The film opens with Katey (Romola Garai) providing a voice-over, sharing her journey to Havana, accompanied by a series of picturesque postcards and scenes from the vibrant city. She is traveling with her father, mother, and sister to a luxurious hotel, while the backdrop of Castro's revolution unfolds. Despite the political turmoil, the hotel’s guests appear unfazed and relaxed.
At the hotel pool, Katey encounters her sister socializing with other Americans, including James (Jonathan Jackson), who introduces himself as the son of her father's employer. The moment takes a turn when Javier (Diego Luna), a waiter, arrives with drinks, but a tragic mishap occurs when Katey accidentally spills a tray. One of the patrons insults Javier, prompting Katey to feel guilty and attempt to engage with him; however, he remains distant.
The story further unfolds as Katey reminisces about a home movie of her parents dancing, igniting a desire in her to possess their skill. During class, she is invited to a party at the country club by James, which she happily accepts. On her way home from school, she spots Javier enjoying a street party; their paths intertwine as he offers to escort her home, but an unexpected police presence forces Katey to flee.
Motivated by her observations, the next day, Katey practices some of the dance moves she saw earlier. Javier notices her but is disheartened when she mentions her prior commitment to the country club. That evening, Katey dons a seductive dress, stunning James at the party. Eager to see Javier dance, she persuades James to accompany her to the Cuban club, where things escalate as tensions rise between Javier and his brother, revealing the underlying political conflict.
After another encounter with her father’s boss's son, Katey runs away from James after rebuffing his advances. Returning to the Cuban club, Javier agrees to walk her home, solidifying their bond. Katey’s world expands as she witnesses a dance class led by the one and only Patrick Swayze, who invites her to join a significant upcoming dance contest. As she collects a flyer, a conflict brews when James informs her that her sister got Javier fired due to jealousy.
Resolute, Katey confronts her sister and seeks out Javier, who now works at a chop shop. After some reluctance, he agrees to dance with her for the contest, and they commence practice, forging an intense connection as they learn from each other. Time flies, and soon it’s the night of the competition; the pressure mounts when Katey’s parents express their disapproval of her relationship with Javier. Despite these obstacles, Katey reconciles with her parents, eagerly anticipating the finale.
During their performance, Javier's world comes crashing down when he recognizes his brother among the revolutionaries. Chaos erupts as the police invade, halting the contest and forcing Javier to come to his brother's aid. Amidst the turmoil, they share heartfelt memories of their father and join in the celebration upon hearing Batista's departure from Cuba.
Their story continues as Javier surprises Katey at the hotel, taking her to the beach where they share an intimate moment. The following day, reality strikes when Katey’s parents announce their imminent departure from Cuba, leaving her with one last magical night with Javier. They return to the club where their newfound passion ignited, dancing together in a bittersweet moment, as Katey reflects on the uncertainty of their future. Though she doesn't know when they will reunite, she confidently asserts that this won’t be their last dance together.
