The reality TV show Dance Moms is no stranger to drama, both on and off the stage. In one particularly memorable episode, the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) faced criticism and controversy surrounding their group dance, “Electricity.” This routine, intended to be edgy and memorable, sparked outrage among the dance moms due to its mature costumes and suggestive choreography. Let’s dive into the episode and unpack the electrifying reactions and behind-the-scenes drama.
The episode opens with the moms’ immediate reactions to the “Electricity” costumes. Their expressions said it all. Holly’s face screamed, “This has to be a joke, right?” while Kelly’s conveyed a resigned, “Oh well, this is happening.” Melissa offered a strained, “Don’t you look so cute,” and Christi, known for her outspoken nature, simply looked like she wanted to be anywhere else. Christi didn’t hold back her opinions, delivering two iconic lines that perfectly captured the moms’ discomfort. First, she quipped, “So, I guess we’re going for skin to win.” Then, in a line that would become instantly famous among Dance Moms fans, she exclaimed, “They look like prosti-tots!”
Christi’s blunt assessment resonated with the other mothers. While the girls had worn revealing costumes before, the “Electricity” outfits seemed overtly mature and inappropriate for their age. Despite the moms’ concerns, Abby Lee Miller, the studio owner and dance coach, remained unfazed. She brushed off their opinions, highlighting her disregard for their input. Interestingly, Chloe, Christi’s daughter, expressed enthusiasm for the costume and the dance, showcasing the generational divide in perspectives on the routine’s appropriateness.
Adding another layer to the episode’s drama, Abby announced a duet for Vivi-Anne and Mackenzie, marking Mackenzie Ziegler’s first-ever duet performance on the show. As the young dancers rehearsed, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Vivi-Anne’s mother and Abby’s rival, made her grand entrance into the moms’ viewing room. Cathy’s arrival was far from smooth. The moms were busy adding rhinestones to the “Electricity” costumes when Cathy walked in and immediately inquired if someone would be stoning her costumes, as she was unfamiliar with sewing due to having a personal seamstress at her own studio. This comment, dripping with condescension, was met with eye rolls and frosty glares from the already stressed mothers, solidifying Cathy’s less-than-stellar first impression.
Later that evening, Christi experienced a “mini-meltdown,” as the narrator described it. While producers might have framed it as an overreaction, it was clear Christi was struggling with the intense pressure and new demands of the show. Before Dance Moms, the girls’ studio time was likely less demanding, and the mothers weren’t constantly under the spotlight. Christi’s distress stemmed from the overwhelming transition and the challenge of balancing the increased studio commitments with her family life. Her decision to leave the studio that night, while ensuring Chloe stayed for practice, was a way to manage her stress in a difficult situation.
Competition day arrived, and the team faced a four-hour bus journey from Pittsburgh to Lancaster. The bus ride, contrary to the mothers’ tense atmosphere, seemed like a fun experience, filled with talking, movies, music, and the typical camaraderie of a group trip, although the episode focused on Cathy looking unwell, adding to the comedic rivalry between her and Abby. Despite the long journey, the girls had to prepare for their solos and group dance while on the bus, showcasing the hectic reality of competition life.
At the competition, Maddie and Chloe were already prepared to perform their solos. Chloe’s “Baby Mine” solo, initially underrated by the blogger, was revealed to be a truly amazing performance upon re-watching. An interesting behind-the-scenes fact: the music used in the episode was replaced due to copyright issues; the original music was actually “Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me.” Maddie’s solo was also beautiful, highlighting her undeniable talent, although the blogger felt it wasn’t her absolute best. The show attempted to create drama by suggesting Abby favored Maddie after the solos, but the blogger argues that Abby’s responses were actually quite similar, praising both girls. Despite hints of Maddie winning against Chloe, the blogger clarifies that Chloe actually won first place in the Junior division, while Maddie won the Petite Miss Starquest title, indicating they were likely in different age categories and both achieved significant wins.
Following the solo awards, Vivi-Anne and Mackenzie performed their duet. Cathy’s comment about Mackenzie not being “heads and shoulders above Vivi” sparked debate. While acknowledging Mackenzie’s young age, the blogger points out Mackenzie’s advanced skills compared to Vivi-Anne at the time, highlighting the disparity in their technical abilities. Despite the effort, their duet did not place in the competition.
Finally, it was time for the controversial “Electricity” group dance. The episode featured a humorous montage contrasting the ALDC’s mature routine with other competitors’ age-appropriate performances, emphasizing the stark difference. The blogger noticed Chloe positioned in the center for a significant portion of the dance, suggesting she was the lead, despite Abby’s earlier announcement that Maddie would take the lead. The blogger speculates about potential editing tricks or changes between tapings to create the illusion of Maddie being the central figure. Ultimately, “Electricity” did not place, with Abby’s simplistic explanation being, “maybe the judges didn’t like you,” deflecting any responsibility for the routine’s concept or execution.
As expected in a Dance Moms episode, the drama culminated in a confrontation. Holly and Christi confronted Abby, voicing their concerns about the dance’s maturity and appropriateness. However, Abby remained dismissive, completely disregarding their opinions and even claiming to be “verbally abused,” further escalating the tension and leaving everyone frustrated.
In conclusion, this episode was rated 2 out of 5 stars by the original blogger, citing behind-the-scenes shadiness, particularly the downplaying of Chloe’s achievements and the questionable decisions surrounding the “Electricity” dance. The blogger emphasizes the importance of recognizing children’s accomplishments and criticizes the show’s attempt to obscure Chloe’s success and central role in the dance. The episode leaves viewers questioning the ethics of pushing young dancers into overly mature routines and the impact of reality TV drama on the young performers and their families.
What are your thoughts on the “Electricity” dance? Do you side with Holly and Christi’s concerns, or do you think it was just dance? Was Abby justified in her creative choices? Share your opinions in the comments below!
