Dance with Me 1998

Rafael Infante, from Santiago, Cuba, arrives in Houston, Texas to work as a handyman in John Burnett’s dance studio. It soon becomes clear to the audience that Burnett is the father Rafael never knew, and he finds himself drawn to Ruby Sinclair, a dancer and instructor who brought him to the studio. The studio’s rehearsals are building toward a big Las Vegas competition, with Ruby slated to perform there as well. The connection between the two deepens, but she remains wary of commitment, keeping her focus on the dance floor.

Rafael’s arrival also earns him the warmth and friendship of an older dancer, Bea Johnson, and the studio receptionist, Lovejoy. Yet Burnett grows distant, withdrawing from the choreography and leaving Patricia Black to carry the weight of the studio’s preparations. Patricia, meanwhile, grows frustrated by the lack of clear direction. A turning point comes when Rafael volunteers to repair Burnett’s old, broken-down truck, and the two men reconnect during a trip downtown to gather parts. At an engagement party hosted by a Cuban man, Rafael opens up about his past—his mother had died and he never knew his father.

Rafael invites Ruby to a dance night, and before they head out, he helps Patricia with a difficult dance lift, noting that his mother once made him take a little ballet. The following Saturday, they join a club crowd for a Latin Salsa performance, the routine paired with a live track by Albita Rodriguez. Back at Ruby’s home, Rafael learns that she has a seven-year-old son, Peter, who is being looked after by Bea in Ruby’s absence, and that Peter’s father is Ruby’s former dance partner Julian Marshall. The moment thickens with emotion as the two share a kiss, but she pulls away, torn between love and circumstance.

A visit to Burnett’s house clears the air: Patricia asks why Burnett pulled back, and he suggests that she could dance with Rafael if she wishes. Rafael overhears a conversation between Burnett and Lovejoy about Ruby’s Las Vegas appearance and a possible shuffle of credits for Patricia’s routine. Ruby explains that she wanted Peter to know his father, but she doesn’t want to be swept into a romance. On a fishing trip, Burnett presses Rafael to return to Cuba after the competition and denies that he has a son, leaving Rafael devastated and unsure about his future.

In Las Vegas, Rafael contemplates leaving for Cuba after the competition, but Burnett, who did not go, shows up to apologize and urge him to stay. Rafael performs with Patricia, while Ruby watches, a spark of jealousy crossing her face as she sees them together. Just then Bea interrupts with a playful, crowd-pleasing number:

“I wanna do that too”

Her impromptu dance with Rafael brings laughter and applause from the crowd, easing the tension. Burnett steps forward to apologize and praise Rafael’s dancing, which helps him convince the younger dancer to remain. The main competition unfolds with Ruby and her partner Julian delivering a strong routine; they win, though Ruby’s attention often drifts toward Rafael in the audience, and a pang of sadness follows when she cannot locate him.

After the contest, a dance party brings the contestants together, and Ruby is approached by a promoter hopeful for her next big break. Yet Rafael reappears, guiding her to a final, intimate dance that closes the night on a note of quiet triumph. The film ends back at the studio, where the entire group—including new dancers—celebrates and keeps the rhythm alive. They fill the space with motion to the theme song You Are My Home, a moment that resonates with the shared journey of love, family, and dance.