Dive into the dramatic world of competitive dance with our countdown of the most unforgettable Dance Moms episodes.
Alt text: Group of young dancers from Dance Moms posing in their costumes, showcasing the energy and competition of the reality show.
Dance Moms became a cultural phenomenon for its raw portrayal of the intense world of competitive dance. The Lifetime show offered viewers a front-row seat to the triumphs and tribulations of young dancers striving for perfection under the demanding eye of Abby Lee Miller. Beyond the dazzling costumes and intricate choreography, Dance Moms delivered compelling drama fueled by the ambitions of the mothers and the pressures faced by their talented daughters. For fans and newcomers alike, we’ve curated a list of the best episodes that perfectly encapsulate the emotional rollercoasters, fierce rivalries, and iconic moments that defined this captivating series.
10. Two Girls, One Solo
Season 3, Episode 23 (2013)
Alt text: Intense face-off between Maddie Ziegler and Chloe Lukasiak, the two lead dancers from Dance Moms, highlighting the competitive atmosphere fostered by Abby Lee Miller.
In “Two Girls, One Solo,” Abby Lee Miller ignites unparalleled drama by assigning Maddie Ziegler and Chloe Lukasiak – her two star pupils – the exact same solo. This controversial decision sent shockwaves through the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) and forced a direct comparison between the dancers, intensifying their already fierce rivalry. The episode masterfully captures the immense pressure cooker environment of Dance Moms, showcasing how competition could simultaneously inspire excellence and breed deep-seated tensions amongst the young dancers and their mothers. It’s a raw look at Abby’s manipulative tactics and the emotional toll on Maddie and Chloe as they are pitted against each other to prove who truly is the studio’s top dancer.
9. Judgment Day Approaches
Season 7, Episode 16 (2017)
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller in a tense confrontation with the Dance Moms, captured during a dramatic scene from “Judgment Day Approaches”, reflecting her personal struggles impacting the team.
“Judgment Day Approaches” takes the drama outside the dance studio and into Abby Lee Miller’s personal life. With her looming court sentencing for fraud charges, the episode portrays Abby’s denial and the palpable chaos it injects into the team. Instead of addressing her legal troubles, Abby deflects by creating a group dance that eerily mirrors the real-life family court battles of dancer Brynn Rumfallo and her mother Ashlee Allen. This episode is emotionally charged, blurring the lines between reality TV and the genuine personal struggles of Abby and those around her. It reveals the extent to which Abby’s personal turmoil affected her leadership and the team’s dynamic, making for uncomfortable yet compelling viewing.
8. The Best Is Yet to Come
Season 7, Episode 28 (2017)
Alt text: The Dance Moms team in a group hug, showcasing a moment of unity and emotional release before a major competition, as seen in “The Best Is Yet to Come”.
As the season 7 finale, “The Best Is Yet to Come” is a pressure cooker of emotions as the dancers gear up for Nationals. Injuries, particularly Kalani Hilliker’s ankle, and backstage drama threaten to derail their chances. Despite the chaos, four dancers bravely perform solos, and the group takes a significant risk by debuting a new Latin ballroom routine on the national stage. This episode is a rollercoaster of suspense, highlighting the girls’ resilience and determination amidst adversity. It’s a fittingly dramatic and tear-jerking conclusion to a tumultuous season, showcasing both the fragility and the strength of the ALDC team.
7. Same Old Frenemies: Parts 1 and 2
Season 7, Episodes 13 and 14 (2017)
Alt text: Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, the rival dance studio owner from Candy Apples, smirking competitively against the backdrop of a dance competition, emphasizing the long-standing rivalry with Abby Lee Miller.
The two-part episode “Same Old Frenemies” reignites the classic Dance Moms rivalry: ALDC versus Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s Candy Apples. Part one showcases Abby’s struggles with choreography and escalating tensions over solo assignments, along with Kendall Vertes’ music video premiere, adding a pop star dimension to the dance competition world. Part two culminates in a head-to-head battle at the Starbound competition, amplified by the surprise return of a former ALDC dancer, adding another layer of intrigue and nostalgia for long-time viewers. These episodes deliver the classic Dance Moms formula of studio drama, personal clashes, and competitive face-offs that fans love.
6. But I’m a National Champion!
Season 3, Episode 3 (2013)
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller sternly addressing the original Dance Moms cast, including Melissa Ziegler and Christi Lukasiak, during a tense studio rehearsal in “But I’m a National Champion!”.
“But I’m a National Champion!” captures the fallout from the moms’ two-week strike, as they return to ALDC under probation, forced to prove their loyalty and redeem themselves in Abby’s eyes. Adding to the tension, Abby introduces Sophia Lucia, a highly touted young dancer positioned as a “superstar” and potential replacement, immediately threatening Maddie Ziegler’s reigning position. This episode is a masterclass in manufactured drama, stoking the ever-present insecurity amongst the mothers, particularly Melissa Ziegler, and setting the stage for power struggles and shifting alliances within the team.
