Shall We Dance?

On his Chicago commute, John notices a beautiful woman staring from a dance studio window. Haunted by her gaze, he impulsively jumps off the train and signs up for ballroom dancing lessons hoping to meet her. This sudden choice marks the start of a new obsession that pulls him away from his daily routine.

John's initial instructor is Miss Mitzi, the studio's elder namesake, not Paulina. He and his fellow newcomers Chic and Vern stumble through basic steps, often misstepping and laughing at their own clumsiness. The class quickly reveals that he is not a natural dancer, but his stubborn determination keeps him going.

When John finally meets Paulina, she is aloof and makes clear she is there to study dance seriously, not to date. She icily warns him to focus on technique rather than romance, setting a tense boundary. Despite the chilly start, John remains drawn to her presence and the world of dance.

As lessons progress, John discovers a genuine passion for dancing beyond a passing curiosity. He throws himself into practice, devoting long hours to mastering steps and rhythm. The newfound joy also deepens his connection to the studio community and to Paulina, who inspires him in unexpected ways.

John's enthusiasm rekindles Paulina's own lost love for dance, and their friendship blossoms as they train together. The two push each other to compete and improve, forming a supportive dynamic despite the professional boundaries. The studio becomes a place where both rediscover a driving purpose.

Meanwhile, Beverly grows uneasy as John spends more evenings at the studio than at home. She hires a private investigator named Devine to uncover John's secret activities. The detective begins watching John's routines, which creates a quiet tension at home and at work.

Devine uncovers John's obsession with dancing, but Beverly chooses not to invade her husband's privacy any further. She calls off the ongoing investigation and focuses on their relationship rather than exposing him. The decision marks a turning point in their marriage, signaling a willingness to trust.

For the big competition, John teams with Bobbie while Link handles the Latin dances. They perform the Latin routines well, but during the quickstep John is distracted by his wife and daughter in the crowd. A stumble leads to a fall, and John and Bobbie are disqualified.

Devastated by the loss and fuelled by tension with Beverly, John returns home and clashes with his wife in the parking garage. The argument fuels his decision to quit dancing, disappointing friends and his instructor. The dream of competition seems to end in a heartbreak of incompatible desires.

Paulina announces she is leaving for Europe to compete again, and invites John to her going-away party at the studio. She sends John an invitation, and Beverly's gesture of leaving out dancing shoes helps persuade him to attend. The party signals a final chance for reconciliation and closure.

John seeks Beverly out at her workplace, and convinces her that his love for dancing does not diminish his love for her. He teaches her some basic steps, bridging the gap between their lives. They decide to move forward together and attend the going-away party as a united couple.

At the going-away party, John and Paulina share one last dance as she prepares to leave. The moment crystallizes the bittersweet balance between his passion and his commitment to Beverly. It serves as a poignant farewell to the phase of their lives centered on dance.

In the aftermath, the studio community finds new paths: Link and Bobbie are together, Chic dancing at a club with a new partner, Miss Mitzi rebuilding her partnership, and John and Beverly enjoying dances at home. Vern celebrates his wedding with a dance with his fiancée. Devine unexpectedly starts dance lessons, and Paulina competes again at the Blackpool Dance Festival with a new partner.