Fans of the iconic reality TV show Dance Moms are in for a treat! Lifetime has officially announced a Dance Moms Reunion special, set to air in 2024. This exciting news means viewers will get to catch up with some of their favorite dancers from the original cast as they reflect on their experiences on the show. But what exactly can you expect from this reunion, and when can you watch it? Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about the Dance Moms Reunion.
Lifetime revealed the exciting news on November 1st, sending fans into a frenzy. The reunion promises to bring back together some of the most memorable faces from Dance Moms to discuss “the good, bad, and everything else in between,” according to a report from TV Insider. Alongside the announcement, Lifetime shared a photo featuring fan-favorites Chloe Lukasiak, Paige Hyland, Brooke Hyland, JoJo Siwa, Kendall Vertes, and Kalani Hilliker, confirming their participation in this highly anticipated special.
The official Dance Moms X account (formerly Twitter) also amplified the excitement, declaring, “you heard it here first… the squad is officially back together for a #DanceMoms reunion coming 2024 only on @Lifetimetv!!” While the exact air date in 2024 is still under wraps, the announcement itself is enough to generate buzz among long-time viewers.
Dance Moms, which originally aired from 2011 to 2019, captivated audiences for eight seasons and numerous specials. The show provided a behind-the-scenes look at the intense world of competitive dance through the eyes of coach Abby Lee Miller and the talented dancers of the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) Junior Elite Competition Team, along with their equally passionate mothers. The series became known for its high-stakes competitions, demanding training, and, of course, the dramatic interactions between Miller, the moms, and the young dancers.
Dance Moms served as a launchpad for several successful careers, most notably for pop sensation JoJo Siwa and the incredibly talented Ziegler sisters, Maddie and Mackenzie. The show’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it continues to resonate with audiences years after its conclusion.
However, beyond the trophies and triumphs, Dance Moms also sparked conversations about the pressures faced by child performers. Many of the former stars have since spoken out about the stressful environment and negative aspects of their time on the show. Maddie Ziegler, in a 2022 interview with Cosmopolitan, revealed the intense pressure she felt, stating, “I had more stress at that age than I did once I left. I have dissociated so much from that time. I’ll see fans post scenes from Dance Moms and I’m like, ‘I literally don’t even remember that happening.’” She also highlighted the damaging “less than” mentality instilled by Miller if dancers didn’t win.
JoJo Siwa also shared in a TikTok video in 2023 about the physical manifestations of stress she experienced during Dance Moms, including stress rashes that led to hair loss. Nia Sioux, speaking with Forbes in 2021, described the show’s environment as “super-negative,” citing constant yelling and negativity, both on set and online.
Given the complex history and behind-the-scenes dynamics of Dance Moms, the reunion special promises to be more than just a nostalgic look back. It offers an opportunity for the dancers to reflect on their shared experiences, discuss the impact of the show on their lives, and potentially address some of the controversies that arose during its run. One major question on fans’ minds is the potential involvement of Abby Lee Miller in the reunion. As of the announcement, it remains unclear whether Miller will participate and in what capacity.
While details are still emerging, the Dance Moms Reunion is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated TV events for fans of reality dance shows. As we await further updates on the exact release date and what to expect, anticipation is building for what is sure to be a revealing and emotional reunion. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available!
