“In a world where winning is everything, one cheer squad discovers the true triumph of integrity, originality, and unbridled spirit.”
Watch the original version of Bring It On
Prologue:
In the bustling city of San Diego, nestled between the surfer’s paradise of La Jolla and the Mexican charm of Old Town, is a place where spirit and spunk are currencies more valuable than gold. Welcome to Rancho Carne High School, the cheerleading capital of the world. Home of the Toros, a cheerleading squad so legendary, they had a six-year winning streak at the national championships. It was more than just a cheerleading team. It was an institution, a dynasty, a beacon of hope in a world that often overlooked cheerleading as a sport.
In this hallowed hall of leaps and bounds, of flips and twirls, of cheers and chants, a transfer of power was about to occur. The Toro’s formidable leader was graduating, passing the baton to a new captain. As the prologue closes, we meet Torrance Shipman – energetic, a bundle of nerves, but ready to step up and lead the Toros to their seventh consecutive victory. The stakes are high, the suspense palpable – Can Torrance lead the Toros to another victory? The answer lies ahead.
Chapter 1: “Rancho Carne Rumble”:
The story commences at a fast-paced, energetic Toro’s practice session. The Toros ramp up the energy in the room with their relentless spirit and slick, high-octane routine. As you watch the seamless formation, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary cheerleading squad. You feel it in your bones – the tension of perfection, the strain for unity, the pressure to maintain an unbeaten streak.
Amid the flying V formations and human pyramids, Torrance stands, her heart pounding louder than the hip-hop track reverberating around the gymnasium. She’s been a part of this squad for years, but today, she stands at the helm. The daunting task of leading the Toros was no longer just a dream – it was her reality. Her nerves bundle and twist inside her like a cheerleader’s ribbon, but her exterior emulates the cool poise of a General ready for battle.
Torrance’s world is turned on its head when she accidentally stumbles upon a dusty, hidden tape in the school’s archive room. Wiping the dust off the old VHS, she pops in the tape, and her cheer-filled world starts to crumble. On that tape is not just any routine – it’s their routine, their mighty winning number, being performed by the East Compton Clovers, a team from Los Angeles. The realization that their routines were not original, but stolen hits her like a faulty dismount from a pyramid.
She had grown up idolizing the Toros, reveling in their victories, and now she was the captain of a sham. It wasn’t the high-flying stunts or the perfectly synchronized formations that had carried them to victory- it was plagiarism. She had stepped inside a narrative that was as torn and twisted as a cheerleader’s ribbon after a particularly intense routine.
Her mind spirals into chaos, a perplexing whirlwind of questions. Should she confront the former captain? Should she confess to her team? More importantly, could she lead her team to victory, knowing they were dancing to another team’s beat?
As the chapter closes, Torrance is left with a gnawing feeling of guilt and a heavy decision to make. The future of the Toros hangs in the balance, suspended in mid-air, much like a cheerleader in the middle of a high-risk stunt. And whether they stick the landing or take a catastrophic fall will largely depend on the decisions Torrance makes next.
Chapter 2: “Stolen Steps”
Torrance Shipman was a girl of action, not prone to doubts or indecisiveness. But that morning, as she walked down the memorabilia-littered halls of Rancho Carne High School, her heart was a whirlpool of turmoil. The photos of Toro cheerleading squads past, their smiles forever frozen in triumphant laughter, felt more like an indictment rather than an inspiration. The legacy of victory had become unexpectedly heavy and queasy.
When Torrance stumbled upon the routine videos from five years ago, stashed away in an old shoebox under the squad’s storage room, she found herself standing on shaky ground. The squads in those videos were agile, their performances electrifying. But it was the uniform that caught her eye – not the familiar red and white attire of the Toros, but the blue and gold of the East Compton Clovers. And the choreography, the one that had landed the Toros five national trophies, was quite noticeably the same.
The truth hit her like a punch in the gut – their perfectly-choreographed routines were stolen.
The world spun dizzyingly around Torrance. This was not just a dance routine; it was a theft of joy, effort, and creativity. It was the theft of East Compton Clovers’ right to compete fairly, a theft of their hard work and dreams. It was something that was against every principle of sportsmanship and fair play.
