Dance Moms, the reality TV phenomenon that aired on Lifetime from 2011 to 2019, captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of competitive dance and the dramatic lives of young dancers and their mothers. The show, centered around the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and its demanding owner Abby Lee Miller, launched the careers of numerous talented individuals. As a new reboot series, Dance Moms: A New Era, premieres, many fans are asking: Dance Moms Where Are They Now?
This article delves into the lives of the original Dance Moms cast members, exploring their journeys since leaving the show. From Hollywood stardom to entrepreneurial ventures, discover what Abby Lee Miller, Maddie Ziegler, JoJo Siwa, and the rest of the ALDC team are up to today.
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Abby Lee Miller: Navigating Life After Dance Moms and ALDC
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Abby Lee Miller, the formidable dance coach at the heart of Dance Moms, remains a prominent figure in the dance world. Her journey post-Dance Moms has been marked by both personal and professional challenges.
Miller’s tough coaching style and infamous “pyramid” ranking system were hallmarks of the show, often generating controversy and conflict. Beyond the show’s drama, Miller faced serious legal issues, including bankruptcy fraud charges, which led to a prison sentence and subsequent health battles with Burkitt lymphoma. Despite these hardships, Miller has shown resilience. She sold the original ALDC studio in Pittsburgh but emphasized that she retained her brand and life’s work.
While not invited to the Dance Moms reunion special due to requests from some former cast members, Miller maintains connections with some of her former students, including JoJo Siwa. In recent interviews, Miller has reflected on her Dance Moms era, acknowledging that she may have been “too harsh” on some of the young dancers. Although she declined a cameo in the Dance Moms: A New Era reboot, she remains a significant, albeit controversial, figure in the dance community.
Maddie Ziegler: From Dance Prodigy to Hollywood Star
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Maddie Ziegler, arguably the most famous alumna of Dance Moms, has transitioned into a successful acting and modeling career. Known for her exceptional talent and expressive dance style, Maddie was a standout on the show from season 1 to season 6.
Her breakthrough moment came with her appearance in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video in 2014, catapulting her to international fame. She continued to collaborate with Sia on numerous music videos and performances. Since leaving Dance Moms, Maddie has starred in films such as The Fallout, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, and Music. She is also a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, and has modeled for high-end brands like Givenchy and Kate Spade.
Maddie has been candid about the pressures of Dance Moms, describing the environment as “toxic.” She has stated that she has not spoken to Abby Lee Miller since leaving the show and feels at peace with that decision. Focusing on her acting career and personal growth, Maddie Ziegler has firmly established herself as a multi-talented entertainer beyond the dance world.
Kenzie Ziegler: Balancing Music, Acting, and Social Media
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Mackenzie “Kenzie” Ziegler, Maddie’s younger sister, also gained fame on Dance Moms. She showcased her dance skills from season 1 to season 6 and has since branched out into music, acting, and reality TV.
Kenzie has released two albums and several singles, including popular tracks like “paper” and “100 degrees.” She has acted in the web series Total Eclipse and the movie Let Us In. Kenzie has also participated in reality dance competitions, placing third on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and The Masked Dancer.
Alongside her entertainment career, Kenzie maintains a strong social media presence and had a podcast with Maddie called Take 20 with Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler. While Kenzie also chose not to participate in the Dance Moms reunion, she clarified that it was not due to any issues with the cast, indicating a desire to move forward from that chapter of her life.
Melissa Gisoni: Life as a Dance Mom Turned Podcast Host
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Melissa Gisoni, mother to Maddie and Kenzie, was a central figure among the Dance Moms. Known for her supportive yet sometimes competitive nature, Melissa left the show with her daughters after season 6.
Since Dance Moms, Melissa has focused on her family and online presence. She is active on Instagram and YouTube, sharing aspects of her life post-reality TV. Notably, Melissa has joined fellow Dance Moms Christi Lukasiak, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes to co-host the podcast Because Mom Said So. This podcast provides a platform for the original dance moms to reflect on their experiences and discuss current events, offering fans a glimpse into their lives beyond the show’s intensity.
JoJo Siwa: Bows, Music, and LGBTQ+ Advocacy
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JoJo Siwa, known for her signature bows and energetic personality, became a breakout star after joining Dance Moms in season 5. Despite being on the show for a shorter period compared to the original cast, JoJo has achieved immense success in the entertainment industry.
After leaving Dance Moms, JoJo signed with Nickelodeon, launching a multifaceted career in music, television, and merchandising. Her debut single “Boomerang” was a massive hit, and her brand, JoJo’s Bows, became a cultural phenomenon. JoJo has starred in Nickelodeon movies, hosted shows, and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
JoJo made history on Dancing with the Stars as the first female celebrity paired with a female professional dancer and served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. In 2021, she came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, becoming an advocate and role model. Recently, JoJo has been exploring a more mature artistic direction, as seen with her single “Karma,” signaling her evolution beyond her initially youthful image while remaining a vibrant force in pop culture.
