Glee - — Season 4

The New York storyline centered on (Lea Michele) as she began her studies at the prestigious New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts (NYADA). The transition was far from easy; Rachel immediately clashed with her demanding dance instructor, Cassandra July (guest star Kate Hudson), who nicknamed her "Schwimmer" and challenged her "big fish in a small pond" ego.

This "show-within-a-show" format allowed the series to follow its graduates while simultaneously attempting to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle success of its early years with a fresh crop of students. The New York Evolution Glee - Season 4

Eventually, Rachel was joined by (Chris Colfer), who secured an internship at Vogue.com under Isabelle Wright (guest star Sarah Jessica Parker). By mid-season, Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera) joined them in their Brooklyn loft, solidifying the New York trio as a core emotional pillar of the show. New Directions 2.0 The New York storyline centered on (Lea Michele)