Ep 1. Episode 1

In "Dancing on the Edge" season 1 episode 1, we are transported to London in the year 1932. The episode opens with a group of jazz musicians, who go by the name "The Louis Lester Band," playing in a basement club. The band is made up of African-American and Caribbean musicians, and they are just starting to make a name for themselves in the London jazz scene.

While rehearsing for a gig, the band is interrupted by a young journalist named Stanley Mitchell, who is eager to interview them. Stanley is thrilled by the band's music and convinces his boss at the Daily Gazette to do a feature piece on them.

The article is published and the band's popularity begins to soar. They are soon booked to play at some of the city's most prestigious venues, including the Imperial Hotel. However, not everyone is happy about their success. Some of the hotel's guests complain that they don't want to hear "Negro music" and threaten to boycott the establishment if the band plays.

Despite this, the hotel's manager, Walter Masterson, decides to take a chance on the Louis Lester Band and they play a successful show. After the performance, Masterson invites the band to his office for a drink and to congratulate them on their success.

As the night progresses, it becomes clear that Masterson is more than just a friendly hotel manager. He reveals that he has a deep interest in jazz music and is even a skilled pianist himself. He invites the band to perform at a private party he is throwing, but warns them not to mention it to anyone else.

The episode ends with the band leaving the hotel, but not before being confronted by a group of angry protesters who accuse them of stealing jobs from British musicians. The situation quickly escalates and the band flees the scene, leaving their instruments behind.

The first episode of "Dancing on the Edge" sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and complex drama. Through the story of the Louis Lester Band, the show explores themes of racism, classism, and cultural appropriation. It also highlights the role that jazz music played in the social and political climate of the time, as well as the impact it had on the lives of the people who played and listened to it.

With its excellent cast, beautiful cinematography, and gripping storyline, "Dancing on the Edge" is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, music, and human drama.