The revelation pricked at her conscience. She bounced her knee nervously, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger as she contemplated the weight of the knowledge she now carried. The Toros’ reputation was at stake, the respect they had earned over the past years was in jeopardy, and the responsibility of preserving their honor now rested on her shoulders. Being a captain had never felt this overwhelming before.
She decided to confide in her best friend and fellow cheerleader, Whitney. Nervously, she spilled the whole situation expecting shock and disbelief. But what she received was a nonchalant shrug and a dismissive, “Who cares where the routines came from? We won, that’s all that matters.”
That moment of callous disregard from her closest ally felt like a punch. It was clear that she was alone in this.
And then, an idea struck her. The Toros could create a new routine. A routine of their own. It would be difficult, with the national championships looming just around the corner. But it was the only way they could uphold their dignity and reclaim the respect that was so integral to them.
Torrance had always believed that the only thing that mattered in competition was winning. But the revelation of the stolen routine had shattered that notion. It was not winning that mattered, but how you won. And she was determined to prove that the Toros were much more than a squad that performed stolen routines.
From that day forward, each cheer practice was a battle, each move a stepping stone to redemption, and each cheer, a battle cry for justice. It was time for the Toros to step up their game.
As she walked down the school hallways, the trophies in the display case no longer felt like symbols of honor. Instead, they were reminders of the underhanded tactics that had gotten them there. But Torrance was determined; those trophies were going to mean something again. She was going to make sure of that.
The road to redemption was going to be a steep uphill climb but Torrance was ready. She would rally her squad, convince them to set things right, and create a routine that was new, original, and purely Toro.
The revelation of the stolen routines was a bitter pill to swallow. But as is often the case with bitter pills, it was also the first step towards healing. And Torrance Shipman, captain of the Rancho Carne Toros, was ready to heal, to correct the wrongs, and to carve a path of honor and dignity for her squad. One cheer at a time.
Chapter 3: “New Beginnings”
“Alright, Toros! Form a circle. We’re starting from scratch,” Torrance announced, her face stern but her eyes sparkling with the fire of determination. The cheer squad stared at her, their mouths open in disbelief. Whitney, the sharp-tongued blonde, was the first to break the stunned silence. “Are you out of your mind, Torrance?”
“But our routine is perfect,” Courtney, the co-captain, argued, backing Whitney up. “We can’t risk our chances in the nationals!”
Torrance nodded, understanding their concerns. “That routine isn’t ours. It was stolen. And as long as I’m captain, I won’t let us win with someone else’s hard work.” Her words echoed in the vast auditorium, each syllable imbued with a steely resolve that was impossible to deny.
The Toros confronted an array of emotions. Some felt aggrieved, most were confused, but one thing resonated – their leader’s unwavering dedication to doing the right thing. Torrance went on to explain her audacious plan. The Toros would work around the clock to create a new, original routine. Though this might derail their winning streak, it would place them on the right side of history.
Every face reflected a different reaction to Torrance’s words. The twins, Tim and Cliff, exchanged spontaneous high fives, their competitive spirits ignited. Jan, the joker of the squad, cracked a joke to lighten the tension, only to receive a volley of pillows from his peers. And Darcy, the quietest member, nodded quietly, her respect for Torrance evident in her gesture.
Torrance’s plan was two-fold; they would brainstorm ideas in the morning and practice in the afternoon. The usually buzzing cheerleading practice was replaced with emphatic discussions, as the Toros pushed their creativity to the limits. Jingles, catchy phrases, and complex formations were debated heatedly, and occasional bouts of laughter echoed in the enormous gym.
As days turned into nights, and nights into days, the morale of the Toros gradually started to wane. The challenge of creating a new routine was more difficult than they had anticipated. The tension was palpable. The team was disheartened, their spirit flagging.
Torrance, however, remained undeterred. She rallied her team together, pulling them back from the brink of despair with her relentless positivity. “We can do this,” she encouraged, her voice echoing off the walls of the gymnasium. “We are the Toros, after all.”
She championed late-night practices, hot chocolate breaks, and impromptu dance-offs, all in a bid to keep spirits high. Her unwavering belief in her teammates inspired everyone to work harder, pushing past the limits they thought they had.
