Original subtitles

Wha!

Hey! What up, roomies?

- Ooh, new high tops?

You know it.

Love, it looks like you got here by unicorn.

- I did!

Jojo, you can't be late.

You're the team captain, and FYI,

Nina just volunteered to lead warm-up for you.

So nice of her!

See, I told you! Nina loves me!

Hey, it's Jojo!

Hey, so kind of you to join us.

- Hey, kid. - Sorry I'm late.

Were you dancing with the mailman again?

- What? Me, and mailman? - No, I don't...

Maybe.

- Are you all warmed up? - I'm always warmed up.

- All right, they're all yours. - Five, six, seven, eight!

All right, that's was great.

Are you all warmed up?

- Yeah! - Okay, there's something

I would like to talk with you girls about.

Ooh! Are we picking out new competition costumes?

Because I feel like this year,

we've gotta go head-to-toe flippy sequins.

You know, the ones where you flip them one way

and they're a happy face and then you flip them back

and they're something else?

No, this isn't about costumes.

Then, are we learning our new competition routine?

- Oh! - No, this is not about

- a new routine. - Hold on a second!

Are we finally getting that new vending machine.

Please tell me there's Sour Patch Kids.

This isn't about a vending machine.

This is about my future here at the studio.

After 30 years of teaching dance, it's time for me

to turn the studio over to new management.

Val, no, you can't leave.

You're not just our coach, you're our mentor.

- A second mother. - You taught us

about expressing ourself through movement.

- And living in the moment. - And freestyle Fridays.

Look, girls, I don't want to view this

as something to be sad about.

I want you to look at this as an exciting change.

I put a lot of thought into who should take over the studio

and I found someone.

Someone who is just as passionate about dance

and developing young, creative spirits.

I know you'll be in good hands.

Girls, I'd like you to meet

your new dance instructor, Poppy.

- Do you hear that? - Yeah.

It's like she has her own theme song.

- Not now, Mom. - I'm changing lives.

It's Coach Poppy, and thanks for the intro,

- but I got it from here. - But I thought we discussed

- that I was gonna... - Yeah, yeah,

I'm totally going to foster their young, creative spirits

and move their delicate minds and all that jazz.

- But the gradual transition... - Transition you out,

though, first, Where I was going to stay

for a while and make sure the girls are okay.

Build, build as a team.

I just have one more thing I want to say...

- Thanks so much! - We don't validate anymore.

Sorry. Bye, bye. Whew! There.

That's better.

Now where was I? Yes?

- Bonding and team building. - Right.

Speaking of which, would you like to be my special helper.

- Okay. - Okay.

Here. Take this and build me a latte.

Four shots, five Splendas, no foam, it's annoying.

This is a dollar.

Then feel free to get yourself an ice water.

Okay, go on. Go. Go, go.

Aw, cheer up ladies. This is going to be fun.

So, so fun, as long as follow my rules.

Number one, if you're not five minutes early,

then you are late and if you are late, you are locked out.

Can you hear my heart beating?

- It's cool, we got it. - We got it.

- Here's the deal. - I am here to build the A Team,

but right now, you guys are just the Okay Team.

So starting today, every class will now include

boot camp-style conditioning.

Aw, we're all disappointed.

Aw, I'm sorry. I don't make the rules.

Oh, wait, hold on.

Yes I do!

Back up and form three lines.

Let's go! Burpees till it burns.

Lunge for days.

Push-ups till you throw up.

- Breathe. I am strong. - I can do hard things.

And finally, every dancer must wear

the same uniform in gray.

Not gray.

Did I just say that out loud?

- And you are? - I'm Jojo.

I've been taking dance here since I was, like, mm, five.

Aw, cute! And does Jojo, who's been taking dance here

since she was, like, five, have a problem with gray?

No! I mean...

- Well, yeah. - Yeah.

- It's just so gray. - Oh, yeah.

Could we possibly like juj it up.

- Juj. - Yeah!

We could add some color, maybe even some sparkles.

- Sparkle? - Yeah!

- You know what? - That is a great idea.

You know, let me think about that for a second.

Nope! Moving on!

Oh, before I forget.

No high tops, no ponytails,

and absolutely positively

no bows.

- Did you just say no... - Bows.

Knees up! Let's go!

That is not... what is this? Get those knees up!

Knees, knees, knees! I said knees!

- Hey! - Hey, guys!

- You okay, Jojo? - Me? Oh, sure. I'm great.

Yeah.

This is a tough transition for all of us,

but we know it's been extra hard on you.

What? No, I'm good. I'm good!

Plain gray, it's actually my favorite.

Uh, you know,

it's like we're twirling, leaping, cinder blocks!

