Christmas Ball, The (2020)

[bunniefuu]

Good morning, Sarah.

Oh. I'm finally getting
my hamstring loose again.

-Feeling really good today.
-Great.

Clare, we dancers
have to face the fact

there comes a point
when our bodies and Father Time

force us to move on.

-Uh-oh. Am I fired?
-Look.

When Geena joined us
as PRIMA ballerina,

you knew there were gonna be
changes in the company.

I am so sorry, Clare.

I'm not ready to give up yet.

You know me, this is my life.

I know. And dancing
is part of your soul.

And you have been such an
important member of the company.

But I think
you should consider teaching

or, or management.

Take a moment and decide
what you wanna do next.

You know, maybe we can

talk about a teaching position
the new year.

I'm a dancer, Sarah. I am
not ready for teaching yet.

Besides, after the new year

is when most dance companies
hold auditions.

Clare, for years you've never
had time for Christmas

because you're always
doing a show.

Take time to relax.
Enjoy the holiday.

Hey.

Clare, darling,
I'm so glad I caught you.

Hi, Aunt Bridget.
Did you get my message?

Oh, you know
I never check those things.

Why don't you just text me
like a normal person?

Call me old-fashioned.

I think it's nice
to hear a person's voice.

So, how are things going with
that lawyer chap you're seeing?

He was nice, but, um,

I just don't have time
for that sort of thing.

How are things at the studio?

Busy with lots of new dancers.

How are rehearsals going?

Um, well,

um, my hamstring
has been bothering me,

so Sarah asked me to take
some time off to let it heal.

Oh, darling, I am sorry.

I know how you love
dancing The Nutcracker.

But... if you are free
at the moment

I wonder if you could do me
a bit of a favor.

For you, Aunt Bridget, anything.

How about a trip to England
for Christmas?

England? Now?

Well, you haven't been
for a while.

I really could do
with some help

for my annual
town Christmas party.

Well, I don't know,
I'd need to be back here

at the start of the year.

Of course!

You'd be in and out in a flash.

Okay. Let's have
a proper English Christmas.

Brilliant!

Thank you.

Hello?

Hello?

I'm up here
in the guest room!

Oh, this, this is very exciting.

I've, I've found a piece
of skirting board

from the Georgian era.

Oh, pass me that brush on the,
on the bed and I'll show you.

Thanks.

So this must've been laid

during the reign of George III.

It's fantastic.

-You're not Bridget!
-No, I'm her niece, Clare.

Uh. Oh, Liam.

I'm a, a professor, of history,
from London.

Uh, I'm sorry,
I-I thought you were...

No, it's okay, I've never seen
anyone get so excited

about a, a piece of wood before.

Well, oh, I'm helping your aunt

have the house
deemed an historical landmark.

Oh. Is it a historical landmark?

Oh, why, yes, it's a,
it's a very important building.

- In fact...
- Clare?

Clare, is that you? Oh...

Oh, it's so good to see you!

I can't believe you're here!
You're early!

Well, didn't you get
my voicemail?

I-I caught an earlier flight.

Claire, when are you going
to work it out?

You need to text me.

I missed you.
I missed this place.

Oh, we've missed you, too.

Liam, this is Clare, my niece.

Oh, yes, we've met.

She's a wonderful dancer.

She's traveled
all over the world,

danced for kings and queens
and...

And, Clare, this is Liam.
He's a brilliant professor.

His lectures are in demand
all over England.

Well...

Well, I need to put
the kettle on.

I'm sure you two have lots
to talk about.

Well, nice to meet you,
professor.

Oh, likewise.

Well, yeah, it, it, it looks
like a piece of wood.

This is an historically
important building

that's worth knowing about.

Yeah, it's funny,
I-I only know it

as my childhood stomping ground.

All the history I know is where
hide and seek was played

and diaries were hidden.

Well, it's important to know
our broader history,

otherwise
how do we know ourselves?

I guess I'm more
of a personal history person.

Well, that's my point.
The two are entwined.

Well, this house
was massively refurbished

during the Victorian era.
In fact...

We should probably go down
for tea.

Yes. Yes, of course.

So what's this
about a historical designation

for the house?

Well, it's, uh,

something that Liam suggested

that I had already been
thinking about.

I'd like to live somewhere
with a bit less maintenance.

A cathedral would require
less maintenance.

God knows that's true.

But I hate the thought
of someone coming after me

and modernizing this house
out of all recognition.

I want to protect it
for future generations.

If, uh,
Liam gets this designation

and the house is safe,
then I can sell it

and retire with a happy heart.

Wait, you're retiring?
Uh, but what about the studio?

I've been teaching dance
for over 30 years, Clare.

It's time for someone else
to take on the mantle.

-But who?
-I have a confession to make.

I didn't ask you here to help me
with my annual Christmas party.

Okay...

The house, the dance studio,

I want to keep them
in the family.

-I want you to have it.
-Oh!

Aunt Bridget, I don't think...

Well, I-I know, it's a lot.
You don't have to decide now.

-I-it's just that my life is...
-No. Just think about it.

In the meantime,
I could do with some help

sorting this place out.

I've lived here
a very long time.

There's an awful lot

to go through and throw out.

Absolutely. I am all yours.

Also... Liam could use
an extra pair of hands

putting together
his presentation.

-Presentation?
-Oh, yes.

For the Historical, uh,
Preservation Committee.

I'm, I'm putting together, um,
photos and paintings and books

to show
the history of the house.

It's essential
that we show it in its best

and most historically relevant
light.

And then
there's the annual town party.

Oh, I can do that in my sleep.

Don't worry,
I'm sure we'll be able

to carve out time for Christmas.

Get a tree, bake cookies,
make pomanders.

Oh, I'd love that.

It's been a long time
since I've done

much of anything for Christmas.

And the more traditional
that you two

can make the festivities,
the better.