After weeks of tireless work, the Toros finally found their rhythm. They stumbled upon a melody that inspired a sequence of moves, bright, energetic, and unmistakably Toro. The energy was infectious. Ideas flowed, routines were hashed out, and the Toros felt the intoxicating taste of progress. Their new routine was a reflection of their strength, unity, and, most importantly, their originality. For the first time in weeks, the Toros felt a surge of hope, and with it, the certainty that they could actually pull this off.
In the end, the glue that held them together through the gruelling process was their shared dream. The dream to win, not by default, but by being the best version of themselves. And as they practised their original routine beneath the unforgiving fluorescent lights of Rancho Carne High’s gymnasium, their spirit and spunk rebounded with twice the vigour.
As the chapter came to an end, the Toros were no longer just a cheerleading squad; they were a team bound by honesty, perseverance and an unshakeable belief in the power of originality. For Torrance and her cheerleaders, this was not just about a competition; it was their journey towards discovering what made them truly unbeatable.
Chapter 4: “Trial and Error”
The sun had barely risen over Rancho Carne High School when Torrance stepped onto the cheerleading practice field. She was determined to start fresh, to rid the Toros of their tarnished reputation.
The entire Toro squad was present, their expressions varying from skeptical to downright rebellious. Their previous near-flawless and much-envied routine was now a source of shame. Torrance, drawing a deep breath, cleared her throat. “Team, we’re starting from square one today. Today, we innovate.”
The first response that met Torrance’s ears was a guffaw from Whitney, her sarcasm as sharp as a flick knife. “Innovate? Torrance, we’re cheerleaders, not inventors!” The rest of the squad laughed, filling the field with a disheartening echo.
Undeterred, Torrance pressed on. “Yes, Whitney, innovate. We’re not just going to jump, yell, and shake pompoms. We’re going to create something unique, something that tells the world who we are. The true spirit of the Toros.”
The next few hours were a chaotic mess of flailing limbs and misplaced steps. Courtney managed to collide with Darcy mid-jump, sending both tumbling onto the floor. Jan threw a pompom at Justin in frustration, only for it to land on Missy’s head, causing a burst of laughter among the squad.
Torrance introduced new moves, daring flips and jumps that would give their routine an edge. But coordination was missing. The squad, once so synchronized, now moved like a band of drunk sailors.
The failures stacked up. There was a lot of tripping over each other, forgotten steps, and more than one instance of someone landing flat on their back. The laughter mingled with gasps of pain and surprise. Yet, despite the disastrous start, there was a sense of camaraderie building. They were failing together, learning together.
In the midst of the comic chaos, Torrance held firm, her voice rising above the noise. “Again!” she’d yell each time they messed up, her fierce determination proving infectious. The Toros, despite their aching muscles and bruised egos, would scramble to their feet, grinning at each other.
Some of the best moments came from their blunders. When Aaron attempted a backflip, he miscalculated his timing, flipping straight into Kasey. Their combined expressions of shock and poorly concealed laughter had the entire team rolling on the floor. It was a disaster, but a fun one.
Missy, the outsider of the group, stood off to the side. Her smirk was a constant, watching the Toros make a mockery of themselves. She was yet to join the chaos, choosing to watch first, learn the pattern, the dynamics of the squad.
By the end of the day, they were nowhere near a routine that could be performed, let alone win competitions. Yet, there was an air of accomplishment. This was their mess, their failure, their routine. They were finally owning something, not riding on the coattails of stolen work.
Torrance was the last to leave the field, looking at the scattered pompoms and discarded water bottles. It was a battlefield. A battleground where they had fallen, yet they had also laughed and begun to truly come together as a team. The Toros were wounded but healing, not through victory but through trial and error.
As dusk settled, Torrance left with a smile. She was ready for another day of disasters, of struggles and laughter. The road to redemption wouldn’t be easy, but it would be theirs.
This was just the beginning of the trial and error, the first step towards becoming more than just a cheerleading squad. They were a team, learning, falling, rising, failing, and laughing together. After all, isn’t that what being a team is about, the triumphs and the falls alike?
