? - I just think it is [INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
Mom? Mom! Are you okay?! Are you okay?! [MAN.]
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[JANELLE.]
What the hell is happening here? - Your mother's been arrested.
- Drug-related offense.
[MAN.]
Easy, ma'am.
No, no, no.
Mom, are you okay? She's been sober for 10 years.
- Are you kidding me? - [MOTHER.]
I'm sorry, baby.
Are you kidding me?! How could you do this to us? How could you do this to us again?! - I'm sorry, baby.
I'm so sorry.
- [JANELLE.]
Sorry means nothing! You are so selfish! Let me go! Tal? - No.
She's going away! - [TAL.]
Okay.
[MAN.]
You guys wanna get a couple of things overnight Can you give us a damn minute?! Look at me.
Look look at me.
All right? We've been taking care of each other our whole lives.
- Tal, look at her! - [TAL.]
And it doesn't It doesn't matter.
Right, it's always been just us.
In the womb, all the years that she was using, even the years that she wasn't, it's just us.
It always has been, and it always will be.
As long as we're together, we'll be all right.
No, she's going away, Tal! She is.
She probably is.
And we still have each other, right? We still have each other.
[SOBS.]
Let's get some stuff.
Do you remember what he looks like? He was weird.
He was all right.
When did he even watch us? We were like six.
He let me eat marshmallows for breakfast and taught you how to play the sports book.
Yeah, well, at least he's not in jail.
Uh - [UNCLE AL.]
Hey! - [TAL.]
Hey.
Hey.
Welcome to Atlanta! Whoa, you guys have got so big, bruh! Like it's like I used to tell your daddy, you guys looking more and more like the mailman every day.
[LAUGHS.]
That was funny.
That was funny.
Let's roll.
[WOMAN.]
Oh, all the time I've been happy You guys all right? Look, I know you've been through a lot, but you're gonna like Atlanta.
It's a new start, a fresh start.
There's a lot of cool things here.
We got the MB Stadium, and this is home of the would-have, should-have, could-have-been Dirty Bird, but then mother lost a 24-point lead.
How do you bust a 24 lead? Anyway, Atlanta's home to many world-famous institutions.
See? That's what I've been trying to tell her.
But we don't live by none of that.
- [HORN HONKS.]
- What's up, Brad? That's my homeboy right there.
See, over here, we got the shoe store, we got the liquor store, pawnshop, church.
Cellular store, liquor store, pawnshop, church.
Gun store, cellular store, liquor store, pawnshop, church.
The shoe store, we got the liquor store See that over there? Don't you ever end up like them.
Them are hookers.
That's Cindy and Sharon.
Don't ask me how I know they name, I just do.
- [WOMAN.]
Hey, Al! - [UNCLE AL.]
Hey, gal! This is my place.
"Al's Wigs and Wangs?" [Al.]
Voted Best Lemon Pepper Wet Wing 2003, [TAL.]
"Wigs around back?" Boy, you got to have two revenue streams.
You never know when the white man gonna take one from you.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING, ENGINE REVS.]
One other thing if you ever see that man in that car in your vicinity, change your vicinity.
I mean that.
You hear me? Yeah.
- What? - This ain't Ohio.
- Sorry.
- You find yourself staring at someone, it'll be the last thing you'll ever see.
Get your ass in the car.
[UNCLE AL GRUNTING.]
- A'ight.
- [WOMAN.]
Whoo! What do we have here? This is my nephew, Tal, and my niece, Janelle.
They're gonna be crashing here for a while.
If she was related to you, she'd be ugly.
Name's Dorrie.
If you need anything, holla at ya boy, because, you know, I run this town.
That's nice to know.
I forgot to tell y'all, we got little black leprechauns around here.
Just step over 'em.
Quit looking at my niece.
Haters, man.
Voila.
Home.
[SIGHS.]
Well, a little tour.
This is the living room.
This furniture's vintage, so kind of watch it.
This is a dinette room- slash-sunroom, I guess.
Look, I know you guys are here under some tough circumstances but we're family.
That's why I didn't let you go to foster care.
I wish I could've helped your father and your mother more, but I'm helping you guys.
Okay? I have a couple of rules.
Education is number one in this house, all right? Number two, I don't like idle minds.
So, when you're not studying your books, you'll be doing a weekly shift at Wangs.