-For the committee.
-Mm-hmm.

Why? Is-is the committee
joining us for Christmas?

Well, uh, the thing is

we're on a bit
of a tight timeline.

The committee has to see
the house

before the end of the year.

And there weren't
a great deal of options

when I called up to schedule.

-So when are they coming?
-The, the 24th.

-Uh, Christmas Eve?
-Mm-hmm.

Don't worry, we'll have
a quiet Christmas Day.

I won't be able to relax
until the committee's

made its decision, anyway.

Well, at least we have
excellent tea to fuel the work.

-Cheers.
-Cheers.

-Cheers.
-Cheers.

Oh.

It's exactly the same.

It's been waiting for you
to come back.

Oh.

Oh, God.

My gosh.

Oh.

Oh.

Hm.

Having you here reminds me
that she's never really gone.

She was so proud of the dancer
you became,

following in her footsteps.

Yeah.

So, uh, you go on
and settle in.

I'll make supper.

Hm.

Sleep tight, sweetheart.

Oh. Everything smells amazing.

I've made us
a full English breakfast.

We're going to need
all our energy today.

Oh, reminds me of the breakfast

dad used to make
when I was little.

Oh. Your father
was a wonderful cook.

You know,
I can still hear a hint

of his Irish lilt in your voice.

Mm, it's a pleasure to get
to eat without worrying

about fitting into a costume.
For now, anyway.

One of the benefits
of being the teacher,

you get to choose the costumes.

You know, I've been thinking
about all the things

we have to do
to get the house in shape.

Why don't we start
with the Christmas decorations?

Then they're out of the way
for sorting through the other

things and then they're up
where we can enjoy them.

That's a brilliant idea.
I'm a genius.

Wait, aren't I the genius
in this scenario?

I'd say I'm the genius
for getting you here.

Okay.

Oh. You kept
all my dance costumes?

When have you ever known me
to toss anything away?

Oh, my gosh.

-Oh. Oh.
-Ah.

I still think I can pull it off.
What do you think?

Very fetching. You'll be
dating again in no time.

I know things didn't work out
with that lawyer chap,

but, uh, anyone else
in the picture?

Who has time?

Everyone.

Everyone has time
for love, Clare.

And how about you?
How's your love life?

Hm? Oh.

I thought everyone had time
for love.

Now who's the genius?

Oh. Here.

-Let me help you with that.
-Oh. Thank you.

Wouldn't it be easier to have
all this on a hard drive,

so you can make
a computer presentation?

Well, then you'd never capture
the beauty of the originals.

Oh, okay.

Oh, the Christmas ball.

That was a time of renewal,
connection,

second chances,
and, and homecoming.

Oh, friends and neighbors
would gather together

and celebrate
and feast and dance

during the Christmas season.

So there were Christmas ba*ls
held here?

-In this house?
-Oh. Certainly.

Especially during
the Regency era,

the family that lived here
would have invited

the entire town here
at Christmas.

Well, much like your aunt does
each year, except,

back then there would have been,
um, feasting and musicians.

Oh, the parlor would have been
cleared of all of its furniture

and the entire town
would've danced the night away

like, um,
like in a Jane Austen novel.

That's what we should do.

What better way
to impress the committee

than have a Christmas ball?

It's rather unorthodox.

Well, it would certainly
be memorable.

Yeah, we already have a lot
on our plates, Bridget,

with the-the town party and...

Oh, precisely.

We'll turn the party into a ball

like they would've had
200 years ago

when this house
was in its prime.

The committee will be impressed.

But-but we're not
party planners.

We can't make a ball appear out
of nowhere in such a short time.

Oh, how hard can it be?

We'll get people to pitch in.

I can make the food,
Liam has the research handled

and you can teach everyone
the dances.

-A perfect recipe for a ball.
-I don't know.

You did that production
of Pride And Prejudice

a couple of years ago,
didn't you?

I'm sure you can remember
the Regency dances.

I'm not a teacher, though.

-Liam can be your first pupil.
-Ah, hold on.

-I'm no dancer.
-Oh, you'll work it out.

It will be
a truly unique way

to prove to the committee

the historical value
of this house.

And you're sure
that we can pull it off?

I have faith in both of you.

And you wouldn't mind
the extra work?

I mean, it is your holiday
after all.

I can barely remember
a Christmas

I haven't danced through.

-Why start now?
-Excellent!

We're throwing a ball.

I think if we move out
the furniture,

roll up the carpets, this will
work nicely as a ballroom.

That's one problem solved.

Well, in the Regency era,
set dances were the norm.

Hm, that means we need
at least five more people.

Ah. That's an awful lot of
people to volunteer their time.

We'll ask my students. I'm sure
they'll be happy to help.

And we can't have a ball
without a waltz.

Oh, my students can waltz
in their sleep.

Yeah, well, the waltz
wasn't truly in fashion

until the Victorian era.

Neither was the Christmas tree.

And we are definitely having
one of those.

Hm, you know your history.

I read it on the back
of a package

of Christmas cookies.

Well, history is history
no matter where you find it.

I don't think we wanna perform
a costume drama.

I think we wanna bring history
to life.

Living history. I love it!

Yes, so that it's relevant
to our lives.

Uh, but it is important
that we incorporate

as much historical detail
as possible for the committee.

Deal.

You sure you don't wanna
keep all this here?

Uh, no. Not while you're helping
your aunt clear out her house.

It'll be fine at mine.
Oh, by the way...

I feel I must warn you that
I have zero dance experience.

I mean,
I probably have two left feet.

Can you play an instrument?

I played a little piano
as a child.

Well, if you keep time, then you

understand
the concept of rhythm.

And I trust you can walk

without tripping
over your own feet.

-Most days.
-Then you're good.

With a little practice, you'll
be on Broadway in no time.

Ah...

Hey, just checking in.