Chapter 5: “The Hip-Hop Hope”
Torrance stood at the entrance of the street-side park, her usual silky golden hair pulled into a high ponytail, cheering uniform traded for casual jeans and a Rancho Carne School sweatshirt. She was an alien entity in this graffiti-adorned world, the pulsating rhythm of the hip-hop music thumping through the park was new territory for her; an entirely distinct rhythm from the synchronized cheers she was used to.
Across the park was her target, her hip-hop hope: a girl with an impressive array of dance moves that effortlessly blended with the music. With her ripped jeans, tousled hair, and posture that exuded confidence, she was the antithesis of everything the Toros represented. Her name was Missy Pantone.
Torrance approached Missy, her cheerleader pep somewhat dampened by the daunting task of recruiting this unconventional dancer. Missy looked at her sceptically, eyeing the petite blonde with a challenging smirk. Yet, despite the sneer, she seemed intrigued by Torrance’s proposal.
News of Missy’s recruitment spread like wildfire through the Toro squad. Reactions varied from aghast shock to derisive laughter. Courtney, the team’s Queen bee, was particularly vocal in her objections, her opposition stemming from Missy’s distinct ‘un-cheerleader’ vibe.
Yet, Torrance was undeterred. She saw in Missy an untapped well of talent and a fresh perspective that could save their reputation. Missy, in turn, saw a challenge in Torrance’s proposal, a chance to break the monotonous routine of dancing alone in the park.
As Missy took to the mat, there was an audible gasp from the Toro squad. Her moves were different, wild, raw, and pulsating with energy unlike anything they had ever seen. It didn’t take long for the initial scorn to transform into hushed awe. Each twist and twirl of Missy’s dance seemed to inject a new life into the Toros’ mundane routine.
Despite this, the transition was far from smooth. The finely tuned cheerleaders found themselves stumbling over Missy’s complex steps. Courtney, in particular, couldn’t hide her frustrations. In a moment of comic relief, the perfectly poised cheerleader lost her footing and landed on her pompoms, much to the mirth of the others.
The practices were hard, filled with countless fumbles, falls, and laughter. The cheerleaders, so used to their uniform routines, were stepping out of their comfort zones. Their movements were now paired with a rhythm that was foreign, yet exciting. Missy’s dance was turning their cheer world upside down, for better or worse, it was yet to be seen.
There were moments of tension too. Courtney’s thinly veiled rebukes, the team’s struggle to embrace hip-hop, and Torrance’s constant battle to keep the squad unified. Yet, these hurdles did nothing but further fuel the narrative, adding multitudes of layers to the story.
As the chapter drew to a close, Missy had carved her place within the Toro squad. She wasn’t just a hip-hop dancer anymore; she was their teammate, their beacon of hope, their wildcard entry to the cheerleading championship. The Toros might have been out of their depth, fumbling through hip-hop moves in their cheerleading skirts, but they had a newfound element of surprise and perhaps, just the edge they needed to win.
Chapter 6: “The Blossoming of the Underdog”
From the moment she sauntered into the Toro cheerleading squad’s practice, it was evident Missy was a force to be reckoned with. She was all sharp edges, street style, and a fiery spirit that echoed in the rhythm of her movement. Like a slap of cold water, she was a shock to the perky, preppy cheerleading squad. But this chapter wasn’t about fitting in. It was about shaking things up.
The bristly tension that followed Missy’s inclusion in the Toros was palpable. She was not just different; she was the antithesis of everything the cheerleading squad had stood for. She was the spice in their sugar. The girls, ensconced in their saccharine cheerleader bubble, were initially repulsed, skeptical of the intrusion.
Missy’s first day of practice was an event of epic proportions, something akin to a cataclysm in the Toros’ cosmos. The sight of the squad struggling to find their footing in the rhythm of hip-hop was a spectacle that humbled their collective ego.
Let it be said that cheerleaders attempting hip-hop was akin to watching swans try to tap dance. Brittany, in her desperate attempt to mimic hip-hop, looked like she was partaking in some obscure form of martial arts. Whitney and Courtney, the dynamic duo, turned their hip-hop routine into a slapstick comedy, falling over each other like mismatched puzzle pieces. Torrance, enthusiastic and determined, was the epitome of a fish out of water, floundering but not giving up.
