JoJo Siwa, a name synonymous with vibrant energy and unwavering confidence, recently reflected on her early days in the spotlight, specifically her time on the hit reality show Dance Moms. Despite her now-iconic status, Siwa revealed that her journey on the show wasn’t always met with adoration. In a candid interview, she opened up about facing criticism and how invaluable advice from her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, helped navigate those challenging times and ultimately shaped her career trajectory. This “Dance Moms”-era wisdom remains a guiding principle for JoJo even today.
During her time on Dance Moms, JoJo Siwa experienced a level of negativity that might have overwhelmed many young performers. As she confessed in a LADYGUNN cover story, she was often labeled the “most hated” dancer on the show. Recalling those moments, Siwa shared, “I was the most hated on that show.” This admission highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by young reality TV stars, particularly within the competitive environment of Dance Moms.
However, amidst the harsh comments and critiques, Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo’s mother and a fellow Dance Moms personality, offered a perspective-shifting piece of advice. Jessalynn’s words were simple yet profound: “Nobody can take away what you did.” She further elaborated on this point, emphasizing the double-edged sword of public attention. “Sure, people are commenting we want JoJo to go home, but people are commenting, we want JoJo,” Jessalynn pointed out. This crucial insight helped young JoJo understand that even negative attention signified engagement and recognition.
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Jessalynn and JoJo Siwa in a scene from Dance Moms, highlighting their close relationship during JoJo’s time on the show.
This early lesson about the nature of public attention has become a cornerstone of JoJo Siwa’s approach to her career. As she explained, “I learned at a very young age that in the public eye, any attention is attention… whether it be good attention or just attention.” This understanding has likely contributed to her resilient attitude and ability to remain in the spotlight despite ongoing public discourse. Interestingly, when her new management team suggested focusing on garnering positive public opinion, JoJo pushed back, stating that shifting public sentiment wasn’t her primary objective. This reflects her deep-seated understanding, instilled by her mother’s advice, that attention, in any form, holds value in the entertainment industry.
Looking back at her Dance Moms journey, JoJo also participated in Dance Moms: The Reunion earlier this year, further cementing the show’s lasting impact on her life and career. At the reunion premiere, she spoke about her current relationship with Abby Lee Miller, the notoriously strict dance instructor from the show. JoJo revealed that they maintain regular contact, stating, “Abby, honestly, my relationship is great… I talk to her on a weekly basis. Great human in my life.” This positive rapport underscores the complex relationships formed within the high-pressure environment of Dance Moms.
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JoJo Siwa and Jessalynn Siwa pictured in 2021, demonstrating their continued close bond beyond their Dance Moms years.
Furthermore, JoJo addressed her relationships with other Dance Moms alumni, including Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, and Nia Sioux. She acknowledged that while she doesn’t currently have close relationships with the Ziegler sisters, there’s no animosity. Regarding Nia Sioux, JoJo mentioned they occasionally see each other and remain friendly, emphasizing the absence of “bad blood” among them.
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A throwback image of JoJo Siwa during her time on Dance Moms in 2015, capturing her youthful energy and dance talent.
In conclusion, JoJo Siwa’s journey through Dance Moms was formative in shaping her understanding of fame and criticism. The experience of being the “most hated” dancer, coupled with her mother Jessalynn’s insightful advice, equipped her with a unique perspective on navigating the public eye. This early wisdom has undoubtedly played a significant role in JoJo Siwa’s enduring career and confident approach to fame, proving that even negative attention can be a form of recognition in the world of entertainment, a lesson learned well during her Dance Moms days.