Wanted to make sure
you're doing okay.

Yeah. Uh, I'm in England
with my Aunt Bridget.

Oh. So great you went home.
And how are things there?

Uh, brilliant, as they say.
How's Boston?

Uh, Cold, Grey, wet.
You're not missing much.

And The Nutcracker?

Uh, it's, it's fine.

Uh, I'm keeping busy.

Uh, my aunt and I
are organizing a Christmas ball.

A ball? Wow! How romantic!

I'm not sure
you could call it that,

but there'll be
lots of dancing and...

I'm teaching everybody.

Oh, that is so wonderful.
I am so happy for you, Clare.

Speaking of which,
I better get back to it.

So talk soon?

Yeah. Of course. Bye.

I have a wonderful group
of students this year.

Will any of them make it
professionally, do you think?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Dance isn't about
achieving success.

Dancing is the success.
That's why I teach them.

Keeps me young, too.

Oh. Oh!

It always smells
like lemons here.

-Wood polish.
-Ah.

Oh.

I was so sad when you and
your mother left for America.

But I was also

so happy and so proud

because that's where your dreams
were going to come alive.

You always loved to dance.

Yeah, if only you could bottle
that passion

you have when we're younger.

Oh, it never goes away.

It simply evolves.

-Mm.
-Oh.

-Hello, everyone!
-Okay, good...

Uh, shh, shh, shh.
Calm down, calm down.

Hi.

I have a very special guest
for you today.

My niece, Clare,
all the way from America.

She's a dancer with the
Boston-Cambridge Ballet Company

and she has a very exciting
project to tell you all about.

Uh, yes, well...

Uh, hi.

Uh, we're gonna hold a ball,
a Christmas ball,

at, uh, Ms. Bridget's house,

and we're gonna perform

traditional dances
for the guests.

Oh, you mean, like step dancing?

Uh, no,
more like social dancing.

Like, uh, the waltz
and the quadrille.

-That kind of thing.
-What?

Uh, uh, they're what

people danced for fun
in the 19th century.

And we're looking
for volunteers.

There'll be
a few rehearsals

and you need to be able
to perform

on Christmas Eve.

Your families
will all be invited

to the ball, too, of course.

And it'll be fun, I promise.

Plus, you'll get to learn
a new form of dance.

So who's in?

-I'll do it.
-Thank you, Ava.

-Hm.
-Excellent, Emma.

And you'll need partners
for this kind of dancing.

Mm.

Anything for Ms. Bridget.

Thank you, gentlemen.

That's great.
Thanks, all of you.

But, uh, the quadrille
requires four couples.

So is there anyone else
who'd like to volunteer?

Anybody?

Oh. That's all right.

Ava, Emma, Daniel, Sean,

come and speak to me
after class.

Yeah, with the four from class

me, Liam, and you,
we're still short one dancer.

You need a partner,
Aunt Bridget.

I can't think of anyone though.

Bridget? How are you?

Well, I'm well. Thank you, Jack.

Oh, you remember my niece,
Clare.

Clare! I didn't recognize you
all grown up.

-It's lovely to see you again.
-You, too, Jack.

I thought you two might enjoy
some biscuits

with your hot chocolate.
On the house, of course.

Oh, that's very kind of you,
Jack.

I make it a point to look after

the prettiest lady in town.

Oh, Jack.

-You never give up.
-Never will.

-Um, Jack?
-Mm-hmm?

We have a little project we
could really use your help with.

-My help?
-Uh...

The Historical
Preservation Society

are coming to evaluate
Bridget's house

for protected status
on Christmas Eve,

and we're gonna put on
a-a traditional Christmas ball.

And Aunt Bridget here
needs a dance partner.

No, no. I'm sure Jack's got
plans for Christmas Eve.

Oh, it's no trouble,
my grandkids are in Australia

with the ex
for Christmas this year.

I'd be delighted
to be your partner, Bridget,

if I might.

That's settled then.
Uh, rehearsals start tomorrow.

And Aunt Bridget will call you
with the details.

Send me a text
like a normal person.

Well, I'll see you fine ladies
tomorrow.

-Hm.
-So, we have our quadrille.

And you have a date.

Really.

Come in.

Oh, sorry. Was it too loud?

Oh, no. No, not at all.
I just thought I'd check in.

Are you feeling all right about
our first rehearsal tomorrow?

Uh, yeah. Sure.

I, I guess
I'm feeling a little nervous.

I have never taught
anything before.

Well, don't worry,
you'll be brilliant.

Oh, and, uh, I'll be there
in case you do bollocks it up.

Thanks. Goodnight.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Uh, you'll probably be
more comfortable

without your coat and tie.

Yeah, we'll be in formal wear
at the ball.

Uh, but this is a practice,
not a performance.

Well, I guess I'm seeing it
as more of a-a dress rehearsal.

And this is my costume,
in a way.

All right.

Uh, gather around, everyone.

So, uh, I think we can all agree

that no ball is complete
without a waltz.

- Oh, waltz is boring.
- Boring?

N-no, it's elegant and joyous.

Yeah, when the waltz
was first invented

in the late 18th century,
it was considered

downright scandalous.

For years it was banned
from polite society.

-The waltz?
-He's right.

Before then
everyone danced in a group.

Your partner would take you
in his arms briefly

before you moved around the room
to other partners.

Whereas in the waltz,

you'd have to take your partner
in your arms.

And before you started dancing,

you're already embracing.

A voluptuous intertwining
of limbs.

That's how they described it
back in the day.

Uh, and you stay in that embrace
through a whole song.

So you still think it's boring?

-Mn-mn.
-Okay, then.

Um...

Uh, so, um, uh...

-Partner up?
-Y-yes. Partner up.

-Cool. All right.
-Okay.

Um, so everyone knows
the basic waltz step, right?

One-two-three, two-two-three?

Down, up, up. Down, up, up.

