Dance Moms Explained

Genre:Reality
Starring:Abby Lee Miller
Gianna Martello
Melissa Gisoni
Maddie Ziegler
Mackenzie Ziegler
Christi Lukasiak
Chloé Lukasiak
Kelly Hyland
Brooke Hyland
Paige Hyland
Holly Hatcher-Frazier
Nia Sioux
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein
Vivi-Anne Stein
Jill Vertes
Kendall Vertes
Kristie Ray
Asia Monet Ray
Kira Girard
Kalani Hilliker
Jessalynn Siwa
JoJo Siwa
Ashlee Allen
Brynn Rumfallo
Yolanda Walmsley
Elliana Walmsley
Stacey Ketchman
Lilliana Ketchman
Camille Bridges
Camryn Bridges
Jaime Caes
Maesi Caes
Tricia Farrar
Brady Farrar
Ann Colin
Hannah Colin
Joanne Paolantonio
GiaNina Paolantonio
Michelle Georgiana
Sarah Georgiana
Ashley Hosbach
Pressley Hosbach
Erin Kristich
Savannah Kristich
Lakisha Samuels
Paris Moore
Opentheme:"Living on the Dance Floor" performed by Nikko Lowe
Theme Music Composer:We3Kings[1]
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:8
Num Episodes:224 (including 10 specials)
List Episodes:List of Dance Moms episodes
Runtime:42 minutes
Company:Collins Avenue Entertainment
Lifetime
Network:Lifetime

Dance Moms is an American reality television series that premiered on Lifetime on July 13, 2011. Created by Collins Avenue Productions, the show followed the training and careers of children in dance and show business under the tutelage of Abby Lee Miller, as well as the relationships between Miller, the dancers, and their mothers. Set originally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later in Los Angeles, California, the show was primarily filmed at the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) studios. The show followed the girls on the ALDC Junior Elite Competition Team as they learn their dances and then compete at dance competitions all across the country.

Synopsis

Primarily set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later in Los Angeles, California, Dance Moms originally followed the Abby Lee Dance Company's Junior Elite Competition Team of dancers ages six to thirteen as they traveled week after week to various dance competitions, winning awards and preparing for nationals, while at the same time being prepared by Abby Lee Miller to be "professional, employable working dancers." The series depicted the doting mothers as rivals of each other on behalf of their daughters, often arguing with Miller and each other, and sometimes closing ranks against rival teams. Dance performances were creatively conceptualized by Miller and her dance instructors, with input from the show's producers, while the choreography was done by Miller, her staff, and occasionally a guest choreographer. Various rival dance teams spurred the team's competitiveness. The show's success was often credited to the drama and conflict among Miller and the moms, along with the weekly dances and the close relationships among the girls as viewers watched them grow up and improve their skills.

The show features Miller as an extremely strict dance team coach who, over the series, relied more and more on criticism—sometimes personal—to motivate the girls, with an emphasis on hard work and competition against teammates. Every week on the show, Miller used a pyramid of individual headshots and gave feedback to each girl about her ranking, which was decided by, the previous week's performance, attitude, effort, the behavior of the girl herself, and the behavior of her mother. Miller had never used a pyramid in her studio prior to Dance Moms, and when once asked about it, Miller stated, "I've never done that in my life. That has nothing to do with me. That's the show; they came up with that whole process."[2]

In season 6, Miller relocated the team to Los Angeles to help build her reputation on the West Coast, while the team continued to participate in weekly competitions. The focus shifted to include preparation for careers in the acting and music businesses.

During the second half of season 7, several dancers and their mothers left the ALDC to form "The Irreplaceables." Miller left the show several episodes later, followed by the remaining ALDC dancers and mothers.