We have to work at Al's Wigs and Wangs? Yeah, and you can thank me later because jobs are hard to come by.
Um, that's about it.
Let whoa, one other thing.
No drugs.
Janelle, this is your room.
I worked on it for two weeks to make it perfect for a young lady.
I installed that ceiling fan, hmm? And this is yours, pimpin'.
- Huh? [LAUGHS.]
- Yeah, it's nice.
Listen, I know a playa when I see one, okay? So, no ladies in here, huh? I'm not gonna be raising no babies, you know? I see how you roll.
It's the jacket.
Look, make this room your room.
Do whatever you want, just don't touch my Hey, unpack, get some rest, because you got school in the morning, all right? MM-hmm? High-five.
Maybe next time.
[SINGER.]
Ooh-wee On the block, man, they tell me to go He is out of his God damn mind.
Yeah, well, we don't have a choice, so How are we supposed to keep up with our dancing, and go to school and work at his greasy wing store? This was not the plan, Tal.
Well, in case you didn't notice, life doesn't give a Take the Lords' name in vain Ain't no tears in my pain From the block to the boardroom My dudes, man, we reign We reign forever, the code is stick together We mash even though The forecast is stormy weather It's nothing, I mean, a few rainy days I mean, it's how we was raised Most succumb to the pressure, but it's how we was made We're different, we're gifted Like the wheat when it's sifted Through the muck and the mire Their heads down, and we lifted Now my people is winning, I swear we got it honest Grind hard through the night [FADES.]
Same thing in the morning This mother look like he got a Netflix password.
Hey, yo, what is it? Lone wolf shooter.
[MAN.]
Hey, what are you holding? Your antichrist manifesto? That would be "anarchist," genius, wouldn't it? - All of you, stop! - Get out of here, man.
What kind of fool are you?! - [SOUL MUSIC PLAYING.]
- [DOOR BELL DINGS.]
- Big Al.
- What's up, Dondre? [INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER.]
I know what she was talkin' about.
This is my nephew, Tal.
This is Dondre.
This is Dorrie's brother.
They live next door.
Oh, right.
Family from Ohio, right? - How ATL treatin' you? Good? - Yeah.
Cool.
- 12 straight up? - Already know, baby.
- What you wanna drink? - Let me get a Coke.
What kind of Coke? - Mountain Dew.
- Mountain Dew? I gotta go way in the back for damn Mountain Dew.
Joseph, where you putti" the Mountain Dew?! Coke? Mountain Dew? Yeah, we, uh, call everything a Coke down here.
It's a Southern thing.
That makes total sense.
It's different here.
It ain't so bad.
Plus, from what I hear, it was it's kind of tough in Ohio, too.
[CHUCKLES.]
Well you know.
Come tonight.
Got a party business.
Music, dancing, cold beverages, the whole neighborhood shows up.
20 bucks? 30 VIP? I No, no, no.
My treat.
VIP all the way.
Just ask for Dondre.
Cool.
Can I bring my sister? Yeah.
Sure thing.
Uh, maybe we, uh, keep this from the uncle.
All right, Ohio? Cool.
Yo, big Al, where my Mountain Dew at? [UNCLE AL.]
I got your Mountain Dew right here.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
What, I can't do fun too? No, I'm excited.
I mean, you can do fun.
It's just since when do you want to go to a party? Since our hot neighbor gave me a VIP pass.
This hot neighbor team Tal or team Janelle? He gave me the gave me the pass, right? [SINGER.]
Nobody pray for me It been a day for me Way, yeah, yeah Hey, I remember syrup sandwiches And crime allowances finesse a nigga With some counterfeits But now I'm countin' this parmesan Where my accountant lives In fact, I'm downin' this With my boo bae tastes like Kool-Aid For the analysts, girl, I can buy yo' ass The world with my pay stub - Ohio! - Oh, hey, look, that's Dondre.
[JANELLE.]
That's Dondre? Pull up on your block, then break it down That's our neighbor? What's up, man? - Took you long enough.
- Sorry, yeah, we're late.
- You good? - Yeah, I'm good.
- Oh, this must be the sister.
- Nice to meet you.
Name's Dondre.
Glad y'all could make it.
My left stroke just went viral I promised you VIP, right? - Yeah.
- VIP it is.
It's levels to it, You and I know Be humble Sit down Be humble Sit down Be humble Sit down - Are you from H-Dub? - No, Ohio.
