Sara (Julia Stiles), who comes from a middle-class, small-town environment, dreams of devoting her life to ballet. As the crown prince of a local music club, Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), from inner-city Chicago, dances to a different beat- the rhythmic pulse of hip-hop.

When they discover they share a love of dance, they also discover a passion for each other. Now, these two young people must overcome not only their differences but also the opposition of their friends and families if their romance is going to survive.