After her mother dies, Sarah (Julia Stiles) gives up her dreams of going to New York's famous Juilliard School. She must move to Chicago, live with her dad (who's virtually a stranger) and attend an urban school that's a far cry from the small-town atmosphere she's used to. Fortunately, Sarah befriends Chenille (Kerry Washington) and Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), who teach her not only how to hip-hop dance but also how to dream again.