Dance Rules: THE MUSICAL

ACT ONE: Scene 1

The Ballroom

Overture Plays ‘Time after Time’

JJ SILVERS
Ladies and Gentlemen the National Federation of Dance, strictly prohibits the use of
cameras and recording devices. These dancers are caked in lead based makeup and
highly flammable hairspray. One tiny flash from the camera could cause a terrible
explosion. And remember folks – keep things strictly ballroom.

SINGS ACCAPPELLA
Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air
In every sight and every sound

And I don’t know if I’m being foolish

Don’t know if I’m being blind
It’s something I just must believe in
And it’s there when I look in your eyes

Band starts as curtain opens and reveals 5 couples with their backs to the audience.
Large numbers on their backs.
Scott and Liz are centre with 100 on his back

JJ SILVERS
Welcome to Woongabbie Town Hall for the inter-regional Ballroom Dance Championships! L
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen! You’re gorgeous! I’m your host for this evening JJ Silvers.
There are many secrets I would like to share with you tonight. But most of them we
will have to discover together as the night unfolds. For example: Do you like my
jacket? Just something I picked up from a carboot sale.

Crowd laughs and stops (BAND TOO) abruptly as we cut to Shirley.

SHIRLEY
I’m Shirley Hastings. Scott’s Mother and I run the Kendall’s Dance Studio.

LES
I’m Les Kendall, the proprietor… Shirley and I are partners, not romantically (laughs
nervously). I’m what you might call wedded to the dance… and this is Doug Hastings.
Shirley’s husband.

1
 SHIRLEY
Well Doug just plays the music. He doesn’t do much else.
You see, Scott won most of the trophies in this room.
That’s the tragedy….my son was a champion.
Everything was going so well until we got to the…

JJ SILVERS
Southern Districts Waratah Championships. You are going to see some of the top
dancers in the Southern Districts here today.

Crowd applauds and cuts abruptly as we cut back to Shirley

SHIRLEY
Well there had been some silliness in the past…but we though he was over it.
I mean we never imagined that he would do such a thing…and in front of

JJ SILVERS
Federation President Barry Fife

BARRY
Thank you one and all, looking at this sea of tanned faces it makes warm and happy

DANCERS (all together)

It’s a pleasure President Fife

BARRY
The pleasure is all mine.
I can hardly wait to adjudicate.
I’m chokkas with wisdom on a mission for precision and it's my decision who goes home the
champ they're trembling with fear cos their president's here
so let's dance
dance!
dance!

And don’t forget to get your copy of my Official DVD “Dance to Win” on sale here tonight

Crowd applauds and cuts abruptly as we cut back to Shirley

SHIRLEY
Well, there was no doubt in any one’s mind that Scott and Liz would be the next Pan Pacific
Grand Prix Amateur Five Dance Latin American Champions. I mean, they’d worked towards
it all their lives. And then came the…

JJ SILVERS
Samba!!!

Crowd shouts and encourages the various couples as the Song continues

2
 Song: BAILAMOS - Lipalo
Tonight we dance
I leave my life, in your hands
We take the floor
Nothing is forbidden anymore
Don't let the world dim my sight
Don't let a moment go by
Nothing can stop us tonight
Bailamos, let the rhythm take you over
Bailamos
Te quiero amor mío, bailamos
Gonna live this night forever
Bailamos
Te quiero amor mío, te quiero

MUSIC CUTS (KEN AND PAM CENTRE STAGE) AND WE SNAP BACK TO SHIRLEY

SHIRLEY
Ken Railings and Pam Short were dancing there that night.
Ken has always been a wonderful ambassador for Ballroom Dancing.
And then (she fights back tears)

LES
It is true.
Scott and Liz became what we term ‘boxed in’ or blocked.
But it was no excuse for what Scott did.

WE CUT BACK TO THE MUSIC (music while they speak – sing when Scott shouts COME ON
COME ON!!!)

Bailamos
Te quiero amor mío, bailamos
Gonna live this night forever
Bailamos
Te quiero amor mío, te quiero

LIZ
Bugger off!!!

SCOTT
Don’t get upset Liz

KEN
Sorry mate, but we need the floor space.

PAM
I've got a very wide cucaracha.

3
 LIZ
I want to win this

SCOTT
Right! Meet me on the other side.

SCOTT SLIDES ACROSS THE FLOOR

SCOTT
Come on! Come on!

Scott dances his own steps. Scott's on a roll. He leads Liz around the floor in a pretty
unorthodox way. The crowd seem to like it. Scott spins Liz around as she screams. She
ends up lying on the floor. Music stops ubruptly.

LIZ
He forced me into it.
Where the man goes, the lady must follow.
I had no choice.
He forced me into it

We cut back to Shirley

SHIRLEY
I keep asking myself WHY?
Did I do something wrong?
Did I fail him as a mother?

LES
And to pick what was actually wrong with the steps…
You’d have to be an experienced professional like myself OR…

JJ SILVERS
Federation President Barry Fife

BARRY
What a wonderful evening. As you know; the Federation salutes all levels of ability and
aspiration.