Not everyone uses
the same hold.

Yeah, you just have to find
what works for you as a couple.

Okay,
so, um, lean back a little,

um, like
you're a, a spinning top.

You're smaller at the feet
than at the arms, yeah?

Okay, okay, no-not too much.

You need to, still need to hold
your own weight.

Okay, so leaning back a little
helps you spin around.

And you need to make
one rotation

every six counts. Okay?

-Uh, which foot do I...
-Don't worry, I will show you.

Okay. I'm counting on you
to make me look good here.

Well, as long as you don't
let go, I'll handle the rest.

Let's give this a try.

Okay. Yeah?

One-two-three, two-two-three,

go two-three!

Okay, careful. One-two-three...

Wait. Wait. Okay.

Okay. Uh...

Uh, okay,
first, first.

You need to check in
with your partner.

Your partner is gonna be
very important to you

during this process,
so you need to, uh,

clue in and get to know
each other and maintain spacing

so we're not all
bumping into each other.

Um, this is how dancing
builds a sense of community.

So, everyone,
take close positions.

Okay.

So don't worry
about the footwork.

Again, you need to make three
steps in time with the music.

Okay?

One-two-three. Two-two-three.

Mm..

Oh, okay.

Sorry,
I'm not very good at this.

Oh, one-two-three.

Two-two-three. We go around.

-Dancing is supposed to be fun.
-Hm.

-It doesn't have to be perfect.
-Yeah.

Oh, I'm sorry. Look, I don't
want to slow the group down.

Surely there's someone in
the town that's a better dancer.

But no cares more
about the outcome than you.

You just need to learn
to trust yourself.

Well, I'm glad
one of us has confidence.

-I do. I really do.
-Okay.

Okay. Come on,
we're gonna get this.

Okay? And...

-And look at me.
-All right.

And feel the rhythm.

Okay, great.

Okay. That's great!

Thank you for all the hard work,
everyone.

Thank you. Thank you.

Remember, feel the rhythm.

Don't get inside your head.

And, uh, I'll see you all
back here again tomorrow.

Great. Thank you.
See you tomorrow.

-Yeah. Thank you.
-We're having so much fun.

-Thank you. Bye.
-Bye.

You are a good teacher, Clare.

Oh, I don't know.
That was a rocky start.

Everything that's worth doing
requires practice.

I'm sorry, I am not ready to be

a full-time teacher,
Aunt Bridget.

I'm still a dancer. I'm only
doing this for the ball.

Of course. Of course.

Oh, oh, uh, L-Liam.

-C-could I ask a favor?
-Yeah, of course.

Un, could you come by tomorrow

and help Clare
cut a Christmas tree?

I think we're going to need
an extra-large one this year

to impress the committee,
and a bit of muscle

might be necessary.

Happy to help.

Oh, and-and come by early.

I'll give you breakfast
as a thank you.

Right.

You and I could've taken care
of the tree.

And now we'll never know.

Hm.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

I hope that's your pancake tie
for catching syrup.

What? No, usually I would...

Oh. Sorry, I guess...

-Uh, can you take that?
-Yeah. Man...

Hm. Do I smell pancakes?

Oh, Clare, I would've cooked.

Happy to take my turn
at the griddle.

Eat up.

-How are they?
-Mm...

Clare, I know you don't cook
often, but...

-They're no good?
-Mm, no, they're...

They're, um, they're
different from what we expected.

-Hm.
-What recipe did you use?

Uh, I improvised,
like I always do.

-You don't follow recipes?
-Well, where's the fun in that?

Life isn't about
following instructions.

Improvising keeps you loose
and open to new possibilities

and it makes for great dancing
and fantastic food.

Mm.

Hm. Mm.

Admittedly,
not fantastic this time.

- I should try again.
- No!

-I'll make eggs.
-Yeah.

Now, I know
that I mentioned this before,

but a Christmas tree
is not at all accurate

for the Regency period.

Wait, are you truly suggesting

we not have a Christmas tree?

No, it's just that the committee
are academics,

and therefore
sticklers for detail.

Think about it, though,
the smell of the pine,

the twinkling lights,

all the treasured
family ornaments...

The tree brings the magic
of the season to life.

And we don't want the house
to be like a-a stodgy old relic.

It needs to feel alive,
timeless.

That is what's gonna
win over the committee.

Okay, you've sold it to me.
Tree it is.

Now, let's find one
to cut down.

About that.

Your outfit is, uh,

how shall I put this,
not the best for tree cutting.

Well, I, I'm a professor,
there's a certain level

of decorum
that goes with the job.

I don't see any of your students
around here.

Unless they're hiding
behind a tree.

Yeah, well, well,
if you must know,

well, I visited
one of my students this morning

who's home for the holidays.
He lives near here.

He'd had a little trouble
at the end of the term,

so I thought I'd give him
a little encouragement.

That was nice of you.

I should probably have brought
a change of clothes

for this part of the morning.

Actually, I came prepared...

in case you saw the error
of your ways.

The lumberjack look is a bit
on the nose, don't you think?

Well, if the shoe
or shirt fits...

Very well.

The jacket...

You know,
you're right about evergreens

being part of the magic
of the season.

Oh, even before Christmas trees
became popular,

people would hang evergreen
boughs in their houses

to remind them
the winter would end

and things would grow again.

Yeah.

So much of Christmas
is about expressing hope.

It's part of why I love it.

It has extra special meaning
for me this year.

I really want to ensure your
aunt's house for the future.

Why do you care so much
about this place, Liam?

Well, my family originated
from this area

and I've been fascinated with
its history since I was a boy.

Uh, when I went to university
in London, I got the train up

and I just fell in love
with the community.

It's a marvelous place to live.

I want to preserve its legacy
for centuries to come.

And your aunt's house
is right at the center

of this town's history.

So you're the guardian
of this place.

