It's a rollercoaster year for Tara and her friends as they begin Second Year at the National Academy. Relationships fall apart as new ones are forged and shaking things up are two new students.

Tara finds a new mentor to admire in Saskia Duncan, the youngest principal dancer in the Company's history. Saskia takes Tara under her wing, but gives her a few things to worry about such as if there's a future with Christian.

Kat finally makes friends with the coterie of outcast girls at school, but despite having sworn off dancing, finds herself helping them choreograph a piece for drama class. Meanwhile, Ben Tickle is upgraded into second year.

Tara's ecstatic when her mentor Saskia is appointed to teach the second years at the Academy. But Tara rapidly discovers that 'perfect' Saskia may not be the supportive teacher she hoped for...

After Sebastian questions his son Ethan on the impressiveness of his piece at the Showcase, Ethan takes it out on Abigail, his soloist, in an attempt to create a spectacular performance.

Sammy's little brother Ari arrives at the Academy throwing Sammy's hectic life schedule into havoc. Kat auditions to be a football cheerleader, happily encouraged by Ben. And Tara is having self esteem issues.

Tara feels the time she spends with Christian is impacting on her dance study and suggests they 'pause' their relationship.

Tara decides to take action after realising that Saskia's continual critique of her dancing could jeopardise her mid-year exams, while Christian ditches his partner exam to hang out with Kat.

With exams finally over, both the boys and girls go out to let off some steam. However, Sammy is tense after failing his exams, Tara's still hurting from her breakup, and Grace decides to stir up trouble.

Sammy returns home for his Grandpa Morrie's funeral and to ask his father to support his Academy tuition. An act of sabotage severs frenemies Tara and Abigail.

Grace encourages Tara to take action against Saskia's spiteful treatment of her; Kat commences training for the Moulin Rouge which leads her to a big realisation; and Sammy is assigned a tutor.

Tara's preparations for the Prix de Fonteyn are struck a devastating blow when Saskia's bullying results in an injury. Meanwhile, Kat convinces Miss Raine to grant her an audition to return to the Academy.

Determined to prove Saskia wrong, Tara risks serious injury and possible expulsion from the Academy by competing in the Prix de Fonteyn Preliminary round.

Tara runs into Ben who's volunteering in the hospital leukaemia ward performance. Tara discovers Ben's deepest secret. Back at the Academy, Kat struggles with the culture shock of First Year.

Tara negotiates her return to the Academy after being expelled. Meanwhile, Ethan's search for ongoing employment leads him to a position choreographing a fringe musical.

Sammy gets a second chance at the Prix de Fonteyn when he takes a road trip with Ollie to audition for the regional round. Sammy's feelings resurface and Christian invites himself along on the trip.

The rivalry escalates between the first and second year students resulting in a dance battle; and Tara becomes unhinged when Grace entices her to become less serious.

During an excursion to the circus, Christian's dad makes promises he's unable to keep; Tara tries to repair her friendship with Kat, and Sammy goes public with his new romance.

Tara opens herself up to love again and hunts for a new crush, Finn tries to convince Abigail to be the star of his new show, and Grace goes to extreme lengths to get Zach's attention.

Abigail's forced to make a choice between her ballet and the fringe musical. Her situation intensifies when her mother Anthea unexpectedly arrives. Meanwhile, Sammy tires of Ollie's persistent criticism.

Ben attempts to out-psych Christian during the National Prix de Fonteyn round, and Sammy's father is attending the Prix to watch him dance for the first time in years.

Grace's father retracts a promise to visit her at the Academy: her self-assurance plummets. Christian's bounce back from his Prix de Fonteyn elimination drives him towards some reckless behaviour.

During rehearsals of 'Peter Pan' Ben uses various tactics to prove to Tara he's a leading man, while Kat's efforts to research her character in the production lead to a realisation about her relationship.

The Prix de Fonteyn is two days away. Tara is stunned as Grace has returned to Sydney as a representative for the UK Prix team. The students' lives are changed forever when a tragedy strikes the Academy...

After a sudden tragedy, the Academy students must find a way to come together and help each other out in this time of darkness.