In July 2018, Miller announced her return for season 8 of Dance Moms.[3] Executive producer Bryan Stinson announced the show would be casting a whole new team, with final callbacks being in September 2018.[4] On January 12, a new team was selected, consisting of eight dancers.[5] A promo for the new season was released in February, revealing that the show would be set around Miller's diagnosis of Burkitt's Lymphoma while returning "back to her roots" with a new team. The season is set in Pittsburgh, in the same studio where the show began in 2011. Season 8 premiered on Lifetime on June 4, 2019.[6] Miller and executive producer, Bryan Stinson, have both announced season 9 of Dance Moms, but there has not been further information among that point.

Cast

Abby Lee Dance Company

Seasons 1–7 cast

Season 8 cast

MomsDancersAppearances
12345678The reunion
Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni Maddie & Mackenzie Zieglercolspan=6 colspan=3
Christi Lukasiak Chloe Lukasiakcolspan=4 colspan=2 colspan=1 colspan=1
Holly Hatcher-Frazier Nia Siouxcolspan=7 colspan=2
Kelly Hyland Brooke & Paige Hylandcolspan=3 colspan=1 colspan=4
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein Vivi-Anne Steincolspan=1 colspan=4 colspan=1 colspan=1 colspan=2
Jill Vertes Kendall Vertescolspan=1 colspan=6 colspan=1
Kristie Ray Asia Monet Raycolspan=2 colspan=1 colspan=6
Kira Girard Kalani Hillikercolspan=3 colspan=1 colspan=3 colspan=1
Jessalynn Siwa JoJo Siwacolspan=4 colspan=2 colspan=2
Ashlee Allen Brynn Rumfallocolspan=4 colspan=1 colspan=2 colspan=2
Yolanda Walmsley Elliana Walmsleycolspan=5 colspan=1 colspan=1 colspan=1
Stacey Ketchman Lilliana Ketchmancolspan=5 colspan=1 colspan=2
Camille Bridges Camryn Bridgescolspan=6 colspan=1 colspan=2
Jaime Caes Maesi Caescolspan=6 colspan=1 colspan=1
Tricia Farrar Brady Farrarcolspan=7 colspan=1
Ann Colin Hannah Colincolspan=7 colspan=1
Joanne Paolantonio GiaNina Paolantoniocolspan=7 colspan=1
Michelle Georgiana Sarah Georgianacolspan=7 colspan=1
Ashley Hosbach Pressley Hosbachcolspan=7 colspan=1
Erin Kristich Savannah Kristichcolspan=7 colspan=1
Lakisha Samuels Paris Moorecolspan=7 colspan=1

"The Irreplaceables"

Coaches

Moms and dancers

Select Ensemble

In the second half of Season 4, Abby created a Select Ensemble team, featuring dancers that she selected from 3 separate auditions. The purpose of the team was to have one dancer go up against each original team member as well as a competing group dance. The Select Ensemble team disbanded in the Season 4 finale after the original team beat them at nationals.

"The Replacements"

In Season 3 Episode 2, the original team members and their mothers did not show up to filming in an attempt to get Kelly Hyland and her daughters to come back to the team. Abby brought in four new dancers to create a small group, but this group disbanded in the next episode when the original team returned.

Mini Team

In Season 6, Abby created a Mini team, consisting of all new dancers between the ages of 6 and 10, hoping that a brand new set of young dancers would continue the Abby Lee Dance Company's legacy. The team was disbanded in the Season 7 premiere, with the exceptions of Elliana Walmsley and Lilliana Ketchman, who were brought back to dance alongside the Elite team.

Rival studios

Episodes

See main article: List of Dance Moms episodes.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipients and nomineesOutcome
20122012 Teen Choice AwardsChoice TV: Reality ShowDance Moms
20132013 Teen Choice AwardsChoice TV: Reality Show
20142014 Teen Choice AwardsChoice TV: Reality Show
Choice TV: Reality Personality (Female)Abby Lee Miller
20152015 Kids' Choice AwardsNickelodeon: Favorite Reality ShowDance Moms
2015 Teen Choice AwardsChoice TV: Reality Show
20162016 Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Talent Competition[32]
20172017 Teen Choice AwardsChoice Reality TV Show[33]

Controversy and criticism

Miller has received criticism for her often toxic and abusive teaching methods featured on the show. Miller has openly shamed students for their appearance, weight, and level of intelligence. Several members of the Abby Lee Dance Company (both on and off the show) have come forward about Miller's violent tactics, which include forcing students to leap whilst holding a 5-pound sack of potatoes, remarking "if you gain 5 pounds, you'll feel that heavy." Miller has also been accused of naming her students' bellies, posting their weights around the studio, pinching students until they bleed, and sending her underage students underwear and lingerie for Christmas.

