The Dance Moms cast has evolved significantly since the show aired, and ten-dance.com provides an in-depth look at their transformations and current endeavors. From pursuing acting careers to launching businesses and continuing their passion for dance, these individuals have made their mark in various fields. Discover how Abby Lee Miller and her former students are shining with performance arts, acting, dance instructions.
1. Abby Lee Miller: From Dance Coach to Advocate
Abby Lee Miller, the formidable dance coach and owner of Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC), started her journey in the dance world under her mother, Maryen Lorrain Miller. After high school, with her parents’ support, Miller established ALDC.
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Alt text: Abby Lee Miller then and now showcases her resilience and continued presence in the dance community.
What challenges did Abby Lee Miller face after Dance Moms?
Following the success of Dance Moms, Miller faced legal troubles, including indictment on bankruptcy fraud charges in 2015 for concealing over $755,000 in earnings. She was sentenced to 366 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. After being released from prison, Miller was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and underwent emergency spinal surgery. In May 2019, she announced she was cancer-free.
What is Abby Lee Miller doing now?
In January 2023, Miller sold the Dance Moms studio for $300,000 but retained her name and brand. According to Jojo Siwa, she maintains close relationships with some of her former students and talks with Miller on a weekly basis. In May 2024, Miller reflected on her Dance Moms experience, acknowledging that she would “absolutely” walk back some of the comments she made on the series, emphasizing her intention was to make the dancers better. She has expressed a desire to offer guidance, suggesting her deep expertise in dance is far from over.
2. Maddie Ziegler: From Dance Prodigy to Hollywood Star
Maddie Ziegler, an original Dance Moms star from the age of 7, gained fame for her expressive lyrical dances and status as one of Miller’s favorite performers.
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Alt text: Maddie Ziegler’s journey from Dance Moms to Hollywood showcases her evolution as a multifaceted artist.
How did Maddie Ziegler achieve mainstream fame?
Maddie achieved mainstream fame after starring in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video in 2014, which has amassed over 2 billion views. She also appeared in Sia’s videos for “Elastic Heart,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Big Girls Cry,” performing with Sia at awards shows and talk shows.
What is Maddie Ziegler doing now?
After leaving Dance Moms, Maddie launched an acting career, appearing in films like The Fallout, The Book of Henry, Music, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. She became a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, and has modeled for luxury brands like Givenchy, Kate Spade, and Fendi. Maddie has been open about the challenges she faced on Dance Moms, describing it as a “toxic environment” and stating she hasn’t spoken to Miller since leaving the show.
3. Kenzie Ziegler: From Young Dancer to Multifaceted Entertainer
Mackenzie “Kenzie” Ziegler, Maddie’s younger sister, was one of the youngest dancers on Dance Moms, dancing from season 1 to season 6.
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Alt text: Kenzie Ziegler’s transition from Dance Moms to a diverse career in acting, music, and reality TV highlights her versatility.
How did Kenzie Ziegler pursue her career after Dance Moms?
Kenzie is an actor, starring in the web series Total Eclipse and the film Let Us In. She has released two albums with popular songs like “paper” and “100 degrees.” Kenzie continued her reality TV career, appearing on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and finishing in third place on The Masked Dancer.
What is Kenzie Ziegler doing now?
Kenzie has been dating TikToker Tacoda Dubbs since August 2020. Like her sister Maddie, Kenzie did not participate in the 2024 Dance Moms reunion, stating that she didn’t want to go back to that era.
4. Melissa Gisoni: From Dance Mom to Social Media Influencer
Melissa Gisoni, Maddie and Kenzie’s mom, was known on Dance Moms for her dramatic flair and occasional accusations of currying favor with Miller to get her kids ahead.
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Alt text: Melissa Gisoni’s evolution from Dance Moms to a social media presence showcases her continued connection with fans.
What did Melissa Gisoni do after leaving Dance Moms?
Melissa Gisoni and her daughters left Dance Moms after season 6. Gisoni explained that it was holding the kids back. Maddie couldn’t do jobs because of her contract with Dance Moms.
What is Melissa Gisoni doing now?
Gisoni has an active online presence with nearly 4 million Instagram followers and more than 60,000 YouTube subscribers. She opened up about life since leaving Dance Moms, explaining that it had become “not so stressful” and “much fuller.” She also has a podcast with the other original dance moms—Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes—called Because Mom Said So.
5. JoJo Siwa: From Dance Star to LGBTQ+ Icon
Joelle Joanie “JoJo” Siwa is one of the most famous dancers to emerge from Dance Moms, known for her large hair bows and vibrant personality.
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Alt text: JoJo Siwa’s transformation from Dance Moms to a pop culture icon and advocate showcases her impact on young audiences.
How did JoJo Siwa rise to fame after Dance Moms?
