Make It Happen

Lauryn bids farewell to her brother Joel in Glenwood, Indiana as she heads to Chicago to audition for a renowned dance school. She hopes to prove she can train professionally despite the lack of local options. The journey marks the start of her pursuit of a big break in dance.

At the Chicago audition, Lauryn performs a hip-hop routine that leaves some observers impressed but is rejected by the judge. The judge states they need to see something more sensual and feminine. The setback highlights the gatekeeping she must navigate to advance.

Dejected, Lauryn goes to a diner to drown her sorrows and ends up with a car towed. A kind waitress named Dana notices her distress and offers help, inviting Lauryn to stay with her. This act of generosity sets Lauryn on a new, unexpected path.

Dana brings Lauryn to Ruby's club, where she meets Russ, the slick-talking DJ, and Brenda, the club owner. Brenda hires Lauryn as a bookkeeper based on her skills with numbers, giving her a foothold in the club's world. Lauryn begins to observe the performances, including Carmen's on-stage talents.

Lauryn watches Carmen perform on the stage, absorbing the club's burlesque atmosphere. The dazzling routine sharpens Lauryn's awareness of a different style of stage presence. This experience foreshadows her later shift toward Ruby's world.

Before closing, Lauryn steps onto the club stage to dance silently, letting her fluid movement speak for her. Russ observes her from the shadows, recognizing her potential. The moment marks the start of a changing relationship between her and the club's inner circle.

The next night, Russ asks Lauryn to dance after witnessing her earlier display. She initially feels out of place, but when the music shifts to hip-hop she delivers a sexy routine. Her performance quickly makes her Ruby's new star and fuels tensions with rival dancers.

As Lauryn rises, Carmen and Brooke grow resentful and attempt to intimidate her, aiming to undermine her on stage. They spread whispers and create distractions during performances. Lauryn must decide whether to persist or retreat from Ruby's spotlight.

Joel confronts Lauryn at the club; they argue about the family garage and its mounting debts. Lauryn learns that the business is at risk because of mortgage troubles and financial pressures. The revelation deepens her conflict between family duty and chasing fame.

Feeling torn, Lauryn decides to ditch the life on stage and return to Indiana to help save the family garage. It's a painful choice between pursuing success and supporting her brother and home. She resolves to re-evaluate her path.

A turning moment occurs when Joel catches Lauryn joyfully dancing in the garage; he sees her happiness and urges her to give the Chicago audition another shot. He believes the family business can survive if she follows her dream with renewed focus. Lauryn agrees to try again, balancing love for family with ambition.

Lauryn returns to Chicago for a second audition and nails it, earning encouragement from Russ and a sense of renewed purpose. She feels more confident and connected to the club's world. The triumph plants the seed for a future in Ruby's company.

Back at Ruby's, Lauryn goes to apologize to Brenda, hoping to mend fences. To her surprise, Brenda and the staff throw a congratulatory party in her honor. The club erupts into celebration as Lauryn realizes she has found a new place to belong.

The party breaks into dance as Lauryn's success at Ruby's is celebrated by the club's staff and patrons. Lauryn accepts her new role with Russ's encouragement and Brenda's support. The final moment seals Lauryn's future at Ruby's and marks the start of her continued journey.