Several episodes featured controversial costume choices made by Miller. Due to heavy criticism, the season 2 episode "Topless Showgirls", which aired on March 6, 2012, has been removed from rotation. The episode features the young dancers performing a burlesque-style routine and wearing sequined, flesh-toned bra tops and tights in an effort to make them appear nude. Miller defends her costume choice saying, "Everyone in the industry knows the girls are completely covered and everything's harmless." Lifetime confirmed pulling the episode.[34] [35] The episode is not included on the season's DVD and is not available on any streaming services.[36]

Kelly Hyland was arrested in early January 2014 on charges of assaulting Miller during a dispute backstage at a dance competition held in New York City during filming for the show's fourth season in November 2013. Hyland appeared in court with Miller on January 21, 2014, and pleaded "not guilty".[37] On a January 29 appearance on The View, Miller announced that Hyland and her daughters Brooke and Paige Hyland were no longer contracted with and would no longer appear on Dance Moms.[38]

On October 13, 2015, Abby Lee Miller was indicted in Pittsburgh on charges of concealing her income from her performances on the show in 2012 and 2013. She was charged with bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets and false bankruptcy declarations in hiding some $755,000.[39] [40] In June 2016, Miller pled guilty to the charges, and entered a plea deal with the IRS.[41] In May 2017, Miller was sentenced to one year and a day in prison (paroled after 8.5 months), followed by two years of supervised release.[42] [43]

On June 2, 2020, Miller posted a black square to Instagram on Blackout Tuesday. This caused Adriana Smith, the mother of Dance Moms season 8 dancer Kamryn, to share on Instagram that she and her daughter left the show because of their experience with Miller. "A statement from her that sticks in my mind to this day during my time on DMS8 is 'I know you grew up in the HOOD with only a box of 8 crayons, but I grew up in the Country Club with a box of 64—don't be stupid,'" Smith wrote on Instagram. The following day on June 3, 2020, another Dance Moms mother, Camille Bridges, accused Miller of treating her daughter Camryn differently because of her race and that the environment was "extremely hostile". She told E! News via e-mail that Miller "tried to spin Camryn as being the poor one and there on scholarship. She would say the most terrible things on camera. It was a traumatic experience that I wish on no one."[44] Miller has since deleted her Black Lives Matter post and on June 4, 2020, she issued an apology to "Kamryn, Adriana, and anyone else I've hurt." It was announced that on June 5, 2020, Lifetime decided to sever ties with Miller as a result of the allegations of the racist remarks she made. The network canceled the Abby's Virtual Dance-Off competition reality series announced in April.[45]

Spin-offs, tours, and podcasts

A spin-off series, , set in Miami, Florida, at Victor Smalley and Angel Armas' Stars Dance Studio, premiered on April 3, 2012,[46] but was cancelled in September 2012.

A sister program titled Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition[47] followed Miller and other dance professionals judging twelve young dancers aged 6–13 years on different styles of dance, hoping to find the most versatile dancer of the group. The series premiered on October 9, 2012, and ran for two seasons. Ray, Siwa, and Hilliker made their debuts on the show before joining the ALDC Elite Team on Dance Moms. The winner of season 1 of AUDC is Brianna and the winner of season 2 is McKaylee True.

On June 24, 2014, another sister program premiered, titled Abby's Studio Rescue. The series followed Miller as she assisted various dance studios across the United States, improving them in areas such as choreography, decor, and staffing. A single season of the show was produced.

