Paris in the 1960s: The Cold War is at its height and the Soviet Union sends its best dance company to the West to demonstrate its artistic strength. The Leningrad Kirov Ballet thrilled the Parisian audience, but one man caused a sensation: the virtuoso young dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Attractive, rebellious and curious, he lets himself be carried away by the cultural life of the city. Accompanied by the beautiful Chilean Clara Saint, he wanders through the city's museums and jazz clubs, much to the displeasure of the KGB spies who follow him. But Nureyev enjoys the taste of freedom and decides to apply for political asylum in France. A highly risky game of cat and mouse with the Soviet secret service begins.