Hm. I guess so.
Guarding it for the future.

And what better time to do it
than at Christmas?

Mm-hmm.

Now, let's find us the biggest,

most beautiful Christmas tree
these woods have to offer.

Yeah.

-Okay. Here we are. Uh...
-Okay.

♪ O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree ♪

♪ How heavy
are your branches... ♪

♪ You weigh so much ♪

♪ My arms might break ♪

♪ This might be
more than I can take ♪

- Wait, wait, wait, wait.
- Okay.

- Let me just...
- Okay.

- Oh, yeah.
- Good.

Okay, sing with me.

♪ Oh ♪
♪ O Christmas tree ♪

♪ O Christmas tree ♪

♪ How heavy
are your branches? ♪

♪ You weigh so much ♪

♪ My arms might break ♪

♪ This might be more ♪

♪ Than I can take ♪

-Okay.
-Okay. Oh...

-You see, it helped.
-Yeah.

Well, now we just have
to get it in the house,

set it on the stand,
and decorate it.

-Just?
-We just.

I will sing more songs
to get us through.

All right.

Oh. Excellent tree, both of you.

We knew we had to find
exactly the right tree

if we're gonna win over
the committee.

Then let's give them a big dose
of Christmas spirit.

Aunt Bridget,
would you do the honors?

Oh...

I remember
when you gave this to me.

You must have been
about five years old.

You made me promise that it was
always the first ornament

to go on the tree.

And ever since

that's exactly what it's been.

Oh.

Well, jump to it!
Let's get this tree decorated.

Now...

Oh. This was my favorite.

Oh, you loved that one so much,

you never left it on the tree.

You were always
taking it off to play with.

I found it in nearly every room
in the house.

Mom was on tour, I kept it close
'cause it reminded me of her.

Still does.

She sent it to me from Paris.

Said it would watch over me

because she couldn't make it
back that Christmas.

Yeah. Mom was an amazing dancer.

She certainly was.

I can see that she meant a lot
to you both.

-I'm sorry, I... Should I?
-No.

It's really, it's fine.
I like talking about her.

It reminds me that she's
still here, she's in my heart.

Well, then she'll be with us
at the ball.

Wish me luck, mom.

Okay, uh, since yesterday

you got the basic
turning waltz down,

today we're gonna try
a few variations.

Uh, so we're gonna start
with the blooming wedding cake.

This one is simple,
but elegant.

And very romantic.

Yes, okay, so, uh, uh...

All you have to do
is move your left arm gracefully

above your head
to meet at the top

and with your other hand
you hold your partner's back.

Like this. Now, uh...

It's important that you look

your partner in the eyes
for this move

'cause it helps you
stay in sync.

So,
let's give it a try, shall we?

Okay, that's great. Spread out.

So you and Jack were dancing
pretty well together back there.

Hm. He has good rhythm.

It seemed
a little more than that.

-You like him, don't you?
-He's a very nice man.

Not bad to look at either.

Don't be wicked.
Santa's watching.

And that is the last of it.

It's amazing
how after so many years

your life can just be
packed away into boxes.

Oh. This isn't life, it's stuff.

It's what you do with your life
that matters, not what you have.

You are a wise woman, Clare.

When you talk like that,
you remind me of your mother.

Come on, we deserve a treat
after all this hard work.

Let's get out of the house.
What can we do?

We could go and listen to some
carols in the town square.

Oh. Yes. I love it.

Well, let's grab our coats
and live a little.

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas... ♪

It is so gorgeous!

I, well, I've never seen
so many lights.

- It's really lovely...
- Oh, Ms. Clare!

-Ms. Bridget!
-Hello, girls.

- Care for a biscuit?
- I'd love one. Thanks.

-We baked them ourselves.
-Mm!

-Mm! Delicious.
-Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

Maybe we can rope you into,

into helping bake
for the Christmas ball.

-Mm!
-Sure, we'd be happy to help.

-Mm.
-Mm-hmm.

Uh, speaking of the ball,
we ran into the professor

and Mr. O'Keeffe earlier.

Well, it does seem like
the whole town is here.

But not everyone in the town
is so cute or single.

I'm not sure
what you're getting at, ladies,

but we're here
strictly for the carols.

-Mm-hmm.
-Sure, Ms. Clare.

Oh. Hey, professor!
Look who we found!

You're welcome.

Ah. Hello there.

-Hello, Liam.
-Hi.

Uh, did you know that
Martin Luther was first credited

with putting lighted candles
on a Christmas tree?

I hadn't come across that
on a cookie tin yet.

Well, yeah,
apparently, he was out walking

one winter's evening, and he was
struck by the brilliance

of the stars twinkling
amongst the evergreens.

And to recapture this moment
for his family,

he put a tree in his house

and decorated it
with lighted candles.

That's a lovely image,
stars in the tree,

light in the darkness.

I always thought so, too.

Hello, all.
What a lovely evening, eh?

Oh, it certainly is.

They do look like stars.

Come and look at the choir.

Sorry, mate.

You all right?

Yeah. Yeah, fine.

Um, Liam, I'm planning
on making pomanders tomorrow.

Any chance you could come by?

Extra pair of hands
always helps.

Sure.

You're right, Aunt Bridget,
an extra pair of hands,

especially attached to strong
arms always comes in handy.

Jack, you don't happen to have
a bit of free time tomorrow?

As a matter of fact,
tomorrow's my day off.

Excellent.
We could use your help.

Oh, those smell wonderful.

Now I know it's Christmas.

I remember making these

with your mother
when we were children.

Mostly I think it was a way
for your grandmother

to keep us busy.

It would take forever to get
the cloves into the oranges.

Then we'd hang them
over the fireplace

and the fragrance
would fill the room.

Mm!

Now, that's the scent
of Christmas for me.

Oh, excuse me.

I'm really sorry, I should
take this. One second.

Hello?