The routine’s first few days were a melange of bruised egos, strained muscles, and a whole lot of laughter. It was a chaotic, loud, mess that sent ripples of discomfort through the squad. But beneath this tumult, something magical was happening.
Missy became the fulcrum around which the transformation of the Toros danced and twirled. Her influence was undeniable. She pushed, prodded, and sometimes even dragged the girls out of their comfort zones, injecting a shot of energy into their routine that was raw, unfiltered, and hypnotic.
In this phase of chaotic intertwining of cheerleading and hip hop, Missy truly blossomed. She was unapologetically herself, defiant and challenging, never shying away from calling out the squad’s mistakes. But it was in those moments of brutal honesty that the girls started seeing not just the scattered pieces of their failure but the silhouette of their potential success.
The squad’s skepticism towards Missy slowly started to ebb away. Bit by bit, they began to respect her, appreciate her boldness, and even admire her audacity. Even the most resistant squad members found themselves drawn towards her magnetic aura. Suddenly, the underdog wasn’t so “under” anymore.
The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. The girl once considered an outsider was now leading the Toros into uncharted territories of innovation, breaking the barriers of orthodox cheerleading. Hip-hop and cheerleading collided and fused in a spectacular burstiness of energy, laughter, and a newfound camaraderie.
The session ended with an exhausted but invigorated cheerleading squad, sprawled across the gym, nursing their sore muscles but wearing triumphant smiles. The hip-hop cheerleading routine was still a work-in-progress, but the Toros were no longer apprehensive. They had begun to embrace the unexpected, the chaos, and most importantly, the underdog – their beacon towards a unique identity.
Missy had once been an unsettling question mark in the Toros’ equation. Now she was their answer. As she took off from the gym, leaving behind a re-energized cheerleading squad, it was clear that the underdog was not just blossoming. She was flourishing. Missy’s evolution mirrored that of the Toros. They were no longer just a cheerleading squad; they were a squad brimming with cheer, ready to bring it on!
Chapter 7: “The Big Showdown”
With the colossal national championships looming over their heads, the pressure was on for the Rancho Carne Toros. Heartbeats pounded with the intensity of war drums as they donned their green and gold uniforms in a backstage dressing room that felt more like a gladiator’s prep area. Torrance, ever the vigilant leader, looked on at her squad, her face painted with a mixture of trepidation and determination.
Amid the hustle and bustle of last-minute prepping, Missy, the unconventional addition to the team and now an instrumental part of their revamped routine, worked to keep everyone’s spirits up. She dished out a blend of edgy humor and words of encouragement, intermittently bursting into impromptu krump routines to ease the tension.
The Toros knew they were entering the lion’s den, their reputation tarnished by the recent controversy. However, they had a secret weapon: a routine that was wholly theirs, a routine filled with hip-hop moves, cheer jumps, and stunt sequences that screamed originality. They were no longer the shady champions; they were now the underdogs with a point to prove.
The announcer’s voice echoed ominously through the cavernous auditorium, “…and now, put your hands together for the Rancho Carne Toros!” The crowd’s roaring applause was deafening, but it sounded more like a battle cry to the Toros. With a desperate grit, they marched towards the aesthetically lit battleground, their hearts pounding with adrenaline.
Their routine was anything but conventional. It was peppered with unconventional movements, inspired by Missy’s street-wise flair. The Toros flipped, twirled, and stunt-jumped in ways that were alien to the cheerleading scene. There were moments of hilarity, like when the beefy Brad awkwardly attempted a body wave or when the petite Courtney nailed a head-spinning breakdance move. It was a performance that was absurd, comedic, and brave, all at the same time.
Then came the climax, the showstopper. In a burst of synchrony, the Toros launched into a complicated pyramid sequence. Two rows of cheerleaders, four on each side, bent down on their knees, their backs providing the solid base. A second layer of cheerleaders scrambled on top of them, and then a third. It was a precarious human structure that elicited gasps from the crowd. At the apex was none other than Torrance, with a leg stretched high into a perfect arabesque. The stadium fell silent in anticipation, and then the Toros moved.