Jessalynn Siwa: Supporting JoJo and Building a Dance Empire
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Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo’s mother, was known for her strong opinions and unwavering support for her daughter on Dance Moms. A dance studio owner herself, Jessalynn played a key role in JoJo’s career trajectory.
Post-Dance Moms, Jessalynn has continued to collaborate with JoJo, co-creating the Peacock competition series Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, which formed the girl group XOMG POP!. She remains deeply involved in JoJo’s career, offering guidance and support. Jessalynn and JoJo’s close mother-daughter partnership extends beyond personal life into professional ventures, solidifying their presence in the entertainment and dance industries.
Chloé Lukasiak: YouTube Star and Advocate for Healing
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Chloé Lukasiak, a fan favorite for her grace and artistry, was part of Dance Moms for seasons 1 through 4 and briefly returned in season 7. Her journey on the show was often marked by conflict with Abby Lee Miller, particularly the intense rivalry fostered between her and Maddie Ziegler.
Since leaving Dance Moms, Chloé has cultivated a successful YouTube channel with over 2 million subscribers, sharing vlogs and insights into her life. She has also pursued acting and authored a memoir, Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World, reflecting on her experiences and journey to self-acceptance. Chloé has been open about the negative impact of Dance Moms and advocates for mental well-being, using her platform to connect with fans on a more personal level.
Christi Lukasiak: From Dance Mom Drama to Entrepreneur and Podcast Host
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Christi Lukasiak, Chloé’s mother, was known for her fiery personality and memorable clashes with Abby Lee Miller and other dance moms. Her outspoken nature made her a prominent figure on Dance Moms.
After the show, Christi has become an entrepreneur and content creator. She runs Adulting101, a life skills program for Gen Z women, and manages property rentals. Like Melissa, Christi co-hosts the Because Mom Said So podcast with fellow dance moms Kelly, Jill, and Holly. Additionally, Christi is involved with YourMomCares, a non-profit organization supporting youth mental healthcare. Her diverse ventures showcase her transition from reality TV personality to businesswoman and advocate.
Nia Sioux: Balancing Acting, Music, and Academics at UCLA
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Nia Sioux, the longest-running dancer on Dance Moms, appeared in the first seven seasons. Her journey on the show highlighted her resilience and growth amidst challenges.
Following Dance Moms, Nia has pursued acting, with roles in off-Broadway productions, films, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She has also released music and hosted her Facebook Watch series, Dance with Nia. Currently, Nia is a student at UCLA, studying American literature and culture, aiming to become an author. Despite her busy academic and artistic pursuits, Nia acknowledges the significant impact of Dance Moms on her life, recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of her experience.
Holly Hatcher-Frazier: Podcast Host and Advocate for Representation
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Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Nia’s mother, was known for her calm and intellectual demeanor on Dance Moms. She often provided a voice of reason amidst the drama and advocated for her daughter, particularly regarding issues of representation and race.
Since leaving Dance Moms, Holly has co-hosted the Because Mom Said So podcast and authored Moments of Clarity: Daily Affirmations from Dr. Holly. She has spoken about her and Nia’s experiences on Dance Moms, particularly instances where they navigated racial stereotypes and lack of representation. Holly continues to use her platform to share insights and advocate for positive representation.
Brooke Hyland: Engaged and Thriving as a Social Media Influencer
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Brooke Hyland, the oldest dancer on the original team, appeared on Dance Moms with her sister Paige from season 1 to season 4. She often expressed a desire for a more “normal” teenage life outside of dance.
After Dance Moms, Brooke pursued higher education, graduating from Ohio University with a business degree. She released a self-titled album during her time on the show but has since transitioned into a social media influencer with a large following on Instagram. Recently engaged to Brian Thalman, Brooke is embarking on a new chapter, sharing her life updates and fashion content with her followers.
Paige Hyland: Business Graduate and Social Media Personality
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Paige Hyland, Brooke’s younger sister, also left Dance Moms after season 4. Her time on the show included legal action against Abby Lee Miller due to alleged emotional distress.
Post-Dance Moms, Paige focused on her education, graduating from West Virginia University with a business administration degree. She maintains a significant presence on social media, sharing lifestyle and fashion content. Paige has been in a long-term relationship with Jayvon Thrift, and like her sister Brooke, has transitioned from the intense world of competitive dance into a more personal and independent path.
Kelly Hyland: Podcast Host and Reflecting on the Dance Moms Era
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Kelly Hyland, mother to Brooke and Paige, had a history with Abby Lee Miller dating back to her own childhood dance training. Her protective nature and conflicts with Miller were central storylines on Dance Moms.
