The A- and B-Troupe dancers audition to earn a place in A-Troupe. We learn that to be in A-Troupe, dancers have to earn their place. When the fourth group of dancers are about to start their audition, an unknown dancer named Michelle who just moved from Madison, Wisconsin comes in. By this unexpected twist, last year's Dance Captain, Emily feels threatened by Michelle. Kate talks to Michelle in her office and tells her she would be happy to audition. Meanwhile, Emily's best friend, Stephanie, volunteers to go eavesdrop on Michelle and Kate, the studio owner, but Emily wants to go herself. An odd relationship is formed with Eldon and Emily but she doesn't like him, but Eldon asks her out every day before and after rehearsals for over 5 years. We then learn about the E-Girls. They are a clique that had all the girls from A-Troupe from last year. Emily is the leader, Tiffany, Stephanie, Giselle, and Emily's younger sister Riley. Stephanie finds searches for information about Michelle on her phone, and everyone learns that Michelle was once named Miss National Soloist. The E-Girls are impressed, but Emily just calls her a diva and returns the phone after viewing it for proof. Michelle says in a confession later that she does not want anyone to know about this, as she wants to just be accepted for who she is and wants to be treated like everyone else. Emily does not agree and thinks she's a show off.