For devotees of the hit reality TV show “Dance Moms,” the name Abby Lee Miller is synonymous with intense dance instruction and high-stakes competition. Now, a significant chapter in the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) history has come to a close with Abby Lee Miller’s decision to sell the iconic Pittsburgh studio that served as the backdrop for the show’s initial seasons. This marks the end of an era for the original Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh location, a place that holds countless memories for fans and dancers alike.
The Pittsburgh studio was the backdrop for several seasons of
Alt text: The exterior of the Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh studio, a familiar site from the reality show Dance Moms, showcasing its brick facade and signage.
Miller, 57, shared her emotional farewell to the Pittsburgh studio in a recent Instagram video, acknowledging the mixed emotions surrounding this significant change. “It was time,” she stated, reflecting on her decision to relinquish the physical space that housed so much of her dance legacy. Despite the bittersweet nature of the departure, Miller emphasized the profound impact the studio had on her life and career. “I loved every moment in that studio — even some of the rough ones, yes, or the heartbreaking ones,” she admitted. These experiences, both positive and challenging, were integral to her journey and the history of the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh. She fondly recalled “the laughter and the fun and all the victories,” but recognized that “all good things come to an end.”
The Pittsburgh studio held immense significance as the primary filming location for the early seasons of “Dance Moms,” catapulting both Miller and her young dancers to national fame. The studio became instantly recognizable to viewers worldwide, serving as the central stage for dramatic rehearsals, intense mother-daughter dynamics, and, of course, breathtaking dance performances. For many fans, the Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh studio was more than just a building; it was a symbol of ambition, dedication, and the often tumultuous world of competitive dance.
Miller described parting ways with the Pittsburgh studio as “very bittersweet,” particularly considering how much her life has evolved since her “Dance Moms” days. A pivotal moment in her personal journey was her diagnosis of Burkitt Lymphoma in 2018, a battle with cancer that tragically resulted in her inability to walk. This health challenge significantly altered her circumstances and likely played a role in her decision to sell the property.
However, Miller was quick to clarify that while she sold the physical studio, her legacy and brand remain firmly intact. “I sold my property. I didn’t sell my name. I didn’t sell my brand. I didn’t sell my life’s work,” she asserted. The sale encompassed the “brick, mortar, cinder blocks and an amazing dance floor” – a dance floor she proudly declared to be “still in mint condition. The best floors that I ever stood on.” This detail highlights Miller’s deep connection to the studio space and her appreciation for the tools of her trade.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller speaks directly to the camera in an Instagram video, announcing the sale of her Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh studio and reflecting on her memories there.
Despite selling the physical Pittsburgh studio, Abby Lee Miller’s influence in the dance world continues. “But I’m not standing right now, and I’m not in Pittsburgh teaching, I’m all over the world teaching,” she explained. The Abby Lee Dance Company founder has transitioned to a more global approach, conducting workshops and making appearances at events across various cities and even virtually via Zoom. This shift reflects a broader trend in her career, moving beyond a single brick-and-mortar location to reach a wider audience. Interestingly, her Los Angeles-based dance studio reportedly remains active, suggesting a continued presence in the studio dance scene, albeit geographically shifted.
Adding another layer for fans, Miller announced that she would be auctioning off “Dance Moms” memorabilia from the Pittsburgh studio. This includes iconic costumes, dresses, and props that hold sentimental value for both the dancers and the show’s dedicated fanbase. “While I wish I could hold onto every piece of history in that studio, it is just impossible and I want to share as much as I can with YOU the fans, family and supporters of the Abby Lee Dance Company,” she shared on Instagram. This auction presents a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of “Dance Moms” history and connect with the legacy of the Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh studio in a tangible way.
Looking ahead, the building that once housed the Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh will be repurposed into a daycare center. Miller expressed satisfaction with this new chapter for the space. “It’s going to somebody that needed it, somebody that wanted it. Not another dance teacher,” she remarked, acknowledging the changing times and the unique nature of her own contribution to the dance world. She believes that no one could replicate what she built within those walls. However, she is optimistic about the future of the space, envisioning it as “a wonderful place for the community” where “children” will still be present, and the atmosphere will be “happy” and “fun.” This transformation signifies a new beginning for the beloved Pittsburgh studio location, transitioning from a dance institution to a place of early childhood development and community enrichment.
In conclusion, the sale of the Abby Lee Dance Company Pittsburgh studio marks the end of a significant chapter. While the physical location may be changing its purpose, the memories, the legacy of Abby Lee Miller and “Dance Moms,” and the impact of the Abby Lee Dance Company on the dance world remain firmly in place. For fans worldwide, the Pittsburgh studio will forever be remembered as the original home of ALDC and a pivotal location in dance entertainment history.
