JoJo Siwa, the vibrant personality known for her infectious energy and dance prowess, recently opened up about her challenging yet formative years on the reality TV show Dance Moms. In a candid cover story with LADYGUNN, Siwa, now 21, recalled the intense scrutiny she faced as a young dancer on the Lifetime series and the invaluable advice from her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, that has stayed with her.
“I was the most hated on that show,” JoJo revealed, reflecting on the pressures of being a child star in the competitive world of dance. She explained that while the negativity was tough to navigate, her mother Jessalynn offered a perspective-shifting lesson. Jessalynn’s advice was simple yet profound: “Nobody can take away what you did.” This maternal wisdom highlighted the distinction between online criticism and real-world achievement. Jessalynn emphasized that even negative comments indicated attention and engagement, stating, “Sure, people are commenting we want JoJo to go home, but people are commenting, we want JoJo.”
This early exposure to public opinion and her mother’s guidance shaped JoJo’s understanding of fame. “I learned at a very young age that in the public eye, any attention is attention… whether it be good attention or just attention,” Siwa shared. This realization became a cornerstone of her approach to her career and public persona.
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Jessalynn and JoJo Siwa’s dynamic on ‘Dance Moms’ provided both drama and valuable life lessons for the young star.
Recently, JoJo revisited her Dance Moms journey during Dance Moms: The Reunion. At the reunion’s premiere in New York City, she spoke about her current relationship with Abby Lee Miller, the famously strict dance instructor from the show. Contrary to what some might expect, Siwa disclosed that they maintain regular contact. “Abby, honestly, my relationship is great,” she told PEOPLE, “I talk to her on a weekly basis. Great human in my life.” This revealed a more nuanced relationship than what was often portrayed on the show.
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JoJo and Jessalynn Siwa have navigated the entertainment industry together, showcasing a strong mother-daughter bond.
However, Siwa also addressed her relationships with other Dance Moms alumni. She mentioned that while there’s no animosity, she is not in close contact with Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler. “[it’s] not a bad thing, not a great thing, we just don’t really communicate,” she explained. In contrast, she remains friendly with Nia Sioux, noting, “Nia, I actually do see on occasion. We’ve always been very friendly with each other.”
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JoJo Siwa’s time on ‘Dance Moms’ launched her into the spotlight, marking the beginning of her multifaceted career.
JoJo Siwa’s journey on Dance Moms, though marked by criticism, was also a crucial period of learning and growth. Her mother’s empowering advice about handling negativity and recognizing her achievements has been a lasting influence. From navigating the pressures of reality TV to maintaining relationships with castmates years later, Siwa’s experiences on Dance Moms continue to shape her perspective as she evolves in her career.