[DONDRE.]
Yo, it's cool, big dawg, they're with me.
- Yeah, we're good.
- Cool, cool.
Be humble Sit down Be humble Sit down - Hey, King! - Yo, what's up? [GLASS SHATTERS.]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
Listen, I got some business to attend to.
Don't let anybody throw you any shade.
Especially these H-Dubbers.
They think they run the place.
Like they some kind of stars already.
All right? - Okay.
- Okay.
You might wanna take this off.
It's hot.
What the hell's an H-Dubber? I have no clue, but this party is crazy.
Yo, yo, yo, King! Give me the mic, baby, let me rock out.
Listen, man, under normal circumstances, I'm down, but it's a paying gig and Dondre makes the rules.
So you gotta take it up with him.
Yeah, uh - [AIR HORN BLOWS.]
- Ooh.
- [Guess it's show time.
- crowd cheering.]
- [UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
- Ohh! [INDISTINCT SHOUTING.]
This your beat? Who else, bruh? That's fire! [INDISTINCT SINGING.]
[RIGO.]
Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Whoo! Yeah! All right! That's tight, man.
Dondre done stepped it up.
Yeah, I'm telling you, man, everything we do has to be bigger and better.
Bro, we ain't gonna let nobody sleep on us, you heard? Yeah.
Aah! [LAUGHS.]
[KING.]
Yo, this year, we're taking over the world, man.
We already got how we want it.
Just need to focus.
Yeah, uh f-focus.
I'll be right back.
- This is so cool.
- This is amazing.
- Not no Ohio party.
- Hey, what's up, little mama? - You want some? - Oh, no, I'm okay.
Nah, you're more than okay.
Hey, come here.
Let me talk to you real quick.
Hey, hold this real quick.
- What? - Come on.
- Appreciate it.
- Hey [HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING.]
Tonight is the perfect night [MAN.]
To show me your wild side We party on the beach side Under the moonlight Show me where to put my hands Girl, you know I love when you dance Show me how you dip and wind With so much control You got me saying ohh Oh, baby, you got me praying Ohh Please save me Please, please Ohh Because you know how to break me down The way you drop it I love it when you dip low - Oh, how low can you go - Oh, hell no.
Love it when you dip so Oh, I see you making new friends.
I was just having some fun.
You must be confused, boo, in here trying to dance with my man.
Look, I don't know what you think you're doing with him - and that nonexistent ass - Calm down, man.
Damn, why you always think I'm doing something?! - Because you are! - Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Don't y'all got school in the morning? You need to bring your ass to auditions so you can with us this year.
Why don't you come on over to High Water and see why we are better than you? Ooh.
I'm sorry, did you just say High Water? What business is it of yours? Why is she even still here? Sage Odom's High Water is here? They all go there.
He's he's talking about High Water.
Sage Odom's school is here, Tal.
- What? - All right.
Look, we gotta go.
Dondre, thank you so much, this was amazing.
Yeah, catch you later.
See ya.
Oh, how low can you go Love it when you dip so low And I'm yearning for more Love it when your hips flow So much more than you know [WOMAN.]
Sage Odom, your school is for low-income kids in your old neighborhood, but it's also sort of an experiment, isn't it? [SAGE.]
High Water is, uh, emphatically not a school.
It's more of an immersive apprenticeship program where kids learn what they need in order to hone their passion and make it pay.
Art is not a pipe dream.
It's not expendable.
It's a commodity.
It's America's most lucrative export.
Tal? They're auditioning writers, directors, performance artists, singers, designers, and this week, they're auditioning dancers, okay? We have to go.
I've never auditioned for anything, okay? - You know that.
- Don't you see it? Maybe all this happened for a reason.
You think there's a good reason Mom relapsed and went to jail and we ended up here? No, I'm not saying that.
I'm saying What? Can't I just be excited about something? J, these people are the best of the best, all right? They're practically professionals.
Let it go.
[JANELLE.]
I know all of that, but you know me.
- I at least have to try.
- Yeah, I know.
Good luck convincing Uncle Al.
Yeah, well, even Uncle Al has to see what an amazing opportunity this is.
[SIGHS.]
- Can't you knock?! - Tal, get your ass dressed.
God.
No diploma? What good is it if there's no diploma? High Water is pre-professional.
It prepares you to make a living an artist.