After leaving the show, Kelly has joined the Because Mom Said So podcast, offering her perspective on Dance Moms and current topics alongside Melissa, Christi, and Jill. Both Brooke and Paige have expressed gratitude to their mother for her advocacy during their time on the show, acknowledging the pressures they faced and her role in supporting their decisions to leave.
Kendall Vertes: National Champion and University Dancer
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Kendall Vertes joined Dance Moms in season 2 and remained until season 7. Her journey included developing her singing career alongside her dance pursuits.
Since Dance Moms, Kendall has continued to dance, joining the dance team at James Madison University. In 2024, she achieved a significant milestone by winning a national championship with her team, celebrating her victory with a nod to her Dance Moms past by captioning her celebratory post “Top of the pyramid.” Kendall has also been open about the challenges of Dance Moms but remains close with many of her former castmates, emphasizing the unique bond they share.
Jill Vertes: Podcast Host and Reflecting on Dance Mom Experiences
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Jill Vertes, Kendall’s mother, was known for her assertive and competitive nature on Dance Moms, often advocating strongly for her daughter.
Currently, Jill is a co-host of the Because Mom Said So podcast, alongside Melissa, Kelly, and Holly. She participated in the Dance Moms reunion, where she reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the show and its lasting impact. Jill’s involvement in the podcast and reunion indicates a willingness to revisit and process her Dance Moms experiences, sharing her insights with fans.
Kalani Hilliker: Entrepreneur and Engaged to be Married
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Kalani Hilliker joined Dance Moms in season 4 and stayed until season 7, bringing her established dance talent to the ALDC team.
After Dance Moms, Kalani continued dancing, acting, and teaching. She launched her skincare and wellness brand, Kare by Kalani, inspired by her personal journey with mental health. Despite acknowledging the “trauma” from Dance Moms, Kalani expresses gratitude for Abby Lee Miller’s influence on her career. Recently, Kalani announced her engagement to Nathan Goldman, marking an exciting personal milestone.
Kira Girard: Life Updates on Social Media
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Kira Girard, Kalani’s mother, was a recurring figure on Dance Moms from season 4 onwards. Known for her straightforward personality, Kira often supported Kalani through the show’s challenges.
Following her departure from Dance Moms, Kira has largely remained out of the public eye, although she is active on Instagram, sharing updates about her family life. While less publicly vocal than some of the other dance moms, Kira’s social media presence allows fans to keep up with her and Kalani’s post-Dance Moms lives.
Vivi-Anne Stein: From Reluctant Dancer to College Cheerleader
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Vivi-Anne Stein, daughter of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, appeared on Dance Moms from season 1 as part of the Candy Apple’s Dance Center storyline. Initially known for her disinterest in dance and humorous commentary, Vivi-Anne became a memorable figure.
Since Dance Moms, Vivi-Anne has embraced dance and performance, becoming a cheerleader in high school and continuing on the cheer team at Cleveland State University after graduating in 2023. Her transformation from a reluctant dancer on the show to an enthusiastic performer in college showcases a significant personal evolution.
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein: Still Leading Candy Apples Dance Center
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Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, owner of Candy Apple’s Dance Center and mother to Vivi-Anne, was Abby Lee Miller’s rival throughout Dance Moms. Her studio provided the main competitive dynamic for the ALDC team.
After Dance Moms, Cathy continues to operate Candy Apple’s Dance Center, remaining active in the dance competition world. She frequently posts about her studio and her daughter Vivi-Anne on social media, maintaining her presence in the dance community and showcasing her ongoing passion for dance education.
Gianna “Gia” Martello: Choreographer and Dance Educator
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Gianna “Gia” Martello was Abby Lee Miller’s choreographer throughout all eight seasons of Dance Moms. Her choreography was integral to the show’s competitive dance routines.
Post-Dance Moms, Gianna continues her career as a choreographer, dance teacher, and competition judge. She remains active in the professional dance world, associated with MSA Talent Agency, and has worked on projects like JoJo Siwa’s “Karma” music video. Gianna’s enduring career in dance underscores her significant contribution to the industry both during and after Dance Moms.
In conclusion, the stars of Dance Moms have navigated diverse paths since their time on the show. While some have continued in the spotlight, leveraging their Dance Moms fame into successful careers in acting, music, and social media, others have pursued education, entrepreneurship, or quieter lives away from the cameras. Regardless of their chosen paths, Dance Moms undeniably served as a launchpad, shaping their early careers and leaving a lasting impact on their lives. As fans eagerly anticipate Dance Moms: A New Era, the legacy of the original cast and the question of Dance Moms where are they now remains a topic of enduring interest.
