It’s hard to believe that Dance Moms first graced our screens 13 years ago, launching a cultural phenomenon and introducing us to personalities like Christi Lukasiak and her daughter, Chloe. For long-time fans and even those just discovering the world of competitive dance and reality TV, the stories from the show’s inception are captivating. In a recent reflection, Chloe and Christi shared their memories of the whirlwind that was the beginning of Dance Moms, offering insights that are both surprising and heartwarming, especially for anyone interested in the real lives behind shows like Dance Moms and the experiences of dance moms like Kristie.
Chloe reminisced about the unique dynamic of the original cast, highlighting the genuine connections that pre-dated the cameras. “Well, actually, what was different about Dance Moms, was that we’ve known each other since we were, like, 2,” Chloe explained. This pre-existing bond was a defining characteristic of the show’s early seasons. Unlike typical reality shows that might assemble strangers, Dance Moms featured girls who had grown up dancing together at the Abby Lee Dance Company. “I mean, there were different dancers in our community who weren’t cast on the show, so it did kind of change a little bit. But I’ve known Paige since, I think, our first dance class. And Brooke was her older sister. I saw her around. We weren’t close friends because she was part of an older group, but I knew her. We were friends, but not as close as Paige and I were. And I’ve known Nia a long time. And then Maddie came after.” This history created an “organic bond and a lot of history” that resonated with viewers and added depth to the relationships portrayed on screen. Initially envisioned as a short, six-episode project, the show’s humble beginnings were far from the global sensation it would become. “When we first found out [about the show], it was only supposed to be, like, six episodes. So, we were like, ‘Oh, this will be cool. Maybe it’ll be good on our résumé in a couple of years,’ and then it became, like, a totally different experience.” The low-key expectations allowed them to approach the filming process without fully grasping the reality TV whirlwind that was about to engulf them.
The early filming days were filled with a sense of naiveté. Chloe recounted, “I remember my mom filming auditions on her little flip camera. I was like, ‘Okay, yeah, sure, whatever.'” This casual approach underscores their initial perception of the project as something minor and fleeting. The true impact of Dance Moms didn’t dawn on Chloe until much later. “And then, it was weird because I did not realize I was on a reality show until I was, like, 17. That sounds crazy to say, but I was like, ‘Oh, that was, like, a show that people watch.’ To me, that was just my life.” This delayed realization speaks volumes about how deeply ingrained the dance studio environment was in their lives; the cameras were initially just another element in their already busy routines.
Christi offered her perspective on how the show came to be, starting with the casting call and Abby Lee Miller’s pivotal role. “For me, when they put up a casting call, I was one of the first people to start communicating with the casting director.” Initially, the concept was broader, encompassing multiple dance studios and moms. “The whole premise of the show changed as he got to know the studio. And he was like, ‘Oh, everything I’m looking for is in this one place.'” It was Abby Lee Miller who solidified the focus on her studio. “Actually, it was Abby [Lee Miller], who called me in December — Chloé and Paige were having a sleepover at my house. You guys were dancing to ‘Santa Baby’ in some weird outfits — but Abby was like, ‘Lifetime is interested in the show.’ And then she’s like, ‘You’re gonna be hearing back,’ and then they came in to film in January.”
In a humorous anecdote that perfectly encapsulates Abby’s personality, Christi revealed a behind-the-scenes maneuver. “True story: She actually sent Kelly and me to [New York] to get out of the way. Just like [Cinderella] and her stepsisters! She sent us away so we couldn’t be taped.” This attempt to exclude Christi and Kelly Hyland from the initial filming only backfired. “But I was talking to all of the producers who knew that we were being sent away, so they came the night before to do our auditions. But yeah, she tried to get rid of us, which tracks so far, right?” This early drama hinted at the on-screen dynamics that would become a hallmark of Dance Moms.
Christi vividly recalled the moment the show was officially picked up. “Then, it was February 28 — I have a weird thing with dates — that [Dance Moms executive producer] Bryan Stinson called me, and he said the show’s been picked up six episodes.” The casting details were revealed piece by piece, creating a mix of excitement and intrigue. “I asked who was in the cast. And he said, ‘Well, it’s you, Kelly [Hyland]…’ And I was like, ‘Hooray!’ Then he said Melissa and Holly [Frazier], and I was like, ‘Holly?!’ and I said, ‘Oh, they need someone normal. Got it.’ Then he said, ‘And then another woman named Cathy [Nesbitt-Stein].’ And I said, ‘Well, what’s she like?’ And he goes, ‘Oh, you’ll find out.'” This build-up to the full cast reveal heightened the anticipation and set the stage for the complex relationships that would unfold.
Filming commenced rapidly. “We started filming on April 5 — like, six weeks later — and again, it was only supposed to be six episodes; the first half ended up being seven episodes because there was so much drama that happened in the first week that they had to, like, split it.” The unexpected surge in drama from the outset indicated that Dance Moms was already exceeding its initial scope. The show’s potential was quickly recognized by the network. “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.'” This rapid expansion presented new challenges, particularly for Christi. “I was like, ‘I have a 1-year-old. What am I supposed to do with her?’ And they said, ‘Bring her!'” This anecdote highlights the blend of personal and professional life that became intertwined for the Dance Moms cast and crew. Despite the extraordinary circumstances, their daily lives retained a sense of normalcy. “So it was weird, wild life. But to what Chloé said, we were still living in the same house. We were going to the same studio. We were hanging out with the same people. We were shopping in the same places. The only thing that was different is that they had a crew that they got to be friends with and that they liked.”
Chloe echoed this sentiment of maintained normalcy. “We were still going to school, too. I feel like a lot of young stars start homeschooling and move to LA, but nothing changed for us. So, I think that’s why a lot of us are still pretty normal and processing it all as normal as possible.” This grounding in their pre-show routines likely played a crucial role in how the young stars navigated the pressures of fame and reality TV.
Looking back, Chloe and Christi’s reflections provide a unique window into the unassuming origins of Dance Moms. For viewers who connected with the mothers on the show, like perhaps many related to the passionate and involved dance moms like Kristie, understanding the initial, almost accidental, steps of this journey adds another layer to their appreciation of the show’s legacy. The organic friendships, the initial low expectations, and the gradual realization of the show’s impact all contributed to the unique phenomenon that became Dance Moms.