MERV
However on occasion we have to draw the line.
There are rules. And rule 442 is that there are NO NEW STEPS

BARRY
So I have to announce that during the Latin open final, competitors Scott Hastings and
Elizabeth Holt... were sadly disqualified.
There will be NO NEW STEPS> NO NEW STEPS

4
 SONG NO NEW STEPS (Ballroom Blitz) – JJ SILVERS and Company
MUSIC: Song BALLROOM BLITZ (No New Steps)
Are you ready Simon? Uh-huh
Andy? Yeah
Mick? Okay
Alright fellas, let's go!
Oh it's been getting so hard
Dancing the steps you want him to
His dreams are getting so strange
He’s gonna dance his new steps you see
Oh, I see Barry at the back as a matter of fact
His eyes are as red as the sun
And Scott in the corner let no one ignore him
Cause he thinks he's the passionate one
Oh yeah! It was like lightning
Everybody was dancing
And the music was soothing
And they all started grooving
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
And Barry in the back said everyone attack
We cannot have him dance new steps
And the girl in the corner said boy I want to warn you
You’re not allowed to dance new steps
No new steps, no new steps, no new steps
He’s reaching out for something
But losing is all he’ll ever do
Oh he wants to dance his new steps
But new steps will cause him to lose
And Barry in the back is ready to crack
As he raises his hands to the sky
And Tina in the corner is everyone's woman
She could kill you with a wink of her eye
Oh yeah! It was electric
So perfectly hectic
And the band started leaving
'Cause they all stopped breathing
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
And Barry in the back said everyone attack
We cannot have him dance new steps
And the girl in the corner said boy I want to warn you
You’re not allowed dance your new steps
No new steps, no new steps, no new steps
No new steps
No new steps

5
 JJ SILVERS
There you have it ladies and gentlemen form the Fedaration President Barry Fife “No
New Steps”
The judges have made their deliberations, so without further ado; the winners of the
Waratah Inter-Regional Championship are... Ken Railings and Pam Short!!

MERV
Rules are rules, Ladies and gentlemen.

BARRY
Of course Scott; it's a free country; you can dance any steps you like, but that doesn't
mean you'll win.

SHIRLEY
It was the worst day of my life.

LES
How could Scott? How could you do that to his mother?

The crowd is disappointed as the band play a musical interlude of Love is in the air

SCENE 2: RICO’S HOUSE

FRAN
My name’s Fran
I’ve only been dancing for 2 years….so I haven’t got a partner yet
But I thought what Scott and Liz danced was wonderful
I thought they shoud have won

RICO
Francisa? Where are you going?

FRAN
To my dance class Papa

RICO
Remember your grandmother needs you here next week for the festival

ABUELA
I need you here Francisca, the whole family is coming

FRAN
I promise I won’t let you down Abuela

VALENTINA

6
 Please don’t or I will be doing all the work again

FRAN
When have I ever let you down Valentina?

RICO
Your sister is right Francisca
Since your mother died we need more help around the house

FRAN
I promise I won’t let you down, I must go. I need to get to work at the Kendall Dance
Studio
I will see you tonight, I won’t be late

RICO
I will wait up for you… I worry about you

FRAN
I love you dad

RICO
I love you too Francisa
(he kisses her on the cheek)

SCENE 3: DANCE STUDIO

LIZ
What the hell was that? I've never been so humiliated.

SCOTT
We were boxed in. I improvised.

LIZ
I need to know what we're dancing!
You can't just make it up as you go along.

SCOTT
I'm sorry if I confused you Liz, but I thought they were good steps.

LIZ
Good steps?

SCOTT
Well, they felt good. What's wrong with them?

LIZ

7
 Dammit Scott; there wasn't enough that was right with 'em to say what was wrong
with 'em.

Fran enters and gets to dusting

FRAN
Hi Scott

They ignore her

SCOTT
I’m just asking what you thought about the steps

LIZ
I don’t think
I don’t give a cucaracha about them
We lost

SCOTT
I don’t want us to end up like that drunk Ken Railings

LIZ
KEN RAILINGS is a Ballroom King.

She storms into the kitchen and shouts through the kitchen serving window

I'm never dancing with you again.

Until you dance like you’re s’posed to

Scott exits stage right as Liz storms to the Kitchen

Shirley enters

SHIRLEY
Day dreaming again, Fran?

FRAN
No Mrs Hastings.

SHIRLEY
Have you finished waxing this floor?

FRAN
Nearly, Mrs Hastings.

8
 SHIRLEY
Then wash the coffee mugs, would you?

FRAN
Right. Sorry.

SHIRLEY
Oh look at those frown lines. Have you run out of the Newtra-face Apricot Scrub. I’ll
bring you some more in with your toner. It's a dollar dazzler special this week.

FRAN
Thank you very much. Mrs Hastings, can I just say? I thought what Scott and Liz danced
on Saturday was wonderful.

SHIRLEY
Well what would you know about it, dear. You've only been dancing two years. You haven't
even got a partner.

FRAN
Well, I thought they should have won.

SHIRLEY (CRYING)
Well, they didn't. I've poured my life and soul into that boy.

FRAN
I know you have.

SHIRLEY
But I'm not going to let that worry me Franny; I’ve got my Happy Face on today.

Enter Les with a gloomy look on his face.

SHIRLEYY (CONT’D)
Well?

LES
I spoke to Barry Fife.

SHIRLEY
And?

LES
... He will lift the disqualification.

SHIRLEY

9
 Oh, Lessie!

LES
And Kendall’s will not be banned from future competitions!

SHIRLEY
Oh, thank heavens! (SHE CALLS OFF STAGE) Scott!

LES
When Les Kendall speaks; Barry Fife listens.

SHIRLEY
Did you make a donation?

LES
Three hundred dollars.

SHIRLEY
Scott!
Les opens the door and dancers file in. Wayne is second through the door.
They get changed ready for class. Scott and Kylie appear from another direction.

