Season 5 of Dance Moms continues with the ALDC LA team navigating the drama both inside and outside the studio. This episode, titled with a wink and a nudge, sees Abby Lee Miller juggling a studio grand opening, preparing the girls for a Sheer Talent competition in Spokane, and, of course, stirring up her signature brand of mother-daughter drama. Let’s dive into the recap of Dance Moms season 5 episode 5, and see what unfolded.
The episode kicks off with Abby back in the studio after a brief absence, and Jill immediately welcomes her back with an enthusiastic cartwheel – skirt and all. The moms seem genuinely happy to have Abby back, or at least relieved that the status quo is restored. Abby announces that the grand opening of her ALDC LA studio is strategically timed right after Nationals and before the team heads back to Pittsburgh. This is presented as a great opportunity for the girls to bask in the Hollywood spotlight and sign autographs.
Jill Vertes performs a cartwheel in celebration of Abby Lee Miller’s return to the Dance Moms studio in Season 5.
Jill, ever focused on Kendall’s trajectory, immediately expresses concern that Abby’s attention should be solely on Nationals. Her anxieties are amplified by her desire for Kendall to have a solo at the crucial national competition.
Pyramid time reveals a group win for the ALDC LA, yet Abby’s praise is lukewarm at best. She claims no one has truly improved, blaming the “bright lights of Hollywood”. The pyramid rankings are unveiled, setting the stage for the week’s solo assignments and, naturally, more mother-daughter friction. Kalani sits at the bottom, followed by JoJo, who apparently forgot her choreography and lost to Kendall in a previous head-to-head. Nia takes the third spot from the bottom, with Holly pointing out the uphill battle Nia faces for a Nationals solo.
Moving up the pyramid, Kendall is placed next, followed by Maddie, who looks noticeably shocked. Abby explains that despite Maddie being the lead in the group dance, people were more captivated by the “sister-of-lead,” seemingly referring to Mackenzie. This subtle jab at Maddie’s usual top-dog status adds a layer of tension to the episode right away.
Maddie Ziegler appears surprised by her position on the pyramid during Dance Moms Season 5.
This week, the team is heading to Spokane for another Sheer Talent Competition. Solos are assigned to Kendall, Maddie, and Mackenzie. The stakes are high for Kendall, as Abby declares she needs to beat the “unbeatable” to even be considered for a Nationals solo. This sets up a classic Dance Moms underdog narrative for Kendall.
Kendall’s solo is unveiled as “Blowing Red,” a Little Red Riding Hood-inspired piece. The name itself, with its double entendre, seems designed to provoke and amuse, typical of Abby’s sometimes-questionable choreography titles.
Kendall Vertes is assigned a solo titled “Blowing Red” for the upcoming Dance Moms competition.
Maddie’s solo, “Into the Woods,” is described as “darker” by Abby, which excites Melissa. Mackenzie’s solo title takes the cake for audacity – “Batsh*t Crazy.” The moms and girls react with feigned shock and amusement at the profanity, but it’s clear Abby is pushing boundaries, likely for the cameras and her own amusement. Mackenzie’s solo character? A bat.
The group dance continues the week’s theme of slightly inappropriate titles. Inspired by the movie Bridesmaids, the group routine is called “Always A Bridesmaid.” JoJo’s reaction to the title is, predictably, a “pee-pee dance,” highlighting her youthful exuberance and comedic timing.
JoJo Siwa performs a playful “pee-pee dance” in response to the “Always A Bridesmaid” group dance theme on Dance Moms.
Abby and Gianna demonstrate their interpretation of walking down the aisle for the “Bridesmaid” routine. The demonstration devolves into slapstick comedy as Gianna jokingly “flat-tires” Abby, and Abby playfully “decks” Gianna. This lighthearted moment provides a brief respite from the usual tension.
Abby Lee Miller and Gianna Martello demonstrate aisle walking choreography for the “Always A Bridesmaid” group dance on Dance Moms Season 5.
Kira then drops a bombshell: she is five months pregnant. While Kira isn’t keen on marriage, Abby immediately jumps to planning a baby shower, but only if a wedding is in the cards. Melissa, in a rare moment of modern sensibility, dismisses the shotgun shower idea as outdated. Holly suggests Kira’s pregnancy hormones might explain her recent behavior, and Kira jokes that finally everyone knows why she’s gaining weight.
Nia and Holly are called outside for a phone call with Mikey Minden, who delivers exciting news: Nia will be shooting another music video next week. However, Abby will be tagging along, much to Holly’s dismay.
Abby Lee Miller is set to accompany Nia Frazier and Holly Hatcher-Frazier on Nia’s next music video shoot in Dance Moms Season 5.
Melissa, ever the peacemaker (or perhaps just conflict-avoidant), tries to downplay Abby’s involvement. Holly voices her frustration about the lack of support for Nia. The conversation shifts to Mackenzie’s solo, with Melissa getting flak for not pushing Mackenzie as hard as Maddie, particularly regarding Nationals solos.
Mackenzie, feeling the pressure, tells Melissa her solo is too difficult. Melissa’s pep talk is less than nurturing, telling Mackenzie to “get over it.” Abby chimes in with “only babies cry,” pushing Mackenzie further. In a surprisingly mature moment, Mackenzie retorts, “everyone cries,” highlighting the immense pressure these young dancers face.
