The Forbidden Dance

The Forbidden Dance

Year: 1990

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Greydon Clark

RomanceDrama

A rainforest princess journeys to Los Angeles to combat a corporation threatening the Amazon, where she teams up with a wealthy socialite who urges her to appear on TV. Together they devise a scheme to win a high‑stakes Lambada dance contest, hoping the publicity will protect her forest home.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Forbidden Dance (1990)

Trace every key event in The Forbidden Dance (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nisa arrives in Los Angeles to stop the corporation

Nisa, a native princess, travels from her rainforest homeland to Los Angeles to stop the American corporation from destroying her home. She is accompanied by Joa, the tribal shaman, who uses black magic to bypass guards and confront the corporation's chairman, leading to his arrest. This sets the stakes as she begins to fight back from abroad.

Early in the mission Corporate headquarters, Los Angeles
2

Nisa finds work with Carmen in Beverly Hills

Alone in LA, Nisa secures employment with the help of Carmen, becoming a servant in a Beverly Hills mansion. She enters the household of a strict couple whose son Jason loves to dance. The transition marks her entry into a new social world far from her tribe.

Shortly after arrival Beverly Hills mansion
3

Jason discovers Nisa and invites her to a club; parents disapprove

Jason brings Nisa to a club after secretly admiring her dancing; his parents scold him for dating someone from the staff. Nisa experiences culture clash as she begins to navigate life in LA. The tension foreshadows challenges ahead.

Soon after Club in Los Angeles
4

Nisa starts dancing at Xtasy

Feeling out of place, Nisa quits the mansion and takes a job at Xtasy, a seedy nightclub and brothel, dancing with male customers. She uses her dance skills to make a living and gains attention in a rougher social circle. The job exposes her to more public gaze and danger.

Later Xtasy nightclub
5

Tensions with Jason's friends at Xtasy

Jason's friends visit Xtasy and try to dance with Nisa, who refuses, setting boundaries. One of the men becomes aggressive, and Nisa defends herself, triggering rumors of sleaze. Jason distances himself from his friends and Ashley, his girlfriend.

Evening Xtasy nightclub
6

Jason rescues Nisa; Joa intervenes to clear the club

Jason goes to Xtasy to rescue Nisa, but a bouncer assaults him and tries to force himself on her. Joa arrives and uses magic to incapacitate the attacker, clearing the venue and protecting Nisa.

Night Xtasy nightclub
7

Joa returns to the tribe

Joa returns to the tribe, presumably to continue protecting the rainforest and bridging the worlds between Nisa's homeland and LA. Nisa and Jason stay behind, their bond growing as they plan the next steps.

After the Xtasy incident Tribal homeland
8

Nisa and Jason prepare for a televised dance contest

Back in the U.S., Nisa and Jason prepare for a televised dance contest intended to raise awareness about rainforest destruction. They train and perform together to showcase their story to a national audience.

Pre-finals LA studio / television stage
9

Nisa and Jason win the contest; danger looms

They win the contest, achieving public support for their cause. Immediately after, Benjamin Maxwell, the corporation's enforcer, kidnaps Nisa, threatening their chance to perform on the show. The stakes escalate from performance to survival.

Finals night Televised stage
10

Jason rescues Nisa; he is injured

Jason rescues Nisa during the kidnapping but injures his ankle, jeopardizing their chance to perform on the show. The incident reveals the corporation's determination to stop them at all costs. They race against time to salvage the performance.

Moments after kidnapping Backstage area, show venue
11

Joa heals Jason and returns for the performance

Joa reappears backstage and magically heals Jason, allowing them to complete their routine. The healing lifts the group's spirits and demonstrates the shaman's persistent protection. The performance proceeds against the odds.

Shortly after rescue Backstage and stage
12

Finale: audience cheers; boycott and celebration

Nisa and Jason take the stage with Nisa's father joining them, and the audience embraces the couple. A boycott against the corporation is launched as the people rally to protect the rainforest. The crowd celebrates with a Lambada-filled finale.

Finale Televised stage; crowd

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:06

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The Forbidden Dance Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Forbidden Dance

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