SCOTT
Yes?

SHIRLEY
Les has fixed it; you're going to dance in the Pan Pacifics!

KYLIE
That’s wonderful news

SHIRLEY
Go make me a Martini dear while I speak to your brother Kylie

FRAN
Hi Scott!

SHIRLEY
I want you to sit LIZ down and apologise.

WAYNE
Hey, twinkle-toes.

SCOTT
Don't you start Wayne?

10
 WAYNE
No; seriously mate. That was quite a display.

SCOTT
Did you like the steps Wayne?

WAYNE
Well... You didn't win did you?

SCOTT
But did you like it?

WAYNE
Mate, doesn't matter what I like. I'm not a judge.

SCOTT
So the Federation's always right?

WAYNE
Well, they get to say what's right, you fool.

SCOTT
I know it's wrong. I know I'm dancing it wrong. But it feels right. It feels good.

WAYNE
Mate If I were you I'd focus. I'd quit all the fancy stuff and go back to winning.

Vanessa has arrived and joins them.

VANESSA
And are you going to help us with the Bogo Pogo or not? Hey hun.

WAYNE
Hey, Nessa. And that's right; what she said.

SCOTT
Of course I am. I'll have you Bogo Pogoing with the best of them.

Liz comes from the kitchen.

LIZ
I'm giving you one last chance, Scott Hastings.

SHIRLEY
Scott would like to apologise. He will never dance his own steps again. And look; I've
done some brand new costume designs for the Pan Pacific. So why don't you both
trot off to the kitchen and look through them.

11
 SCOTT
Right.

LIZ
I mean it.

Scott and Liz head to the kitchen.

SHIRLEY
Oh, Les; it was like a bad dream.

Suddenly Liz bursts screaming from the kitchen.

LIZ
Ahhhhgh! No!

All heads snap towards Liz. Scott follows sheepishly.

LES
Oh bugger!

LIZ
I am sorry, Mrs. Hastings, I've tried. God knows I've tried, but all he wants to talk about
is his stupid steps. I don't think your son's even interested in winning the Pan Pacifics.

SCOTT
What’s the big deal in talking about new steps?

A sharp intake of breath at this heresy.

SHIRLEY
Oh, Scott. Don’t be disgusting

LIZ
You've got ten minutes to get him to pull his head out of his…bogo pogo

She turns on her heel. Fran tapping her on the shoulder

FRAN
I thought what you and Scott danced was wonderful

LIZ
And what would you know about it, Ms Frangipannidelasqueegymop? (to Shirley)
If you don't make Scott see sense the reputation of this studio is gonna go right
down the dunny.

12
 Having won a reluctant consensus, she leaves.

LES
Tango please! (a harsh whisper) Doug; put the bloody record on.

Doug drops the needle.

MUSIC: LA CUMPARSITA

Dramatic Argentinian strings as Shirley and Les lead the dance.

LES (CONT’D)
(As they dance)
Oh my Goodness, Shirley.

SHIRLEY
Stay calm Les, stay calm.

She motions Doug towards Scott.

SHIRLEY
Doug; Doug will you talk to your son?

She motions Doug towards Scott.

DOUG
You Alright, Scott?

SCOTT
Never better.

DOUG
Do you mind if I bend your ear for a tick...?

SCOTT
Not now Dad, please.

SHIRLEY
Don't you speak to your father like that? He’s trying to talk to you. Talk to him Doug.
Les, do something!

Les arrests Scott mid-stride and pulls him savagely into dance position. They tango.

LES
Have you lost your bloody mind?

SCOTT

13
 I'm just sick of dancing somebody else's steps all the time.

LES
You're getting above yourself lad.

SCOTT
People there on Saturday night seemed to like it.

LES
(A dismissive laugh)
Ah, what do they know? Sure, you can please the crowd with your flashy
choreography but where was your floor-craft?
Untidy hands and your feet all over the place. No energy directed into the floor. You
could have driven a truck between your left elbow - feet Clarry! - and your right hand.
You think that's going to win you the Grand Prix?

SHIRLEY
Fran; go and fetch Liz from the changing room, there's a dear.

FRAN
Yes Mrs Hastings.

LES
And you can't win without a partner. So I want you to go to that little girl, man up and
beg forgiveness. A man is nothing without his partner, Scott. It takes two to tango.

FRAN
Liz, are you decent? Mrs Hastings would like a w...

Liz bursts from the changing room slamming Fran against the wall. She confronts
Scott.

LES
You've got a light in you boy; let it shine.

SHIRLEY
I knew you'd come to your senses.

LIZ
Well, have you made up your mind?

Music starts

That's better. But from now on; you behave yourself.

The studio breathes a sigh of relief as they dance. They applaud.

14
 SONG THE OTHER SIDE
SCOTT
Right here, right now
I put the offer out
I don't want to chase you down
I know you see it
You run with me
And I can set you free
Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in
So trade that typical for something colorful
And if it's crazy, live a little crazy
You can play it sensible, a queen of conventional
Or you can risk it all and see

CHORUS
Don't you wanna get away from the same old steps you gotta dance
'Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride
It'll take you to the other side
'Cause you can do like you do
Or you can do like me
Stay in the cage, or you'll finally take the key
Oh, damn! Suddenly you're free to fly
It'll take you to the other side

LIZ
Okay, now SCOTT, you want to cut me in
Well I hate to tell you, but it just won't happen
So thanks, but no
I think I'm good to go
'Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I'm trapped in
Now I admire you, and that whole show you do
You're onto something, (sarcastically) really it's something
But I live among the swells, and we don't pick up peanut shells
I'll have to leave that up to you

CHORUS
Don't you know that I'm okay with this uptown part I get to play
'Cause I got what I need and I don't want to take the ride
I don't need to see the other side
So go and do like you do
I'm good to do like me
Ain't in a cage, so I don't need to take the key
Oh, damn! Can't you see I'm doing fine
I don't need to see the other side

LIZ SCREAMS AS THEY COME OUT OF THE DANCE LIFT

15
 LIZ
I'm sorry Mrs Hastings. But I’m done. I don't want this!

SCOTT
Then what do you want, Liz?

