Dance Moms, the reality TV series that aired on Lifetime from 2011 to 2019, became a cultural phenomenon and a launching pad for numerous young dancers. The show provided viewers with a glimpse into the intense world of competitive dance, focusing on the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) in Pittsburgh, under the demanding guidance of owner Abby Lee Miller, and the equally passionate mothers supporting their daughters’ dreams. This series not only captured audiences with its drama and high-stakes competitions but also introduced the world to talents like Maddie Ziegler, JoJo Siwa, and Chloé Lukasiak.
The Dance Moms cast, composed of young, aspiring dancers and their mothers, navigated the pressures of the dance world under Abby Lee Miller’s rigorous training and often controversial methods. Miller’s infamous “pyramid” ranking system and her tough coaching style became hallmarks of the show, creating both success and significant stress for the cast members. Despite the intensity of the environment, many from the Dance Moms cast have continued to thrive in various fields after their time on the show. Even with the pressures and controversies, the impact of Dance Moms on the dance world and popular culture is undeniable.
More than a decade after the show’s initial premiere, the Dance Moms cast remains a topic of public interest. A reunion special in May 2024 brought many of the original cast members back into the spotlight, although notable figures like Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, and Abby Lee Miller herself, were absent. Adding a new chapter to the Dance Moms legacy, a reboot titled Dance Moms: A New Era premiered in August 2024 on Hulu, introducing a new generation of dancers under the guidance of coach Gloria “Glo” Hampton. As fans old and new tune in to see what’s next for the franchise, let’s take a look at where the original Dance Moms stars are today.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/dance-moms-cast-2-0e674267f747467d94cc0a9b42b779a0.jpg)
The Dance Moms cast at Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. The image features the young stars of the show posing together on the orange carpet, highlighting their early fame and connection to a younger audience.
Abby Lee Miller
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/abby-lee-miller-dance-moms-ceca3979cb0b46d699bc32fd45381cfb.jpg)
A comparison image of Abby Lee Miller from her time on Dance Moms and a more recent photo. The image aims to show the transformation and journey of Abby Lee Miller, the central figure of the show.
Abby Lee Miller, the central figure of Dance Moms, is a dance coach, studio owner, and choreographer whose career began under her mother, Maryen Lorrain Miller. She transformed her family studio into the renowned Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). Dance Moms highlighted Miller’s demanding coaching style and sharp critiques, particularly directed at the mothers and their children. Her controversial methods, though bringing success, often sparked conflicts and became a talking point of the series.
Off-screen, Miller faced significant legal challenges, including bankruptcy fraud charges in 2015 related to concealing income from Dance Moms. She served time in federal prison and was later diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2018, requiring extensive treatment and spinal surgery. Despite these hardships, Miller has remained a prominent figure in the dance community. She sold the original Dance Moms studio in 2023 but retains her brand and name. Although not invited to the Dance Moms reunion due to requests from some cast members, she maintains relationships with some of her former students, including JoJo Siwa. In 2024, Miller expressed some regret over her past harsh treatment of the young dancers, indicating a degree of reflection on her methods and their impact. While Coach Glo from Dance Moms: A New Era invited Miller for a cameo, she declined, though she did send a congratulatory message, suggesting a complex but not entirely severed connection to the Dance Moms franchise.
Maddie Ziegler
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/maddie-ziegler-dance-moms-ae61d09c62fd4c5088e9167582f05048.jpg)
A before-and-after image of Maddie Ziegler, showcasing her growth from a young dancer on Dance Moms to a successful actress and dancer. The image emphasizes her successful transition from reality TV to mainstream media.
Maddie Ziegler, an original Dance Moms cast member, was with the show from its inception in 2011 until 2016. Known for her exceptional lyrical dance performances and as Abby Lee Miller’s favored dancer, Maddie’s talent often became a source of tension among the Dance Moms cast mothers. Her career skyrocketed in 2014 after starring in Sia’s music video for “Chandelier,” which gained over two billion views and led to further collaborations with Sia in music videos like “Elastic Heart” and “Cheap Thrills.”
Since leaving Dance Moms, Maddie has successfully transitioned into acting, with roles in films such as The Fallout, The Book of Henry, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, and Music. Beyond acting, she became a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, and has worked as a model for luxury brands like Givenchy, Kate Spade, and Fendi. Maddie has been vocal about the challenges of her early fame and the “toxic environment” of Dance Moms. She has stated that she has not spoken to Abby Lee Miller since leaving the show and feels at peace with that distance. In 2024, Maddie discussed her journey of healing from her childhood experiences on reality TV, highlighting her growth and ability to advocate for herself.