Only thing they can prepare you making a living as an artist is if you win the lotto.
I suggest you work on your education.
And we will see what college we can get you into.
I don't wanna go to college.
Yeah, but you did apply for a scholarship at Ohio State, so But college is not gonna get me where I wanna go.
High Water is.
It's the chance I've been busting my ass for my entire life, I just need your approval.
You familiar with that show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - Of course.
- My final answer is hell no.
You tell them people get them a diploma, then we talk.
Please don't do this.
Tal, if I don't at least try, I will hate myself for the rest of my life.
Well, if Uncle Al finds out and we get split up, I'll hate you for the rest of your life.
- Tal - We had a plan.
This is the plan.
Don't you see? We wanted to get to New York to dance, to be famous.
Who is more famous than Sage Odom? Yeah, but Uncle Al could really throw us out.
Uncle Al is not gonna throw us out.
I only need his approval if I get in, and even you said it, what are the odds of that? Just cover for me for one day.
Oh, come on, Janelle.
Stay away from the cute boy.
And if you see the mean girl, run like hell.
We get a call tonight with Mom at 7:00.
So don't be late, all right? I mean it.
Kill it.
Thank you.
Hi.
Are you here for the dance orientation? - Yes.
Janelle Baker.
- All right.
Uh, Janelle, it looks like your online registration - is complete.
- Mm-hmm.
So today we're gonna have a tour of High Water, followed by a showcase from our current students.
Tomorrow, the audition process begins.
For now, just step over with the other applicants.
Okay.
Thank you.
Sorry.
Oh, man.
This is insane.
Yeah.
I know, right? I'd kill to meet Sage Odom.
I mean, a chance to learn from that dude? - That's crazy.
- I'm Janelle.
- Davis.
- Hi.
Odalie.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hey.
I just found out about auditions yesterday.
Really? I've been rehearsing for about a year.
I didn't mean to sound like a freak.
- It's okay.
- [MAN.]
Everyone? Group's leaving me.
I'll catch up with you guys in a bit, all right? Excuse me.
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
He's cute.
- [LAUGHS.]
- Good morning.
You must be my group.
Welcome to High Water.
Now, as you know, we are not a traditional art school.
We don't have grades or diplomas.
Instead, we focus on teaching you everything that you will need to succeed as an artist in today's world.
Now, we accept artists 16 to 25.
Is there anyone here who is under 18? - I am.
- Yeah, me, too.
Okay, well, I hope that you're all aware that if you don't already have your high school diploma, you're gonna need to get it online or pass the GED.
- Mm-hmm.
- [BOY.]
Great.
Okay.
Let's get started.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS.]
The fashion department is integral to every other department here.
Designers learn the basics of creating costumes for all kinds of performances.
The videography program focuses on direction and editing.
You will be relying on the students in this department to help you create dance and performance videos to enhance your web presence.
Since all of you are applying for the dance program, you'll be spending most of your time in here.
Where's that fine sister of yours? She's, uh she's taking over the world.
Cool picture.
Is it a dog? Uh, yeah.
It's a it's a greyhound.
Skinny thing.
Yeah, they're they're skinny and weird.
And other dogs can sense it, so they attack them.
You can't take a greyhound to a dog park because other dogs go after them.
That's some Right? Yeah.
Speaking of that guy, Marquise? Don't mess with him.
[TAL.]
Trust me, I know.
[COLLETTE.]
Okay, everyone, let's head into the performance space.
Some current High Water students are gonna show you just how high the bar's been set here.
Find a seat.
Go ahead.
[METAL CLANGING RHYTHMICALLY.]
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING.]
[MAN.]
Shut the [BLEEP.]
up Bring it back, back, back, back, back Bring it back What? [MUSIC PAUSES.]
[MUSIC RESUMES.]
I met them last night.
She does not like me at all.
Shut the [BLEEP.]
up, bring it [MUSIC STOPS, CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
All right, all right.
Hello.
If you haven't met me yet, I am Collette Jones, and I am the head of High Water.
That great piece was created by three of our students, King, Rigo, and Poppy.
Here at High Water, we believe in the value of gifts and the power of hard work, but most importantly, we believe in collaboration.
Now, this isn't just an institution for dancing or singing, creation, or even performance.
