It’s hard to believe that Dance Moms premiered over a decade ago, launching a cultural phenomenon and indelibly shaping the lives of its young stars. For Chloe Lukasiak, one of the original cast members, the experience was particularly surreal. In a candid reflection, Chloe and her mother, Christi Lukasiak, revisit the early days of the show and share their surprising perspectives on becoming part of reality television history.
For Chloe, the foundation of Dance Moms was rooted in genuine, long-term friendships. “It’s so wild to think that Dance Moms first aired 13 years ago,” Chloe recalls, emphasizing the deep connections within the cast. “We’ve known each other since we were, like, 2.” This pre-existing bond, she explains, was a unique aspect of their Dance Moms journey. While the show introduced some new faces to their dance community, the core group – Chloe, Paige, Brooke, and Nia – had years of shared history. Maddie, another central figure, joined a bit later, but the organic connections were already strong. When the opportunity for a TV show arose, it was initially perceived as a minor, possibly resume-boosting venture. “It was only supposed to be, like, six episodes,” Chloe remembers. The idea was a fleeting, potentially beneficial experience, far from the life-altering phenomenon it would become.
Christi’s entry into the Dance Moms saga was equally unexpected. The casting call itself was broad initially, seeking to capture the world of competitive dance across various studios. However, as the casting director delved deeper, he realized that everything he was looking for was concentrated within Abby Lee Dance Company. It was Abby Lee Miller herself who delivered the news to Christi during a memorable phone call. Christi recounts, “Abby was like, ‘Lifetime is interested in the show. You’re gonna be hearing back.'” This call came while Chloe and Paige were having a sleepover, hilariously dancing to “Santa Baby,” a moment that juxtaposes the ordinary with the extraordinary that was about to unfold.
In a move that seems almost cartoonishly villainous in retrospect, Abby Lee attempted to sideline Christi and Kelly Hyland in the early stages. “She actually sent Kelly and me to New York to get out of the way,” Christi laughs, comparing the situation to Cinderella and her stepsisters. However, the producers, aware of Abby’s maneuver, ensured that Christi and Kelly’s auditions still took place. Despite Abby’s initial attempts at exclusion, Christi received the official confirmation call on February 28th from executive producer Bryan Stinson. The cast, as revealed, would include Christi, Kelly, Melissa, Holly, and Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, a mix that promised a dynamic blend of personalities.
Filming commenced on April 5th, merely six weeks later. The initial six-episode order quickly expanded due to the burgeoning drama. “Before we were even on Episode 4, they came to us and said, ‘The network thinks that this is going to be a big show. And we’re going to film six more episodes this summer; pack your bags.'” The rapid escalation from a short project to a full-fledged series was a shock. Christi humorously recalls the logistical challenges, “I have a 1-year-old. What am I supposed to do with her?” The answer was to integrate their real lives into the unfolding reality show, a testament to the immersive nature of the production.
Despite the whirlwind of filming, Chloe emphasizes that their daily lives remained surprisingly grounded. “We were still going to school, too,” she points out. Unlike many young stars who transition to homeschooling and relocate to Los Angeles, the Dance Moms cast in Pittsburgh maintained their routines. This normalcy, Chloe believes, was crucial in keeping them grounded amidst the growing fame. “So, I think that’s why a lot of us are still pretty normal and processing it all as normal as possible.” The juxtaposition of their ordinary lives with the extraordinary circumstances of being on a hit reality show is a key element of their unique Dance Moms experience.
Looking back, the early days of Dance Moms were a blend of naiveté, genuine connection, and unexpected turns. For Chloe and Christi Lukasiak, it was a period that started with low expectations and evolved into a defining chapter in their lives, forever marked by the wild ride of reality TV fame, yet anchored by the normalcy of their pre-existing relationships and routines. The story of Chloe Dance Moms is not just about the show, but about the people behind it, navigating an unprecedented experience together.