That Liam's a good lad.

Criminal, really,
that he's still single.

Yeah. She's got you
doing it, too, Jack.

There's no conspiracy.

Just two people
stating the obvious.

Mm-hmm. Don't forget,
I live in America.

Three thousand miles away.

It would be ridiculous
to try and...

-What, what's the matter?
-Well, it was my landlord.

Apparently, my water pipes
have burst all over my flat.

It must have frozen over
due to the cold.

And because it's the holidays,
it'll be at least a week

before I can have
heat and water again.

Oh, that's terrible.

Well, you can't possibly
stay there.

Oh, it'll be all right. That's
what extra blankets are for.

Nonsense. You must come here.

Well, we've plenty of rooms
and lots of heat.

- No, I couldn't impose, really.
- Impose?

You are the one who's been
keeping things

going around here.

If I had my way,
I'd keep you here forever.

-Still...
-Best not to argue, Liam.

All right, then, I-I accept.
Thank you, Bridget.

And I should probably go and see
about my flat.

-I'll make up your room.
-Thank you.

If I didn't know any better,
I would say you sabotaged

his pipes just to make us
spend more time together.

I most certainly did not.

But who are we
to question destiny?

You didn't really sabotage
his pipes, did you?

No.

But I could have if I wanted to.

Oh, I think...

you're gonna have to find
yourself another dance partner.

-I can't do it anymore.
-What? No! Why?

The photos and the documents
for the presentation are ruined.

W...

I'm gonna have to spend
every minute from now

until Christmas Eve
in 12 different libraries

across England
trying to recreate it.

Don't worry. I'm sure
it's all gonna work out.

The box should never have been
on the floor in the first place.

I'm losing focus.
Not doing anything right.

The-the dancing,
the presentation.

Don't worry, we'll, we'll
fix this. Take a deep breath.

We can do this.
We just have to fix it together.

We have to at least try.
I wanna dance with you.

I mean, I don't have the time

to teach anyone else
the choreography, so...

And you want the ball
to be a success, don't you?

I suppose there's no way
to make it any worse.

Okay. Well, then let's get
the hair-dryers out.

Worse for wear, but legible.

-So not ruined?
-No.

I even think the water
has given them an aged patina

that makes them
look like originals.

You were right, better for
presentation than on computer.

Mm, I might have to go down
to London to replace

one or two things, but thanks to
you, I won't have to start over.

So you're not gonna make me find
another dance partner?

No. I'm afraid
you're stuck with me.

I'm glad.

Anyway...

So here you go.

Well, it's very kind of you
and your aunt to let me stay.

Ah, it's no problem.

And I'm just down the hall
if you need me, so...

And so is Bridget, down there.

-Oh, thanks.
-Great. Goodnight.

Uh, night, yes.

So the quadrille,

it's a figure dance
with four couples

making up the sides of a square.

Mm. Sounds very complicated.

It's a social dance, danced by
people who gather to have fun.

In fact, the word play comes
from the Middle Dutch pleyen,

which literally means
to dance.

So the only way you can do it
wrong is to not have fun.

We can handle that.

Okay. Okay.
So partner up, form a square.

Liam and I
will be the head couple.

Okay. Which way? This way?

So let's learn the first figure.

Okay.

Awesome! Well done!

Well done, Liam.
Brilliant.

You're getting late.

I can't believe we only have
one week left till the ball.

You all are doing so well,

the committee is going to be
very impressed.

Uh, you know,
I'll catch you guys up.

I'd like to cook you
ladies dinner

and, Jack, if you're free.

I'm always up for a meal.

You really don't have to, Liam.

We were going to get a takeaway.

No, it's the least I could do.
It'd be my pleasure.

A-a thank you
for keeping me warm.

And, uh, I follow a recipe,

so I'm pretty sure
it'll be edible.

Hopefully.

A man who cooks.

-I cook.
-That's what I meant.

It-it-it's an excellent quality
in a man.

-Here you go, Jack.
-Mm! Lovely. Thank you.

This was
my grandmother's recipe.

She made it perfectly
every time.

I hope I came
at least moderately close.

I'm sure it's delicious.

Well, bon appetit.

Mm!

Mm!

Marry me.

No! Come and work for me.

We'll have the most popular pub
for miles around.

Well, thank you.
Thank you very much.

Can I have the recipe from you?

Only if you promise
to follow it.

And, and gave every one of
the carol singers a mince pie.

It's true.

- I don't believe that.
- Oh, I think it's right.

Oh, no, you don't.
You cooked. I'll do the dishes.

Well, ordinarily,
a fair division of labor,

but seeing
as I am living here rent-free,

I think it's only fair that I do
the cooking and the washing up.

Oh.

Thank you.

Well, at least let me dry.

Very well. Thank you.

Fairy Liquid?

Is that supposed to make kids

feel better
about doing the dishes?

Yeah, I don't know, but it does

make your hands terribly soft.

Yeah, feel them.

I have held them plenty
in rehearsal.

They are soft.

Well, thank you
for cooking dinner tonight.

Oh, it was my pleasure.

It was nice to be
in the kitchen cooking for you

and your aunt and-and Jack.

Yeah. Well, we'll take that
for as long as it lasts.

It's snowing.

Come on.

It's magical! Ah!

It's-it's funny, uh...

The first snow always reminds me

of, of dancing The Nutcracker.

In one scene, the paper snow
drifts down around us,

magically, like this.

I see.

This is the first holiday season
in years I haven't danced in.

You must miss it.

Yeah, I do.

I should probably
finish the dishes.

-Um...
-Yeah.

-I'll see you tomorrow?
-Yeah.

Goodnight.

Get it together, Clare.
You are going back to Boston.

You need a walk
to clear your head.

Okay.

-Oh!
-Oh, are you...

Y-yeah.

Oh, uh... After you.

Thanks.