LIZ
I'll tell you what I want. I want Ken Railings to walk in here right now and say "Pam
Short's broken both her legs and I wanna dance with you."

Ken Railings comes in. Sound of angels AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

KEN
Pam Short's broken both her legs and I want to dance with you.

LIZ
Do you mean it, Ken?

KEN
Yes I do, Liz.

SHIRLEY
I wasn't aware you two were acquainted.

LIZ
Well not on the floor, no. But I visited his hot tub showroom.

KEN
Best hot tubs for fifty miles. Spa-o-rama.

LIZ
He's got two back at his place.

KEN
I could do you all a very good deal. (to Cklarry) Or you could just come over and use
mine.

CLARRY
Thank you Mr Railings.

LIZ
(A smile and a warning)
Ken.

KEN

16
 You and I Liz; we're going to burn up the championship.

LES
Alright people; I think class is over for the evening.

KEN
Then why don't we all go and celebrate. I'll open up the showroom.

This is greeted with enthusiasm by the studio.

LIZ
Oh; you terrible man!

SHIRLEY
Liz; you can't just walk out on us. Liz! We're family. Look; one big happy...
Where are you going? Wayne?

WAYNE
Hot tub!

More cheers and they've gone.

LES
Don't worry, Shirl; we've got three weeks to the competition - we'll find Scott a new
partner.

SCOTT
What?

LES
We'll start tryouts tomorrow.

SCOTT
No; but, Les...

LES
No buts. You're going to win this thing if it kills us. Doug; drive her home will you.
DOUG
I would Les, but I don’t have a car

SHIRLEY
Oh, he's useless.

For a moment, a determined smile breaks through Shirley's tears, and then she is
gone. They all exit, Doug is last out.

17
 DOUG
Listen, son...

SHIRLEY
(Off) Doug!

DOUG
I want you to know, Scott...

SHIRLEY
(Off) Douglas!

DOUG
We'll talk soon.

SCOTT
Thanks, Dad.

SCENE 4: STUDIO – Scott dances to The Other Side Instrumental

FRAN
That's looking good.

Scott stops, embarrassed. Music stops

SCOTT
How long have you been here?

FRAN
Two years……I mean I’m just looking for someone.

SCOTT
Everyone's gone home.

FRAN
Yeah I know. It's just that... well, I've got this idea. I mean it's, well it's... um... I want to
dance with you. I want to dance with you; your way.

SCOTT
Well you can't dance my way; you won't win.

FRAN

18
 But, that's only because you've been overdoing it. But if you kept it simple, if you
danced from the heart.

SCOTT
What?

FRAN
And if you had the right partner.

SCOTT
And that's you is it?

FRAN
Well; I haven't got a partner.

SCOTT
We'd only have 3 weeks to train.

FRAN
Better get started then.

SCOTT
I don't think so.

FRAN
Please.

SCOTT
No.

FRAN
Just one hour...

SCOTT
This is just embarrassing.

FRAN
All I want is a tryout!

SCOTT
You're going to wake up tomorrow and feel like an idiot.

FRAN
I don't care how I feel; but I understand how you feel.

SCOTT

19
 Do you? How?

FRAN
Because...

SCOTT
How could you possibly?

FRAN
Well, because I make up my own steps, too.

SCOTT
You make up your own steps?

FRAN
Yeah...

Scott just stares at her... then turns to go.

FRAN
Do you want to dance your own steps or not?

SCOTT
A beginner has no right to approach an Open Amateur.

FRAN
Yeah; well an Open Amateur has no right to dance non-Federation steps, but it doesn't
stop you, does it?

SCOTT
That's different...

FRAN
Is it? You might think you're different, but you're not. You're just like the rest of them;
you're scared. You're frightened to give someone new a go because you think, you
know, they might just be better than you are. Well, I think you're pathetic. And you're
gutless. You're a gutless wonder. Vivir con miedo, es como vivir a medias!

Fran cries. Scott doesn't know what to do.

SCOTT
OK, don't cry...

Fran cries louder, Scott is embarrassed.

SCOTT

20
 Look, please don’t cry.

Fran wails

SCOTT (CONT’D)
Look, um... What did you say your name was?

FRAN
(Sobs rapidly diminishing)
Fran...

SCOTT
Fran what?

FRAN
Fran..gipangidellasqueegymop

A moment between them.

SCOTT
Alright then, just Fran; One hour.

FRAN
One hour?

SCOTT
Rhumba

FRAN
Rhumba.

Fran runs and puts a record on. Time after Time Instrumental

FRAN (CONT’D)
I promise you won't regret it.

SCOTT
I'm regretting it already.
You can't even do a basic!

FRAN
You said one hour...!

LES
Try outs Scott. Candidate number one Suzanne Bush

21
 SCOTT
Good dancers tell a story. A Rhumba's the dance of love; so look at me as if we're in
love... Yeah, that’s... good.

