The son of a taxi driver and a nurse, Alexis, is a promising student at the National Ballet School of Cuba with two more years left to study before becoming a professional dancer. But political changes on the horizon compel his parents to migrate as soon as possible to Miami where they will reunite with his half-sister. After leaving Havana and arriving in Miami, Alexis has to confront the education system in the elite and rarefied atmosphere of dance in the United States.

After some refusals, his special talent is recognized by the prestigious HARID Conservatory, which accepts him and grants him a full scholarship. Now, Alexis can continue to study to become a professional but he finds himself facing the need to compromise between two cultures, and to strike a balance that will allow him to redefine his own identity while remaining faithful to his roots.

As the months go by some of the best U.S. ballet companies, such as the American Ballet Theatre and the San Francisco Ballet, start to become interested in his talent. However, Alexis is torn by melancholy and dreams of going back to Cuba to reunite with his girlfriend Yelenia and join the National Ballet Company there.

Iconic world events become the backdrop to his “coming of age”, such as president Obama’s visit to Cuba, the Rolling Stones’ free concert in Havana, the election of Donald Trump and the death of Fidel Castro. These historical events reflect directly on the daily life of Alexis and his family while establishing a timeline of the radical changes occurring for Cubans on the island and abroad.

Next spring Alexis will turn 18 and he will receive his first United States passport. He will be free to choose for himself. Should he remain in the USA or go back to Cuba?

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