Abby Lee Miller, the iconic and often controversial figure from the original Dance Moms, has shared her candid thoughts on the latest iteration of the reality dance show, Dance Moms: A New Era. Nearly two months after coach Gloria “Glo” Hampton introduced a fresh group of young dancers to television screens, Miller reveals her honest review, and it seems she’s not holding back.
“I was expecting bam,” Miller, 59, stated in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the Reality Stars of the Year Party. However, her expectations were not met. “I was greatly disappointed in the dancing and the kids,” she admitted. While Miller is known for her demanding and sometimes harsh teaching methods, she did give credit to the original Dance Moms cast for their on-screen behavior. “I don’t think the kids were ever disrespectful on our show,” she reflected. “Maybe behind everybody’s back. Maybe they rolled their eyes with their mother at home, but not on the show.”
The original Dance Moms, which captivated audiences for seven seasons until 2017, focused on the Abby Lee Dance Company’s junior elite competition team. The show became a launching pad for numerous successful dancers who are now household names, including JoJo Siwa, Chloe Lukasiak, Nia Sioux, and Kalani Hilliker. These young talents, under Miller’s strict guidance, not only delivered compelling performances but also contributed to the show’s dramatic storylines, making Dance Moms a cultural phenomenon.
An eighth season of Dance Moms aired in 2019, featuring Miller alongside a new set of dancers. Now, Dance Moms: A New Era has shifted the focus to coach Hampton and an entirely new generation of aspiring dancers. This change in leadership and cast seems to be the primary reason for Miller’s critical assessment.
Interestingly, Miller revealed that she has filmed her own new season of Dance Moms, expressing hope that it will eventually air. Contrasting it with A New Era, she confidently stated, “The dancing is absolutely incredible,” and promised viewers would witness “talent. Real talent.” This sets up a potential rivalry or at least a clear distinction in Miller’s eyes between her vision for Dance Moms and the direction of the current series.
Beyond her professional opinions on Dance Moms, Miller also touched upon her personal health journey. She has faced significant health challenges, including being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2018 after undergoing emergency spinal surgery. This diagnosis led to her using a wheelchair. Although she announced being cancer-free a year later, she recently battled a near-fatal sepsis infection this past summer.
“I’m all right,” Miller assured, providing an update on her current health status. She mentioned a busy schedule that included traveling to England and Prague for the Dance World Cup judging, indicating her relentless drive despite health concerns. “I was everywhere. I think my whole system kind of got caught up with me.” Despite doctors advising her to slow down, Miller remains committed to her projects, including season 2 of Mad House and a special Halloween event, showcasing her enduring work ethic.
When questioned about the secret to her longevity in the demanding world of reality television, Miller attributed it to “evolution.” She explained, “I just try to keep the dance current and the choreography moving forward and the fight’s new instead of old. Do we have to fight about the same thing again? I mean, come on.” This suggests Miller’s understanding of the need to adapt and innovate to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of reality TV, especially within the Dance Moms franchise.
In conclusion, Abby Lee Miller’s critique of Dance Moms: A New Era highlights her unwavering standards and passion for dance. While she expresses disappointment in the new generation’s dancing, her own projects and resilience in the face of health challenges demonstrate her continued influence and presence in the dance and reality TV world. Her perspective offers a stark contrast and raises anticipation for her own upcoming season, leaving fans eager to see what Abby Lee Miller has in store next.