Enough about me!

Someone's about to have a birthday

and we have some major planning we've got to do.

Oh, you guys don't have to go to a ton of trouble.

Are you kidding me?

It's your sweet sixteen, of course we do!

We've got to do it up big!

Yeah, like a Velcro wall or a mechanical bull.

Ooh! Yeah!

Well, I did see this one guy on Instagram

who can make a life-size cotton candy sculpture of you.

- Done! - Absolutely.

Jojo, please don't break the dress code again.

My quads are still burning from all the extra squats

we had to do last practice,

when you forgot to take out your bow.

Oh, I'm so sorry about that, Nina.

It won't happen again, I promise.

Hey, guys, ready to go in?

Jojo, your bow.

Val gave me this bow.

Told me she hoped that I would always dance

to the beat of my own drum.

I don't know if I can do it, guys.

Looking the same as everyone just doesn't feel right.

I know this is hard, Jojo, but you know the rules.

If she catches you with a bow again, you're off the team.

Hear me out.

What if...

What if she doesn't see it?

The doors will be closing in five, four, three...

- We're here, we're here! - Ready to boogie!

Two!

Delightful. Gather around.

Now, as you may know, our first opportunity to compete

will be at the upcoming Main Street Dance Competition.

Small potatoes, but we are going for two reasons:

One, to scope out the competition.

And two, to practice crushing them.

That way, we'll be ready for the real competition.

The real competition?

The First Position Competition,

the only competition that matters.

Ooh, I look good.

Look at me.

Anyway, I digress.

First things first, to the mirror! Voila!

Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go!

Now, when you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Cement? Storm clouds.

Statue of me.

- Gigi. - Jojo.

Okay. When I ask a question,

I don't actually want an answer.

You don't?

No, I want you to wait an appropriate amount of time,

till you feel just the right amount of awkward,

and then I will answer it for you.

Do you understand?

- But I was just... - No!

Again, that is a question

I don't actually want an answer for.

- Okay, but I was just being... - Moving on!

Ciao!

All right, who here can tell me why we practice so hard?

Oh, that's actually a question I do want an answer to.

To express what's inside of us?

Nope.

So we can bond as a team?

Not even close.

To squash the dreams of our competitors.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Yes! I smell a winner!

Go ahead, Tina!

- It's Nina. - Back up! Listen!

Now, it's time for me to make you all into winners.

All right? Back up! Spread out!

Two lines! Let's go!

No!

Come on! Come on, ladies!

- That is not low. - You call that low?

Low, low, low, low!

Stop! Everybody freeze.

Freeze, freeze, freeze. What is going on around here?

And by here, I mean here.

What?

Jojo, your personality is poking me in my eyeball.

You're sticking out and pulling focus.

You know what you are? You're a pop-a-color.

- Yeah! - No, that is not a compliment.

Stop popping! There's no popping. Pop it off!

Miss Thing, you have to blend in.

You... you want me to... ha.

- Yeah, get it out. - You can do it.

- Both: Blend. - In.

- Um, Coach Poppy? - You are?

- Afraid. Oh, I mean, hi. - I'm Ruby D and she's Ruby M,

but most people just call us the Rubies.

Apparently, it was a very popular name

the year we were born.

There's also two Olivias, four Sophias,

and a growing number of Avas...

I'm sorry, are you still talking?

I stopped listening.

The glare from your glasses is distracting.

- Okay. - Okay.

I think what Ruby is trying to say

is that Jojo is a great dancer, maybe the strongest we have.

If you find yourself drawn to watching Jojo,

- doesn't that just mean... - No! No, no, no, no, no!

I don't want to see individual faces.

I don't want to see none of this,

or this...

Or this.

None of it.

I just want one glorious,

homogenized blob of perfect technique

and if the Rubies can't get with the program,

then, well, maybe the Rubies can start a Jojo fan club

with all the free time you have on your hands

when you're off my team.

- I'll do it. - What?

- What? - I'll do it.

I'll try harder to blend in.

- Terrific. Moving on. - I love this place.

And she's still talking.

It's my second home, and you guys, you guys

are all like my sisters.

Most weeks, I spend more time here than I do at my own house

and when I'm here, I feel like I'm at my favorite place

and I'm with my favorite people.

So I'll do it. I can blend, watch!

See, look at me.

I'm a dancing robot. I feel nothing.

Totally dead inside.

That good, eh?

- What is that? - What? What is what?

That glittering monstrosity on your head.

- Oh, this! - This is a new product

to fluff my bun, actually.

- It's called a bun fluffer. - That's not a bun fluffer.

That's a bow.