JoJo and her mom Jess left the show during season 6 after she signed a deal with Nickelodeon. In 2016, she released her first single, “Boomerang,” which amassed over 21 million views in a month. She started selling her brand JoJo’s Bows at Claire’s, selling 60 million bows that year.
What is JoJo Siwa doing now?
As part of her deal with Nickelodeon, JoJo made TV appearances and launched her own merch line. She starred in the 2018 Nickelodeon movie Blurt! and co-hosted Lip Sync Battle Shorties with Nick Cannon. JoJo was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. In January 2021, JoJo came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She made history on Dancing with the Stars as the first female celebrity paired with a female professional dancer. In early 2024, JoJo announced that she was taking a new direction with her career, including her song “Karma” and a more mature aesthetic.
6. Jessalynn Siwa: From Dance Mom to Business Partner
Jessalynn Siwa appeared on Dance Moms with her daughter, JoJo, and owned a dance studio in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Alt text: Jess Siwa’s journey from Dance Moms to supporting her daughter’s career highlights their strong bond.
How did Jessalynn Siwa support JoJo’s career after Dance Moms?
Jessalynn and JoJo have continued to collaborate on projects. The duo created a Peacock competition series called Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, which launched the girl group XOMG POP!, and Jessalynn has been her daughter’s biggest supporter amid her Dancing with the Stars and Special Forces appearances.
What is Jessalynn Siwa doing now?
Jessalynn continues to support her daughter’s career and ventures. She told JoJo during an interview with PEOPLE in 2021 that the best thing about working with her daughter is just spending time with her.
7. Chloé Lukasiak: From Dance Star to Advocate
Chloé Lukasiak spent seasons 1 through 4 on Dance Moms before departing amid her mom’s ongoing feud with Miller.
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Alt text: Chloe Lukasiak’s evolution from Dance Moms to a YouTuber and mental health advocate showcases her resilience and growth.
What did Chloé Lukasiak do after leaving Dance Moms?
Chloé talked about her time on the show in a 2019 YouTube video, explaining that she left the studio in part because she and her mom refused to sign a contract that included restrictions about her appearance. In addition to maintaining her YouTube presence, Chloé has done some acting work, starring in films like Loophole and The Message. She also wrote a memoir called Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World about her time on Dance Moms and her journey toward self-acceptance.
What is Chloé Lukasiak doing now?
After filming Dance Moms: The Reunion, Chloé told Entertainment Tonight that Miller’s treatment of her and the competition she fostered between herself and Maddie left a mark. As for her personal life, Chloé was in a relationship with pro skateboarder and model Brooklinn Khoury from 2020 to 2023.
8. Christi Lukasiak: From Dance Mom to Entrepreneur
Christi Lukasiak, Chloé’s mom, was known for her memorable fights with Miller and the other dance moms on the show.
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Alt text: Christi Lukasiak’s journey from Dance Moms to a business owner and advocate showcases her entrepreneurial spirit.
What did Christi Lukasiak do after leaving Dance Moms?
Since leaving Dance Moms, Christi has been busy. She has over 2 million Instagram followers and runs a business called Adulting101, a life skills program aimed at Gen Z women. Her other business ventures include her property rentals and her podcasts, including her Dance Moms rewatch series Back to the Barre, which she hosts with fellow alum Kelly Hyland.
What is Christi Lukasiak doing now?
Christi also works with YourMomCares, a nonprofit organization founded by celebrities and influencers’ moms to help increase access to youth mental healthcare.
9. Nia Sioux: From Dance Star to UCLA Student
Nia Sioux appeared in the first seven seasons of Dance Moms, making her the longest-running dancer on the show.
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Alt text: Nia Sioux’s transformation from Dance Moms to a UCLA student and advocate showcases her pursuit of education and the arts.
How did Nia Sioux pursue her career after Dance Moms?
After leaving the series, Sioux made her off-Broadway debut in Trip of Love, appeared in the film I Am Mortal, and played Emma Barber on The Bold and the Beautiful for over a year. She has also released music, including the songs “Star in Your Own Life” and “Slay.” Sioux also had her own Facebook Watch series called Dance with Nia and has amassed nearly 6 million followers on Instagram.
What is Nia Sioux doing now?
Sioux is currently a student at UCLA, where she’s studying American literature and culture and hopes to be an author. Nia celebrated her second anniversary with her boyfriend, Gabriel Hawkins, in February 2024. Despite not regretting her time on the show, Sioux was noticeably absent from the reunion announcement, explaining that she just didn’t want to do it.
10. Holly Hatcher-Frazier: From Dance Mom to Author
Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Nia Sioux’s mom, was known for her calm demeanor in the series.
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Alt text: Holly Hatcher-Frazier’s evolution from Dance Moms to an author and advocate showcases her commitment to education and empowerment.
