Ep 9. Heartbeat

Tara arrives late to class after being up all night working on a costume for a friend's audition. She's sleepy and distracted, and her classmates can tell. The day's lesson focuses on partnering, and Tara is paired with Ethan, who is impatient with her lack of focus. Tara's thoughts are elsewhere, too—she's worried about her friend's audition, and upset that her own dance wasn't chosen for the showcase.

Meanwhile, Abigail is struggling with her own insecurities. She's been feeling left out and unappreciated by her friends, and is envious of Tara's easy talent. Kat tries to cheer her up with a surprise dance party, but Abigail can't shake her feelings. She decides to strike out on her own and try out for a ballet production, despite her feeling that ballet is "not her thing."

Back in dance class, Tara and Ethan are still struggling. Ethan is dismissive of her mistakes, and Tara can't seem to connect to the music. Christian notices their tension, and offers Tara some advice. He tells her to focus on her heartbeat, and let it guide her dance. Tara tries it, and suddenly everything clicks—she and Ethan move together in perfect synchronicity.

Over the next few days, Tara is thrilled to discover that her friend was cast in the audition. She throws herself into her upcoming performance, using Christian's advice to find a deeper connection to the music. Abigail, meanwhile, is still struggling with her own dance, feeling like she doesn't belong. When she finds out that she's been cast in the ballet she tried out for, she's thrilled but also overwhelmed with doubt.

The episode concludes with the showcase, where Tara and the others perform a beautiful, emotional piece. After the show, Abigail tells Tara how proud she is of her and her dancing. Tara is surprised and touched by Abigail's compliment, realizing that everyone struggles with insecurity and doubt from time to time.