The film was shot in New York City and its surroundings. It tells the story of a classically trained dancer named Ruby, who studies at a prestigious performing arts school in Manhattan. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a talented but illegal British violinist named Johnny, who makes a living performing in the subway. After his violin is stolen in a moment of carelessness, Ruby comes to his aid. She learns that he is an illegal immigrant facing deportation. Learning about a competition where a dancer and a string musician perform together, she sees a chance to win a scholarship that could secure him a student visa. Johnny initially reluctantly agrees but eventually participates, enlisting a street dance team to prepare for the high-stakes performance.

Filming Locations:

View of the Manhattan Bridge over the East River

In the Movie

Scene where Ruby and Johnny stand by the Lower Manhattan waterfront, with the famous Manhattan Bridge over the East River towering behind them, emphasizing the New York atmosphere and the connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn, reflecting the characters' different worlds.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Manhattan Bridge, a historic suspension bridge connecting Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. Built in 1909, it carries vehicular, pedestrian, and subway traffic and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the New York skyline, frequently appearing in films and photos.

Manhattan School of Music

In the Movie

Scene where the performing arts school where Ruby studies is shown here; it serves as the main educational setting where she hones her dance skills and where much of the dramatic tension surrounding the scholarship competition between the main characters unfolds.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Manhattan School of Music, a private conservatory in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Founded in 1917, it is one of the leading music schools in the US, offering programs in classical and jazz performance, composition, and music education for students from around the world.

Balaboosta Restaurant on Mulberry Street

In the Movie

Scene where the characters enter this restaurant in Nolita, which creates a warm and cozy atmosphere for an important conversation scene where the relationship between the characters develops and key plot points about the upcoming competition are discussed.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Balaboosta, a Mediterranean-style restaurant on Mulberry Street in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan. Opened by chef Einat Admony, it is known for its vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and is popular in one of New York's most charming and historically Italian quarters.

Clinton Street in Brooklyn

In the Movie

Scene where the street scene in Brooklyn is filmed along this residential stretch, conveying the everyday neighborhood atmosphere that contrasts with the intense world of performing arts, as the characters walk through blocks of brownstone houses at a key moment in the story.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Clinton Street in the Carroll Gardens / Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn, a tree-lined residential street known for its beautiful brownstone townhouses and quiet neighborhood atmosphere. This stretch between Union Street and Sackett Street is a classic example of Brooklyn's charming residential architecture and community feel.