A big, happy, glittering bow,

and I do not like glitter, Jojo.

Who doesn't like glitter?

Look, Poppy, if you want to be part

of Mr. Melody's Glitter Girls,

then I'm going to need you to sparkle.

Give me sparkle!

Sparkle! Sparkle!

Ugh, stop.

Halt! Poppy, cease and desist!

I need some expression!

Give me this and this, and this!

Show her how it's done, girls.

- See, see, see! - Look at your little sister!

If Rosie can sparkle, why can't you?

Yes, Rosie, yes! Give me Madonna!

Paula Abdul!

And Miss Jackson, 'cause you're in control!

And I'm never going to stop.

Uh, uh, uh, excuse me, madam,

but there is no crying in Mr. Melody's Glitter Girls.

But I saw you crying in the parking lot.

Out!

You are hereby banished from the Glitter Girls.

And FYI, Poppy, you will never success if you can't sparkle.

What do you think is happening right now?

Maybe she's having a flashback.

I am, I'm almost done.

Okay, I'm done. Where was I?

Ooh, I know!

And I do not like glitter, Jojo!

Right. And I do not like glitter, Jojo!

And you are like human glitter,

and I just don't think you're the right fit for this team.

- What? No, no, no! - I will do anything.

- Anything? - Anything!

Okay, well, if you want to stay on this team,

then I suggest that you find your sparkle switch

and turn it off.

Okay.

- Moving on. - Form two lines, eyes on me.

Okay. We've got my bags.

Desi! Hey!

Jojo! Hi!

Aw, how are you?

- I'm good. - Girl, should I call 9-1-1?

Because someone's stolen your sparkle.

I didn't even recognize you without your bow.

- Yeah. Me neither. - New coach, new rules.

You, though... you look fabulous!

I know, right?

The only good part about moving away from my mom's new job

is that I could start fresh at a new school,

new dance studio and just be who I really am,

and this, is who I really am.

Aw, I love it!

You seem so happy, and that makes me really happy.

So your new studio, are they good.

- Oh, it'll do. - But I miss you guys.

It's just not the same.

Trust me, literally nothing is the same.

- These are some warm-up suits. - What does P-PAC stand for?

Poppy's Performing Arts Center.

Jojo, be like Beyonce and get in formation.

- Oh, these are so heavy.

- See you, Desi. - Bye.

And there's so many.

Excuse me, guys. Don't mind me! Sorry.

And now, formerly known as Dance Mentions.

From Poppy's Performing Art Center,

please welcome the P-PAC!

Wow, so precise and in sync!

So graceful, and yet, I'm intimidating by them.

Almost scared.

That's exactly what I was going for.

What in human combination?

Jojo, knock it off!

Jojo, knock it off!

Then that lift at the beginning,

that was like the best time we ever did it! I...

Hey, Desi! Congrats!

Oh my gosh, your team was amazing.

- Stop, you're too kind. - Tell me more.

- And you guys are fantastic.

I loved your solo.

Yeah. Nice solo, Jojo.

Apparently a fourth place trophy is too embarrassing

to even bring home.

- Don't even sweat it. - This competition is just

a warm-up to the first position competition.

I'll see you there, right?

- Of course you will... - Jojo!

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

- Congratulations? - How about you're welcome,

'cause you basically gave 'em first place!

I mean, look at her.

What am I supposed to do... Take this little thing.

Everybody else was giving fierce blue steel

while you were out there looking like human jazz hands

with a glitter manicure

and you know I do not like glitter, Jojo!

I'm sorry, guys.

Listen, I tried to turn off my sparkle switch, I really did.

Then it was like the beat kicked in

and I just felt it in my bones.

It was like, my brain knew that I wasn't supposed to sparkle,

but nothing told my feet or my face.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

You know what, this isn't working out.

We're breaking up with you.

- What? We are? - No, we're not. We're not.

- Then I am! - It's not you, Jojo, it's me.

- What? - No, who we are kidding.

It's totally you. P-PAC your bags.

Oh, and FYI, you will never success if you don't learn

how to turn off your sparkle.

- I... - No, no.

- Please just... - Zip it!

Moving on!

Guys.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

You know, I've gone to that studio

almost every day that I can remember

and without it, I don't know where to go.

Oh, sweetheart.

You know she tricked me.

Told me she wanted to cultivate a competitive spirit

in our youth and foster creativity.

- Yeah. - Uh-uh.

Then she changed the locks

and didn't even invite me to the competition.

That's why you weren't there!

Oh, and she also changed the name of the studio.

- She didn't. - She did.

To Poppy's Performing Art Center.

P-PAC for short.

- P-PAC? - P-PAC.

