The first season of Dance Moms delivered iconic moments right from the start, and this episode is no exception. From Christi’s legendary one-liners about the “Electricity” costumes to the first glimpse of Cathy Nesbitt and Candy Apples, the drama was already heating up at the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). Let’s dive into a recap of this memorable episode from Dance Moms First Season.
Costume Controversy: “Skin to Win” or “Prosti-tots”?
The episode kicked off with the moms’ hilarious reactions to the “Electricity” costumes. Holly’s disbelief, Kelly’s resignation, Melissa’s forced enthusiasm, and Christi’s utter dismay perfectly captured the range of emotions. Christi’s now-famous quotes, “So, I guess we’re going for skin to win,” and the unforgettable “They look like prosti-tots!” immediately set the tone for the episode’s drama.
Christi’s concerns were valid; while the girls had worn small costumes before, these “Electricity” outfits felt different – more mature and arguably sleazy for young dancers. Despite the moms’ objections, Abby Lee Miller remained unfazed, showcasing her characteristic disregard for parental opinions. Chloe’s innocent excitement about the costume and dance only added another layer to the tension, highlighting the disconnect between the children’s and mothers’ perspectives.
Vivi-Anne’s Duet and Cathy’s Grand Entrance
Abby’s decision to award Vivi-Anne a duet with Mackenzie Ziegler marked a significant moment. It was the first time viewers saw Mackenzie dance, foreshadowing her future stardom. While the young dancers rehearsed, Cathy Nesbitt of Candy Apples Dance Center made her grand entrance into the viewing room, officially meeting the Dance Moms for the first time.
Cathy’s first impression was… memorable, but not in a good way. As the moms were diligently stoning the questionable “Electricity” costumes, Cathy’s entrance and immediate inquiry about whether someone else would be stoning her costumes, due to her lack of sewing skills and reliance on a personal seamstress, came across as incredibly condescending. The eye rolls from the ALDC moms were palpable, signaling the beginning of the rivalry between Abby and Cathy, and the studios themselves, that would become a central theme of Dance Moms first season and beyond.
Christi’s Mini-Meltdown: Transition Troubles
Later in the episode, Christi experienced what was portrayed as a “mini-meltdown.” However, looking deeper, it seemed more like a reaction to the overwhelming transition to reality TV filming. The intense schedule, with 6-hour studio days and constant filming, was a significant shift from their pre-show routine. Christi’s stress was understandable, especially for someone who doesn’t handle major changes easily.
Her decision to briefly leave the studio, while ensuring Chloe stayed for crucial practice, demonstrated a mother trying to cope with a stressful situation while prioritizing her daughter’s dance commitments. It highlighted the early pressures of Dance Moms first season and the adjustments the families were forced to make.
Road Trip Chaos and Competition Day Solos
The journey from Pittsburgh to Lancaster for the competition was a four-hour bus ride, which, contrary to Cathy’s apparent discomfort, seemed like a fun, chaotic bonding experience for the team. The moms and dancers made the most of it, with talk, movies, music, and the general excitement of competition day looming. Even getting ready on the bus added to the energetic, if slightly disorganized, atmosphere.
At the competition, Maddie and Chloe showcased their solos. Chloe’s “Baby Mine” solo, despite initial underestimation by the reviewer, was actually amazing upon re-watch. Interesting fact: the original music was “Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me,” but copyright issues led to a music overlay for the show. Maddie’s solo, while not a personal favorite of the reviewer, still highlighted her undeniable talent.
The show attempted to create drama by suggesting Abby favored Maddie after the solos, but the recap argues that Abby’s feedback was actually quite similar for both girls. While Maddie won Petite Miss Starquest, it’s important to remember that Chloe, in a different age category, won 1st place in the Junior division. Both girls achieved significant wins, a fact sometimes overshadowed by the show’s focus on rivalry.
Duet Disappointment and “Electricity” Debacle
Vivi-Anne and Mackenzie’s duet followed the solos, and Cathy’s commentary about Mackenzie not being “heads and shoulders” above Vivi-Anne was particularly insightful. While Mackenzie was clearly advanced, especially with her front walkovers compared to Vivi-Anne’s… less technically demanding moves, Cathy’s point acknowledged Vivi-Anne’s effort. Despite the practice, the duet unfortunately did not place, a detail often missed in the episode’s narrative.
Then came the infamous “Electricity” group dance. The episode cleverly juxtaposed the ALDC’s mature, suggestive routine with clips of competitors performing age-appropriate dances, emphasizing the controversial nature of Abby’s choreography and costume choices. Notably, Chloe appeared to be positioned center-stage for a significant portion of the dance, despite Abby initially declaring Maddie as the lead. This raises questions about editing and potential manipulation to heighten the Maddie-Chloe rivalry narrative for Dance Moms first season. Regardless, “Electricity” did not place, leading Abby to simply blame the judges’ supposed lack of appreciation.
The Inevitable Screaming Match
No Dance Moms episode is complete without a confrontation. The episode concluded with Holly and Christi challenging Abby about the inappropriate nature of the “Electricity” dance. However, Abby, true to form, dismissed their concerns and even claimed “verbal abuse,” further solidifying her role as the unyielding and often unreasonable figurehead of the ALDC.
Episode Rating and Lingering Questions
This episode receives a 2 out of 5 stars from the original reviewer, citing behind-the-scenes shadiness, particularly the downplaying of Chloe’s accomplishments in favor of manufactured drama for Dance Moms first season. The reviewer highlights the unfairness of obscuring a child’s achievements, especially on a national platform.
The episode ends by teasing Brooke’s ongoing back issues and a future opportunity, alongside questions prompting viewer engagement: Opinions on the “Electricity” number, perceived favoritism, and the reviewer’s perhaps unusual desire to experience the chaotic bus ride.
This Dance Moms first season episode perfectly encapsulates the show’s early blend of dance, drama, and questionable parenting decisions, setting the stage for the seasons of conflict and competition to come.