LES
Candidate number twelve Sandra Snake

SCOTT (CONT’D)
Ok spin out. Now let’s try a lunge.

FRAN
She shales her head

SCOTT
Okay then lets try this.Keep your body tight and really close.

LES
Number eighteen, Matilda Sands

SCOTT (CONT’D)
Hold on; I've got an idea.
Maybe if we drag, lift and... um. Wait. Drag, lift and... no.

FRAN
(Offers a suggestion) I know; what if we...

SCOTT
Shhh... Wait. We'll go one and two, drag and... um...

FRAN
Yeah, but what if...

SCOTT
Quiet; I'm working...

Suddenly Fran launches into a complicated Spanish-inspired step.

WHAT WAS THAT?

FRAN
It's a thing I've... I've been working on at home.

She stops the music

SCOTT
Show me.

FRAN

22
 Nah.

SCOTT
Please. Show me.

FRAN
Okay, but not here

SCOTT
I know where we can go

FRAN
Where?

SCOTT
Up on the roof

SCENE 5

Roof TOP

It's quite late at night. Doug is on the roof dancing is silhouette

Abuela is waiting up for Fran to come home

MUSIC: Proud – Heather Small - ABUELA

I look into the window of my mind
Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind
I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I am on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It's never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
Still so many answers I don't know
Realize that to question is how we grow
So I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I am on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It's never too late to try

23
 What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

FRAN and SCOTT ENTER

FRAN
Why do we have to dance up on the roof?

SCOTT
Because up here I feel free to dance what I want to

FRAN
Vivir con miedo es como vivir a medias.

SCOTT
What?

FRAN
Oh, nothing.

SCOTT
Vivir con miedo...

FRAN
...Es como vivir a medias.
To live with fear is a life half - lived.

SCOTT
Shall we carry on then?

FRAN
Sure

He switches on tape player and Kylie enters watching them from a distance

MUSIC: TIME AFTER TIME (ORIGINAL)

Kylie
LYING IN MY BED
I HEAR THE CLOCK TICK,
AND THINK OF YOU

CAUGHT UP IN CIRCLES
CONFUSION
IS NOTHING NEW

FLASHBACK - WARM NIGHTS

24
 ALMOST LEFT BEHIND...
SUITCASE OF MEMORIES,
TIME AFTER...

SOMETIMES I PICTURE YOU

YOU'RE WALKING TOO FAR AHEAD
I'M CALLING TO YOU, YOU CAN'T HEAR
WHAT I'VE SAID...

THEN YOU SAY - GO SLOW,

I FALL BEHIND.
THE SECOND HAND UNWINDS

Scott has worked out the steps. He grabs Fran and they dance.

KYLIE
IF YOU'RE LOST
YOU CAN LOOK
AND YOU WILL FIND ME
TIME AFTER TIME,

IF YOU FALL
I WILL CATCH YOU...
I'LL BE WAITING
TIME AFTER TIME...

SECRETS STOLEN
FROM DEEP INSIDE THE DRUM BEATS OUT OF TIME

SECRETS STOLEN
FROM DEEP INSIDE THE DRUM BEATS OUT OF TIME TIME AFTER TIME
TIME AFTER TIME

IF YOU'RE LOST
YOU CAN LOOK
AND YOU WILL FIND ME,
TIME AFTER TIME

IF YOU FALL
I WILL CATCH YOU
I'LL BE WAITING
TIME AFTER TIME...

IF YOU'RE LOST
YOU CAN LOOK
AND YOU WILL FIND ME,
TIME AFTER TIME

25
 IF YOU FALL I WILL CATCH YOU
I WILL BE WAITING...
TIME AFTER TIME!
TIME AFTER TIME
TIME AFTER TIME

SCENE 6 KENDALL’S STUDIO

FRAN AND THE GIRLS

Female dancers enter
FRAN is humming

CLARRY
What’s up with her

KYLIE
I think she has a crush

GIRL
Oh La la la la la la

FRAN
Its not like that

GIRL
Then what is it like

GIRL
Is it Scott Hastings

FRAN
No

KYLIE
I saw them dancing on the roof

GIRL
Why is he dancing with you?

CLARRY
You’re my partner

They all laugh

FRAN
Its not like that

26
 GIRL
Were you lost in his arms?

GIRL
You just cant get him out of your head

GIRL
OOOOO la la la la

GIRL
Well its more than I dare think about

GIRL
Can you imagine being lost in his arms

KYLIE
EW that’s my brother

SONG: CANT GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD – KYLIE AND FRAN

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
I just can't get you out of my head
Boy, your lovin' is all I think about
I just can't get you out of my head
Boy, its more than I dare to think about
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
I just can't get you out of my head
Boy, your lovin' is all I think about
I just can't get you out of my head
Boy, its more than I dare to think about
Every night
Every day
Just to be there in your arms
Won't you stay
Won't you stay
Stay forever and ever and ever ah ah

THE GIRLS GIGGLE AS SCOTT ENTERS…THEY ARE EXCITED TO SEE HIM AND LEAVE QUICKLY
TO LEAVE HIM AND FRAN ALONE TOGETHER….FRAN AND SCOTT DANCE THE END OF THEIR
RHUMBA ON THE ROOF

SCOTT
Well, I think you're ready...

27
 FRAN
What for?

SCOTT
I want you and me to try out for Les tomorrow night

FRAN
At the State Championships? Really?

SCOTT
Yep.

She kisses him impulsively. He pushes her away in surprise.

