The first episode of Dance Moms season 1 throws viewers right into the high-stakes world of competitive dance and the intense personalities of the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) and their mothers. From controversial costumes to heated arguments, the premiere episode sets the stage for the drama and competition that would define the series. Let’s dive into the key moments of this unforgettable introduction to Dance Moms.
The episode opens with the revelation of the group dance costumes for the week: “Electricity.” Immediately, the mothers are taken aback by the outfits, which they deem far too mature and revealing for their young daughters. Christi, known for her outspoken nature, delivers two memorable lines that perfectly capture the moms’ collective shock and disapproval. First, she quips, “So, I guess we’re going for skin to win,” highlighting the perceived emphasis on revealing costumes over dance talent. Her second, and perhaps more infamous, reaction, “They look like prosti-tots!” underscores the mothers’ discomfort and concern about the costumes’ appropriateness.
Despite the mothers’ clear objections, Abby Lee Miller remains unfazed. She dismisses their opinions, indicating a pattern of disregard for parental input that becomes a recurring theme throughout the series. Interestingly, Chloe expresses her enthusiasm for the costume and the dance, showcasing a contrast between the mothers’ concerns and the dancers’ perspectives.
Adding to the episode’s early drama, Abby announces a duet for Vivi-Anne and Mackenzie. This marks Mackenzie Ziegler’s first featured dance performance on the show. While the young dancers rehearse, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, owner of the rival Candy Apples Dance Center, makes her entrance into the viewing room, officially meeting the Dance Moms. Cathy’s arrival is far from subtle. Her opening remark, inquiring whether someone will be “stoning her costumes for her” due to her lack of sewing skills and reliance on a personal seamstress, immediately rubs the ALDC mothers the wrong way. The comment is perceived as condescending and elitist, earning Cathy a chorus of eye-rolls and establishing her as the season’s primary antagonist.
Later, the episode delves into the pressures of the new reality TV environment, particularly on Christi. The demanding schedule of filming and rehearsals, a significant shift from their pre-show routine, takes a toll. Christi experiences a mini-meltdown, overwhelmed by the transition and the lack of a structured schedule. While the show’s producers might have portrayed it as a dramatic outburst, it’s evident that Christi is grappling with the stress of this new reality. Her decision to leave the studio, while ensuring Chloe stays for crucial practice, demonstrates a mother’s struggle to balance personal well-being with her daughter’s dance commitments.
Competition day arrives, and the team embarks on a four-hour bus journey from Pittsburgh to Lancaster. Despite the long travel, the atmosphere on the bus appears light-hearted and fun, a stark contrast to the studio’s tension. The dancers manage to prepare for the competition even amidst the bus chaos, highlighting their adaptability and dedication.
At the competition, Maddie and Chloe showcase their solos. Chloe’s “Baby Mine” solo, despite the behind-the-scenes music copyright issues that required an overdub for the show, is revealed to be a standout performance. Maddie’s solo also impresses, further solidifying her talent. The episode attempts to create a narrative of favoritism, suggesting Abby favored Maddie after the solos. However, a closer look reveals Abby’s responses to both girls were equally positive, correcting the show’s manufactured drama. Maddie ultimately wins Petite Miss Starquest, while Chloe secures first place in the Junior division, a crucial detail often overlooked in the initial portrayal of the competition results. Both girls achieve significant wins, demonstrating the strength of the ALDC junior elite team.
Following the solos, Vivi-Anne and Mackenzie perform their duet. Cathy’s commentary during their performance, stating Mackenzie isn’t “heads and shoulders above Vivi,” is particularly noteworthy. While Mackenzie’s advanced skills are evident even at a young age, Cathy’s remark downplays Mackenzie’s abilities and fuels the competitive tension between the studios. Interestingly, their duet doesn’t place, a fact downplayed in the episode’s narrative.
The highly anticipated “Electricity” group dance takes center stage. The episode cleverly juxtaposes the ALDC’s mature-themed routine with footage of other competitors performing age-appropriate dances, emphasizing the controversial nature of Abby’s choreography choices. A key observation during the “Electricity” performance is Chloe’s central positioning, suggesting she was initially intended as the lead, despite Abby’s earlier announcement that Maddie would take the lead role. The episode hints at potential editing manipulations to shift the focus to Maddie, adding another layer of behind-the-scenes intrigue. Ultimately, “Electricity” does not place, prompting Abby to offer a dismissive explanation: “maybe the judges didn’t like you,” deflecting any responsibility for the choreography or costume choices.
The episode concludes with a confrontation between Holly and Christi and Abby. The mothers voice their concerns about the “Electricity” dance’s maturity, but Abby remains dismissive, claiming “verbal abuse” and completely disregarding their parental perspectives. This final clash encapsulates the power dynamics and ongoing conflicts that define Dance Moms.
In conclusion, the premiere episode of Dance Moms season 1 earns a solid 2 out of 5 stars. While it successfully introduces the key personalities and dramatic themes of the series, the episode’s manipulation of events, particularly regarding Chloe’s achievements and the “Electricity” dance, is a significant drawback. Hiding Chloe’s first-place win and misrepresenting the lead in the group dance to favor a particular narrative detracts from the genuine accomplishments of the young dancers. Despite these shortcomings, the episode effectively hooks viewers into the world of Dance Moms, leaving them eager to see what drama unfolds next. The preview for the following episode, teasing Brooke’s potential career-defining opportunity, further fuels anticipation for the season’s progression.
