A Chrysler executive moves his family to Havana, Cuba in the late 1950s. His family struggles to fit in amongst the cultural differences and the changing political landscape of the island nation. Their refined daughter schooled in ballet finds that she fits in more with the island natives than fellow American transplants. In particular, she is fascinated by the sensual dance moves of a waiter in their hotel. She convinces the young man to teach her his moves and the pair enter a prestigious dancing contest together as the political turmoil in Cuba reaches a boiling point.