EXT. NEW YORK CITY, 1980 - NIGHT

We see an exterior shot of Manhattan dance studio. The name on the building reads, "Steps by Castle."

INT. STEPS BY CASTLE DANCE STUDIO - NIGHT

Inside, a dozen dancers are working at a frenetic pace. Their moves are energetic and sensual.

The dancers are led by JOHNNY CASTLE, a muscular man in his mid 30's, he wears black dance pants and a black t-shirt. Latin music blares from a small stereo on the floor next to Johnny.

After several minutes of dancing, Johnny reaches down and turns off the stereo.

JOHNNY
All right, people, excellent! We're getting there.

Johnny claps and the group of dancers claps along with him.

JOHNNY
Go home and rest, I'll see you tomorrow night.

Hoots and hollers from the dancers as they file toward the dressing room.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, 1980 - NIGHT

Donning a leather jacket and holding a motorcycle helmet under one arm, Johnny Castle locks the door of his dance studio behind him and makes his way toward a motorcycle parked near the entrance.

He is suddenly intercepted by MADELINE STEWART -- a gorgeous brunette wearing a business suit and holding a notepad.

MADELINE
Are you Johnny Castle?

JOHNNY
I am, as a matter of fact. And you are?

Madeline extends her hand and shakes his.

MADELINE
Madeline Stewart, I'm a new entertainment and lifestyle reporter for the New York Chronicle. I've been following the progress of Steps by Castle for the past few months, and it seems like you've put together an amazing group.

JOHNNY
Well, thank you.

MADELINE
I was hoping you would be willing to let me interview you for a New York Arts profile piece.

JOHNNY:
Sure, why not? A little publicity never hurt anyone.

MADELINE:
Great! Are you hungry? There's a wonderful restaurant just right up the street.

JOHNNY:
I've been dancing for the last six hours, so even a terrible restaurant in Jersey sounds good to me about now.

Madeline laughs, and they begin walking together.

INT. DELUZ RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Johnny and Madeline sit a secluded table in the corner of the romantically lit restaurant. They have removed their respective jackets, and sip drinks while conversing.

MADELINE
Wow, that is an incredible story, Johnny. Tell me, do you still keep in touch with Baby?

JOHNNY:
No, sadly, I can't say that I do. We truly had the time of our lives that summer, but eventually we grew apart.

MADELINE
I'm sorry to hear that.

JOHNNY
Well, these things happen. But, here it is, seventeen years later, and I'm still dancing. Can't beat that.

MADELINE
No, I suppose you can't. What I really want to know, Johnny, is where you learned your signature dance style. In 1963, the summer you spent with Baby, you were already instructing...so why don't you tell me where Johnny Castle learned those sultry moves that have made him the star he is today.

Slow zoom on Johnny's eyes...he is pensive, thinking back...his mind goes back in time...his heart goes back in time...Johnny goes back to...Havana.

CUT TO:

Overhead shot of Havana Market Square.
Title reads: Havana, Cuba - 1958.