Page "West Side Story" Paragraph 18

At the dance, after introductions, the teenagers begin to dance ; soon a challenge dance is called (" Dance at the Gym "), during which Tony and Maria ( who aren't taking part in the challenge dance ) see each other across the room and are drawn to each other.

They dance together, forgetting the tension in the room, fall in love, and try to kiss, but Bernardo pulls his sister from Tony and sends her home.

Riff and Bernardo agree to meet for a War Council at Doc's, a drug store which is considered neutral ground, but meanwhile, an infatuated and happy Tony finds Maria's building and serenades her outside her bedroom (" Maria ").

He appears on her fire escape, and the two profess their love for one another (" Balcony Scene ").

Meanwhile, Anita and the other Shark girls discuss the differences between the territory of Puerto Rico and the mainland United States of America (" América ").

The Jets get antsy while waiting for the Sharks inside Doc's Drug Store.

They let out all of their aggression in the number (" Cool ").

The Sharks arrive to discuss weapons to use in the rumble.

Tony suggests " a fair fight " ( fists only ), which the leaders agree to, despite the other members ' protests.

Bernardo believes that he will fight Tony, but must settle for fighting Diesel instead.

This is followed by a monologue by the ineffective Lt. Schrank trying to find out the location of the rumble.

Tony tells Doc about Maria.

Doc is worried for them while Tony is convinced that nothing can go wrong ; he is in love.