Oh. Are you, um...

Yeah, I'm-I'm going for a walk.

-Me, too.
-Great.

Uh, shall we walk together?

Yeah. Yeah. Why wouldn't we?

There's-there's no reason
we wouldn't,

so let's go for a walk together.

Oh, I think my aunt's removed
all the winter hats

and replaced them with these.

Well, we'll show her.

Come on.

Okay.

A shame the snow didn't stay.

I always forget
how beautiful it is here.

Yeah, it's only a 20-minute
commute into the city,

and yet
it's a whole other world.

Yeah, I don't get enough of this
in Boston.

But I do love it.

Well, you should. It suits you.

We should probably get back
for rehearsals.

Of course.

- Oh, that looks nice.
- Mm-hmm.

What's it like to be
a real, professional dancer?

Uh, uh, it's long hours

and, uh, you work evenings
and weekends

and-and holidays and...

When you're on tour,
you live out of a suitcase

for months at a time
and, yes, your muscles hurt

and your toes get numb.

But when you're out there
in front of that audience,

it is absolute magic.

It's time
to stir the Christmas pudding

and make your wishes.

Here we are.

For good fortune
in the new year.

-Who wants to go first?
-I will.

I wish that we blow the socks
off the committee

and preserve
this wonderful house.

Hear, hear.

Uh, ahem, may Aunt Bridget
get everything she dreams of

after this house is safe.

Okay. Who... Yeah?

Uh, I wish for a date
on New Year's Eve.

Okay, my turn, my turn.

I wish... for peace on Earth.

- Aww.
- Good idea.

Why do you have to make me
look bad?

I wish to visit Clare in Boston
and see her dance.

My turn.

Uh, I wish for a date
on New Year's Eve, too.

Ooh.

Okay. My turn now.

So there are good ships
and there are wood ships.

Ships that sail the sea.

But the best ships
are friendships.

May they always be.

I wish to repay you all

for what you're doing for me
and for this house.

This is a Christmas
for the record books.

-Hear, hear!
-Absolutely.

Whoo!

Okay, you lot,
I'll drive you home.

Thank you, Jack.

And don't forget,
we're back here

for spacing rehearsal tomorrow.

-All right.
-You got it.

-Aw, Ms. Bridget needs a kiss.
-Oh...

Ah, yeah, you're standing under
the mistletoe, Ms. Bridget.

Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

Shall we follow the old custom?

Who are we to flout tradition?

-Aww!
-Aww!

All right, you lot, go on.
Get in the car.

Off you go!

-Goodnight.
-Off you go. Bye-bye.

Don't look at me
in that tone of voice.

I would never.

Okay. Two-two-three.

One-two-three. Two...

Oh, no.

One-two-three. Two-two-three.

One-two-three. Two-two-three.

-Good morning.
-Three... Uh...

Yeah. I'm practicing.

I see that.

Yeah. Oh, these are my notes.

Oh. I see that, too.

Mm. It's a good idea, but
you shouldn't over-think this.

You have to get the steps
in your body.

And it is easier with music.

Okay.

Okay.

Come on.

-Okay, ready? That's it.
-Yeah.

-Mm-hmm.
-Okay.

Two, three.

See? You know it.

You just have to believe
you know it.

Well, it's a lot easier
without anyone watching.

Well, if you get nervous,
you look at me.

Well, all this dancing
is helping keep me in shape

for performing when I go back.

Yeah, right. Of course.

You are so lucky
that you had the time off.

-To come and help your aunt.
-Yeah.

But you've,
you've taught me so much

about how dance connects people.

It's played an integral part
throughout history,

it's something I never
came across in my studies.

Look, Liam, I haven't been
entirely honest.

I was let go
by my ballet company

right before Bridget called.

It was perfect timing, actually.

Yeah, well,
that's-that's fantastic.

I mean, um...

I mean, I'm so sorry.

At first
I didn't tell Aunt Bridget

because I was embarrassed.

And then when she told me
she wanted to give me the house

and the studio, I, I didn't
wanna get her hopes up.

When these holidays are over,
I'm going back to Boston

to audition for new companies,
so I can't stay.

Right.

Right. Of course.

Well, you're a performer.
You-you need to perform.

Exactly.

Right, well, I should probably
get on with my presentation.

I'll-I'll see you in rehearsals.

Yeah.

Hi, Sarah. How are you?

Uh, I'm gonna cut
straight to the chase.

The new PRIMA ballerina
is out with an ankle sprain.

Her understudy is out with
the flu. It's a total disaster.

And, uh, we've had to reshuffle
the whole company,

which means we need you back
right away.

Wait. You fired me, remember?

Uh, no, we-we didn't really
fire you. We were, uh...

We wanted to transition you
to teaching.

I'm not coming back to save

the production
just so you can fire me again.

Of course not, we'll give you
a two-year contract.

-Three.
-Three.

And I want to choreograph.

Fine. You can choreograph
the education tour.

Deal. I'll get a flight back
right after Christmas.

Oh, no, I'm sorry, Clare,
we need you back tomorrow

to get you on stage for
the Christmas Eve performance.

Clare? Are you up for this?

Yes.

Of course.

Yeah.

Aunt Bridget, can I talk to you
a minute, privately?

Of course.

Like I was saying...

It's not like you to be late
for rehearsals. What's up?

I haven't been entirely honest
with you, Aunt Bridget.

My ballet company
didn't give me

the time off, they let me go.

That's why I was free to come
spend Christmas with you.

Oh, I'm so sorry.
Why didn't you just tell me?

Oh, I don't know.
I was embarrassed.

And that first day when you said
you wanted to leave me

the house and the studio,
I just, I guess I panicked.

Oh, I'm sorry,
I put pressure on you, I...

-I just want you to be happy.
-I know. I shouldn't have lied.

But I am really sorry.