Kenzie Ziegler
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kenzie-ziegler-dance-moms-de68bc421770427ca092237c911e261c.jpg)
A then-and-now picture of Mackenzie Ziegler, Maddie Ziegler’s younger sister, demonstrating her evolution from a child dancer on Dance Moms to a young adult performer. The image highlights her continued presence in the entertainment industry.
Mackenzie “Kenzie” Ziegler, Maddie’s younger sister, was one of the youngest dancers on Dance Moms, appearing from season 1 to 6. Despite comparisons to her older sister, Kenzie established her own identity and showcased her talents. The Ziegler sisters maintain a close relationship, often supporting each other’s careers. In 2022, they launched a podcast together, Take 20 with Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, offering fans a more personal glimpse into their lives.
Like Maddie, Kenzie has also ventured into acting, with roles in the web series Total Eclipse and the film Let Us In. She has also released music, including popular songs “paper” and “100 degrees,” and continued in reality TV, appearing on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and The Masked Dancer. Kenzie has been dating TikToker Tacoda Dubbs since 2020. She opted out of the Dance Moms reunion in 2024, citing a desire not to revisit that period of her life, a sentiment shared by Maddie.
Melissa Gisoni
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/melissa-gisoni-dance-moms-7d9db5ec277d452687c4d73eed48a028.jpg)
A comparison image of Melissa Gisoni, the mother of Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, showing her appearance during Dance Moms and more recently. The image reflects her continued public presence and involvement in her daughters’ careers.
Melissa Gisoni, mother to Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, was a prominent figure on Dance Moms from season 1 to 6. Often portrayed as ambitious for her daughters, Melissa sometimes faced criticism for allegedly seeking favor with Abby Lee Miller. She and her daughters left Dance Moms in 2016, citing the show’s constraints on Maddie’s career opportunities and the overall well-being of her children.
Post-Dance Moms, Gisoni has maintained a strong social media presence with a large following on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares updates about her life and family. In 2022, she reflected on the less stressful and “much fuller” life she’s experienced since leaving the show. Melissa also co-hosts the podcast Because Mom Said So with other original Dance Moms mothers, including Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes, indicating ongoing connections with her former castmates.
JoJo Siwa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jojo-siwa-dance-moms-a86b98bcf1e14409a746368563c51b98.jpg)
A before-and-after image of JoJo Siwa, illustrating her transformation from a young Dance Moms personality to a global pop culture icon. The image emphasizes her massive success and brand recognition since the show.
JoJo Siwa, known for her vibrant personality and signature hair bows, became one of the most famous dancers from Dance Moms, despite being a main cast member only in seasons 5 and 6. Her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, often crafted JoJo’s iconic bows, which became a significant part of her brand. JoJo and Jess left Dance Moms during season 6 after JoJo secured a deal with Nickelodeon, marking a major step in her burgeoning entertainment career.
Since Dance Moms, JoJo has achieved mainstream celebrity status. Her 2016 single, “Boomerang,” was a viral hit, and her brand, JoJo’s Bows, became a major commercial success. Her partnership with Nickelodeon led to TV appearances, movies like Blurt! and The J Team, and hosting roles. TIME magazine recognized her as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020. JoJo came out as LGBTQ+ in 2021 and has been an advocate for the community. She made history on Dancing with the Stars as the first female celebrity paired with a female professional dancer and served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. In 2024, JoJo embraced a more mature image and musical style with her single “Karma,” signaling a new phase in her career and continued evolution beyond her Dance Moms persona.
Jessalynn Siwa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jess-siwa-dance-moms-9af04e575e1a46ddb48b6ac4af3ce45d.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo Siwa’s mother, showing her during Dance Moms and in a more recent photo. The image highlights her role as a supportive stage mother and her continued involvement in JoJo’s career.
Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo’s mother, appeared on Dance Moms for two seasons and was known for her strong personality and support of JoJo. Prior to the show, Jessalynn owned a dance studio in Omaha, Nebraska, bringing her own dance world expertise to the reality series. She often clashed with Abby Lee Miller, advocating fiercely for JoJo.