In a coordinated burst, the cheerleaders on the base lept into perfect toe-touch jumps, their legs splitting in mid-air. Immediately after, the second layer sprang up into pike jumps, their bodies folding into neat Vs. Following suit, the third layer exploded into herkie jumps, their bodies a blur of motion. Lastly, Torrance descended from the top with a show-stopping death drop.
The crowd erupted into cheers. The Toros stood tall, breathless and beaming, their performance nothing less than a roaring statement. They were not the same Toros the cheer-world knew. They were better. They were honest. They were original.
Regardless of the outcome, it was a victory for the Toros. They had proven to themselves and the world that they were not just good cheerleaders; they were outstanding ones who did not need to ride on others’ coattails. They had redefined their team’s identity, and in doing so, had rediscovered their own.
As the Toros exited the cheer mat, their heads held high, their hearts pounding with pride, one thing was certain: they had brought it on, and they had brought it on all by themselves.
Chapter 8: “The Triumph of Integrity”
The Rancho Carne gymnasium was abuzz with nervous energy as the Toros prepared for the pivotal moment of their cheerleading career. The national championships stood as an Everest they had to conquer, not with stolen moves but with a routine birthed from their creativity and sweat. The palpable tension was punctured by frequent bursts of laughter, as the girls tried to alleviate their anxiety with humor.
It all came down to this. The audience was frenzied, the cheer battlefield was set. The Toros squared their shoulders and straightened their uniforms, the green and gold shining under the spotlight. Torrance breathed in, gathering her courage. “It’s time,” she whispered, and with a nod from her, the music swelled, the cheers roared, and the Toros charged onto the stage.
Their routine was nothing like any they had performed before. It was a parade of chaos and harmony, disjointed moves coming together in a unique rhythm that captured the audience’s attention. There were stumbles, near mishaps, but the Toros carried on, their spirit shining brighter than any flaw in their routine. Missy’s hip-hop influence was evident in the way their bodies moved, not uniform and robotic, but an individualistic expression of each girl’s spirit.
Somewhere between a failed somersault and a shaky pyramid, something magical happened. The Toros stopped trying to hide their imperfections and embraced them, their routine turning into a celebration of their journey rather than a desperate plea for victory. They chuckled at their missteps, made faces at each other, their laughter ringing loud and clear over the music. The audience, initially stunned, began to laugh along, clapping and cheering for the team that dared to be different.
In the middle of this beautiful disaster, Torrance saw her team in a new light. They were more than a cheer squad now; they were a group of friends who had battled adversities and come out stronger. As the final beat echoed through the stadium, the Toros struck their ending pose, not flawless, but real and heartfelt.
A moment of silence followed their performance, the audience and the judges equally stunned. But then, the gymnasium exploded in applause. Cheers of “Toros! Toros!” echoed around them, and though they hadn’t performed the perfect routine, they won over the crowd.
Torrance stood, panting and laughing, her heart bursting with pride. They had tried and triumphed, not because they had stolen moves, but because they were authentic. No matter the result, she knew they had won in the best way possible.
However, the story didn’t end there. Against all odds, amidst the heap of professional teams with flawless routines, the Toros were declared the winners. It wasn’t their perfect routine or stunning stunts that won; instead, it was their courage, spirit, and authenticity.
Their triumph was more than just a trophy; it was a testament to their sincerity, self-belief, and the bonds they had developed. It was the victory of integrity, of standing up for what’s right even when it’s easier to go along with the wrong. It marked the transformation of the Toro cheerleading squad from mere performers to beacons of honesty and perseverance.
In the end, the Toros had brought it on and emerged victorious, not only as a squad but as better individuals. Their journey was full of laughter and lessons, mishaps, and miracles. But if there was one thing they had learned, it was this: true success came not from defeating others, but from staying true to oneself. As they hoisted the trophy in the air, their cheer resonated with every heart in the stadium, “We are the Toros, the Mighty, Mighty Toros!”
And so, our tale ends on a comedic note, the cheerleading squad that dared to be different, stumbling their way into the hearts and cheers of the crowd. They laughed, they fell, they rose, and in the end, they triumphed. Amidst the chaos and laughter, they found their rhythm, their unique cheer, their integrity—and they brought it on with all they had.
