Make Your Move 2014

Donny, an ex-con hoofer, finds himself trying to carve out a living by showcasing his tap dancing skills on the lively streets of New Orleans. His life takes a twist when his parole officer pressures him to find a more stable job, which leads Donny to make a bold decision—he flees to New York City to reconnect with his foster brother, Nick. Nick is the owner of a popular underground dance club called Static, located in the thriving borough of Brooklyn. Donny hopes that he can land a dancing job there and start earning some real money.

However, upon arriving at Static, Donny steps right into a tense turf war between Nick and his former partner, Kaz. Kaz, having previously stolen some of Nick’s creative ideas, has opened his own rival dance club, and the situation has escalated into chaotic confrontations. Despite the brewing conflict around him, Donny remains singularly focused on his passion: dance.

Almost immediately, Donny develops feelings for Aya, Kaz’s younger sister. Aya is a talented dancer, performing with an all-female dance group known as the Cobu Girls. Caught in the crossfire of her brother’s feud and Nick’s ambition, Aya faces her own set of challenges, including the looming threat of being sent back to Japan in just three weeks unless she secures a worthwhile gig. The two have an electrifying moment when they first meet at Static, culminating in an unforgettable impromptu tap-dance battle atop the bar that sets the tone for the film’s unfolding drama.

This spontaneous dance-off not only showcases their incredible athleticism but also highlights the deep emotional connections tied to their performance. As Donny and Aya’s relationship blossoms amid the rising hostility between the two dance clubs, their romance becomes both tender and tenuous. The interplay between their respective worlds sometimes feels reminiscent of the classic Montague/Capulet rivalry. With Aya uncertain about her future and the potential consequences of getting involved with Donny, she hesitates to pursue their connection fully. Nonetheless, Donny respects her need for space but kindly asks if they can at least share another dance together. This poignant moment underscores their mutual understanding and the compelling force of their artistic pursuits in the midst of chaos.