After Dance Moms, Jessalynn continued to collaborate with JoJo on various projects, including the Peacock competition series Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, which launched the group XOMG POP!. Jessalynn has remained a constant supporter of JoJo’s career, including her appearances on Dancing with the Stars and Special Forces, underscoring a strong mother-daughter working relationship.
Chloé Lukasiak
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/chloe-lukasiak-dance-moms-a01151b38d8f42f69cab0e51a337baca.jpg)
A before-and-after photo of Chloe Lukasiak, displaying her growth from a young dancer on Dance Moms to a successful young woman. The image aims to showcase her resilience and achievements after the show.
Chloé Lukasiak was a key Dance Moms cast member for seasons 1 through 4 and briefly returned in season 7. Her departure in season 4 was largely due to the strained relationship between her mother, Christi, and Abby Lee Miller. Chloé has been open about her negative experiences on Dance Moms, describing it as a challenging period in her life.
Since leaving the show, Chloé has built a significant presence on YouTube, with over 2 million subscribers, and has pursued acting roles in films like Loophole and The Message. She authored a memoir, Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World, reflecting on her Dance Moms experience and journey to self-acceptance. After participating in Dance Moms: The Reunion, Chloé discussed the lasting impact of Miller’s treatment and the competitive environment fostered on the show. From 2020 to 2023, she was in a relationship with skateboarder Brooklinn Khoury.
Christi Lukasiak
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/christi-lukasiak-dance-moms-68e499f234a14e609f4d575677cc151f.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Christi Lukasiak, Chloe Lukasiak’s mother, highlighting her transformation and continued public engagement after Dance Moms. The image aims to show her evolution beyond the reality TV persona.
Christi Lukasiak, Chloé’s mother, was known for her outspoken nature and frequent clashes with Abby Lee Miller and other mothers on Dance Moms. Her memorable confrontations were a staple of the show’s drama.
Post-Dance Moms, Christi has leveraged her platform to build a strong online presence with over 2 million Instagram followers. She founded Adulting101, a life skills program aimed at Gen Z women, and has ventured into property rentals. Christi co-hosts the Dance Moms rewatch podcast Back to the Barre with Kelly Hyland and is involved with YourMomCares, a non-profit organization supporting youth mental healthcare, reflecting her commitment to relevant social causes.
Nia Sioux
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/nia-sioux-dance-moms-d87bc77b203e46eeaef4f53bc0ff547b.jpg)
A before-and-after image of Nia Sioux, showcasing her journey from Dance Moms to a college student at UCLA. The image emphasizes her academic pursuits and personal growth since the show.
Nia Sioux was a Dance Moms cast member for the first seven seasons, making her the longest-running dancer on the show. Her journey on Dance Moms included navigating racial stereotypes in dance and consistently working to prove her talent under Abby Lee Miller’s demanding instruction.
After leaving Dance Moms, Nia expanded her career into acting, appearing in Trip of Love off-Broadway, the film I Am Mortal, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She has also released music, including “Star in Your Own Life,” and hosted her Facebook Watch series, Dance with Nia. Currently, Nia is a student at UCLA, studying American literature and culture with aspirations to become an author. She celebrated her second anniversary with her boyfriend, Gabriel Hawkins, in 2024. Nia chose not to participate in the Dance Moms reunion, stating simply that she “didn’t want to do it,” indicating a desire to move forward from that chapter of her life.
Holly Hatcher-Frazier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/holly-hatcher-frazier-dance-moms-fe89b08ccaf0442484573140a348f8a2.jpg)
A then-and-now photo of Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Nia Sioux’s mother, showing her during Dance Moms and more recently. The image highlights her composed demeanor on the show and her professional achievements.
Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Nia’s mother, was known for her calm and intellectual demeanor on Dance Moms. An Ivy League graduate, she often provided a voice of reason amidst the drama, though she also fiercely advocated for Nia, especially regarding racial representation and fair treatment on the show.
Since Dance Moms, Holly co-hosts the podcast Because Mom Said So with Melissa, Kelly, and Jill. In 2021, she spoke about her and Nia’s experiences on Dance Moms, highlighting instances of racial insensitivity and the challenges of navigating those issues within the reality TV context. In 2014, she published Moments of Clarity: Daily Affirmations from Dr. Holly, further showcasing her professional and personal insights.
Brooke Hyland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/brooke-hyland-dance-moms-d69a32a13ceb4330a7437001f22b2a33.jpg)
A then-and-now picture of Brooke Hyland, showcasing her transition from Dance Moms to her engagement. The image aims to highlight her personal milestones and life beyond the show.