In July 2014, another spin-off titled Raising Asia starred Asia Monet Ray, a guest team member for several episodes of Season 3 of Dance Moms. The show followed Ray, her model mom, bodybuilder dad and younger sister Bella Blu, helping Asia to pursue her dreams of fame in show business.[48]

A British version of Dance Moms titled Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison premiered on October 20, 2014, and ran for two seasons. Jennifer Ellison hosted the series, set at her Liverpool dance school, Jelli Studios.[49] Dance Mums was produced by Shiver Productions.

In 2016, it was reported that Ellen DeGeneres was developing a film based on Dance Moms.[50]

In 2018, the Irreplaceables (excluding the Bridges and Fraziers) embarked on The Irreplaceables Tour. The tour included dances, meet and greets, and fan Q&As.

In April 2020, it was announced that another spin-off Abby's Virtual Dance-Off would be set to debut during the summer of 2020. The 12-episode show would consist of taped submissions from dance contestants, with Miller judging via video conference, in keeping with social distancing practiced during the coronavirus pandemic.[51] However, Lifetime pulled the show on June 5, 2020, as well as cut all ties with Miller, after former cast members Camille Bridges and Adriana Smith accused Miller of using racist and condescending language towards their daughters during previous seasons of Dance Moms.[52]

In June 2022, Kelly Hyland and Christi Lukasiak announced their podcast Back to the Barre, which would recap an episode of Dance Moms each week.

It was announced in April 2023 that Miller would be hosting a podcast titled Leave It On The Dance Floor. Each week, she and various guests would discuss information from behind the scenes of Dance Moms.

In September 2023, Miller announced that she would be participating in a new reality competition series, in the vein of Big Brother, on the Brandon TV streaming app. Titled Mad House, it will feature young adult dancers. Hannah Colin from Season 8 of Dance Moms appeared on the first season. Cathy Nesbitt-Stein from Seasons 1-7 will appear on the second season.

Reunion special and season nine

On November 1, 2023, Lifetime announced a reunion special titled Dance Moms: The Reunion, which premiered on May 1, 2024. The reunion features Brooke and Paige Hyland, Chloe Lukasiak, Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker, and JoJo Siwa, as well as their respective mothers Kelly Hyland, Christi Lukasiak (who makes a short, virtual cameo appearance), Jill Vertes, Kira Girard and Jessalyn Siwa.

Controversially, original cast members Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler and Nia Frazier did not participate in the reunion, as well as their mothers Melissa Gisoni and Holly Frazier. This was discussed on the reunion episode, and criticised by some cast members. Notably, Jojo Siwa stated, "Them not being here is kinda like, 'let me erase my past, pretend it never happened, shove it down the drain,' when it's like, that's why you are who you are."[53] Nia Frazier stated publicly on her TikTok account why she didn't choose to appear in the episode. "The reason is quite simple. I just didn't want to do it. Some people think it was because I had sorority stuff. Nope, I didn't. Some people think it's because I'm in school. I am in school, but it wouldn't have been an issue. I just didn't want to do it. That's a good enough answer, and that's a good enough reason."[54]

Miller and executive producer, Brian Stinson, have teased a season nine of Dance Moms. Miller has stated that Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker, and JoJo Siwa could appear on the upcoming season. It has since been stated that Miller's rendition of season nine and the official season nine are two separate shows.[55]