Oh, I'd like to P-PAC her right in the face.

- Oh, wow.

I am so sorry, Jojo. I feel like this is my fault.

It's not your fault, and I don't want you to be sorry.

Coach Poppy is who should be sorry.

Hey! We had a feeling this is where you would be.

Are you okay, Jojo?

Okay, girls, come with me.

I want to show you something.

Even though it seems everybody else is doing things

one way doesn't mean it's the right way for you.

You don't need that studio to do what you love.

If you really want to perform,

you'll find a way to do it anywhere.

Wow! Look at this place!

What is all this stuff?

Odds and ends, just things I've collected from decades

of putting on dance recitals and shows.

- Are there mirrors in here? - Oh, lots of 'em.

Do you guys see what I see?

Three, possibly four, different kinds of spiders.

No. Potential.

Guys! I have an idea!

- Ooh, breakfast for dinner. - Close!

Why don't we start our own team?

Uh, like a dodgeball team?

No, no, no, like a dance team.

Jojo and the Rubies.

We're already sound like a rock band,

and there's still so much time. We can make up a routine

and register for the First Position Competition.

- I don't know, Jojo. - It's a fun idea.

So fun, but the thing is,

Poppy says we're going to win Nationals this year

and I've never won anything.

Not even "Solitaire."

Yeah. Part of me totally wants to quit the team

and joins yours, but the other part of me

knows my folks will kill me because they already paid

for my competition costumes,

and since I'm both a people pleaser

and a chronic rule follower, I'm not quite sure

which particular part to pick presently.

- It's all right, guys. - It was just an idea.

- JoJo. - No, really.

If you guys want to stay in the P-PAC, I get it.

It's totally okay.

- Are you sure? - Of course.

We're still going to hang out on my birthday, right?

Are you kidding? We better be.

- Again. - Five, six, seven, eight.

And one, two, three, four.

Lines, lines, seven, eight, two, two.

What are you doing?

Five, six, you're looking janky.

Stop. Oh, y'all look a hot mess.

Y'all got my choreo looking basic.

Take five and go get better. Just... would you?

Hey, remember this?

Hey. What is that?

- What? What was what? - Who? What? Where?

Knock-knock. Who's there?

What's that move? Do it again.

What move? This move?

- Oh, I like it. - We're putting it in.

Let's go!

You're all right, Bobo?

I know, we haven't been to a park in a while,

but suddenly I have a lot of free times on my hands,

so you better get ready because it looks like

we're gonna be doing this a lot more often.

Hold on. You stay here. I'll be right back.

Looks like I'm gonna need more hot chocolate.

You wanna win?

Well, winning costs, and right here is where you start paying.

Uh, yeah, so I knew you would agree, girl.

Yeah, so I'm going to just talk to you later, okay?

Bye-bye. Beep.

That was a really great practice today, coach,

- really great. - Spit it out, Phoebe.

- Ruby. - Right.

I was just wondering if we can end practice

on time next Saturday, I'm having a few friends over.

How nice. What's the occasion?

Oh, it's nothing, my birthday.

Oh, fun!

So we can end practice on time?

- Of course not. - We will stop when we're done.

- Oh. - Also, what should I bring?

- Excuse me? - To the party.

Oh, it's not a party, more of a get-together.

Oh, even better.

It will be a bonding experience for all of us.

- All of us? - Yup, the whole team.

See you at 6:00, and no glitter.

- Hey, what's this? - A dance team?

But we're not dancers.

Technically, I saw you dance.

You're just not a technical dancer technically yet.

- Huh? - I'll show you.

Pepper, remember when you were playing football

and you... you faked right, you ran to the left.

You did a little twist-twist, and then you spun,

and then you spiked the ball after the touchdown?

- Yeah. - Let me see that.

Okay.

Hey!

All right, all right.

Jess, let me hear a little... something.

Seven, eight.

Hey!

See, now that was a dance.

Sunnie, let me see your best soccer move.

Okay.

Hey! That was incredible.

- Jess. - I've got it.

Hey!

I did that?

- You did that. - Should we all try?

All: Yeah.

Five, six, seven, eight.

- Whoo! - Hey!

I wanna show you guys this little dance

that I've been working on.

This is called the JoJo Jam.

Here you go.

You go back, forward, pump, pump, kick,

kick, a twist, twist, slide.

Hey!

You see, dance is all about expressing yourself.

Everyone has a little sparkle in them.

You've just got to let it out.

Jess, let's hear a little funky beat.

Hey!

- Hey, let's go. - Hey!

- Hey, wait. - Why are we doing this again?

Yeah, what gives?

Why do you want us to be part of your dance team?

