Tiny Pretty Things

Hey, stranger.

It's not what it looks like.

It is, but I can explain...

- Ow! - I know…

No.

No! No!

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That's what you dream of.

There's no better feeling.

The truth is, you only fly for a second or two

before gravity takes back what you tried to steal.

Because no matter how hard you work, how strong you are, or how thin you get…

Gravity always, always wins.

Neveah. Neveah!

Chicago called.

They said they didn't want me.

Something changed their mind.

What happened?

I wish I knew.

Hey.

Good luck in there.

The Archer School of Ballet has bolstered its security protocols,

offered counseling to all students,

and put the focus squarely back where it should be,

training the next generation

of world-class dancers.

There are reports of angry parents, donors pulling out.

One star student sadly suffered a fateful misstep.

"Misstep"?

She fell four stories…

Of course, for any

dancer, the higher you fly,

the more bone-shattering the landing that inevitably arrives.

You have to be quick on your feet to adapt and deal with the unexpected.

And in time,

you learn two tricks that help you survive when there's trouble in the spotlight.

First, you never lose your smile.

And second,

you make damn sure you distract them with something else to look at.

Madame Dubois.

Neveah Stroyer.

Monique Dubois! Oh, my gosh!

Welcome to the Archer School of Ballet.

Our newest arrival, here on a full-ride scholarship.

We helped a girl escape her dead-end life in Compton.

- - Inglewood, actually, but...

Oh, well, when we see talent, we don't ask where it comes from.

Dancers here have trained since they could walk.

Up for the late arrival?

With a girl of Neveah's talent, two years here will prime her for success.

Dancing in Cassie Shore's footsteps.

Who's Cassie Shore?

We have a tired young lady here.

- Be in touch for a photo release. - Thank you so much.

That went over like a lead balloon.

- Was there something I was... - Yes, but for now, get her to Alan.

They start with your bones,

then your feet, frame, and flexibility.

Your musicality, charisma, and deference.

Then after they've taken you apart…

They wanna see a spark.

It's so we can check your alignment,

see how your turnout is regressing.

You sure she'll do the trick?

It's a start.

I'm also announcing the premiere of a new ballet by Ramon Costa.

Ramon Costa? But we don't have him.

Yet.

Neveah, there's a photo of your dad on file. What about your mother?

What about her?

We predict how you'll develop from the...

I know, but you already accepted me.

This Cassie Shore, what went down?

There was an accident.

So she's gone, and that's why I'm here?

You're here, Neveah, because you have something special.

Now go out there and make sure they see it.

Okay, so you're tier three, ages 16 and 17.

Doors lock at curfew, and all guests sign in.

Academics are from eight to noon.

You missed today, but I got your homework.

And then dance is from 1:00 to 6:30.

Lights out at ten.

Honey.

Here's home.

Your roommate's name is June.

You drink or smoke, you're out. You fail your academics, you're gone.

You get too skinny, you're sent home.

You get caught screwing a boy, or a girl, for that matter, bye-bye.

Basically, just act like I'm watching everything, because I am.

Toodles.

Thanks.

Did she say one? Oh, shit.

All right, everyone, let's get started.

- Facing the barre in sixth, please. - You're in my spot.

Pressing over to three-quarter<span

Rolling through the feet.

- And reverse. - Sorry, that's mine.

Rise, test your balance.

Open to first.

- Repeat in second. - And anywhere but there.

And finish with a four-count side bend, right, left.

- And a nice, full rond de corps… - Everyone's got their place.

Yes! Let's have a waltz, please. Thank you, Richard.

And…

- Relax the ankles in the demi. - You're in the sticks, darling.

Keep the heels together as you roll through.

And demi.

And double.

And lengthen into the grand…

Present the heel in the tendu devant, people!

Humor me, please! People, close the ribs!

I need to see the fifth.

Make your transitions precise.

Your weight over your supporting leg

does not mean slouching.

- We don't wear junk here. - Junk?

Junk. You've covered what I need to see.

Lift in the attitude.

You're sinking in your port de bras. Sternum up.

Drop that hip.

Nope, your hip's still up to your ear.

Your weight's in your heels.

You need to be over your supporting leg.

Drop your hip.

Lift.

Bette, demonstrate to the side.

- - Look. Do you see?

Okay, I'll spare you.

Just visiting?

New admission.

Then show up next class in proper attire with better shoes.

Those are a fiasco.

Bette, your second arm is late.

Your second arm is late.

No. Try a higher passé.

- - Another year, and still not a turner.

Your summer break did you no favors.

So, tomorrow after class,

we'll begin pas de deux.

But this term, each of you will be assigned just one partner.

Trust in this building has been broken,

and this may help rebuild it.

Wow. He's amazing!

Yeah, if you're hot for psychos.

You ask me, he pushed her.

Nabil, very good.

Pushed who?

His girlfriend, Cassie.

Pinch whatever you need to and get busy.

This is every shoe that ballerinas at City Works rejected,

yours for a few bucks.

You did pretty good today.

Are you kidding? I could not get on my leg.

We've all been there.

You think this place can make me company-ready in two years?

I've seen them do more with less.

But if they're wrong, you're gone.

I'm sorry, we haven't met.

Bette. This is June.

Show me your arches.

- What, my feet? - That won't make a dancer.

Where'd you train?

Bette's just scoping the competish.

Scared.

Anyone who got in this late must be fierce prima material.

All right, pretty good.

Friends.

Neveah, these would be perfect for you.

Double X, high vamp?

What is…

Are these Delia Whitlaw's shoes?

Well, her rejects.

They look like a perfect fit.

- Isn't that interesting, Bette? - You're trash, Shane.

Have fun scavenging with your new petit rat.

June.

Bye.

- Did she just call me a... - A rat, yep.