Final answer:
In "West Side Story," before the rumble, Tony and Maria share a romantic moment, expressing their heartfelt love for each other in the dress shop.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the rumble in "West Side Story," Tony and Maria have a romantic moment and express their love for each other in the dress shop. This intimate moment underscored by the Barcarole song, allows them to confirm their feelings, setting the foundation for the story's tragic trajectory. Their relationship is a central theme in the story, and their encounter at the dress shop is pivotal as it highlights the innocent love that parallels the love between Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's original play.