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Dance Academy: episode guide

Series 1 | Series 2

Learning To Fly

Episode 1.01
Monday, May 31, 2010 (5.20pm, ABC1)
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Country girl Tara Webster travels to Sydney to audition for the prestigious National Academy of Dance. It's a tumultuous week as she realises her dream of becoming a dancer is going to be a lot more difficult than she ever anticipated.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Steve Vidler as Neil Webster, Josef Brown as Patrick, Anne Looby as Dr Wicks, Olivia Cianci as Georgia, Claire Cohen as Hazel, Matt Lee as Sean, Tahlia Gavin as Young Tara, Stephen Multari as Tim

Note: series 1 of Dance Academy was filmed from July 13, 2009 to February 2010

Week Zero

Episode 1.02
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Tara arrives at the Academy excited about the year ahead. As she struggles to fit in, she learns the hard way to respect her teachers and find true friends.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Steve Vidler as Neil Webster, Vanessa Gray as Jan Webster, Deborah Kennedy as Miss Histead, Cariba Heine as Isabelle, Matt Lee as Sean, Zika Nester as Tikkinova, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie, Susan Honeybrook as Gloria, Lucy Quian as Isabelle's Friend, Sarah Grieve as Kat Jump Double, Marlee Barber as Tara Jump Double

Note: one name included on the posted rankings near the end of the episode is a Samantha Strauss — a nod to the series' creator and writer

Behind Barres

Episode 1.03
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Sam Carroll
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

When Tara's crush on Ethan threatens to derail her friendship with Kat, Sammy gets her to write a pros and cons list to clear her head. As the roommate war escalates, Abigail wins a decisive victory — emailing Tara's list to the whole school. Christian finds himself in police custody and, with nowhere else to go, has to accept his place at the Academy.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Cariba Heine as Isabelle, Alice Markinson as Legal Aid Officer, Luke Bracey as Aaron, Neal Horton as Joel, Elizabeth McLean as Policewoman, David Palfrey as Policeman, Judd Wild as Christian Stunt Double, Ben Toyer as Aaron Stunt Double

Minefield

Episode 1.04
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by David Olgily
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

The first years are given trust exercises to help build a connection with their pas de deux partners. Tara is frustrated when Christian refuses to participate, Kat feels betrayed by Tara's secret crush on her brother, and Sammy finds himself tied to Abigail for 24 hours.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Josef Brown as Patrick, Matt Lee as Sean, Cariba Heine as Isabelle, Jackson Haywood as Revhead #1, Judd Wild as Revhead Driver, Stephen Multari as Tim

Real Men Don't Dance

Episode 1.05
Friday, June 04, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Michael Miller
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Sammy is forced to choose between dance and his father when compulsory Saturday ballet classes clash with his Synagogue services; and Christian struggles to accept the rules of the Academy.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Josef Brown as Patrick, Tony Cogin as Dr Leiberman, Monique Spanbrook as Mrs Leiberman, Narek Armaganian as Ari Leiberman, Stephen Multari as Tim, Joseph Williams as Groudnsman, Maureen Carlisle as Sammy's Grandma

Perfection

Episode 1.06
Monday, June 07, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Tara is stunned to learn Kat's mother is Natasha Willis — a world-acclaimed ballerina and Tara's greatest idol. Meanwhile, Sammy's perfect girlfriend Mia has unexpectedly returned from an overseas exchange and he's torn between his loyalty to Mia and his new-found attraction to Abigail.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Victoria Hill as Natasha, Rani Luther as Natasha Dancing Double, Penny Cook as Caroline, Alycia Debnam-Carey as Mia, Brooke Lockett as Swan Lake Cygnet, Sharni Spencer as Swan Lake Cygnet, Eloise Fryer as Swan Lake Cygnet, Jessica Wood as Swan Lake Cygnet, Tzu-Chao Chou as Male Ballet Dancer

Crush Test Dummies

Episode 1.07
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Deborah Parsons
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Ethan needs a dancer for his hip-hop choreography showcase and calls Christian on the favour he owes him from when he stole money from his wallet. Christian agrees but refuses to dance Ethan's choreography, deeming it wannabe American gangster. He takes Ethan back to his old neighbourhood, to show him some real Australian street hip-hop. Meanwhile, Tara is the self-proclaimed expert on crushes and is happy to educate Kat in every aspect of the mysterious art form.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Cariba Heine as Isabelle, Kat Risteska as Kaylah, Joel de Carteret as Tweak, David Dennis as Hip Hop Teacher, Stephen Multari as Tim, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie

Growing Pains

Episode 1.08
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Sarah Lambert
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