On April 17, 2024, Christi Lukasiak announced via Instagram post that following the premiere of the reunion special, she is hosting her own show, titled Dance Moms: Epic Showdowns.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: We3Kings – Cable Television Theme Songs . November 17, 2020.
  2. Web site: Dance Moms' Abby Lee Miller on Ranking Students and Dressing Them Sexily . Juzwiak . Rich . . July 21, 2011 . October 21, 2011.
  3. Web site: Abby Lee Miller Returning to 'Dance Moms' for Season 8 – And Is Currently Casting Talent! (Exclusive) . www.msn.com . en-US . July 12, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180712153242/https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/abby-lee-miller-returning-to-dance-moms-for-season-8-and-is-currently-casting-talent-exclusive/ar-AAzWukS . July 12, 2018 . dead.
  4. Web site: Bryan Stinson on Instagram: "Casting Dance Moms! #dancemoms" . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BlGuO6ZgQ9s . December 26, 2021 . registration . Instagram . en . February 6, 2019.
  5. Web site: Abby Lee Miller on Instagram: "These kids still have to earn their Official #ALDC jackets! I wonder who will live up to the legacy and survive the bitter Pgh cold to make..." . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/Bsg1YNIHspx . December 26, 2021 . registration . Instagram . en . February 6, 2019.
  6. Web site: Abby Lee Miller Shares 'Dance Moms' Season 8 Episode 1 Sneak Peek – Premiere Date Inside! . February 9, 2019 . March 31, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190331223115/https://blog.feelingthevibe.com/news/abby-lee-miller-shares-dance-moms-season-8-episode-1-sneak-peek-premiere-date-inside/ . dead .
  7. Web site: Dance Moms Cast . mylifetime.com . January 29, 2014.
  8. Web site: Faculty of Abby Lee Dance Company . September 14, 2003 . August 14, 2013 . March 3, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170303024417/http://abbyleedancecompany.com/faculty#/639 . dead .
  9. Web site: Faculty – Reign Dance Productions . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140221204017/http://www.reigndanceproductions.com/faculty/#/639 . February 21, 2014.
  10. Web site: Faculty of Abby Lee Dance Company . September 14, 2003 . August 18, 2013 . March 3, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170303024417/http://abbyleedancecompany.com/faculty#/638 . dead .
  11. Web site: Chloe Lukasiak blames Abby Lee Miller for leaving Dance Moms. Kat. Kenneth. blastingnews.com. April 21, 2017 .
  12. Web site: Kendall Vertes . kendallkvertes.com . June 14, 2015.
  13. Web site: Decisions Decisions . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140330210120/http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/dance-moms/video/season-4/episode-13/episode-13-decisions-decisions . March 30, 2014.
  14. Web site: Kira and Kalani . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150502135529/http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/abbys-ultimate-dance-competition/cast/kira-kalani . May 2, 2015.
  15. Web site: JoJo with a Bow Bow . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  16. Web site: Jessalynn and JoJo . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  17. Web site: Boulder 8-year-old and mom joining 'Dance Moms' cast. April 22, 2016.
  18. Web site: This Viral Dance Video Has a Surprise Split Finale That's Absolutely Epic. November 6, 2017. Cosmopolitan.
  19. Sjelhøj, Josephine Cheryl Burke set to replace Abby Lee Miller on ‘Dance Moms’ CelebMix
  20. Web site: The Competition Begins . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  21. Web site: From Ballerinas to Showgirls . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  22. Web site: New Season 3 Dancers Pictures . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  23. Web site: The Beginning of the End . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  24. Web site: Revenge of the Replacements . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  25. Web site: Murrieta Dance Project – Murrieta CA – 951.698.3339 . murrietadanceproject.com . June 14, 2015.