Well, as glad as I am that
you're telling me the truth,

I, I just can't understand
why you left it until now.

Because they just called
and offered me my job back,

but only if I fly back tonight.

I'm really sorry to...

Listening at doors?

-You can't go, Ms. Clare.
-What's going on?

Ms. Clare is leaving us.

I've been offered my job back,
but only if I leave tonight.

Oh, well... congratulations.

That's, uh,
that's, that's great news.

But the ball is in two days.

And you're gonna do great
without me.

But it's a quadrille.
Quad means four, doesn't it?

Yes, I know it's not ideal,
but it's gonna work out.

You still have Ms. Bridget,
and she can guide you and...

Hey, look, guys, this is,
this is great news for Clare.

It means that she gets
to go back and-and do the thing

that she loves most,
dance The Nutcracker.

We, we should be happy for her.

Come in.

Don't look at me
in that tone of voice.

Oh, my sweet girl,

everything's going to be
all right.

Ah. I've messed everything up.

I am so sorry to be
letting you down, all of you.

I'd never ask you
to sacrifice your job

or your happiness for me.

But the house,
the ball, the committee.

Oh, we'll sort it out.

This is a special house

and the committee
is bound to see that.

I love you, Aunt Bridget.

I love you, too, sweetheart.

I promise, I won't leave it
so long between visits.

And maybe I can come
and see you dance in America.

That would be wonderful.

You know, Clare,

the only way you could
ever disappoint me

is if you don't follow
your heart.

I have faith in you, my dear.

May your feet always bring you
to where your heart is.

Uh, here. Let me.

Thank you.

Look after my aunt, you hear?

Yes, ma'am.

-Love you.
-Mm.

-Love you.
-Oh.

Liam...

Safe travels.

Uh, yeah, uh...

I hope our paths
cross again soon.

Yes. Yes, me, too.

Right.

Okay.

Hey.

Come on. Let's go in.

I thought you might like
a cup of tea.

Thank you, I'm just trying to,

trying to finish this speech
to the committee.

It's going to be great, Liam.

I spend my whole time
thinking about the past

and then the, the present
rushes in.

It's funny, isn't it?

Yes.

Well, well, if you don't mind,
I'd probably get back to this.

Of course. Drink your tea.

Everything's better with tea.

Clare? Where are you going?

Remember when you told me
there's a point where

every dancer needs to move on?

-Yes.
-Well, you're right.

The time is now for me.

But, but the show.

Thank you for asking me back

and for being my friend
throughout.

I'm really sorry. You're gonna
have to ask somebody else.

I've got to let my feet bring me
to where my heart is.

Thank you!

Oh, my God! Clare!

You're back.

Clare!

What are you doing here?

I called you! Why do you
never check your messages?

Well, apparently,
I need to start.

-Hi.
-Hi.

I got home,
but it didn't feel like home.

And when I went
to the dance studio,

I realized it wasn't
where I needed to be.

I needed to be here,
with all of you.

This is where I belong.

But why is
all the furniture here?

Aren't the guests
gonna be here soon?

Well, we decided Liam would do

his presentation
instead of the dancing.

We couldn't possibly do it
without you, Ms. Clare.

Well, I'm here now.

And I wanna show everyone,
especially the committee

what you've all learned.

So are you in?

-Yes!
-Yes! I think so. Let's do it.

Well, come on.
Let's move this carpet.

Uh, Liam, can you help me
with this trunk?

Yeah.

I found this the other day
while I was tidying up.

I was about to send it off
to you.

Oh.

-Oh.
-It was your mother's.

Oh. It's perfect.

Oh. Thank you, Aunt Bridget.

-I love you.
-Oh.

I love you, too, sweetheart.

-Well, try it on.
-Yeah.

As you can see in this photo,
all of this original...

-Clare, I'm...
-I should never have left.

I should never have let you go.

Ms. Clare, professor,

it's time to dance.

Let's dance.

-Let's save the house.
-For the future.

Uh, ladies and gentlemen,

could I have your attention,
please?

Um, I'd just like to say
a very big thank you to you all

for coming here tonight.

Um, it truly is an honor
to be able to recreate

one of this community's
great traditions,

coming together at Christmas

to celebrate and dance.

Now, as an historian,

I've spent a great deal of time
studying the past,

and I have come to know
many, many different things.

But over the past
couple of weeks,

I've had the chance
to experience something that,

well, unbeknownst to me,

was crucial
in the lives of our ancestors.

Dance.

I've learned that dance
brings people together,

it's an expression of, of joy
and play,

that it both respects tradition,

but also gives it space
to evolve.

Now, we're going to perform

a pair of dances for you
this evening,

dances that would've been
performed

in this very house
centuries ago.

Now, I do hope that you choose

to join us in the dance
afterwards.

As I was told, there is no way
to do it wrong.

And thankfully,
it doesn't have to be perfect.

But, um, being together
and having fun

is what truly matters.

And without further ado,
a quadrille.

Places, everyone, for the waltz.

Was that okay?
I sort of improvised a bit.

It was wonderful.

I'm glad you came back.

I let my feet bring me
to where my heart is.

Hm. I'll be right back.

I'm not going anywhere.

I hope we did enough.

I'm sure we did.

Oh, no.
Don't tell us it didn't.

-It did!
-Yeah!

We got the designation!
The house is safe!

Wow, wonderful!

And it's all thanks to you,
all of you.

So, Ms. Clare,
are you here to stay?

Teaching you
has been amazing fun.

I'd love to take over the dance
studio from Ms. Bridget

if you'll all still have me.

-Yes! Oh, my God!
-Yeah!

-Let's go tell the others.
-Come on!

May I have this dance?

Every dance.

You know, even though you,
you're not going back to Boston

it doesn't mean
that you have to stop dancing.

I mean, we have, we have
an excellent ballet in the city.

I hear it's only
a 20-minute commute by train.

Yeah.