Some scenes from the movie Bring It On written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – DAY
Cheerleading practice. The TORO CHEERLEADING SQUAD, a group of confident and energetic girls, exemplify synchronization and agility. Their leader, TORRANCE SHIPMAN, a blonde-haired dynamo, shouts counts.
TORRANCE
Ready? Okay!
The girls perform the routine flawlessly. At the end, they collapse into laughter and chatter. Torrance wipes off sweat with a satisfied smile.
TORRANCE (CONT’D)
Great work, ladies! Let’s take a five.
ANGLE ON: Torrance’s friend, COURTNEY, a bubbly brunette, jogging up to congratulate her.
COURTNEY
Torrance, you’ve got what it takes.
This will be our sixth victory!
TORRANCE
Thanks, Court! But, it’s our victory.
She suddenly spots a CHEERLEADING TROPHY CASE across the room.
CLOSE UP: on the shining trophies, a symbol of success, pride and the streak they need to maintain. The pressure mounts on Torrance’s face as realization hits her.
FADE OUT. TO BE CONTINUED…
(NOTE: This is only a small part of the script. A full-length script would require more detailed adaptation of the chapters.)
Scene 2
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – TORO CHEERLEADING PRACTICE – DAY
Sweat drips down TORRANCE’s face as she watches her squad practice the stolen routine, looking guilt-ridden. She shakes her head, clapping her hands to get their attention.
TORRANCE
Alright, let’s take five.
The squad disperses, grabbing water bottles and towels. Torrance walks over to a corner, pulling out a dusty box of old videotapes. She plops one into an old VHS player.
ON THE TV SCREEN
A team performs a routine identical to the Toro’s staple routine. Torrance watches in disbelief.
TORRANCE
(whispering to herself)
I can’t believe it… we’re thieves…
Suddenly, COURTNEY, a fierce and fiery Toro member, walks up behind her.
COURTNEY
What’s that you’re watching, Tor?
TORRANCE
(jumps)
Courtney, you scared me!
Courtney raises an eyebrow, glancing at the screen as the different team finishes their routine.
COURTNEY
Wait, isn’t that our routine?
Torrance turns off the TV hastily, looking guilty.
TORRANCE
(coughs)
Yeah, it is… Quite shocking, right?
Courtney looks suspicious but shrugs, walking away. Torrance takes a deep breath. A moment of realization. She needs to set things right.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – DAY
Torrance along with other cheerleaders, all in their Toros outfits, are standing in a circle. A sense of anticipation fills the air.
TORRANCE:
(looking nervous)
I’ve got something to share.
Cheerleaders exchange confused glances.
TORRANCE: (CONT’D)
Our previous routines…they were…not ours. They were stolen.
Gasps echo around the room.
KASEY:
(outraged)
What? But we won because of them!
TORRANCE:
(Resolute)
And that’s why we can’t use them. Not this time. This time, we will choreograph our own routine.
The cheerleaders look shocked, some are reluctant.
WHITNEY:
(scared)
Torrance, that’s risky. What if we lose?
TORRANCE:
(motivated)
Better to lose as ourselves than win as someone else. We have the talent, let’s show them the real Toros!
FADE IN:
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – DAY
The cheerleaders, initially struggling, slowly start coming up with routines, each adding their unique touch.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 4
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – DAY
The Toros cheerleaders are positioned in formation – some standing, some crouched, ready to take their positions. Torrance is in the center, looking determined.
TORRANCE:
Alright Toros, let’s show ’em what we’ve got. Ready?
They nod and the music starts. The routine starts off well enough. But as they attempt a complicated pyramid formation, one cheerleader wobbles, then trips, bringing the formation crashing down.
CUT TO:
EXT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – FOOTBALL FIELD – LATER
The cheerleaders are attempting to synchronize cartwheels. It’s a disaster – girls are falling, bumping into each other, causing a chain reaction of stumbles and laughter.
CUT TO:
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – LATER
Torrance speaks to a group of three cheerleaders who are panting, clearly exhausted.
TORRANCE:
We need something fresh, something they haven’t seen before. Any ideas?