FRAN
Sorry.

SCOTT
Fran, remember what I said about the rumba being... y'know - the dance of love.

FRAN
(Expectantly)
Yeah.

SCOTT
It's pretend. You just pretend to be in love. It's not real.

FRAN
Oh no, I didn't...that's not what I... I know that.

SCOTT
Just so's we're straight.

FRAN
Of course.

SCOTT
Are you ok?

FRAN
I must go

SHE LEAVES SCOTT FOLLOWS…scene transforms to the Train Station

SCENE 7: RICO’S HOUSE

SCOTT

28
 Fran! Hey are you ok?

Suddenly, a light clicks on. We hear:

RICO (O.S.)
Francisca...?

FRAN
(Worried by the voice)
You'd better go. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye!

SCOTT
Okay, I'll...

FRAN
(Desperate that he leave)
Yeah see ya... See ya...
(Firmly)

SCOTT
Goodnight then.

FRAN
Goodnight.

Scott leaves her.

RICO
Francisca...?

RICO (CONT’D)
Francisca! Como vienes tan tarde?

VALENTINA
Why are you so late?

He confronts her. Behind him, in the shadows, a worried ABUELA - Fran's

grandmother.

FRAN
I've been dancing.

RICO
Dancing?

FRAN
Practising. With Natalie.

29
 RICO (Spanish)
Tú sales demasiao. Mañana te quedas aquí.

VALENTINA
You are out too much; tomorrow we need you here...

FRAN
Tomorrow?

RICO (Spanish)
Mañana.

VALENTINA
Tomorrow

FRAN
But I can't; not tomorrow.

RICO
Manyanan es la fiesta dela espanide...

FRAN
(Overriding)
The Spanish Festival, I know. But it's the State Championships. I have to go.

RICO
Ya está bien! I'm your father; you will stay home!

FRAN
But I'm dancing. I was going to...

VALENTINA
As Rico exits she mockingly
LA la la la la la la la la la la

ABUELA
Valentina stop that! Shh. Hush now.

FRAN
I was going to dance.

Abuela comforts Fran with a warning and an embrace.

ABUELA
Tomorrow everyone is coming for dinner. You must not shame your father.

30
 FRAN
But I have to go. Abuela, my life depends on it!

ABUELA
Ah... still so young. OK. We give you one more day of childhood. I shall make up some
annoyance.

FRAN
You mean an excuse?

ABUELA
Si... excuse

FRAN
Why would you want to help me Abuela?

ABUELA
Because I also had dreams once

JJ SILVERS
Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome couple number 84 to the dance floor for the semi-
finals of the rhumba

Wayne and Pam dance during song

SONG REMEDY - Gugu

I remember all of the things that I thought I wanted to be
So desperate to find a way out of my world and finally breathe
Right before my eyes I saw that my heart it came to life
This ain't easy it's not meant to be
Every story has its scars
But when the pain cuts you deep
When the night keeps you from sleeping
Just look and you will see
That I will be your remedy
When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be your remedy
RICO (O.S. Spanish)
Abuela...! Valentina!

ABUELA
Tomorrow I shall think of some story. But make sure you are home before ten.

31
 VALENTINA
I will help

FRAN
Gracias Abuela. Gracias Valentina

ABUELA
Now go to bed.

FRAN
Si. Si.

SCENE 8

The blue curtain opens and JJ addresses the audience.

JJ SILVERS
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The State Championships!
Sadly, tonight Nathan and Tina will be dancing together for the very last time, as
Nathan is retiring to concentrate on his landscape-gardening business.
The question on everyone’s lips is: who will snaffle Tina?
Rumour has it that Tina Sparkle and Scott Hastings could be dancing together at the
finals. Could they be the new couple number 100????
We will have to wait and see

JJ sings Accappella
Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air
In every sight and every sound

And I don’t know if I’m being foolish

I don’t know if I’m being blind
It’s something that I just believe in
And it’s there when I look in your eye

Barry’s office

Ken walks across a bit unsteadily with a double scotch. Liz follows with a sandwich.

LIZ
Would you please eat this

KEN
I'm on a diet.

32
 LIZ
A whisky diet?

KEN
It works. Last week I lost … three days.

LIZ
I left Scott Hastings for you.

KEN
Because I'm a legend.

Barry sweeps in followed by JJ SILVER in minion mode, Les and Merv.

BARRY
With Nathan retiring, Scott and Tina are both without partners and I think it would be
advantageous for all concerned if they were seen together.

MERV
But why reward Scott's shenanigans?

JJ SILVERS
Young dancers need to see their champions dancing by the book, Merv.

BARRY
JJ’s hit the head right on the nail there, Merv.

They all have a pause

LES
I'm a hundred percent behind it Barry; Scott can try out with Tina tonight.

BARRY
Ladies - let's make this a bloody good festival.

Barry and Les shake hands.

BARRY
Merv, you tell Tina we've got it all worked out.

MERV
Yes Barry (she exits)

LES
This is wonderful Barry, wonderful!
Scott enters.

SCOTT

33
 You wanted to see me, Mr Fife?

LES
There you are son. Yes; Mr Fife would like a word.

SCOTT
You want me to toe the line. I get it.

BARRY
I'm going to be frank with you Scott; if you don't toe the line; the future of Kendall’s is
at stake. I mean it ok? Alright Les; shall we tell him the good news?

LES
Yes Barry, thank you Barry.

BARRY
So yes. Scott; tonight you try out with Tina Sparkle!

SCOTT
Tina? But...

