Gianna Martello, a name synonymous with Dance Moms, spent years as a central figure on the hit reality show. As Abby Lee Miller’s trusted choreographer and dance instructor, Gianna became a familiar face to audiences worldwide. However, behind the glitz and drama of reality television, a complex narrative unfolded, leading to Gianna’s eventual departure from the show. In this exclusive look, we delve into Gianna from Dance Moms’ perspective on her exit, the behind-the-scenes dynamics, and what lies ahead for her career.
The Turning Point: Why Gianna Stepped Away from Dance Moms
For Gianna Martello, leaving Dance Moms wasn’t fueled by negativity, but rather a shift in the show’s direction. As she explains, “The show is going in a bunch of different directions that weren’t associated with Abby Lee Dance Company.” This divergence from the core values and focus of ALDC signaled to Gianna that it was time for her to move on. Her decision was rooted in a desire to stay true to her craft and the principles she upheld as a dance educator.
Image: Gianna Martello, renowned choreographer and former Dance Moms star, smiling confidently. Captures Gianna’s professionalism and dance expertise.
The friction behind the scenes largely stemmed from creative clashes between Abby Lee Miller and the production team. Accustomed to being her own boss at the Abby Lee Dance Company studio, Abby found it challenging to navigate the directives of reality TV production. “Abby is so used to being her own boss at the studio that when we have a production team telling us what we have to do, she kind of pushes back on that,” Gianna elaborated. This understandable tension arose when producers suggested storylines and scenarios that Gianna and Abby felt compromised their artistic integrity and the image of the young dancers. “They were giving us ideas that we just didn’t want to do because they weren’t making us or the girls look good. This isn’t what we do and this isn’t what we stand for,” Gianna asserted, highlighting her commitment to maintaining standards and protecting the girls’ well-being on screen.
Navigating Reality TV Drama: Production Influence and Cast Changes
The world of reality television often involves producers shaping narratives and influencing the on-screen action. Gianna’s experience on Dance Moms provided her with firsthand insight into this dynamic. She emphasized that viewers often don’t realize the extent of production involvement, stating, “People have no idea. People are going to read what they want and they are going to believe what they want, but they have no idea until they’ve lived it.” This underscores the importance of understanding that reality TV is a constructed narrative, not simply a raw depiction of events.
The introduction of guest choreographers Laurieann Gibson and Cheryl Burke brought further changes to the Dance Moms landscape. Gianna revealed that the arrival of Laurieann Gibson was unexpected for her. “I had no idea that they were bringing her in,” she admitted. The decision to bring in Laurieann, and subsequently Cheryl Burke, to work with the dancers while sidelining Gianna, was a significant factor in her decision to leave. Gianna felt it was disrespectful and disruptive, especially to her relationship with the dancers. “When the show put me to the side when Laurieann came in, they didn’t consider telling me. That kind of hurt me. I should have left and I didn’t,” she confessed, revealing her disappointment with how the situation was handled.
The dancers themselves were also affected by these changes. Initially confused and resistant to Laurieann’s involvement, they questioned Gianna’s absence in choreographing their dances. “The girls kind of pushed back and didn’t understand why I wasn’t doing their dance,” Gianna explained. She reassured them that she was still there to support them, even if the show’s producers had different plans for choreography.
Gianna also learned about Chloe Lukasiak’s return to Dance Moms through social media, highlighting the sometimes-disjointed communication behind the scenes. While she thought Chloe’s return was “awesome for the show,” she personally didn’t have the opportunity to work with her during that period.
Gianna’s Bond with Abby Lee Miller and Future in Los Angeles
Despite the challenges and eventual departure, Gianna’s long-standing relationship with Abby Lee Miller remained a significant part of her Dance Moms experience. She observed Abby’s resilience amidst personal difficulties, noting, “Nothing is getting her down. Around me, she’s the same old, same old, which I think she has to be at this point to keep her mind off the crazy stuff.” Gianna witnessed Abby’s ability to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on her studio despite external pressures.
Image: Abby Lee Miller, Dance Moms founder, pictured with a determined expression. Illustrates Abby’s strong personality and resilience mentioned in the article.
With her Dance Moms chapter closed, Gianna Martello was ready to embrace new opportunities. Her move to Los Angeles marked the beginning of an exciting phase in her career. “I always said I would do it after the show and I’ve been back and forth between here and Pittsburgh for so long because we never knew where we were going to end up filming,” Gianna shared. Los Angeles offered a landscape of possibilities, from teaching at major dance conventions – a long-held aspiration – to exploring avenues in film and music videos. Gianna was eager to diversify her experiences and expand her creative horizons.
Reflecting on her time on Dance Moms, Gianna emphasized the crucial lesson she learned: “Stay true to yourself because reality TV can sway you in so many different directions.” Despite the pressures and manufactured drama inherent in reality television, Gianna successfully navigated her role as a dance instructor and choreographer without compromising her values. She emerged from the Dance Moms experience with her integrity intact, ready to embark on a promising future in the dance industry.
In conclusion, Gianna from Dance Moms’ departure signifies not an ending, but a transition to a new chapter. Her journey on the show provided her with invaluable experience and a platform, but her decision to leave was a conscious step towards pursuing her artistic vision on her own terms. As Gianna Martello ventures into the next phase of her career, her talent, expertise, and dedication to dance are sure to propel her to continued success.