What did Holly Hatcher-Frazier do after Dance Moms?
In October 2021, Hatcher-Frazier spoke about her and Sioux’s time on the show, recalling instances of racial insensitivity.
What is Holly Hatcher-Frazier doing now?
Now, she co-hosts the podcast Because Mom Said So with fellow dance moms Gisoni, Kelly, and Jill. In 2014, the Ivy League grad published the book Moments of Clarity: Daily Affirmations from Dr. Holly.
11. Brooke Hyland: From Dance Star to Social Media Influencer
Brooke Hyland danced with her sister Paige Hyland on seasons 1 through the middle of season 4 of Dance Moms. Brooke was the oldest permanent dancer on the team.
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Alt text: Brooke Hyland’s transformation from Dance Moms to a social media influencer and businesswoman showcases her diverse talents.
How did Brooke Hyland transition after Dance Moms?
In 2013, she released a self-titled album featuring songs like “Summer Love Song” and “I Hurt.” Brooke graduated from Ohio University in 2019 with a degree in marketing, management information systems, and business analytics.
What is Brooke Hyland doing now?
These days, she’s a social media influencer with 4 million followers on Instagram. More recently, Brooke got engaged to longtime boyfriend Brian Thalman in May 2024.
12. Paige Hyland: From Dance Star to Business Graduate
Paige Hyland is Brooke’s younger sister and also danced from seasons 1 through 4 on Dance Moms.
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Alt text: Paige Hyland’s journey from Dance Moms to a business administration graduate showcases her academic achievements.
What legal actions did Paige Hyland take after Dance Moms?
In 2014, 13-year-old Paige sued Miller for assault, claiming she was subject to emotional abuse. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the suit in 2015.
What is Paige Hyland doing now?
After Dance Moms, Paige studied at West Virginia University, where she graduated in 2023 with a degree in business administration. Like most of the Dance Moms alums, she has an active social media presence with nearly 4 million followers on Instagram. She’s been in a long-term relationship with former college football player Jayvon Thrift for several years.
13. Kelly Hyland: From Dance Mom to Podcaster
Brooke and Paige’s mom, Kelly Hyland, goes way back with Miller, as she herself was one of Miller’s students when she was a kid.
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Alt text: Kelly Hyland’s evolution from Dance Moms to a podcaster highlights her continued connection with the Dance Moms community.
What legal battles did Kelly Hyland face after Dance Moms?
She left Dance Moms at the same time as her daughters and sued Miller in 2014 after a physical altercation between the two. Kelly was later charged with assault for the same incident, but both cases were later dismissed.
What is Kelly Hyland doing now?
After filming Dance Moms: The Reunion, the Hyland sisters opened up about the intense moment that spurred the lawsuits. She co-hosts the podcast Because Mom Said So with fellow dance moms.
14. Kendall Vertes: From Dance Star to National Champion
Kendall Vertes joined Dance Moms in season 2 and remained on the series through season 7.
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Alt text: Kendall Vertes’ journey from Dance Moms to a national dance champion showcases her continued dedication to dance.
How did Kendall Vertes pursue her career after Dance Moms?
During her time on the series, she also launched a singing career, releasing her first single “Wear ‘Em Out” in 2015. After leaving the show, she began studying at James Madison University in Virginia in 2021, where she joined the dance team.
What is Kendall Vertes doing now?
In 2024, Kendall and her team won a national championship, and the Dance Moms alum celebrated the achievement with a nod to the show. Outside of dance, Vertes has been dating Clemson baseball player Andrew Ciufo since 2022. Kendall has been open about her negative experiences on the series, though she remains close with most of the cast.
15. Jill Vertes: From Dance Mom to Podcast Host
Jill Vertes, Kendall’s mom, was a pharmaceutical sales rep before joining the cast of Dance Moms.
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Alt text: Jill Vertes’ transformation from Dance Moms to a podcast host highlights her continued engagement with the Dance Moms community.
What was Jill Vertes known for on Dance Moms?
On the series, she was known for fiercely championing her daughter and sparring with Miller over Kendall’s placement on the pyramid.
What is Jill Vertes doing now?
Now, Jill joins Gisoni, Kelly, and Hatcher-Frazier in hosting the Because Mom Said So podcast. Jill was also present at the reunion.
16. Kalani Hilliker: From Dance Star to Entrepreneur
Kalani Hilliker joined Dance Moms in season 4 and stayed until season 7.
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Alt text: Kalani Hilliker’s journey from Dance Moms to a skincare entrepreneur showcases her multifaceted talents.
How did Kalani Hilliker pursue her career after Dance Moms?
After leaving the series, Hilliker has continued to dance and act, appearing on shows like Shake It Up, Bunheads, and America’s Got Talent. She also became a dance teacher herself.
What is Kalani Hilliker doing now?
