Six years after his initial foray into the disco dance scene, Tony Manero has left Brooklyn behind, aiming to make it big as a professional dancer on Broadway. He's shed the leisure suits and dance contests of his past for leotards and the rigorous discipline of ballet and modern dance. Despite his raw talent and relentless dedication, success eludes him. Haunted by his working-class background and struggling to support himself, he works as a dance instructor and waiter at a nightclub while waiting for his big break. His relationships are as challenging as his career; his girlfriend, who dances in the same nightclub, supports his dreams, but their relationship is strained by his egocentric ambitions and the allure of a high-stakes Broadway career.

The dancer's fortunes begin to change when he lands a small role in a major production helmed by an influential choreographer—a woman famous for her innovative and provocative work on stage. As his role in the show becomes more substantial, he wrestles with his feelings between the choreographer who represents a gateway to fame and success, and his loyal girlfriend, who has been with him through thick and thin. The glitz and pressure of the Broadway arena test his character, forcing him to make decisions about what he values and how far he's willing to go to realize his dreams of stardom and artistic fulfillment. His drive and ambition set the stage for a high-stakes dance through the challenging, cutthroat world of professional performance.