Running and Dancing

Two middle-class African American girls grow into teenagers at the turn of the 20th century (1916-1917). The times are much different than they are today. The older girl's sister fled the United States to find fame and fortune in another country (like Josephine Baker). She left behind a daughter, and the two girls (one is the other’s niece) each experience different coming of age adventures, according to their temperaments. Bertine, eldest of the pair, is a runner, like her sister. But Alma is a different sort of girl – one who enjoys the dance of life right where she is.