Hilliker also launched her own skincare and wellness brand, Kare by Kalani, which was inspired by the mental health struggles she faced after appearing on the series. In August 2024, Hilliker announced her engagement to Nathan Goldman.
17. Kira Girard: From Dance Mom to Social Media Personality
Kalani Hilliker’s mom, Kira Girard, was also a regular on Dance Moms after season 4.
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Alt text: Kira Girard’s presence on social media provides a glimpse into her family’s adventures post-Dance Moms.
What did Kira Girard do after Dance Moms?
Following her and Hilliker’s departure after season 7, Girard largely stayed out of the spotlight.
What is Kira Girard doing now?
She does share updates about her family’s adventures on Instagram with her more than one million followers. Although Girard didn’t immediately post about the reunion, she was included in one of her daughter’s photos from the set of the special.
18. Vivi-Anne Stein: From Reluctant Dancer to College Cheerleader
Vivi-Anne Stein first appeared on season 1 of Dance Moms along with her mom Cathy, who owned the rival dance Candy Apple’s Dance Center in Ohio.
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Alt text: Vivi-Anne Stein’s transformation from Dance Moms to college cheerleader showcases her growing passion for performance.
What was Vivi-Anne Stein known for on Dance Moms?
Despite her mom’s enthusiasm, Vivi-Anne was seemingly uninterested in dancing during her time on the show, and became a fan favorite for her dead-pan delivery of lines like “I don’t even like dancing. I’m just here because my mom said she would buy me tacos.”
What is Vivi-Anne Stein doing now?
Vivi-Anne eventually started to embrace dance and continued to perform after leaving the show. She was also a cheerleader in high school, and after graduating in 2023, joined the cheer team at Cleveland State University.
19. Cathy Nesbitt-Stein: From Dance Studio Owner to Supportive Mom
Vivi-Anne’s mom, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, owns the Candy Apple’s Dance Center in Ohio.
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Alt text: Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s continued involvement in the dance world showcases her passion and support for young dancers.
What was Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s role on Dance Moms?
When she appeared on Dance Moms in season 1, she stirred up drama with the other moms by referring to herself as “Abby’s colleague,” since she also owned a dance studio.
What is Cathy Nesbitt-Stein doing now?
Cathy still owns Candy Apple’s Dance Center and regularly posts about spending time with her daughter Vivi-Anne.
20. Gianna “Gia” Martello: From Choreographer to Music Video Collaborator
Gianna “Gia” Martello was a choreographer under Miller during all eight seasons of Dance Moms.
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Alt text: Gianna Martello’s continued dedication to dance showcases her expertise and influence in the industry.
What did Gianna Martello do during and after Dance Moms?
She worked at ALDC for over 15 years and continues to teach dance and judge competitions.
What is Gianna Martello doing now?
Martello got engaged to production sound mixer Steve Lynch in October 2022. Two years later, the choreographer shared that she was a part of JoJo’s “Karma” music video.
FAQ: Catching Up With the Dance Moms Cast
What are the original Dance Moms doing now?
The original Dance Moms are involved in various ventures, including podcasting, social media influencing, entrepreneurship, and advocating for mental health.
Are the Dance Moms still friends?
Some of the Dance Moms, including Melissa Gisoni, Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes, co-host the podcast Because Mom Said So.
Who from Dance Moms is still dancing?
Kendall Vertes continues to dance and recently won a national championship with her college dance team. Gianna “Gia” Martello continues to teach dance and judge competitions.
Who was Abby Lee Miller’s favorite dancer?
Maddie Ziegler was often considered Abby Lee Miller’s favorite dancer due to her expressive lyrical dances and consistent top performances.
Why did Maddie and Mackenzie leave Dance Moms?
Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler left Dance Moms to pursue other opportunities in acting, modeling, and writing, feeling that the show was holding them back.
Is Dance Moms coming back?
Yes, a reboot of the series called Dance Moms: A New Era, featuring new dancers coached by Gloria “Glo” Hampton, premiered on Hulu on Aug. 7, 2024.
How can I watch Dance Moms now?
You can watch Dance Moms: A New Era on Hulu. Previous seasons may be available on Lifetime’s website or through streaming services.
Where is the Abby Lee Dance Company located?
The original Abby Lee Dance Company was located near Pittsburgh, PA. However, Abby Lee Miller sold the studio in January 2023.
What is JoJo Siwa doing in 2024?
In 2024, JoJo Siwa is taking a new direction with her career, including releasing her song “Karma” and adopting a more mature aesthetic. She is also pursuing acting roles and remaining active on social media.
How did Dance Moms impact the dance world?
According to JoJo Siwa, whether the dance community wants to admit it or not, Abby Lee Miller changed the dance world for the better. The show brought dance into the mainstream and highlighted the dedication and discipline required to succeed in the art form.
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