Well, my coach kicked me off the team.

She said that I needed to find my sparkle switch

and turn it off.

And I tried. I really did.

But what can I say? I'm sparkly.

So now I'm all on my own.

No you're not I'm in.

My first season, I missed a penalty kick

that could have won my team the championship game.

When I cried on the field, my coach called me "Weepy"

for the rest of the year.

In third grade, Max Cohen said

I couldn't play football with him at lunch

because he said I played like a girl.

So I practiced every day since to prove him right.

I'm in too.

My step-mom told me cheerleading

isn't a real sport,

so she wouldn't let me try out for the team,

so now I make up cheers around the house

encouraging her to cook something

that actually tastes good. I'm in too.

You know, it sounds like we've all been told

that we don't fit in before.

On my last team, we all had to be the same.

What if on this team

we celebrated everyone being unique?

- Yeah.

Guys! Oh, yeah!

Who are all those people?

Looks like she found some new friends.

Are you still going to tell her we're using her moves?

Are you still gonna tell her

that she's uninvited to your birthday?

You guys, we can totally do this.

Do what, exactly?

Register for the First Position Competition.

If you finish top three, you qualify for nationals.

This year they're in Springfield,

which is just a couple hours away.

Do you really think we have a shot?

Judging by what I just saw, I know we do.

- Oh, my gosh!

If I tell JoJo I gave away her moves, she could ask me

to tell Coach Poppy that she can't have them.

I'm sure that would go over well.

And if you tell JoJo that Coach Poppy

is coming to your birthday, she'll be nice and come anyway.

But Coach Poppy said no glitter,

and we both know what that means.

So what do we do?

Hey, good practice, everybody.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Good day, good day, good day.

That was awesome. We did it.

- Yeah. Hey, girls. - Hi.

My Rubies!

Man, it's good to see you guys. Come on, come on.

You gotta come in. Check this out.

- Wow, it looks great in here. - Thanks.

It's so weird not seeing you every day. We miss you.

I know. I miss you guys too, but hey, at least we're gonna

see each other at the First Position Competition.

- Awesome. - You're gonna come watch?

Close. I'm actually competing with my new team.

- Cool. - So cool.

Wow, so that's your new team.

I thought those were just some new friends.

Well, I mean, they're that too.

- Bonus. - Yay for new friends.

You guys, you're going to love 'em.

Oh, actually, hold on one second.

Sunnie, she forgot her ball, which is so Sunnie.

I'll be right back.

"Which is so Sunnie."

Oh, my gosh. I just made fun of her.

Why did I do that? I don't make fun of people.

I'm a nice person, or maybe I'm not.

Maybe I'm a terrible person

that doesn't want JoJo to replace us.

- All right. Take a breath. - It's perfectly normal for us

to feel jealous about her making new friends.

- She looks so happy. - I don't want to tell her

she can't come to my birthday and bum her out again.

I can't believe JoJo has got a new team.

And she's competing against us.

Do we tell Coach Poppy?

I don't want to bum her out either.

There she is.

Ladies and gentlemen, the girl who kicked so high

in fifth grade she gave herself a concussion.

The only Jo who's so extra she needed an extra Jo.

JoJo the Baroness of Bows is back.

Desi, you are too much,

which by the way happens to be the perfect amount.

Someone looks like herself again.

What do you mean, my bow?

No, no, it's more like your smile.

This old thing?

I'm glad to see you're back to being

the rainbow glitter sparkle dream queen that you are.

I mean, you're not wrong.

So where are the Rubies and the rest of the team?

I've got my own team now.

Remember, ladies, second place is just first losers.

First loser. Loser.

Don't worry about her, guys.

What are you doing here?

I'm competing with my new team.

Didn't you guys tell her?

It must have slipped their minds.

Hey, Nina, long time no see.

You guys look great, by the way.

- It's good to see you, JoJo. - You look...

Like, I don't know what team you belong to.

You guys don't even match.

That's because we're all unique.

Cute. So, JoJo, are you sad

that you're not with the A-Team anymore?

No 'cause now she's on the J Team.

That's right.

- I think your mom is calling. - No, that's not my mama.

Mama, mama.

Oh, you don't know my mother's ringtone.

- Yeah, I do. - Tell her I say, "Hi."

- Ooh!

Mama, what?

Whoo-hoo! Go, J Team, go!

That's our move.

That human sequin stole my choreography.

Hey!

And now give it up for The P-PAC!

- All right, ladies. - Let's go, let's go, let's go.

I want those lines. Hustle.

JoJo, I have to tell you something.

Reba, will you please?

- It's Ruby. - Join the crew. Thank you.