High Water is purposed to develop and strengthen your gifts in here, so that you can be an instrument of change out there.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Okay, any questions? How often is Sage Odom here? Do we ever get to perform for him in person? - [CROWD MURMURING.]
- We get that question a lot, and while High Water definitely is Sage's vision, he's a very busy man, and so his time is limited.
Next question? [SAGE.]
I wouldn't necessarily say that.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
I mean, you do have a point with my time being limited.
I am a very busy man, but, you know, I could always make time for a little [CROWD CHEERING.]
May I? [CLEARS THROAT.]
Future of High Water, make some noise.
[CROWD CHEERING.]
As of late, I've been doing a lot of interviews about High Water and what we're doing here.
And it would seem that they take every opportunity to downplay what is happening here, Asking me questions like, "Is this a vanity project?" Mind you, when I say "they," I'm talking about that they, the they that you're thinking of right now, you.
They don't want you to have art centers.
They don't want you to have afterschool programs.
They wanna keep you stupid by having bull music and reality TV in constant rotation.
These are the people that keep asking me this same question, this same dumbass question, "Sage Odom, is this a vanity project?" A question to which I, in my most friendliest tone, - respond with, "No.
" - [LAUGHTER.]
No, this is not a vanity a project.
What this is, is a mission to get the art back to the people through the actual artists.
[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
[SAGE.]
So the answer to the question, "Will Sage Odom be around this semester?" You damn right I'm-a be around this semester! [CROWD CHEERING.]
Now, the ones that I find special, students that I find special, I will personally select you to work with me.
- [CROWD CHEERING.]
- Oh, yes.
Oh, yes.
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on.
Because see, the students that I find lacking, I will personally walk your ass out that front door and make sure that you are not in the way for someone that deserves to be here.
- Do we understand each other? - [CROWD EXCLAIMS.]
- Do we understand each other? - [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Enough talk, we got work to do! I'll see you this semester! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Okay, so the fragrance company call, that needs to happen now or it's not happening.
- Got it.
- Did they call yet? - Hey.
Hi.
- Hey.
There she is.
God, you look amazing.
- How you been? - Thank you.
Thanks.
- [GRUNTS.]
- Okay.
Good to see you.
Look, do you wanna explain to me Sage? Why you blew into town and ambushed me on stage and announced that you were taking over? Thank you.
Not taking over.
Just a little spark, that's all.
But we do have a lot to talk about, so I feel like we should maybe - Okay, so when? - [CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
- What are you doing in town? - I'm gonna Oh, I okay.
I gotta take this, but, um, dinner tomorrow night, 10:00, my hotel, yes? You look good.
Thanks.
Whatever.
[SIGHS.]
Okay.
Six buffalo dry, six nuclear wet - with blue cheese.
- [TAL.]
Six, six dry? - Right, okay.
- Okay? Straight legs.
I don't want the flat parts, all right? I do want the little leg part.
Okay, well, they're wings.
They'd be arm parts, right? You're getting smart with me, man? You catching some type of attitude, dawg? - No, man.
I - Hey, where your manager at, man? - Bring your manager out here.
- Come on, man.
I need some real help before I Yelp trash this.
What's up, Straight-Leg Ray? Go take out the trash.
What can I get you right now? The same thing I get every time.
- Six buffalo dry.
- [AL.]
Right, right.
- Six nuclear wet.
- Right, straight up.
[MARQUISE.]
What up, East-O? So, Marquise, man, I hear on the street you pumping something serious out here.
[MARQUISE.]
You already know how we do it, right? Yeah, I see, I see.
I see.
You know, like, people are telling me, like, "East-O, you need to put this high school boy down for a job," and I'm thinking you already work for me, right? [CHUCKLES.]
Yo, now, you got your side hustle and you didn't even tell your boy? How do you think that makes me feel? East, look.
No, yo, East aah! I'm talking to you, mother Look, man ah! You hear me when I'm talking to you? [GROANS.]
Huh? Huh? Huh? [GASPS.]
Didn't I tell you this is not Ohio? You see something, you look the other way.
Yes, sir.
[SIGHS.]
I got one God damn job, that's keeping you alive.
- One God damn job.
- I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry.
Be smart.
Okay.
Been a parent for 15 minutes.
I don't like this.
Be smarter, man.
[DAVIS.]
I still can't get over Sage Odom.
I thought I was gonna faint.
That dude could be off doing whatever the hell he wants.
