Ep 2. You Can Feel the Tension

Breaking Pointe is an American reality TV series that takes a closer look at the passionate and sometimes cutthroat world of professional ballet. In season 2, episode 2 - appropriately titled "You Can Feel the Tension" - the stakes are high as the dancers of Ballet West prepare for one of their biggest performances of the year.

The episode begins with the dancers going about their daily routines, from warming up in the studio to running errands and hanging out with friends. But there's an undercurrent of tension and anticipation as they all know what's coming up next: the opening night of George Balanchine's iconic ballet Serenade.

Serenade is a notoriously difficult and technically demanding piece, and the dancers are feeling the pressure to execute it perfectly. Leading the charge is principal dancer Beckanne Sisk, who has a lot riding on this performance. She's been criticized in the past for not having enough emotional depth in her dancing, and she's determined to prove her detractors wrong this time around.

Meanwhile, demi-soloist Allison DeBona is feeling the stress of her own personal life. She's just moved in with her boyfriend, fellow Ballet West dancer Rex Tilton, but she's having trouble adjusting to the new living situation and worries that it might be affecting her dancing.

The tension really ramps up when the company gets a surprise visitor: former Ballet West dancer Katie Martin. Katie left the company a few years ago to pursue other opportunities, and she's been thriving in her new career as a freelance dancer. But now she's back in town, and the dancers can't help but feel a bit envious of her success.

As opening night approaches, the dancers are pushed to their limits in rehearsals. Some struggle with the challenging choreography, while others battle nerves and self-doubt. But despite the challenges, they all manage to come together and deliver a stunning performance of Serenade that leaves the audience in awe.

Overall, "You Can Feel the Tension" is a gripping look at the high-stress world of professional ballet, where even the most skilled dancers struggle with the pressure to perform perfectly. With strong performances from the show's talented cast and plenty of drama both on and off the stage, it's a must-watch episode for fans of dance and reality TV alike.