Cheerleader 1 shrugs, stifling a yawn. Cheerleader 2 looks at her shoe. Cheerleader 3 reluctantly raises her hand.
CHEERLEADER 3:
What if we… wear clown noses?
The rest of the squad starts laughing. But Torrance takes it seriously.
TORRANCE:
It’s crazy… but it just might work.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – DAY
Torrance, late teens, full of energy, enters the gym to meet up with the rest of her cheerleading squad, THE TOROS. Courtney, Whitney, Kasey, Darcy and Jan are already gathered, stretching out.
TORRANCE
Ladies, we’re going to shake things up. We’re going to add something fresh to our routine.
Courtney and Whitney exchange a sarcastic look.
COURTNEY
Oh great, another Torrance’s brilliant idea?
Whitney mimes a yawn, causing a round of giggles from the others. Torrance rolls her eyes but presses on.
TORRANCE
Allow me to introduce our new member.
The gym doors fly open and in walks MISSY, early twenties, toned, confident with a streetwise attitude. She carries a pair of drumsticks, twirling them like batons.
Whitney smirks, whispering to Courtney.
WHITNEY
What’s with the drumsticks?
As if answering Whitney’s query, Missy starts drumming on the nearby bleachers, setting a fast, hip-hop rhythm that fills the gym.
TORRANCE
Ladies, meet Missy. She’s here to teach us some hip-hop cheer.
The girls watch, half-awed, half-skeptical as Missy continues her rhythmic drumming. Courtney crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow.
COURTNEY
Hip-hop cheer? Really Torrance?
TORRANCE
It’s time we brought our own flavor to the competition. Let’s get to work!
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL GYM – DAY
TORRANCE, petite and full of cheerleader charm, stands before the Toro squad, MISSY, a streetwise hip-hop dancer, besides her. The squad stares at Missy skeptically.
TORRANCE
(trying to motivate the team)
We’re going to add something different. Something fresh to our routine.
TORRANCE
(to Missy)
Show them what we’ve been working on.
Missy steps forward, begins to demonstrate an explosive, edgy hip-hop routine. The squad watches, a mix of awe and bewilderment on their faces.
COURTNEY, a snobbish cheerleader, rises from her place, crosses arms.
COURTNEY
(smirking)
Is this a joke?
TORRANCE
(sincerely)
No, Courtney. What’s a joke was us stealing routines. We’re going to win, but we’re going to do it our way.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE – The Toros clumsily trying to mimic Missy’s hip-hop moves. There’s lots of laughter, teasing, but also a sense of camaraderie growing.
INT. RANCHO CARNE HIGH SCHOOL GYM – NIGHT
The Toros, exhausted but excited, watch as Missy flawlessly executes a complicated routine.
TORRANCE
(cheering)
That’s it, guys! That’s the spirit we need!
FADE OUT
Scene 7
INT. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ARENA – DAY
The arena BUZZES with anticipation. TEAMS from across the country warm up. The soundtrack POUNDS with adrenaline-pumping cheer tunes.
CUT TO:
INT. TOROS LOCKER ROOM – DAY
TORRANCE, MISSY, and the rest of the team huddle together, their faces a mix of excitement and anxiety.
TORRANCE
Alright, Toros. This is it. We’ve got one shot to show them what we’re made of. Our routine, our moves. Win or lose, we do this together.
MISSY
Yeah, let’s show them some real Toro spirit!
The team breaks the huddle. They slap each other’s hands, pumped and ready.
CUT TO:
INT. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ARENA – DAY
The TOROS march onto the floor. They set into formation, crisp and confident.
TORRANCE
(to the crowd)
Get ready to feel the Toro power!
The music starts. The Toros begin their routine. It’s new, it’s fresh, but it’s rough around the edges. The crowd RESPONDS with mixed reactions.
CUT TO:
INT. JUDGES PANEL – DAY
The judges exchange doubtful looks as they watch the Toros’ routine, but their faces soften as they see the creativity and resilience in their performance.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ARENA – DAY
The Toros power through, mess-ups and all. The audience’s surprise turns into respect and admiration. The team finishes with a big, dramatic stunt.
The crowd CHEERS. They’ve proven that they can bring it on, and they’ve done it their way.
FADE OUT.