Did I just see what I think I saw?

Yeah, they just did the JoJo Jam.

Are they pulling out jump ropes?

Is that even legal?

Our third place winner,

who will be continuing on to nationals, is Troop TNT.

- We're going to nationals. - Thank you. Thank you.

Guys, don't stress, all right?

We danced our hearts out.

We don't need some gimmick like jump ropes.

Second place, also headed to the national level of

the First Position Competition, goes to.

The J Team!

Thank you so much!

And the regional winner of the All-American First Position.

Dance Competition goes to The P-PAC!

- Whoo, yes! That's mine! - Give it to me! Oh, I won.

- Congratulations.

Don't think I didn't notice you trying to steal my moves.

Nice try, but it didn't work.

- Your moves? - I'm so good.

- This is perfect. - Right.

Good luck at nationals.

Only losers need luck, honey.

Moving on!

- JoJo, I can explain. - I'm so sorry.

- Winners never apologize. - Moving on!

Girl, when I say, "Moving on," move it on.

Come on now, child, we move on when we win.

- Guys, we did it!

JoJo, this was all my fault.

I know.

And I take full responsibility.

You should.

And I'm pretty sure your neighbor is calling 911 on us.

Can we come in please?

Did you get the fruit shaped like flowers I sent?

I did. Thank you.

And the flowers shaped like fruit?

Mm-hmm.

Are you just going to ghost us?

- I've been busy. - It's nothing personal.

I don't know if you saw any of the TikToks I tagged you in

or the embroidered pillow I had sent over.

You really can find anything on the Internet.

Like the pillow says,

"I didn't offer your moves to Poppy.

"She saw me doing them and then put it in the routine

because she loved it,"

partly because it's great choreography

and partly because I'm such a skilled dancer.

I mean, do you know how it felt to see my moves

in the hands of the coach that kicked me off the team?

We are terrible, terrible people.

I know I should have told her that she couldn't have them,

but she scares me, and for a split second,

it felt like she almost liked me.

I get it.

I threw away my first bow to try and get her to like me.

Guys, we can't let Coach Poppy

or anyone come between us, okay?

- Okay. - It's a deal.

I miss you guys.

I'm so excited to party at your birthday on Saturday.

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.

What?

What is it? We're still hanging out, right?

Our practice schedule is so crazy right now,

I just think we should postpone until after nationals.

What? No way. No.

All of us are under so much pressure.

It's just not the right time for my birthday.

- Not the right time? - Are you kidding?

It's your sweet 16. We've got to do something.

It's not a big deal.

Seriously, we'll party after the competition.

Okay, I'm going to get a picture.

- Yes. - That was awesome.

The lights, the crowd, the energy.

Yeah.

You think that was awesome, just wait until nationals.

Who knew second place could feel this good?

Hey, we made top three.

We get to move on. That's all that matters.

I'll tell you what matters.

That Poppy person needs to be put in her place.

- Yeah, I second that. - She is not cool.

Agreed. Part of me wants to win at nationals

just to see her face.

I think we can do it.

Look, you all did well,

but if you really want a chance to win at nationals...

And squash Poppy's dreams.

That too.

Then we'll do whatever it takes.

Okay. Well, here's the thing,

it's not enough to do your best.

You really need to push yourselves further.

You can't just dance with your body.

You've got to dance with your soul.

- Wait, did we learn that move? - It's not a move.

It's a feeling.

Do you ever have that feeling in your gut

when you wanted something so bad

and everyone told you you can't have it?

I think she means like when you're in overtime

in the finals

and you see the other team starting to celebrate,

so you decide to school them with a penalty kick that lands

with the sweet sound of you ruining that pizza party

they thought they were about to just have.

Oh, why didn't you just say that?

- Are you guys ready for this? - Yeah.

'Cause we're about to go to the next level.

J Team on three.

One, two, three.

All: J Team!

Hey, thanks for coming on such short notice.

I'm a big fan of your work.

Whoa, it's like looking in a mirror.

This thing is oddly realistic.

You're very talented. Hold up, I've gotta go get

the birthday girl to see this.

Sounds like someone's home.

Surprise! Happy sweet 16.

You're having a party.

More of a get-together.

Without me.

- I thought everybody was here. - Is that the pizza guy? Oh.

Yeah.

It's just the pizza guy.

JoJo, wait.

Happy birthday.

How you doing?

- Okay. - Really?

It seems like you've got the weight of the world

on your shoulders.

Kind of feels like somebody put my heart

in a blender and hit puree.

Ouch.

I think I lost my best friends.

One of them stole my moves, and

the other, she had a party without me.

I'm so sorry.