Mackenzie Ziegler tearfully expresses the pressure she feels in Dance Moms Season 5.
The topic turns to nesting, with Melissa launching into a manic description of her own nesting habits during pregnancy, showcasing an intense need for order and preparation.
Melissa Gisoni describes her intense nesting habits during pregnancy on Dance Moms Season 5.
Melissa Gisoni emphasizes her need for perfectly organized baby items while nesting in Dance Moms Season 5.
Melissa Gisoni details the specific arrangement of her baby’s crib during her nesting phase in Dance Moms Season 5.
Abby outlines the character assignments for the group dance. Mackenzie is the strict maid of honor, Kalani is just there for fun, JoJo is the attention-seeker, Maddie is above it all, Nia is the jaded veteran bridesmaid, and Kendall is simply concerned with aesthetics. Abby emphasizes that “character is everything,” highlighting her focus on performance and storytelling within the dance.
The moms, except for Jill, seem pleased with the concept. Jill and Holly voice concerns that musical theater routines rarely win, foreshadowing potential issues with the group dance’s competitive success.
Kendall struggles with a prop scarf for her solo, further fueling Jill’s anxieties. Maddie’s solo is described as her playing a “tree come to life,” and Abby declares it a guaranteed winner. Jill, ever the skeptic, believes even a Kendall win might not secure her a Nationals solo, hinting at Maddie’s perceived favoritism and potential opportunities outside of ALDC.
Holly invites JoJo to be in Nia’s music video, but Melissa and Jill pointedly ignore her, showcasing the ongoing divisions among the mothers.
The team arrives in Spokane, but Jill is noticeably pantless, providing a moment of levity.
Jill Vertes arrives in Spokane without pants in a humorous moment from Dance Moms Season 5.
More seriously, Kira is absent, having been hospitalized with pregnancy complications. Melissa calls Kira, who sounds cheerful, easing some concerns. Jill, still focused on competition politics, remarks that the costumes and choreography clearly indicate Abby’s solo winner preference. She attempts to “help” Kendall by telling her not to be nervous, which predictably makes Kendall even more anxious.
Mackenzie rehearses her “Batsh*t Crazy” solo, complete with bat ears. Her music starts prematurely, but she recovers quickly and delivers a strong performance.
Mackenzie Ziegler rehearses her “Batsh*t Crazy” solo in bat ears for the Spokane competition in Dance Moms Season 5.
Maddie’s “Into the Woods” solo is next. The choreography is notably more sophisticated than her usual routines, and the dance is described as lovely, moody, and complex. Maddie receives enthusiastic applause, and Kendall visibly pales, recognizing the high bar set by Maddie.
Maddie Ziegler performs her “Into the Woods” solo at the Sheer Talent Competition in Spokane during Dance Moms Season 5.
Kendall performs “Blowing Red,” and unfortunately, her fate seems sealed early on when she drops her scarf. Jill is unsurprised, while Kendall recovers admirably and finishes the dance strongly, even earning a rare cheer from Abby. Despite the recovery, the dropped prop highlights Kendall’s struggles with props and reinforces Jill’s frustration with Abby’s choreography choices for Kendall.
Kendall Vertes drops her scarf prop during her “Blowing Red” solo performance at the Spokane competition in Dance Moms Season 5.
Backstage, Jill vents her predictable frustrations. Abby, instead of comforting Kendall, makes her feel worse. Kira then arrives, thankfully recovered, bringing a positive mood.
Holly reiterates her belief that musical theater routines are unlikely to win. The competition announcer is comically bad, adding another layer of unintentional humor to the event.
The “Always A Bridesmaid” group dance is performed and is undeniably entertaining, despite some minor spacing and timing issues.
The ALDC LA team performs their “Always A Bridesmaid” group dance at the Sheer Talent Competition in Spokane in Dance Moms Season 5.
Awards time arrives with the “worst announcer ever” adding to the awkwardness. Mackenzie wins her division, Kendall places second, and Maddie predictably wins her division. The group dance also wins, confirming the expected results.
The episode concludes with a baby shower for Kira.
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Kira Girard receives baby shower gifts, including an ALDC onesie, from the Dance Moms cast in Season 5.
Abby presents a dorky gift, and Kira receives a Ring Pop for the “bridal” aspect of the shower. The preteen girls predictably devolve into smearing frosting on Kira’s face, highlighting their awkwardness with baby showers.
Abby Lee Miller presents a gift at Kira Girard’s baby shower during Dance Moms Season 5.
A final argument erupts about departure dates from LA, specifically involving Melissa’s travel plans. The argument achieves nothing except to make Abby leave the room, which is declared a win.
The preview for the next episode teases more prop malfunctions and the return of Erin Babbs and the Murrieta Dance Project, promising continued drama and competition.
This episode of Dance Moms season 5 delivers the usual blend of competition stress, mother-daughter drama, and Abby Lee Miller’s unique brand of chaos. From studio grand openings to baby showers and stressful competitions, the ALDC LA team continues to navigate the tumultuous world of competitive dance in Hollywood.
