Ep 13. Family

Tara is still reeling from the revelation that her parents won't be able to watch her perform in the upcoming showcase due to financial difficulties. The episode opens with her watching a rehearsal of her solo, filled with sadness and disappointment. Ethan, who happens to be passing by the studio, notices her and tries to offer some comfort. Tara doesn't take kindly to his well-meaning words, though, lashing out and storming off.

Meanwhile, Abigail is excitedly preparing for her mother's visit. She's been telling everyone about it all week and is determined to show her how much she's grown as a dancer. When her mother arrives, however, it's clear that she's not impressed. Abigail's expectations are dashed, and she's left feeling humiliated and unworthy.

Elsewhere, Sammy is dealing with his own family issues. He's grown increasingly worried about his grandfather, who's been uncharacteristically forgetful and confused lately. Sammy's mother promises to take him to the doctor for a checkup, but Sammy is still anxious.

Tara's difficulties come to a head during a rehearsal when she briefly injures herself. Kat convinces her to go to the hospital, and while Tara is being treated, Christian drops by to visit her. In a sweet moment between the two of them, he confesses that he's asked his mother to come to the showcase to watch him dance. Tara is touched but still feels melancholic about her own situation.

The whole gang is hanging out in the common room when Abigail's mother enters. Abigail is mortified and tries to hide, but her mother proceeds to make herself at home, criticizing everything from the decor to the snacks. Even worse, when Abigail finally musters up the courage to show her mother her dance, she's met with lukewarm praise. Abigail's mother is clearly unimpressed, and Abigail is devastated.

Sammy eventually gets some reassuring news about his grandfather, which lifts his spirits, but he's still trying to figure out how to tell his mother about his career aspirations. She's always been adamant that he attend university, but Sammy is convinced he wants to pursue dance. He confides in Christian, who offers support and encouragement.

Back at the studio, Tara is attempting to dance through her injury, but she's clearly struggling. She's also not in a good mood thanks to her missing parents. In a moment of frustration, she lashes out at her classmates, telling them all to go home. In the aftermath, she realizes that she's not alone - everyone has their own struggles and family issues. She decides to channel her sadness into her dance and gives an emotional performance during which she breaks down in tears.

Afterwards, Christian chats with Tara and reminds her that she's not alone - he's in the same boat as she is, with his own difficult family situation. Tara feels better after their talk and decides to reach out to her friend Ethan, apologizing for snapping at him earlier. The two make up, and Ethan offers to help Tara practice her solo by serving as a stand-in for her missing father.

The episode ends with the gang all heading back to the common room, more united than ever. They're all dealing with their own issues, but they know they have each other to lean on.