It’s hard to believe that Dance Moms first graced our screens 13 years ago, launching a cultural phenomenon and introducing us to a group of incredibly dedicated Moms From Dance Moms. But what were the initial reactions of these mothers and their talented daughters when Lifetime decided to turn their dance world into a reality TV show? In a revealing throwback, original cast members Chloé Lukasiak and her mom, Christi, share their memories of the show’s unexpected beginnings and the unique bond that tied them together.
For Chloé, the casting of Dance Moms felt different because of the pre-existing relationships within the Abby Lee Dance Company. “We’ve known each other since we were, like, 2,” Chloé recalls, emphasizing the genuine history between the dancers. While the show’s format meant some changes within their dance community, the core group – Chloé, Paige, Brooke, Nia, and later Maddie – shared a deeply rooted connection. The initial perception of the show was far from the global sensation it became. “It was only supposed to be, like, six episodes,” Chloé remembers, viewing it as a minor, possibly resume-boosting project. The reality of being on a hit reality show didn’t sink in until years later, highlighting the surreal nature of their early Dance Moms experience.
Christi’s entry into the Dance Moms world began with a casting call. Initially envisioned as a show featuring moms from various dance studios, the concept quickly narrowed down to focus solely on the Abby Lee Dance Company. Christi recounts Abby Lee Miller’s pivotal role, mentioning a phone call where Abby announced Lifetime’s interest. In a humorous anecdote, Christi reveals Abby’s attempt to sideline her and Kelly Hyland during the initial filming process, sending them to New York. However, the producers, aware of Abby’s maneuver, ensured Christi and Kelly were still part of the auditions, showcasing the behind-the-scenes dynamics even before the cameras officially rolled.
The casting solidified with Christi and Kelly, followed by Melissa, Holly, and Cathy. Christi’s candid reaction to Holly’s casting – “Oh, they need someone normal. Got it” – offers a glimpse into the early dynamics and expectations. Filming commenced in April, initially planned for just six episodes. The sheer volume of drama in the first week alone extended the first half of the season to seven episodes, a testament to the show’s immediate captivating nature. The unexpected success led to an extended filming schedule, catching the moms from Dance Moms off guard. Christi humorously recounts the producers’ request to “pack your bags” for more filming, despite her having a one-year-old, illustrating the whirlwind that their lives had become.
Despite the burgeoning fame, both Chloé and Christi emphasize the normalcy that grounded them. Unlike many young stars thrust into the limelight, their lives outside of filming remained largely unchanged. “We were still living in the same house. We were going to the same studio. We were hanging out with the same people,” Christi explains. Chloé adds that they continued attending regular school, a factor they believe contributed to their ability to process the Dance Moms phenomenon with a sense of normalcy.
Looking back, the journey of the moms from Dance Moms was an unforeseen adventure. What began as a small, local project quickly escalated into a cultural touchstone. The organic relationships between the dancers and the unfiltered reactions of their moms from Dance Moms were key ingredients in the show’s success. Their story is a fascinating look into the dawn of reality television and how a group of dance moms and their daughters navigated the uncharted territory of sudden fame, all while trying to maintain a sense of normal life amidst the extraordinary chaos of Dance Moms.