Brooke Hyland, along with her sister Paige, appeared on Dance Moms from season 1 until season 4. Brooke was the oldest dancer on the team and often expressed a desire for a more normal teenage life outside of the intense dance world.
In 2013, Brooke released a self-titled album and has since pursued a career as a social media influencer with a significant Instagram following. She graduated from Ohio University in 2019 with a business degree. In May 2024, Brooke got engaged to Brian Thalman, marking a new chapter in her personal life. She has spoken about feeling burnt out by dance even before Dance Moms began, emphasizing her journey toward finding balance and personal fulfillment after the show.
Paige Hyland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/paige-hyland-dance-moms-a14f7784fc154a94b25e7667fe1613ae.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Paige Hyland, Brooke Hyland’s younger sister, displaying her growth from Dance Moms to a young professional. The image highlights her academic achievements and long-term relationship.
Paige Hyland, Brooke’s younger sister, was also on Dance Moms from season 1 to 4. In 2014, Paige’s mother sued Abby Lee Miller for assault, citing emotional abuse and creating a fearful environment, though the lawsuit was later dismissed.
After Dance Moms, Paige graduated from West Virginia University with a business administration degree in 2023. She maintains a strong social media presence and has been in a long-term relationship with Jayvon Thrift, a former college football player. Paige has reflected on the difficult experiences on Dance Moms, particularly the conflict involving her mother and Abby Lee Miller, and how they ultimately sought to leave the show for their well-being.
Kelly Hyland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kelly-hyland-dance-moms-8402cf97a6d84666bf0c826e2bca49cb.jpg)
A then-and-now photo of Kelly Hyland, mother to Brooke and Paige Hyland, showing her during Dance Moms and more recently. The image emphasizes her protective role as a mother and her current activities.
Kelly Hyland, mother to Brooke and Paige, has a history with Abby Lee Miller dating back to her own childhood as Miller’s dance student. Her confrontations with Miller on Dance Moms were frequent and intense, leading to her and her daughters leaving the show in season 4. Kelly also sued Miller after a physical altercation, and faced counter charges, though both cases were eventually dismissed.
Since Dance Moms, Kelly co-hosts the Back to the Barre podcast with Christi Lukasiak and the Because Mom Said So podcast with Melissa, Holly, and Jill. Her daughters have publicly acknowledged and appreciated her efforts to protect them during their time on Dance Moms, viewing her actions as those of a supportive mother prioritizing her children’s needs.
Kendall Vertes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kendall-vertes-dance-moms-1597b107a74a4eeba3255c9ba071bfca.jpg)
A before-and-after image of Kendall Vertes, highlighting her transition from Dance Moms to a college dancer and national champion. The image emphasizes her continued success in dance and academics.
Kendall Vertes joined Dance Moms in season 2 and stayed until season 7, briefly joining the rival Candy Apples team during her first season before returning to ALDC. On the show, she also launched a singing career, releasing her first single “Wear ‘Em Out” in 2015.
After Dance Moms, Kendall attended James Madison University (JMU) and joined the dance team. In 2024, she and her team won a national championship, which she celebrated with a nod to Dance Moms by captioning a photo “Top of the pyramid.” Kendall has been dating Clemson baseball player Andrew Ciufo since 2022. While acknowledging the negative experiences on Dance Moms, she remains close with many of her former castmates, describing their bond as “trauma-bonded” but unbreakable, and views the reunion as a positive step towards closure.
Jill Vertes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jill-vertes-dance-moms-25741816c4314f9092d548dac5244595.jpg)
A then-and-now photo of Jill Vertes, Kendall Vertes’s mother, showing her during Dance Moms and in a more recent photo. The image highlights her supportive role as a dance mom and her current podcast venture.
Jill Vertes, Kendall’s mother, was a pharmaceutical sales representative before joining Dance Moms. On the show, she was known for her strong advocacy for Kendall and her frequent disagreements with Abby Lee Miller over Kendall’s rankings and opportunities.
Currently, Jill co-hosts the Because Mom Said So podcast. She participated in the Dance Moms reunion and spoke about how revisiting clips from the show brought back intense emotions, highlighting the lasting impact of the Dance Moms experience on both her and Kendall.
Kalani Hilliker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kalani-hiliker-dance-moms-c681e7e2c59b426c91c58fc433027c62.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Kalani Hilliker, showcasing her evolution from Dance Moms to her engagement. The image emphasizes her personal and professional growth since the show.