Tara's sick of being the youngest and hates that Ethan sees her as just a little kid. So when Tara is seen talking with Damien Lang, a soloist in the Company and a local boy from Tara's hometown, a rumour is spread that they are dating. Tara is overjoyed by this rumour but when it becomes a scandal that jeopardises Damien's career, Tara is forced to admit the humiliating truth. Meanwhile, Abigail is unwilling to accept the changes in her developing body.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Stuart McRae as Damien, Anne Looby as Dr Wicks, Kym Thorne as Hayley, Matt Lee as Sean, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie, Claire Cohen as Hazel, Stephen Multari as Tim

Note: Sarah Lambert's script for this episode was nominated for a 2010 Australian Writers' Guild Award (AWGIE)

Heartbeat

Episode 1.09
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Matt Ford
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

Mocking her friends' obsession with teen popstar Myles Kelly, Kat creates a video of her dancing to one of his songs and then posts it on the internet. The video becomes so popular she is contacted by his music company and is invited her to dance in his next video clip. Meanwhile, Ethan views Christian as a friendly rival and the two boys begin to compete with each other.

With: Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Adam Saunders as Myles Kelly, Melanie Vallejo as Dana, Olivia Simone as Tristanne, Maz Compton as VJ, Morgan Smallbone as Video Clip Director, Danielle Cook as Video Clip Dancer, Karlee Misipeka as Video Clip Dancer, Jessica Stokes as Video Clip Dancer, Helen Sweeney as Old Woman

Through The Looking Glass

Episode 1.10
Friday, June 11, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by David Hannam
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

Christian's best mate Aaron comes to stay and casually reveals to the others the truth about the robbery they committed. Meanwhile, Abigail's control issues are spiralling out-of-control and she is caught shoplifting.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Josef Brown as Patrick, Arianthe Galani as Julianna, Luke Bracey as Aaron, Brett Williams as Sgt Andrews, Matt Lee as Sean

One Perfect Day

Episode 1.11
Monday, June 14, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Max Dann & Greg Waters
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

Tara is elated when Ethan asks her to dance in his choreographic assessment piece. Is he finally beginning to see her as a romantic potential? But when she arrives at the studio to find Ethan engrossed in conversation with his mentor — the talented, gorgeous and much older Dana Strong — it's obvious who Ethan has his sights on. Eager to impress Dana with his talents as a choreographer, Ethan pushes Tara mercilessly to dance better. Meanwhile, Kat, Sammy , Abigail and her younger sister Paige head to Luna Park for the day. Abigail struggles to connect with Paige who would prefer to be in the company of Kat and Sammy.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Melanie Vallejo as Dana, Zoe Ioannou as Paige, Nao Abbey as Silverman, Nicole Mitchell as Pas De Quatre Dancer, Kristin Scott as Pas De Quatre Dancer

Pressure

Episode 1.12
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Pressure is building at the Academy as the students prepare for exam week. Tara tries to ignore her recent 'almost-pash' with Ethan so she can focus on her exams; however it's not as easy as she'd hoped. When Ethan attempts to kiss her again, Tara makes a quick exit. Remembering how awkward their first kiss was, she doesn't want to ruin her chances with a terrible second kiss as well and so Tara recruits Kat and Sammy for help.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Josef Brown as Patrick, Matt Lee as Sean, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie, Adam Chavolla Sheet as Kissing Boy, Kristelle McKinnon as Kissing Girl

Family

Episode 1.13
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

It's Open Week at the Academy, when parents come to watch their children in a series of demonstration classes. Tara is thrilled to see her mum and dad again but when they arrive she is embarrassed that they're not as sophisticated as everyone else's parents. Later, Tara is shocked when her mum tells her the farm is in serious financial trouble. Tara realises that family is the most important thing and makes a very difficult decision about her future. Meanwhile, Kat feels betrayed that Natasha has reneged on a family holiday she'd promised in order to dance in yet another international ballet. Sammy also suffers disappointment when his father fails to attend any classes, and he is left wondering if his father will ever accept that he wants to be a dancer.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Steve Vidler as Neil Webster, Vanessa Gray as Jan Webster, Victoria Hill as Natash Karamakov, Matt Lee as Sean, Monique Spanbrook as Mrs Leiberman, Narek Armaganian as Ari Lieberman, Suzannah McDonald as Pip The Journalist

