Emma, a celebrated choreographer in New York City, returns to Vicenza, her home town in Italy, which she left 16 years ago after the death of her newborn daughter. However, this return hides a secret interest.

Emma suspects that Valentina may be her daughter and decides to do a DNA test; the girls are enthusiastic about Emma's unconventional teachings, but tension rises when they realise that only one of them will be chosen as a soloist.

Luca, Valentina's brother, discovers Emma's true motive for being in town; the media repercussions of Valentina's accident hit the academy and scare away the sponsors.

While Emma and Luca investigate, the academy becomes the set of an Italian pop star's music video. All the dancers participate in the video, except Anita, who plans to meet the man who promised to tell her the truth about her mother's past.

The academy is invaded, and the walls are spray-painted with profanity; Davi begins to doubt his relationship with Luisa when he uncovers more information about her past.

The academy participates in the annual charity dance where Emma's ballerinas perform a modern version of the Swan Lake. However, Enrico's arrest casts a dark shadow over the event.