Kalani Hilliker joined Dance Moms in season 4 and remained until season 7, having previously competed on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. Known for her versatility and strong technique, Kalani quickly became a standout dancer on the show.
After Dance Moms, Kalani continued to dance and act, appearing in shows like Shake It Up and America’s Got Talent. She became a dance teacher and launched her skincare and wellness brand, Kare by Kalani, inspired by her experiences with mental health challenges post-Dance Moms. Despite acknowledging the “trauma” from the show, Kalani has expressed gratitude for Abby Lee Miller’s influence on her dance career. In August 2024, Kalani announced her engagement to Nathan Goldman, marking a joyful personal milestone.
Kira Girard
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(997×593:999×595)/kira-girard-dance-moms-f7c6eb2804094a679acb9e7f336ef470.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Kira Girard, Kalani Hilliker’s mother, showing her during Dance Moms and in a more recent photo. The image aims to highlight her supportive role as a dance mom and her life post-show.
Kira Girard, Kalani’s mother, was a regular on Dance Moms from season 4 onwards. Known for her direct personality and at times controversial actions on the show, Kira was a protective mother who often clashed with other moms and Abby Lee Miller.
Following her departure from Dance Moms after season 7, Kira has largely remained out of the public spotlight, focusing on her family life. She occasionally shares updates on Instagram, maintaining a connection with her followers but generally living a more private life compared to some of the other Dance Moms mothers.
Vivi-Anne Stein
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/vivi-anne-stein-dance-moms-9d64a3cb09ad4a3c844db89776fa502d.jpg)
A before-and-after image of Vivi-Anne Stein, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s daughter, displaying her growth from a young child on Dance Moms to a college student. The image highlights her personal development and continued involvement in performance.
Vivi-Anne Stein, daughter of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, first appeared on Dance Moms in season 1. Representing Candy Apple’s Dance Center, the rival studio, Vivi-Anne became a fan favorite for her candid and often humorous remarks, despite her apparent disinterest in dance at the time.
Eventually, Vivi-Anne embraced dance and continued performing after Dance Moms. She was a cheerleader in high school and joined the cheer team at Cleveland State University after graduating in 2023, demonstrating her continued involvement in performance and school spirit.
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/cathy-nesbitt-stein-dance-moms-e41bacc1b02546fe97bcd1122ee4b82c.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Vivi-Anne Stein’s mother and owner of Candy Apple’s Dance Center, showing her during Dance Moms and more recently. The image highlights her role as a studio owner and her continued presence in the dance world.
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Vivi-Anne’s mother, owned Candy Apple’s Dance Center, the rival studio featured on Dance Moms. Her appearances on the show, starting from season 1, often involved creating drama and competition with Abby Lee Miller and the ALDC team.
Cathy continues to own and operate Candy Apple’s Dance Center and frequently shares updates about her studio and her daughter Vivi-Anne on social media, remaining an active figure in the dance community and a recognizable personality from the Dance Moms franchise.
Gianna “Gia” Martello
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/gianna-martello-dance-moms-c6b6241cd9fb42d5a1902e4a5ae3baea.jpg)
A then-and-now image of Gianna “Gia” Martello, Abby Lee Miller’s choreographer on Dance Moms, showing her during the show and in a more recent photo. The image highlights her professional role in dance and her personal milestones.
Gianna “Gia” Martello was Abby Lee Miller’s choreographer throughout all eight seasons of Dance Moms. Working at ALDC for over 15 years, Gia was instrumental in training the dancers and choreographing their routines.
After Dance Moms, Gia continues to teach dance and judge competitions. In 2022, she got engaged to Steve Lynch, and in 2024, she shared her involvement in JoJo Siwa’s “Karma” music video, indicating her continued presence and influence in the dance and entertainment industries, and her ongoing professional relationships with figures from the Dance Moms world.
The Dance Moms cast members, both the young dancers and their mothers, have carved diverse paths for themselves since their time on the show. From acting and music to business and academia, their experiences on reality TV have undeniably shaped their lives and careers. While Dance Moms was known for its drama and intensity, it also provided a platform for these individuals to showcase their talents and build a foundation for future success. As they continue to evolve personally and professionally, the Dance Moms cast remains a fascinating group to watch, reflecting the lasting impact of the show on their lives and popular culture.
