Episode three of Dance Moms Season 3, “Out With the Old, In With the New?…Again,” delivered a whirlwind of drama, fierce competition, and the undeniable arrival of dance prodigy Sophia Lucia. Abby Lee Miller’s quest to assemble the perfect team takes another sharp turn, leaving both the new and original dance moms reeling. Let’s dive into the most AWESOME and AWKWARD moments as Sophia Lucia enters the scene and changes everything.
AWKWARD The revolving door at Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) spins once more, and this time it’s the new team moms, Marsha and Flo, who find themselves on the outs. After scaring off young Ally, their own daughters, Bella and Kaeli, are abruptly dismissed by Abby. The abruptness is jarring, even for Dance Moms standards. The tension escalates with the dramatic return of the original moms – Kelly, Jill, Melissa, and Christi – marching back into the studio. While the familiar faces bring a sense of nostalgia, the way it unfolds feels staged and uncomfortable, leaving Bella and Kaeli’s abrupt departure hanging heavy in the air. Was this all a calculated move by Abby to clear the stage for the veterans and, perhaps more importantly, for a rising star?
Abby Lee Miller confronts Dance Moms new team mothers Marsha and Flo
AWESOME Enter Sophia Lucia. Despite the manufactured drama surrounding her arrival, Sophia Lucia’s talent is undeniable and breathtaking. The episode showcases her exceptional technical skills – the narrator even mentions an astounding 54 turns and a “12-pack” – immediately positioning her as a formidable force within the group. While her choreography in this episode might lean heavily on her signature fouetté turns, her sheer ability to execute them flawlessly is captivating. It’s hard not to be impressed by Sophia’s dedication and skill, even as the show tries to paint her as a threat to the established team dynamic.
Sophia Lucia showcasing her incredible flexibility and technique on Dance Moms
AWKWARD Brooke Hyland’s return to the team is fleeting, lasting mere minutes before Abby announces she won’t be part of the group routine. After the fanfare of welcoming back Brooke and Paige, Brooke’s swift exclusion feels like a cruel twist. The reasoning feels flimsy, reminiscent of past contrived storylines, and ultimately diminishes the excitement of the Hyland sisters’ comeback. Brooke’s absence is keenly felt, leaving viewers wondering about the real reasons behind her sudden removal and missing her presence in the group dynamic.
AWESOME Despite the Brooke drama and limited rehearsal time, the group routine “Red Carpet Special” manages to be surprisingly polished and entertaining. The number highlights the team’s resilience and ability to pull together under pressure. Mackenzie Ziegler’s adorable struggle with a prop, handled with her signature charm and professionalism, becomes a standout moment. The group’s first-place win feels genuinely earned, a testament to their talent and the undeniable chemistry of the reunited original team, even with the last-minute adjustments.
AWKWARD The moms’ behavior takes another cringe-worthy turn as they target Jacqueline, the new mom, with mean-spirited jokes about her appearance and personality. Their actions devolve into childish antics, bordering on bullying. Christy’s shocking comment about slipping something into Jacqueline’s drink crosses a line, highlighting the toxic environment fostered within the group. This behavior underscores the uncomfortable reality TV dynamics at play, where manufactured drama often overshadows genuine support and camaraderie.
AWESOME In the midst of the Sophia-mania, Chloe Lukasiak delivers a beautiful solo performance, reminding everyone of her unique strengths as a dancer. While Sophia excels in technical prowess, Chloe shines with her emotional depth and stage presence. Christy, despite her earlier behavior, astutely points out Sophia’s lack of onstage emotion compared to Chloe. Chloe’s “Expressive Heart” award, while vaguely defined, serves as recognition of her exceptional ability to connect with the audience and convey emotion through her dance. This moment reinforces Chloe’s position as a valuable and emotionally resonant performer within the team.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Miss Abby kept saying how much better Sophia was than all of us. But that just gave me a purpose, to show Miss Abby that one day I will be as good as Sophia.” —Chloe
Chloe’s maturity and positive attitude in the face of Abby’s favoritism towards Sophia are truly admirable. Her determination to improve and her gracious response to the situation stand in stark contrast to the surrounding drama, making her a true standout in this episode.
Tune in next week to see how Sophia Lucia’s presence continues to impact the Dance Moms team and the ongoing saga of Abby Lee Miller’s quest for dance stardom. What were your favorite and least favorite moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