I thought I knew them so well.

I know that Ruby D.

Isn't capable of staying up past 10,

and I know that she has an irrational fear of frogs.

- Frogs? - Right. And Ruby M.,

I know that she has a secret crush on her neighbor,

and I also could tell you exactly how she orders pizza,

pepperoni, pineapple, no cheese.

- No cheese? - Exactly.

So how is it that I know so much about these girls,

but I never could have predicted

they would do this to me?

Oh, come here. Oh.

How they betrayed me feels awful,

and it makes me not want to be friends with them anymore,

but then I think about not having them in my life, and...

And that feels worse.

You know, sometimes friends outgrow each other,

and that's okay,

but try to understand what was in their hearts

and at least consider forgiveness

before you walk away.

People make mistakes.

It was all just so much easier

when we were at the old studio and you were our coach.

Now with my own team, I...

I'm just afraid I'm going to let everyone down.

- No way. - You are a born leader, JoJo.

- Am I? - Yes.

I just keep thinking about nationals,

and I keep feeling all this pressure.

Pressure to come up with something different

to set us apart from everyone else.

You know, Coach Poppy, she busted out jump ropes,

and that really seemed to wow the judges.

Yeah, well, she's a doozy, all right.

I just feel like we need something,

something different to show them how special we really are.

I want you to close your eyes.

Go on.

Now I want you to envision

what your ultimate dream performance would be.

My ultimate dream performance.

My ultimate dream performance.

Singing.

It's always been my dream.

In my ultimate dream performance,

it would be dancing and singing.

In front of a huge audience?

- How did you know?

I was a kid just like you.

Too bad it's only a dance competition.

Is it?

I mean, just because everybody is doing things one way

doesn't mean it's the right way for you.

But what if they disqualify me

for doing things differently?

Well, at least you gave them your dream performance.

Guys, I got a big idea for nationals,

but no risk, no reward.

Are y'all with me? All: Yeah.

Heck yeah! J Team on three!

One, two, three! All: J Team!

Five, six, seven, eight.

Awesome day, everybody. J Team, whoo!

You guys are looking great.

Thank you.

- JoJo! - Whoa! Y'all scared me.

Sorry. We didn't want to go in because...

- What are you guys doing here? - Need some more moves?

Or are you here to uninvite me to something else?

Sorry, I thought that was going to feel better than it did.

I feel awful about what I did on my birthday.

I know.

I got your texts and snaps, DMs, PMs

218 to be exact.

Coach Poppy invited herself to my party,

and I was too scared to uninvite her

so instead I uninvited you.

It's all right, Ruby.

It is?

Yeah. Friends outgrow each other all the time.

No, JoJo, please.

We were supposed to be friends forever,

apart or together.

We are.

We were.

- Practicing your JoJo Jam? - Oh, come on.

I've been practicing all week.

- You're right. - We messed up bad,

and I'll understand

if you never want to be friends with us again.

Good, great, terrific.

Where did you get that?

We took it out of the trash and saved it.

The three of us are a team. We always have been,

and we need to be on the same team again.

We want you to come back.

Am I missing something here?

It's Coach Poppy who calls the shots.

She wants you back on the team, too.

She said she made a huge mistake.

Coach Poppy wants me back on the team?

We all do. The whole team.

Even Nina said the team's not the same without your sparkle.

We'll do anything

if you'll just come back and dance with us again.

Come on. Let's get out of here.

- Wait. - Maybe it's not what we think.

My team does need a lot of work.

Let's go.

But I made a commitment to them.

And Coach Poppy was right.

I do not belong in the P-PAC.

I'm me, and I like bows and sparkles

and being exactly who I am.

And letting my team know

that they should be exactly who they want to be.

Do you think there's a way we can still be friends?

Maybe, but I'm still sad, and hurt.

But we can try.

We'll take it.

And we promise we'll never betray your trust again.

- Oh. Well, did... - Did you get her back?

Um. No.

She said she doesn't want to come back and be on the team.

- Good.

Good?

- Well, yeah. Oh, come on. - You didn't actually think

she was going to leave her team, did you?

Oh, cute! You did.

Well, then why did you ask us to go get her back?

Because I wanted to poke a few holes in that pesky

self-confidence of hers. You know.

Make her wonder whether she made the right choice,

and hopefully drive a wedge between her and her team

as a bonus.

We can't risk her winning.

You sent us to sabotage our friend's team?

You used us.

Well, duh!

I told you we were going to win the nationals.

And we will.

Hey, guys. What's the deal?

Nationals are just a few days away.

What do you care?

Don't you have another team to go practice with now?

What are you talking about?

Your old team, who doesn't need so much work.

