It’s always a long week when there’s no new footage from Abby Lee Dance Company, and this episode of Dance Moms was a welcome return! The drama, the moms, and of course, the dancing – it was all back. While the moms’ antics are always… something, and the return of the Candy Apples always stirs things up, one of the highlights this week was definitely seeing Maddie at the top of the pyramid again, not once, but twice! However, beyond the usual pyramid shake-ups and team rivalries, there were some real standout moments, particularly for dancers like Paige.
One dancer who truly captured attention in this episode was Paige. Often overshadowed, Paige From Dance Moms finally had her chance to step into the spotlight with a solo performance. Despite the chaos and challenges that constantly surround the Abby Lee Dance Company, Paige managed to carve out a moment for herself. It’s true, her mom might be a controversial figure, but there’s no denying that Paige has a spark, and this solo was her opportunity to ignite it.
Paige from Dance Moms performing her solo.
What made Paige’s solo so compelling was the backstory. Given the demanding environment of ALDC, Paige was essentially tasked with perfecting this solo on her own time, without the direct guidance of Abby Lee or the other instructors. This added pressure could have easily been detrimental, but instead, it seemed to fuel Paige’s determination. Adding another layer to the story, her mom took a hands-on approach, even re-choreographing parts of the routine to make it more challenging. This intervention, while perhaps unconventional, proved to be surprisingly effective.
The results spoke for themselves. Paige’s performance was a significant step up, earning her 7th place, just one position below Chloe and notably ahead of Kendall in the solo rankings. For Paige from Dance Moms, this wasn’t just about placement; it was a statement. She demonstrated to Abby Lee, and perhaps more importantly, to herself, that she was capable of more than the “safe, boring choreography” she had been given in the past. This solo was a clear message: it was time for Abby Lee to recognize Paige’s growth and potential and to push her further. Paige had outgrown the limitations placed upon her and was ready for new challenges and more demanding routines.
Dance Moms group performance with senior and junior dancers.
While Paige’s solo was a definite high point, the episode also had its share of typical Dance Moms moments. Kendall, for instance, seemed to be facing criticism from all directions, highlighting the intense pressure these young dancers are under. And then there was Vivi-Anne, Cathy’s daughter, used in a way that many viewers found awkward, further showcasing the often questionable choreography choices on the show. Even Abby Lee bringing in older, more experienced dancers for the group number, while showcasing impressive choreography and Mackenzie’s talent, also served as a stark contrast to Vivi-Anne’s struggles.
But ultimately, this episode will be remembered for Paige’s solo. It was a moment of individual triumph amidst the team dynamics and drama, proving that Paige from Dance Moms was a dancer to watch and someone who was ready to shine in her own right. It will be interesting to see how Abby Lee responds to Paige’s newfound confidence and whether this solo marks a turning point for Paige’s journey on Dance Moms.