It's crazy he even spends time with people like us.
I mean, people from his 'hood who don't have anything.
That whole showcase thing was next level.
Yeah, we have to be as good as every dancer on that stage today.
What do you know? It's The Mighty Hannibal.
You like the old-school stuff? Yeah, my pops used to have a sick vinyl collection.
We used to play records every Sunday morning.
- It was kind of like church.
- That sounds like fun.
You should have us over sometime.
- Maybe we'll get the spirit.
- Yeah, I would but, um, we lost the records in a move, so You know, I used to use a lot of old music back home, you know, when I choreographed routines.
Wait, you choreographed? What, like for a company? Oh, no.
For, like, cheerleading.
- Don't laugh.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I know people don't look at cheerleading as dancing exactly, but No, I have mad respect.
I do.
I mean, if you led your squad it means you know how it is to work.
Ladies, I gotta get going, okay? We got a big day tomorrow.
Oh, yes.
- I'm gonna get a refill.
- Okay.
Cool.
So tell me about Ohio.
[SIGHS.]
Ohio.
Ohio is cold.
[TAL.]
Yes, of course, Janelle will be here next time.
Yeah, she, uh she wanted to skip orientation to talk to you, but it was me that wouldn't let her.
Yeah.
What'd the lawyer say? That's it's it's fine.
That's Oh, damn, there's the beeps, Mom.
I we're out of time, all right? But I love you, okay? I mean, we both love you.
We both love you.
[WOMAN.]
I hardly ever dream It's been so long It's much more vivid than what I remember, oh, Lord I stand in a moment trying hard to hold on Each second passes to the past And then it's all gone Hey, now, hey, now, here we go Ooh, yeah Hey, now, hey, now, here we go Wait now, wait now, there we go Oh, yeah Wait now, wait now, there we go Yeah To my millennium Count to a thousand one The hearts that came and gone Love, life, hate, death is my millennium And everything I've lost I'll keep it close in my millennium, millennium Oh, oh My millennium, millennium Hey, now, hey, now, here we go Ooh, yeah Hey, now, hey, now, here we go [VOCALIZES.]
Wait now, wait now, there we go Oh, yeah Wait now, wait now, there we go Yeah To my millennium Count to a thousand one The hearts that came and gone Love, life, hate, death is my millennium And everything I've lost I'll keep it close in my millennium, millennium Oh, oh My millennium, millennium [FADES.]
Oh, Lord [SIGHS.]
Tal, you are not gonna believe my day.
I've gotta get into this place! The people are so passionate and What's wrong with you? You missed our call with Mom.
Don't pretend you suddenly care, because you don't.
O-of course, I care.
Why wouldn't And don't worry, I lied for you.
Again! You did not have to lie.
I just forgot.
They're not going easy, J.
She got three years, no good behavior.
And it's that long before she even gets to go up for parole.
Have you even thought about what it must be like - for her in there? - Of course I thought about it, Tal! She's our mother.
How could I not think about it? But we need to think about me and you right now.
We're the ones here taking care of us.
Look, you said it yourself, okay? Atlanta has a lot of good things going - if you would just come with me - Yeah, right.
Yeah.
For you.
You know what it has for me? It has a school.
It has a wing store, and it has an uncle who's keeping me quite literally in the closet! And what, I'm not allowed to be hopeful even just a little, why, because you're miserable? Well, you've always been miserable.
No.
No, you're just not allowed - to be that damn selfish.
- Excuse me? It's not just Mom's thing, you know.
[MAN.]
In the middle of the dark See your soul shine through [WOMAN.]
See your soul shine through [MAN.]
Always been a rebel breaking all the rules [WOMAN.]
Breaking all the rules [MAN.]
Been preparing for this moment For all of your life [WOMAN.]
For all of your life [MAN.]
Hey, put it on all the line Got the world to lose [WOMAN.]
Got the world to lose [MAN.]
Got the world to lose, how do you How do you bring the best out of me? How do you flow so gracefully? Don't wanna look away You got me lost in a standstill What have you done? [WOMAN.]
What have you done? [MAN.]
What are you doing? [WOMAN.]
What are you doing? [MAN.]
Oh, what have you done? [WOMAN.]
What have you done? [MAN.]
What are you doing to me? Ain't nothing like a vision coming to life Hey That's more than valuable Safe to say priceless So priceless How do you How do you bring the best out of me? How do you flow so gracefully? Don't wanna look away [FADES.]
