Abby Lee Miller, the iconic and often controversial figure from the hit reality TV show Dance Moms, has recently shared her candid opinion on Dance Moms: A New Era. After years of shaping young dancers into stars, Miller’s perspective on the latest iteration of the show carries significant weight for fans and the dance community alike. So, what does Abby Lee Miller really think about the new generation of Dance Moms?
Miller, known for her demanding teaching style and high expectations at the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC), didn’t hold back when asked about her thoughts on the new dancers. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly at a red carpet event, she revealed, “I was expecting bam. I was greatly disappointed in the dancing and the kids.” This blunt assessment immediately sets the tone for her critique, highlighting a stark contrast to her expectations. She further elaborated on her disappointment by comparing the behavior of the new dancers to her original students. According to Miller, while the original Dance Moms cast may have had their moments of teenage rebellion off-camera, they maintained a level of respect on the show itself. “I don’t think the kids were ever disrespectful on our show. Maybe behind everybody’s back. Maybe they rolled their eyes with their mother at home, but not on the show,” she stated. This comparison underscores Miller’s perception that the new generation lacks a certain discipline and respect that she valued in her original dancers.
The original Dance Moms, which aired for seven seasons, became a cultural phenomenon and launched the careers of numerous successful dancers. Names like JoJo Siwa, Chloe Lukasiak, Nia Sioux, and Kalani Hilliker are synonymous with the show’s golden era. These dancers, trained under Miller’s rigorous instruction at the Abby Lee Dance Company, not only achieved fame on television but also went on to forge successful paths in the entertainment industry. The show captured the intense world of competitive dance, showcasing both the triumphs and tribulations of young dancers striving for perfection, all under the watchful eye of Abby Lee Miller.
While Dance Moms: A New Era introduces dance coach Gloria “Glo” Hampton and a fresh group of aspiring dancers, Miller hints that viewers might be missing out on a different perspective. She revealed that she filmed her own new season of Dance Moms, expressing hope that it will eventually air. In stark contrast to her review of the current season, Miller boasts about the quality of dance in her unreleased season. “The dancing is absolutely incredible,” she claimed, adding, “[We can expect] talent. Real talent.” This statement suggests a significant difference in her opinion between the two versions of the show, further emphasizing her disappointment with the New Era.
Beyond her critiques of Dance Moms, Miller also provided an update on her health journey. Having faced serious health challenges in recent years, including Burkitt lymphoma and a near-fatal sepsis battle, Miller’s resilience is noteworthy. Diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2018, she underwent emergency surgery and has been using a wheelchair since. Despite being declared cancer-free a year later, she faced another major health scare with sepsis. However, Miller remains characteristically determined. “I’m all right,” she shared, downplaying the severity of her recent health struggles. She mentioned her busy schedule, including travels to England and Prague for the Dance World Cup, indicating her unwavering commitment to the dance world despite doctor’s recommendations to slow down.
Even with health concerns, Abby Lee Miller shows no signs of slowing down. She mentioned her continuous work on various projects, including season 2 of Mad House and a special Halloween event, showcasing her relentless drive and passion for entertainment. When questioned about her enduring presence in reality TV, Miller attributed it to an “evolution.” She explained her approach as constantly striving to keep the dance choreography fresh and the drama engaging, but also evolving. “I just try to keep the dance current and the choreography moving forward and the fight’s new instead of old,” she said. “Do we have to fight about the same thing again? I mean, come on.” This reveals her understanding of the need to adapt and innovate to maintain relevance in the ever-changing landscape of reality television.
In conclusion, Abby Lee Miller’s assessment of Dance Moms: A New Era is unequivocally critical. Her disappointment stems from what she perceives as a decline in the quality of dancing and a lack of discipline among the new dancers compared to the alumni of the Abby Lee Dance Company. While she remains hopeful for her own unreleased season of Dance Moms, her comments highlight a significant shift in her perspective on the direction of the franchise. Despite her health battles and the changing landscape of reality TV, Abby Lee Miller continues to be a prominent voice in the dance world, never shy to share her often controversial, always honest, opinions.