  26. Web site: Blame It on the New Girl . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  27. Web site: Hello Hollywood, Goodbye Abby . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  28. Web site: Welcome to Broadway Dance Academy. broadwaydreams.net . June 14, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150726154249/http://broadwaydreams.net/index.htm . July 26, 2015.
  29. Web site: Junior Select Ensemble Pictures . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  30. Web site: Presenting My New Team . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  31. Web site: Abby Got Served . myLifetime.com . June 14, 2015.
  32. https://web.archive.org/web/20160204154007/http://www.mtv.com/news/2734729/kids-choice-awards-2016-kcas-nickelodeon-nominees-list/ "Kids Choice Awards 2016 nominees list"
  33. Web site: Teen Choice Awards: Pretty Little Liars, The Flash Lead 2017 Nominations . Andy . Swift . June 20, 2017.
  34. Web site: Lifetime pulls 'Topless' 'Dance Moms' episode . Anna Chan . TODAY . March 2012.
  35. Web site: Burlesque 'Dance Moms' episode yanked . Daily News . March 24, 2012 . New York.
  36. Web site: iTunes TV Shows – Dance Moms, Season 2 . July 12, 2011 . iTunes Store.
  37. Web site: 'Dance Mom' Kelly Hyland Appears In Bronx Court To Face Assault Charge. www.cbsnews.com. March 10, 2014 .
  38. Web site: 'Dance Moms' Star Kelly Hyland Charged With Assault on Coach Abby Lee Miller – Video . ABC News.
  39. Web site: 'Dance Moms' star Abby Lee Miller indicted on fraud charges . Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . October 14, 2015.
  40. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/file/783446/download
  41. Web site: Erb . Kelly Phillips . 'Dance Moms' Star Abby Lee Miller Reaches Deal With Feds, Will Plead Guilty . 2024-07-26 . Forbes . en.
  42. Web site: Ex-'Dance Moms' Host Abby Lee Miller Sentenced To Prison In Fraud Case . . Dominic . Patten . May 9, 2017 . May 9, 2017.
  43. Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller sentenced to prison . . Nick . Maslow . May 9, 2017 . May 9, 2017 . May 12, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170512013950/http://ew.com/tv/2017/05/09/dance-moms-abby-lee-miller-prison-bankruptcy-fraud/ . dead .
  44. Web site: Vulpo . Mike . Dance Moms Stars Speak Out Against Abby Lee Miller Over Alleged Controversial Remarks . E! News . June 3, 2020 . NBCUniversal . June 7, 2020.
  45. Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . Lifetime Severs Ties With Abby Lee Miller, Cancels 'Virtual Dance-Off' Series . Deadline Hollywood . Penske Business Media, LLC. . June 6, 2020 . June 6, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200606161506/https://deadline.com/2020/06/lifetime-severs-ties-abby-lee-miller-cancels-virtual-dance-off-series-1202952325/ . dead.
  46. Web site: Breaking News – Lifetime's "Dance Moms: Miami" to Turn Up the Heat on April 3 . TheFutonCritic.com . August 8, 2013.
  47. Web site: Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition . myLifetime.com.
  48. Web site: Lifetime's 'Raising Asia' Child Star Docuseries to Premiere in July . Variety. June 25, 2014 .
  49. Web site: Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140522130116/http://www.lifetimetv.co.uk/shows/dance-mums-with-jennifer-ellison . May 22, 2014.
  50. Web site: Crittenton . Anya . July 20, 2016 . Ellen DeGeneres Developing "Dance Moms" Movie At Warner Bros. (Exclusive) . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230404071612/https://www.tracking-board.com/ellen-degeneres-developing-dance-moms-movie-at-warner-bros-exclusive/ . April 4, 2023 . November 19, 2023 . The Tracking Board . Industry Arts . en-US.
  51. Web site: Butler . Karen . Lifetime cancels 'Abby's Virtual Dance Off' after Abby Lee Miller allegations . UPI . United Press International, Inc. . June 6, 2020.
  52. Web site: Maas . Jennifer . Lifetime Yanks 'Abby's Virtual Dance Off' After Abby Lee Miller Accused of Racism by 'Dance Moms' Alum . TheWrap . June 5, 2020 . The Wrap News Inc. . June 6, 2020.
  53. Web site: Official Trailer | Dance Moms: The Reunion | Lifetime . . March 6, 2024 .
  54. Web site: Dance Moms' Nia Sioux Reveals Why She Skipped Their Reunion . May 2024 .
  55. Web site: Richards. Bailey. 'Dance Moms' Cast Announces 2024 Reunion Special: 'Took a 10 Year Break'. People. November 1, 2023. November 3, 2023.