Alma's Rainbow

Rainbow Gold is a tomboyish teenager living in Brooklyn with her single mother, Alma. Alma operates a salon from their brownstone apartment, providing a source of income and stability for their family.

After school, Rainbow dedicates her time to practice dance moves with her close friends, Pepper and Sea Breeze. They aim to perfect their routines and secure an audition that could change their lives.

Alma hosts a tenth anniversary celebration for her salon, inviting clients, family, and friends. The party brings together various characters, including Blue, Alma's boyfriend, creating a lively atmosphere.

Rainbow's aunt, Ruby, makes a grand entrance at the salon party after a ten-year absence, presenting herself as a nightclub singer reminiscent of Josephine Baker. This encounter sparks Rainbow's interest in the entertainment industry and deepens their familial bond.

As Rainbow learns about Ruby's career in entertainment, she becomes inspired to follow in her aunt's footsteps. The interaction gives Rainbow a glimpse of a world beyond her current life, filled with aspirations and dreams.

Frustrated by her dance partners failing to show up for practice, Rainbow decides to quit dancing altogether. This decision reflects her internal struggle and the impact of her surroundings on her passions.

As Rainbow focuses less on her dance aspirations, her academic performance begins to suffer. This decline in grades causes increased tension between her and her mother, Alma, who is worried about her daughter's future.

Alma confronts Ruby about influencing Rainbow's dreams of a show business career. During this heated discussion, deeper familial dynamics are revealed, including Alma and Ruby's past as a singing duo known as the Fabulous Flamingo Sisters.

With renewed ambition, Ruby arranges a one-woman concert and invites Rainbow and Alma to attend. This event creates an opportunity for Rainbow to reconnect with her aspirations and her family.

That night, Ruby wakes Rainbow to help her practice for her upcoming audition. This moment captures the bond between aunt and niece as Ruby shares valuable advice on presentation and performance.

The following morning, Rainbow attempts to style her appearance after Ruby, only to discover that her aunt has left without saying goodbye. This sudden absence leaves Rainbow feeling abandoned and uncertain about her future.

One evening, Rainbow finds herself dancing at a nightclub, exploring her identity and sexual relationships. This night serves as a pivotal moment in her growth, testing her desires and boundaries.

In an attempt to engage with Sea Breeze sexually, Rainbow faces a moment of shock when she realizes he does not have a condom. This incident highlights the complexities of young love and the challenges of navigating adult situations.

While Rainbow is out, Alma enjoys a romantic evening with Blue, culminating in a one-night stand. This unexpected turn of events complicates the already strained mother-daughter relationship.

On the morning of her audition, Rainbow prepares with anticipation, while Alma expresses her own creativity through scat-dancing in the parlor. This duality represents their individual pursuits in art and life, setting the stage for personal growth.