LES
Thank you, Barry.

SCOTT
Yeah, but...

LES
We're very grateful, Barry. It's a visionary idea.

JJ SILVERS
Visionary!

Tina enters with Merv.

LES
Oh Tina! What a sight!

TINA
Well hello Scott.

MERV
Tina's got one last exhibition dance with Nathan, then she's all yours. That's right,
Tina?

TINA
All yours.

34
 LES
We'll leave you to it. Keep it simple. Bring it home.

Barry leads everyone but Scott and Tina out.

TINA
Well here we are.

SCOTT
Tina look I’m not interested
I just wanted you to know that.

TINA
I just wanted you to know that when Barry told me you were available I didn’t think it was a
very good idea,. I know what you did at the Waratahs’ – it was disgusting.

SCOTT
Disgusting? I was just doing my own thing
Its fine, Tina.

TINA
No Scott it’s not fine!
Doing your own thing’s not going to get you anywhere in life - you’re so used to winning
that you think you won’t miss it when you start losing - let me tell you something.

SONG: HIGH HOPES - Thlami

Had to have high, high hopes for winning
Shooting for the stars when no one else was willing
Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes
Had to have high, high hopes for winning
Didn't know how but I always had a feeling
I was gonna be that one in a million
Always had high, high hopes
Mama said
Fulfill the prophecy
Be something greater
Go make a legacy
Manifest destiny
Back in the days
I wanted everything, wanted every win
Mama said
Burn your biographies
Rewrite your history
Light up your wildest dreams
Museum victories, everyday
I wanted everything, wanted everything

35
 Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated
All tied up, no more love and I'd hate to see you losing
Had to have high, high hopes for winning
Shooting for the stars when no one else was willing
Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes
Had to have high, high hopes for winning
Didn't know how but I always had a feeling
I was gonna be that one in a million
Always had high, high hopes
Mama said
follow the rules
They’re all that count
Ain't ever wannabes
Only winners and trophies
Don't ever change
I wanted everything, wanted everything
Stay up on that rise
Stay up on that rise and never come down
Stay up on that rise
Stay up on that rise and never come down
Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated
All tied up, no more love and I'd hate to see you losing
They say it's all been done but they haven't seen the best of me
So I got one more run and it's gonna be a sight to see
Had to have high, high hopes for winning
Shooting for the stars when no one else was willing
Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes

TINA
Either we win this thing, or our bloody hearts give out. Do we have a deal?

JJ SILVERS (from off stage)

Tina it's nearly time for your exhibition dance.

TINA
Oh dear Lord, that's me. I'll see you later. It's time to step up, Scott Hastings.

Tina leaves and Fran enters as Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps starts

FRAN
Scott?
I got away. I've got to be back by ten.
But we should be dancing at what about eight thirty?

36
 SCOTT
Right

FRAN
Have you told Les?

SCOTT
Well...

FRAN
Have you told your mother? I bet you haven't. Well, they'll find out soon enough.
Who's dancing?

SCOTT
Nathan and Tina

FRAN
Oh she's so good. A bit technical. Not entirely from the heart, you know? But you
can't fault her.
This song. My mother loved this song. We could dance this, eventually. Let's you
and I dance this.

SCOTT
Fran; there's something I need to...

But she's not listening; she's stepped away from him and dances, tentatively but
beautifully.

LES
Scott! What the hell are you two up to?

KYLIE
Scott’s dancing with Fran the beginner

LUKE
Crikey mate, what are you thinking?

LIZ
You’re a beginner Fran, what the hell do you think you’re doing?

FRAN
We were just…

SCOTT
Les I’ve made my mind up. I’m going to dance with….

37
 Shirley enters

SHIRLEY
Oh, I’m so excited

FRAN
Are you?

KYLIE
We thought he’d never find a new partner

SCOTT
Mum…

KYLIE
And now everything has turned out wonderfully

FRAN
Do you really think so?

SHIRLEY
Of course I do. Les and I are beside ourselves

SCOTT
Mum, please!

FRAN
Really? Well I’m very happy too

SHIRLEY
Our Scott dancing with Tina Sparkle

SCOTT
Fran…listen Fran…I never

FRAN
It’s wonderful news. Congratulations

SCOTT
Yeah, but you don’t understand

Tina enters with Barry and Merv

LES
Oh Tina

TINA

38
 Well Scott; what’s say we turn this blind date into a hot one?

LES
Scott's bucking up and buckling down

BARRY
And don't blow it, son. I mean where would we all be if everyone went around making
up their own steps?

SCOTT
Well; you'd be out of a job for a start.

A sharp intake of breath from all around.

SHIRLEY
Scott.

LES
Take that back at once.

BARRY
What did you say to me?

SCOTT
I'm sorry Tina. But I can't dance with you. I'm going to dance my way, or not at all.

Scott strides away.

WAYNE
It's Tina Bloody Sparkle mate! What is wrong with you?

SCOTT
What is wrong with me!
What's so wrong with the way I dance?

He runs out.

TINA
Can someone please explain to me what the bloody hell just happened?

BARRY
I told you; that boy's a loose cannon. I'm wiping my hands of the lot of you!

TINA
Scott!

39
 LES
Barry!

SHIRLEY
Mr Fife!

LES
Oh Lord.

SHIRLEY
Oh, Les.

SCENE 9: TRAIN STATION

Fran enters and sees JJ Sitting on the bench

FRAN
What are you doing here?

JJ SILVERS
Fran I need to talk to you?