You got me lost in a standstill Uh, another day, another dollar, no More like another day, another problem, yo Homie, my pack is falling down like some dominoes Wondering on what time I go Filled up with Dominoes And the G to plea the synergy is leaving But mentally I'm stilla G, friends can be deceiving [DJ.]
Oh! King of the A is in the building! [CROWD CHEERING, MUSIC CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY.]
[DJ.]
Y'all know what it is when Sage Odom in the building! - We turning up all night, baby! - Let's go! What's up, Sage? [EAST-O.]
Sage the virgin! How you gonna creep up in my hood without a hello? Big East-O.
What's the word, man? - What's going on, man? - Good to see you, sir.
Yeah, man, it's been a long time since both of us were sneaking through that back door, huh? - We was wild boys back then.
- Oh, yeah, man.
Hey, you're doing good out there, big time, man.
- Grammys? World tours? - It's crazy, it's crazy.
What you been up to, though, man? You know, same old.
Hey, remember when we was kids, man, and we made that whack-ass track? - Drop it, bop it.
- Drop it, bop it.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
A lot has changed since then, man.
A lot has changed.
Most definitely.
You became a big star and forgot about us little folk, huh? Come on, man.
Don't do me like that.
I never forget where I came from, you know that.
Yo, I got these beats you got to hear, man.
- Will raise your next level.
- Okay, all right.
- All right, I'll check - Matter of fact, no.
Let me get your number.
Talk some business.
All right, absolutely.
No problem, brother.
[MAN ON RADIO.]
batting in two of those runs.
Here is game summary Atlanta scored 2 runs in the third, one in the fourth.
Jones with the hot bat tonight All right, I'll see you at school, Tal.
- I have a early club meeting.
- Oh, yeah? What do you got? Robotics Club or Youth for Christ Crusade? [CHUCKLES.]
Bye.
Keeping busy.
Good girl.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
Ready to do your thing, Ms.
Janelle? You remembered my name? I asked around.
What, you nervous? No, no, just a bad morning.
Oh, good, 'cause I could take one look at you and tell you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
[CHUCKLES.]
And if you need anything else around here, just holler at me, all right? - My name's R - Rigo.
I know.
Hmm! Looks and brains.
See? Told you.
Nothing to worry about.
Good luck.
[MAN.]
All right, listen up, let's go! How you doing? My name is Boomer.
I'm one of the dance coaches here at High Water.
Welcome to part one of our audition process.
Today, you'll be observed by myself and the rest of the dance faculty.
At any point, you could be eliminated, taking you out of contention.
Those still standing at the end of this round get to move on to the next.
Is that clear? [STUDENTS.]
Yes.
All right, we call today - the Suicide Squeeze.
- [BOOMER.]
That's right.
- Dancers that survive will continue on this week to complete the audition process.
- Are y'all ready? - [STUDENTS CHEERING.]
[BOOMER.]
Let's back it up, let's go, come on! - [APPLAUSE.]
- [BOOMER.]
yeah, yeah.
All right, here we go, this first part, it starts off by going one, two.
Yeah, next you do a fall out right away.
Five, six, seven, you hop.
One two.
You gotta hop on your right foot.
Scoop, scoop.
Yeah, clean lines.
Five, six, seven, hop! One three, scoop, hop.
From here, you're gonna drop.
Bop.
Shoop, shoop.
Pulling this down.
[GRUNTS.]
Yeah.
Turn around.
[WHOOSHES.]
Step.
Give me some attitude in this pop, boom.
Yeah.
Strong.
Very nice.
Here we go.
Five six five, six, do it again.
Hop.
Hop.
Scoop it.
Scoop, scoop.
[GRUNTING RHYTHMICALLY.]
Through! Ta ta, pull, round, seven, pop.
All right, you guys ready to do this? [CROWD CHEERING.]
This is where it matters right now.
I'm gonna give group one the floor.
[CROWD CHEERING.]
[BOOMER.]
Let's go! Bring that heat! Music! [DANCE MUSIC PLAYING.]
[BOOMER.]
Come on! You can go, thanks for coming.
Thank you so much.
This is it, all right? - [CROWD CHEERS.]
- Group three, let's get it.
Come on, group three.
[MUSIC RESUMES.]
No, thank you.
