Russas, a small town in northeastern Brazil, is the home of Pacarrete, a grumpy retired dance teacher who dreams of getting a big shot and starring at a dance spectacle for the whole town to see. She's close to fulfilling that dream, but not without overcoming a few impediments along the way.

To escape past traumas, a truck driver João decides to leave his hometown behind and travel cross the country. Alone and lonely he drives all over Brazil until João discovers hiding in his truck a motherless boy looking for his father. Reluctantly, João agrees to take the boy to the nearest town and, during the trip, he finally finds the courage to face his past.