FRAN
Go home

JJ SILVERS
Fran…I know how you feel

FRAN
Really? You know how I feel?
Is it? I might think I’m different, but I’m not. I’m just like the rest of them; I’m scared.
I’m pathetic. And I’m gutless.

JJ SILVERS
Fran I used to dance
I used to dance to win

FRAN
You mean you and Mr Fi…

JJ SILVERS
SSSSHHHHH

FRAN
What happened

40
 JJ SILVERS
It was 1974…We were supposed to dance at the World Latin Finals in Arizona…
We were supposed to dance the Rhumba

And he didn’t show…he never explained it to me…. Why he didn’t dance with me
I was so angry
I walked out of the finals
Into the desert and looked up at

SONG: Always remember us this way

That Arizona sky burning in my eyes

He looked at me and, babe, I wanna catch on fire
It's buried in my soul like California gold
He found the light in me that I couldn't find
So when you’re all choked up
and you can't find the words
Every time you say goodbye
Baby, it hurts
When the sun goes down
And the band won't play
I'll always remember us this way
Lovers in the night
Poets trying to write
We don't know how to rhyme
But, damn, we try
But all I really know
You're where I wanna go
The part of me that's you will never die
So when I'm all choked up
But I can't find the words
Every time we say goodbye
Baby, it hurts
When the sun goes down
And the band won't play
I'll always remember us this way
Oh, yeah
I don't wanna be just a memory, baby, yeah
When I'm all choked up
But I can't find the words
Every time we say goodbye
Baby, it hurts
When the sun goes down
And the band won't play
I'll always remember us this way, oh, yeah

41
 When you look at me
And the whole world fades
I'll always remember us this way

Scott appears.

SCOTT
Fran.

FRAN
What are you doing here?

SCOTT
I want to dance with you.

FRAN
Go away. I'll get in trouble.

SCOTT
I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for all that to happen back there.

FRAN
I'm never gonna be like them.

SCOTT
No, I don't want you to be like them - you're better than all of them.
(A moment)
Fran, I want to dance with you. I want to dance with you. Our way at the Pan Pacifics.

FRAN
We won't win.

SCOTT
I don't care, I just want to dance our steps

FRAN
I fell... you didn't catch me.

SCOTT
I'll never let that happen again...

Rico enters, Abuela and Valentina behind him.

RICO
Francisca... Quien es este?

VALENTINA
[Who is this?]

42
 Fran looks from Rico to Scott and back to Rico.

FRAN
This is my dancing partner.

RICO
This is Natalie? You; you go now.

SCOTT
I'm pleased to m...

RICO
Vete! Vete! Go!

Rico pushes Scott, he falls.

VALENTINA
My father says you should go

SCOTT
We just dance together, that's all.

Drawn by the disturbance, revellers from the party gather.

RICO
What dance do you dance with my daughter so late at night?

Scott looks to the crowd and then back to Rico.

SCOTT
The Paso Doble?

ABUELA steps in to defuse things.

ABUELA
You dance the paso doble?
(She claps her hands)
Show! Show!

Music BRAVE JOSH GROBAN instrumental starts. Scott stamps the floor,
striking a dramatic pose. He and Fran dash across the floor in their paso,
Scott clicking his fingers and stamping his feet. There is a moment of stunned
silence and then the spectators begin to chuckle. ABUELA's expression is
bewildered. Scott, fighting the reaction, drives the dance stronger and

43
 stronger, but the laughter increases to a raucous howling. Scott breaks off
into a temper.

SCOTT (CONT’D)
What's so bloody funny?

The laughter dies to a still tension. Rico slowly rises and walks to Scott.

RICO
(Into Scott's face)
Paso Doble? Paso Doble!

VALENTINA
[This is what you waste your time on?]

ABUELA
Hot stuff, might be able to shake his tail feather,

VALENTINA
but he knows chicken shhhhh about rhythm'.

ABUELA
Where do you feel the rhythm?

VALENTINA
Where do you feel the rhythm?

Scott stamps his feet.

ABUELA
No, No!

She plants her hands on Scott's stomach and heart.

VALENTINA
[No, don't think it. Put it in your heart. Feel the rhythm inside. Lift up here; lower your
shoulders, lift this].

ABUELA (CONT’D)
Listen to the rhythm, don't be scared. Acompename!

FRAN
Follow.

RICO
Stick to baby steps.

44
 ABUELA
Don't listen to him. Listen to yourself.

SCOTT
I cant do this

ABUELA
Yes you can

JJ SILVERS
Just listen to you heart

ABUELA
Listen to your heart and be brave

SONG
Wake up, wake up, the sun cannot wait for long
Reach out, reach out before it fades away
You will find the warmth when you surrender
Smile into the fear and let it play
You wanna run away, run away and you say that it can’t be so
You wanna look away, look away but you stay cause’ it’s all so close
When you stand up and hold out your hand
In the face of what I don’t understand
My reason to be brave
Hold on, hold on, so strong, time just carries on
And all that you thought was wrong is pure again
You can’t hide forever from the thunder
Look into the storm and feel the rain
You wanna run away, run away and you say that it can’t be so
You wanna look away, look away but you stay cause’ it’s all so close
When you stand uṗ and hold out your hand
In the face of what I don’t understand
My reason to be brave
O oh oh oh oh
Go on, go on
You wanna run away, run away and you say that it can’t be so
You wanna look away, look away but you stay cause’ it’s all so close
When you stand up and hold out your hand
In the face of what I don’t understand
My reason to be brave
END ACT 1

45