No, thank you.
You're safe, you can go.
- You made it through.
- Thank you.
[BOOMER.]
You made it.
- They are good.
- Not as good as us.
Don't even think about getting with that girl, man.
You know Poppy can't handle that.
And when Poppy's unhappy, throws off the whole vibe of the group.
Well, me and Poppy broke up, so I'm serious, man.
Do nothing to help that chick.
We'll be fine, all right? I just wanna play with her a little bit.
[SOFTLY.]
Come on, Janelle, you're killing me.
- [MAN.]
These are real, right? - [MAN.]
Right.
That's real, though.
That's that's real.
- Yo.
- My man.
[MAN.]
One more time like that.
Five, six, seven, you go.
One and two and three, four, five, six.
Hop, hop, you're gonna jump out on one, clap your hands on two.
Guys, hold up, hold up.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.
Sage Odom.
[APPLAUSE.]
Well, here you are, the final 40.
Now, after this round, there will be half of you left.
Okay.
What are we standing around for? Let's go! Let's get it going! Let's go! All we gotta do is get through this next round.
We got this, right? Hey.
Cut the chatter, let's get to work.
[WOMAN.]
All right, group one.
To the floor.
- Let's see you.
- [APPLAUSE.]
So what, you think you know something? No, man, I I don't know anything, all right? And I didn't I didn't see anything.
[MARQUISE.]
Doesn't matter what you saw.
You ain't in the game.
You don't know You're not important.
You're just some insect.
Let's get this [MAN.]
Let's get to business No forgiveness, I'm out for vengeance My hunger vicious When I finish, I eat the dishes I'm from the bottom Overpowered and underprivileged So I came to run it I ain't talking physical fitness Surviving from ashes to rising Now it's time that we establish who I am I'm riding, I last Number 77, thank you very much.
To clash with the Titans, I'm ready for war It's time to feel the force Kicking in the door What you looking at? A boss And now I'm ready for war 'Cause I want it all, and I want it more I don't wanna talk now, I'm ready for war Time to feel the force - Oh, yeah.
- Kicking in the door You're looking at a boss And now I'm ready for war 'Cause I want it all - I'm ready for war - Number 62, thank you very much.
I'm ready for war, surviving [SAGE.]
Thank you very much, number 60.
Now it's time that we establish who I am I'm riding 84, thank you.
Feel to clash with the Titans, I'm ready for war It's time to feel the force kicking in the door You looking at a boss, and now I'm ready for war - Because I want it all - 53, thank you very much.
I don't wanna talk now, I'm ready for war Time to feel the force, kicking in the door You looking at a boss, and now I'm ready for war [MUSIC FADES.]
All right, 53, you're safe.
Yes! Yeah! - [SCREAMING.]
- Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo! - [SOBBING.]
- [LAUGHS.]
I think the insect just lost his Man, get him the out of here, man, come on, come on.
- [ODALIE.]
Oh, my God! - [JANELLE.]
We made it.
[DAVIS.]
We made it to the next round! I still can't believe there's still two more rounds to go.
I know.
I gotta head home though, but I'll see you guys tomorrow? - Okay.
You killed it.
- Thanks, you, too.
See you tomorrow.
All right, y'all.
[SIGHS HAPPILY.]
[CLAPPING.]
- Big congrats, girl.
- Thank you.
Now that you're practically official around here, I'd like to show you around.
- [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
- [LINE RINGS.]
Look, I was just standing here thinking, me and you could really shut this place down next year.
[PHONE VIBRATES.]
Please, please pick up.
Please pick up.
Please pick up.
Please pick up.
You need to get that? No, I would love for you to show me around.
[ENGINE REVVING.]
That's my dad right there.
- You want a ride? - Um Yeah, sure.
Come on.
[TAL SOBBING SOFTLY.]
This creativity, these kids, this is where I need to be.
[TAL.]
Next on STEP UP: High Water - [JANELLE.]
Who did this to you? - [TAL.]
Doesn't matter.
Go get your dream.
One of us should have it.
Is Rico gonna be helping all of us or just you? [JANELLE.]
He was just showing me some steps.
I'm sure he was.
Your solo audition is your moment of truth.
By the end of today, the new class of High Water - will be chosen.
- Music.
[MAN.]
Made in Georgia.
- [SHARP EXHALE.]
- Diba-diba-duh-dee-duh