Carmen

One and two...

Okay. Now the other step.

All right. Just a minute, please.

Come here.

The rest of you, just watch.

That's fine.

Okay. Thank you.

All right.

Carry on. Cristina.

Work with the girls, please.

The same step?

Any step. It doesn't matter.

Paco, when are you going to Seville?

I'm catching the 8:00 plane tomorrow morning.

Do me a favor. Check the dance schools there.

See if there isn't a girl there who could be Carmen.

Don't you like any of these?

Some of them aren't bad...

but I just don't see them as Carmen.

Cry no more

Weep no longer

Suffer no longer

That melody's pretty.

Sounds nice as a bulería.

It'd work well for Antonio.

He'd be more comfortable with this than with the orchestra.

I'm gonna tell him.

We were listening to that music.

I think you'd find it hard to dance to.

The orchestra keeps slowing down for the singer.

You'll be left perched on one leg like a stork.

The rhythm should be more even, like in bulerías.

Listen.

Cristina, come here.

Paco, it sounds good,

but I'd like it a little slower,

more like the original.

- But it works better, right? - Yes.

Follow me when the melody comes in.

Do me a favor.

Give the girls some steps.

Mostly arms and posture.

Very good, Paco. Keep working on it.

Boys, off the floor.

We're going to work on bulerías using that rhythm we just heard.

That's it. Hands nice and slow.

That's it. Nice and slow.

Carmen had a strange and savage beauty.

Her lips were plump but well-shaped

and opened to reveal teeth whiter than the whitest pearls.

Watch how she does it! Don't just learn the step!

Her long hair was shiny and black,

with a glimmer of blue, like a ravens feathers.

Her eyes had a voluptuous but surly expression

that I've never seen in another human gaze.

"Gypsy eyes, wolf eyes,"

as the Spanish saying goes.

Hello.

- Hey! - Hi! How are you?

- Hello, María. - Hi, Antonio.

- When is Magdalena's class? - It started at 5:00.

- Which studio? - Second door on the right.

How are you?

Come to take a few classes?

To brush up a bit.

See you later, okay?

Right arm comes down. Head up, then to the left.

Left arm down and the head turns.

Both arms down the middle...

and up slowly, like an eagle's wings.

Neck relaxed. Left arm down the center.

Bring it up nice and slow.

Right arm down the middle.

Manuel, bring your arm higher, sweetie.

Arm up high, and now down.

Not bad, ladies.

But don't forget: Technique is only a tool for your art.

Keep the wrists still when playing the castanets.

The arm rises slowly and precisely.

Pull the waist and ribs up out of the hips.

The breasts are like a bull's horns, but warm and soft.

Hold your head up like a queen.

And don't move your hands.

Let's go on to the next exercise.

One, two...

and then on three the head turns, and again, and again.

Preparation.

Sharp!

Arm up gracefully.

Hurry up, Carmen. You're always late.

I looked up and saw her.

It was a Friday. I'll never forget it.

At first I didn't like her and returned to my work.

But in that way women and cats have

of never coming when you call

but only when you don't,

she walked up and spoke to me.

- Good evening. - Hello.

Hello, Antonio.

- I didn't know you were her agent. - Her exclusive agent.

What an incredible place!

I love it. It's beautiful.

Give me a light.

- Shall I change? - Whatever you like.

Then I won't.

Even a bar! You guys did it up right.

- Care for a drink? - Sure. A glass of wine.

Follow me.

Legs open.

And back to the left to finish.

Here.

- You're doing fine. - Give me some.

Relax. Just do your best.

Stand over there, please.

We'll do that same step, but in a semicircle.

No, go back.

Please try to relax.

Believe in what you're doing.

Look at me.

Look me in the eyes!

That's it.

Don't look away.

Really look at me!

Don't blink.

Now turn slowly.

- Good-looking couple. - Yeah.

Lean back.

No, lean back against me.

Hold on tight, like I was in front of you.

Now circle with the hips.

Slowly.

Turn with me very slowly.

Follow me.

Do what I do with your hand.

Same thing. Come on, caress me.

That's it. Now face me.

Good.

Very good.

- Is that it? - For now.

How long have you been dancing?

Since I was 15.

I always saw my mother singing and dancing at parties.

It got in my blood at a young age.

- Your parents are dancers? - Not at all.

How did you get started? In a dance troupe?

Here in the nightclub, about three months ago.

I started in November.

- Do you sing? - A little.

But what I really want to do is dance.

I take class every day with María Magdalena, Cirio and Alberto Lorca.

Here.

Do I have to read it?

No, but it might help.

You know, when I want something, I usually get it.

I'm stronger than I look.

Well, Antonio? What do you think?

See you tomorrow at the studio. Good-bye, Girón.

Who the hell does he think he is?

Stupid jerk!

Son of a bitch.

I'm going to do that part.

We'll see about that.

Let's start.

That's it. Good.

Your whole body.

Let's see those hands flutter like doves.

Elbows in! Your waist!

We're here to dance!

What's the problem?

Transition.

Stretch your body up like a queen!

Carmen, come and watch.

Let's see here.

Are you paying attention?

Let's see it.

Your shoulders!

Lift up out of your waist!

Let's see some gracefulness!

What is it?

Antonio wants to see you in his office alone.

Go on with the class.

- You wanted to see me? - Sit down.

Cristina, help me out here.

Help you out? I'm doing all I can.

Please.

She's the one who has to practice.

I'm sure she will, but we have to help her.

I don't get it. There are dozens better than her.

That's my business. She has what I'm looking for.

Sure... she's young.

Let's get something clear.

You're the best dancer, but you're not going to be Carmen.

I need a different type, someone younger. Is that clear?

Cristina...

you're my right hand here!

I need you, damn it!

Do me a personal favor.

What is it?

Help Carmen.

Work with her. Teach her.