It’s hard to believe that Dance Moms first graced our screens 13 years ago, launching a cultural phenomenon and embedding itself in the reality TV landscape. For those of us who were captivated by the drama, the dances, and, of course, the moms, revisiting the origins of the show is like stepping back into a whirlwind of glitter, tears, and unforgettable personalities. Among these iconic figures is Christi Lukasiak, the outspoken and fiercely protective mother of Chloe Lukasiak. But what was it like for Christi when she first heard about a TV show being made about the Abby Lee Dance Company? Let’s delve into Christi’s initial reactions and the surprising turn of events that led to her becoming a reality TV star, alongside her daughter and the close-knit group of dancers and moms who made Dance Moms the sensation it was.
Christi recalls that the casting call was the first inkling of the whirlwind to come. She was among the first to connect with the casting director, and as he became more familiar with the Abby Lee Dance Company studio, the entire concept of the show began to coalesce around this single, drama-rich location. Initially, the idea was to scout moms and dancers from various studios, but Abby Lee Miller’s studio proved to be a goldmine of compelling personalities and storylines. Christi vividly remembers the pivotal phone call from Abby in December. Chloe and Paige Hyland were having a sleepover at her house, playfully dancing to “Santa Baby” in whimsical costumes. It was during this lighthearted moment that Abby delivered the news: Lifetime was interested in a show, and they would be hearing back. At this early stage, the scope of what Dance Moms would become was far from clear. The initial plan was just for a limited six-episode run, an almost casual venture that seemed like it might be a quirky footnote on a resume. Little did they know, it was the genesis of a life-altering experience.
In a humorous anecdote that perfectly encapsulates Abby Lee Miller’s dramatic personality, Christi recounts how Abby attempted to sideline her and Kelly Hyland, another prominent Dance Mom. Drawing a parallel to Cinderella, Abby allegedly sent Christi and Kelly to New York, seemingly to keep them out of the initial filming process. However, this tactic backfired spectacularly. The producers, aware of Abby’s maneuver, preemptively arrived the night before their scheduled New York trip to conduct Christi and Kelly’s auditions anyway. This early incident foreshadowed the behind-the-scenes drama that would become a hallmark of Dance Moms, and Christi’s ability to navigate and recount these events with a mix of humor and candor quickly made her a fan favorite.
The official pick-up of Dance Moms for six episodes was confirmed on February 28th – a date Christi remembers with remarkable clarity. Bryan Stinson, the executive producer, delivered the news and revealed the initial cast: Christi and Kelly, followed by Melissa Gisoni and Holly Frazier. Christi’s reaction to Holly’s inclusion – “Oh, they need someone normal. Got it” – reveals her sharp wit and early perceptions of the dynamic personalities being assembled. The final cast member announced was Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Abby’s rival, which immediately piqued Christi’s interest and hinted at the competitive friction that would be central to the show’s narrative. “Well, what’s she like?” Christi asked, to which Stinson cryptically replied, “Oh, you’ll find out.” This foreshadowing of Cathy’s role and the impending drama added another layer of intrigue to the already unfolding reality TV experiment.
Filming commenced on April 5th, just six weeks later. The initial six-episode order quickly expanded to seven due to the sheer volume of drama that erupted within the first week alone. The producers recognized the raw, compelling nature of the interactions and conflicts, realizing they had captured something truly captivating. Before even reaching the fourth episode, the network’s enthusiasm was palpable. They approached the moms with news of a second six-episode season to be filmed that summer, signaling their belief in Dance Moms‘ potential to become a significant hit. This sudden expansion presented logistical challenges, especially for Christi, who had a one-year-old child at the time. When she inquired about childcare, the producers’ response – “Bring her!” – highlighted the all-in, immersive nature of this unexpected reality TV journey.
Despite the cameras and the burgeoning reality TV spotlight, Christi emphasizes that their day-to-day lives remained surprisingly grounded. They still lived in the same houses, frequented the same dance studio, and maintained their existing friendships and routines. The significant change was the presence of a film crew, who, notably, became integrated into their lives as friends. This sense of normalcy extended to the children as well. Unlike many young stars who transition to homeschooling and relocate to entertainment hubs like Los Angeles, the Dance Moms kids continued attending school and living relatively unchanged lives. Christi believes this continuity is a key factor in why many of the original cast members remained grounded and were able to process the whirlwind experience in a healthy way. For Christi Lukasiak, the journey into Dance Moms was an unanticipated adventure, one that began with a casual casting call and evolved into a defining chapter in her and her daughter Chloe’s lives, forever changing the landscape of reality television and solidifying “Dance Moms Christi” as a household name in pop culture.
