TRIAL BY FIRE provides a glimpse into the "show and prove" energy and ethos embodied by Street/Club Dancers during intense dance tournaments, colloquially called “top 16 battles.” In top 16 battles dancers must showcase their skill, creativity, virtuosity, and musicality to judges, crowds, opponents, and the media at the same time! Battles hold significant social and cultural importance within the dance community. They are marketing platforms that enable dancers to gain recognition and opportunities in the nightlife, dance, theater and entertainment industries. Street/Club Dancers enter battles to build their reputations, establish their personal brands, get battle footage. Strategic dancers use battles to debut new dance moves, choreography combos, and tricks to captivate audiences by creating moments and memories in the ring. Winning a battle can lead to opportunities such as teaching, performing, touring, sponsorship, and judging, as well as immediate financial rewards like cash prizes.