Turning Pointes

Episode 1.14
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Greg Waters
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Tara returns from the school holidays on top of the world — she has great friends, a gorgeous boyfriend, the first year scholarship, and is finally allowed to dance en pointe. Kat introduces Tara to her new boyfriend Lucas, a 'diplobrat' she met while on holiday with her mother in Europe. Tara immediately dislikes him but doesn't reveal her aversion to Kat, who convinces Tara to go to a warehouse party in the city which ends in Tara calling Christian for help. What has Kat done to make Tara upset? Meanwhile, Abigail is struggling to convince her therapist to allow her to return to ballet classes after her collapse last semester. Sammy, who has been her constant companion throughout the holidays, tries to convince Abigail to help him out with the ballroom dance classes that he is giving for his grandmother and her friends.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Socratis Otto as Adam The Psychologist, Andrew Hazzard as Lucas, Dorian Nkono as Solomon, Lola Nixon as Bubbeh Lieberman, Jack Webster as Joe, Carmel Mullin as Greta

Note: Greg Waters' script for this episode was nominated for a 2010 Australian Writers' Guild Award (AWGIE)

My Life En Pointe

Episode 1.15
Friday, June 18, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Sam Carroll
Directed by Catriona McKenzie

Petra Hoffman arrives at the Academy on exchange from the Berlin Ballet School; Kat has been ditching class to spend time with her new boyfriend; and Tara kisses Christian behind Ethan's back.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Maria Dragus as Petra, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Ashleigh Ross as Scout, Travis Cardona as Gus, Andrew Hazzard as Lucas

Free Falling

Episode 1.16
Monday, June 21, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Catriona McKenzie

Kat is upset when her parents ignore her 16th birthday and throws herself a huge party at their harbourfront home in revenge. The house quickly fills with people and events spiral out of control when Kat's boyfriend Lucas tries to take advantage of her while she is drunk. Luckily, Christian manages to save her from Lucas but the situation goes from bad to worse when the police are called to shut the party down. Meanwhile, Abigail causes trouble when she aquires a photo of Tara kissing Christian.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Maria Dragus as Petra, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Andrew Hazzard as Lucas, Matt Lee as Sean, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie, Claire Cohen as Hazel, Elle McLeod as Older Girl #1, Camelia Mowbray as Older Girl #2, Conor Fogarty as Pashing Boy

A Midsummer's Night's Dream

Episode 1.17
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Catriona McKenzie

It is school camp and everyone is dreading the trip away, especially Tara who has been made an outcast following the party. Kat still isn't talking to her and Tara is further humiliated when photos of her kissing Christian keep appearing everywhere. Tara believes Kat is the culprit and confronts her about it. Meanwhile, Abigail has been banned from dance class until she completes an English essay and Sammy has been assigned as her tutor.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Maria Dragus as Petra, Deborah Kennedy as Miss Histead, Josef Brown as Patrick, Cariba Heine as Isabelle, Matt Lee as Sean, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie, Claire Cohen as Hazel, Stephen Multari as Tim

Betty Bunheads

Episode 1.18
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Alicia Walsh
Directed by Catriona McKenzie

German exchange student Petra Hoffman is thrilled when she is invited to stay at the Academy. However, when the Berlin Ballet Company offers her a contract, she has a difficult choice to make — her lifelong dream or the chance to spend the next few years as a teenager? Whilst Abigail is making more trouble for Tara, Kat tries to make amends after having disappointed a younger dancer. At the same time Sammy and Abigail have begun secretly kissing, but while Sammy wants the relationship public, Abigail insists it remains behind closed doors.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Maria Dragus as Petra, Ashleigh Ross as Scout

Fairest & Best

Episode 1.19
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by David Hannam
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Junior footballers from the Institute of Sport have been sent to the National Academy for a week of specialised training in order to improve their elevation, coordination and flexibility. Tension between the footballers and male dancers erupts and they set a challenge to prove who has the toughest sport. The footballers must learn a routine and dance it with no mistakes, while the ballet boys must score once against the footballers in a game of touch football. Meanwhile, Tara is caught up in her own competition; Miss Raine has pitted her against Abigail in nightly private classes, intending to use their rivalry to drive each other harder.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Josef Brown as Patrick, Chris Foy as Jai, Burgess Abernethy as Ollie, Matt Lee as Sean, Stephen Multari as Tim, Zika Nester as Tikkinova

Ballet Fever

Episode 1.20
Friday, June 25, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Ellie Beaumont
Directed by Ian Gilmour

When the Board decides to cut hip hop and jazz from the curriculum Kat goes on the warpath. Tara and Christian find themselves together at the beach and their spark is rekindled.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Victoria Hill as Natash Karamakov, Rani Luther as Natasha Dancing Double, Matt Lee as Sean, Millie Spencer-Brown as Shelley, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie, Claire Cohen as Hazel, David Dennis as Hip Hop Teacher, Inge Sildnik as Tara Stunt Double

FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out

Episode 1.21
Monday, June 28, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Samatha Strauss
Directed by Ben Chessell

It's a month since Tara's injury and her plaster is due to come off, but Tara seems more focused on her new boyfriend, Christian, and planning the school formal than she is in attending her doctor's appointment. Meanwhile, Sammy and Abigail decide to take their relationship to the next level the night of the formal.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Anne Looby as Dr Wicks, Stuart McRae as Damien, Stephen Multari as Tim, Matt Lee as Sean

Flight Or Fight Response

Episode 1.22
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Liz Doran
Directed by Ben Chessell

The date for Christian's robbery hearing has been set but his defence strategy relies on his best mate, and co-accused, Aaron admitting that he was the one who brought the knife to the robbery. However, Aaron has vanished leaving Christian with slim hope that he will avoid juvenile detention. Meanwhile Tara has been working hard in rehab and the time has come for her to go back to dancing but she fears she will injure herself again. Ethan has been her coach, using the time he spends with Tara to avoid signing his company contract, because he's no longer sure it's what he wants. They both realise they need to face their fears in order to reach their dreams.

With: Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Josef Brown as Patrick, Anne Looby as Dr Wicks, Kat Risteska as Kaylah, Henry Nixon as James - Legal Aid Lawyer

BFF: Best Friends Forever

Episode 1.23
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Greg Waters & Samatha Strauss
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

Today, Christian faces his punishment for the robbery. But when Aaron returns, Christian's conscience gets the better of him and he changes his story to protect his friend. Concerned by his decision, Sammy enlists the help of Christian's oldest friend Kaylah to try and convince him to change his mind. Meanwhile, Ethan has received interest from a dance company in Spain who are looking to take on young choreographers.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Josef Brown as Patrick, Robert Alexander as Mr Kennedy, Luke Bracey as Aaron, Kat Risteska as Kaylah, Henry Nixon as James - Legal Aid Lawyer, Matt Lee as Sean, Morgan Choice as Patrick's Dance Partner, Neil Sharma as Delivery Guy

Heatwave

Episode 1.24
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by David Hannam
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

In the weeks since the court hearing, Sammy and Christian have been inseparable. In fact, they've made a pact of brotherhood — from now on, they will forget all about girls. Sammy is elated; he's never had such a good guy friend. However, when Christian ditches Sammy to spend time with Tara, what Sammy feels is uncomfortably a lot like jealousy. What if he likes Christian as more than just a friend? Meanwhile, auditions for the end of year production of The Nutcracker are upon them and Kat and Ethan's father — the internationally acclaimed Sebastian Karamakov — is directing the ballet. Who will make it and who will walk out of the auditions?

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Peter O'Brien as Sebastian Karamakov, Josef Brown as Patrick, Zoe Ioannou as Paige, Matt Lee as Sean, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie

The Deep End

Episode 1.25
Friday, July 02, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by Greg Waters
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

Rehearsals for 'The Nutcracker' are underway and Tara discovers that being the star is not all it's cracked up to be. Sammy is forced to admit that his feelings for Christian have changed.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Peter O'Brien as Sebastian Karamakov, Josef Brown as Patrick, Adam Saunders as Myles Kelly, Socratis Otto as Adam The Psychologist, Shayni Notelovitz as Bonnie

Learning To Fly, Part 2

Episode 1.26
Monday, July 05, 2010
Original story by Samatha Strauss
Written by EasyShare ZD15
Directed by Cherie Nowlan

The end-of-year production has arrived and Tara is rehearsing her solo in Act 2 of The Nutcracker. Director Sebastian Karamakov is not happy with her performance and threatens to put Abigail in her place.
When Tara gets her costume fitted she learns many famous ballerinas have also worn the same nightgown — giving her a new boost of confidence. But when Abigail hides Tara's costume, trouble starts again and Tara's best friend, Kat is not around to help. Kat has left for a road trip with musician Myles Kelly.
Meanwhile, Sammy faces reality when he learns his parents are refusing to pay for his tuition at the Academy next year, regardless of his good marks. Sammy begs his father to come to the end-of-year performance, believing that if he saw him dance he'd change his mind.

With: Tara Morice as Miss Raine, Peter O'Brien as Sebastian Karamakov, Adam Saunders as Myles Kelly, Matt Lee as Sean, Monique Spanbrook as Mrs Lieberman, Narek Armaganian as Ari Lieverman, James Fraser as Production Runner, Chloe Bayliss as Young Natasha, Suzi-Ann Ryan as Olga, Fenella McKirdy as Josephine, Alysha Chan as Audition Girl

Note: a second series has been confirmed, production will begin in Sydney late January 2011