5. Abby’s Trash, Cathy’s Treasure
Season 5, Episode 13 (2015)
Alt text: Maddie Ziegler performing a contemporary dance solo, highlighting her rising fame and success outside of Dance Moms, which becomes a point of contention in “Abby’s Trash, Cathy’s Treasure”.
“Abby’s Trash, Cathy’s Treasure” reflects Maddie Ziegler’s burgeoning fame outside of Dance Moms, driven by her collaborations with Sia. In response to Maddie’s growing media attention, Abby introduces duets to showcase other dancers, creating internal competition. Simultaneously, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein assembles a rival team composed of former ALDC dancers, explicitly seeking revenge against Abby. The episode builds towards a dramatic showdown at the Energy NDC competition in Detroit, MI, pitting Abby’s current team against a team fueled by past grievances, escalating the stakes and personal animosity to new heights.
4. Boy Crazy, Mom Crazy
Season 3, Episode 22 (2013)
Alt text: Christi Lukasiak and Kelly Hyland engaged in a heated argument, showcasing the intense interpersonal conflicts between the Dance Moms in “Boy Crazy, Mom Crazy”.
“Boy Crazy, Mom Crazy” is a pressure cooker of interpersonal drama. Kelly Hyland and Christi Lukasiak’s already strained friendship reaches its breaking point, providing a backdrop of personal conflict. Meanwhile, Abby, in a bizarre attempt to foster on-stage chemistry, sets up Brooke Hyland with a senior dancer as Brooke is given a featured role in a senior dance. Cathy’s Candy Apples are also in the mix, but Cathy faces her own drama when she kicks a dancer out of her studio. This episode is a chaotic mix of personal dramas and questionable decisions, solidifying its place as one of the most explosive and talked-about episodes of Dance Moms.
3. Everyone’s Replaceable
Season 2, Episode 1 (2012)
Alt text: The original Dance Moms cast looking shocked and concerned, reflecting Abby Lee Miller’s declaration that “Everyone’s Replaceable” in the Season 2 premiere episode.
The season 2 premiere, “Everyone’s Replaceable,” immediately sets a ruthless tone. Abby’s philosophy of dispensability is driven home with an open audition for Vivi-Anne Stein’s spot on the team. Kendall Vertes wins the audition, but her mother Jill Vertes’ assertive personality creates instant friction with the original moms. Adding to the tension, Holly Frazier’s career commitments force her to miss Nia Frazier’s rehearsals, drawing Abby’s ire, while Abby also grapples with Chloe Lukasiak’s growing recognition. This episode is a stark reminder of the high-stakes, competitive environment and the constant pressure to perform, both for the dancers and their mothers, establishing the dramatic trajectory for the season.
2. Nationals 90210
Season 2, Episode 28 (2012)
Alt text: The ALDC team performing their group dance routine at Nationals, featuring dramatic costumes and choreography, capturing the high-stakes competition in “Nationals 90210”.
“Nationals 90210,” the season 2 finale, escalates the stakes to the highest level as ALDC competes for a national title in Beverly Hills, directly against Cathy’s Candy Apples. Abby amplifies the pressure by pitting Chloe, Kendall, and Nia against each other for a solo spot, adding individual competition to the team event. ALDC’s group routine, “The Last Text,” is ambitious and mature, while Cathy’s team specifically targets Maddie and Chloe, making it a personal battle. The episode is a quintessential Dance Moms experience, blending personal triumphs, intense rivalries, and unforgettable performances against the backdrop of the ultimate dance competition.
1. Jill on the Rampage
Season 2, Episode 6 (2012)
Alt text: Jill Vertes in a confessional interview, expressing her frustration and iconic line “I’m not Becky Homecky!”, a defining moment from “Jill on the Rampage”.
Crowned as our best episode, “Jill on the Rampage” is pure, unadulterated Dance Moms chaos. It’s solo week, and Abby, tired of costume complaints, tasks the moms with designing their own. Jill Vertes infamously buys a costume instead, triggering Abby’s fury and Jill’s iconic “I’m not Becky Homecky!” outburst. The drama doesn’t stop there: the original competition is canceled, forcing Abby to scramble for a replacement. During the competition, Maddie falls during her solo, Paige Hyland surprisingly takes first place, and in a fit of pique, Jill throws a shoe into her own cowboy hat. The sheer volume of unpredictable events and iconic outbursts packed into this single episode cements “Jill on the Rampage” as the ultimate must-watch Dance Moms experience.
Hungry for more Dance Moms content? Generate a random episode with our Dance Moms random episode generator. If you loved our best-of list, explore our other recommendations like the best Community episodes and best Friends episodes.