We know you're going back to them.

We saw you with them at Val's house this morning.

- Who? The Ruby's? - Yeah.

The girls who stole your moves.

And didn't invite you to their party.

Look. I know they messed up,

but they're my friends, too.

- People make mistakes. - Yeah, we know.

Just like the mistake we made wasting our time on the J-Team.

- No, no, no. - Just hear me out, please.

- Go ahead. - Go running off to your friends.

Don't worry about us.

- Yeah. - We'll make it easy for you.

We quit the J-Team.

Jess. Pepper. Sunnie.

Guys, just hear me out. Wait.

- No thanks. - I'm not in the mood.

Any of the J-Team answer your calls?

Not yet, but I'll keep trying.

- How did I get here? - I have no team to perform with,

but even worse, I let all of my friends down.

- JoJo. - I never meant to hurt anyone.

I know that.

All I ever wanted to do is perform.

But, now I feel like the universe is telling me not to.

Do I just listen and give it all up?

Do you remember that day I gave you your first bow.

You were so upset you couldn't nail your triple pirouette

you wanted to quit.

But once you had that bow in your hair

and the music started,

there was no stopping you.

I think I practiced all day and night

until I wore a hole in my kitchen floor.

I remember. Nothing's changed.

If you really want to perform,

nothing will stop you.

From all of the noise.

Might fall.

Ha. Well, well, well.

Look what we have here.

It's JoJo, everybody. What does she have on?

Hey, guys.

You know, I was really bummed to hear

that you didn't want to come back and join us.

Where's the rest of the J-Team.

Oh. It's just me that'll be competing today.

The rest of my team quit.

- Oh. - I'm really sorry to hear that.

Thanks.

It's okay, though, because I'm still going to perform.

I love performing.

My favorite thing, ever. Nothing can stop me.

- Cute. Good luck with that. - Moving on!

And now, the P-PAC!

- We're about to start. - Where are the Rubies?

I don't know. I've looked for them everywhere.

What are you doing here? You should be on the stage.

- Go back out there, Sheena. - It's Nina!

- Sheena be working my nerves. - I swear I ain't gonna let her.

- Ha ha! - The Ruby's parts

- are coming up. - I know. Hold this.

Turn around.

I've got to put this on me for one second.

You know what? You're going to have to cover for them.

- But I don't know their parts. - Yeah, yeah.

The show must go on, Trina.

- Nina! - Who cares.

My part isn't over!

- Yeah, Honey! - That is my girl...

Get me down! Get me down!

Ahh! What's your name? What's your name? Help me!

Help me! Oh! Ooh! Ooh!

That was unexpected.

I always knew she had a little sparkle on the inside.

Well, you're next, kid.

Val. I don't know if I can do it. Not alone.

Yes, you can.

But it's a team competition, and we're...

Listen. None of that matters.

Winning isn't the goal anymore.

And now, please welcome The J-Team.

- You remember that ultimate

performance you imagined?

Your only goal now is to go out there and do it.

Just live your dream.

Just live my dream.

We love you J-Team!

What made you guys change your mind?

The Rubies told us everything.

We should have listened to you when you tried to explain.

We just assumed you'd want to go back to your old team,

because you'd have a better chance at winning.

Are you kidding me?

Whatever the result of this competition, I already won.

- Pardon me. Make way. - Coming through.

Hi. I need to speak to a manager.

How very dare of you to put the rest of us to shame.

Why do we even bother.

- Aw, stop it Desi. - Your team was amazing.

What I want to know is how you did that one move.

The one where you're like "bam, oomf, cappa."

- That's the JoJo Jam. - Of course it is.

I demand you teach it to me ASAP.

- Anything for you, my friend. - I knew her first, girls.

- Here you go, Jess. - Woah!

- Yeah!

And Pepper, this bow is for you,

'cause it's spicy, just like you are.

- Oh, yeah.

Each one of these bows is unique.

Just like all of you.

It represents how we're all different,

but we're all on the same team.

- Congrats, J-Team. - Yeah, you guys were awesome.

Did Poppy kick you off the team?

She tried to, but we quit first.

Mm-hmm.

Well, technically she kicked us off

while we were quitting, but that's besides the point.

- It was mutual.

JoJo. We wanted ask...

And it's cool if you want to say no,

we'll totally understand.

Can we be on the J-Team?

Well, since we are on our way

to the First Position Competition.

World Championships.

I think we could use a few extra J-Team ladies.

- All right, you guys. - We've got a lot of work to do.

So we should get started right away.

Are you guys warmed up.

All: Yes.

Good, 'cause it's time to party!

- J-Team! J-Team! J-Team!