What’s Dance Moms without a healthy dose of rivalry and drama? This episode cranks up the heat, primarily thanks to the chaotic energy between Abby Lee Miller and Cathy Nesbitt-Stein of the Candy Apples. But amidst the usual clashes, a new element is introduced: Gino, a young dancer who becomes the focal point of both partnership and parental friction. Was Gino just a pawn in Abby and Cathy’s game, or did he genuinely impact the ALDC team dynamics? Let’s break down this episode where Abby judges Dancing With The Stars (again, in her own mind) and the original moms seem almost…zen, compared to the fresh batch of parental antics.
The episode opens with Abby’s signature dramatic flair, labeling the girls’ entrance into the studio as their “walk of shame.” Despite securing a win, Abby’s new team is sent home, a strategic move to emphasize the perceived shortcomings of the original dancers. However, Sarah, from the winning team, gets a pass to join the originals. Why? Abby claims it’s Sarah’s talent, but we all know it’s mainly because of Sarah’s mother, Christ-y, who seems to be a magnet for drama. Abby lays down the law for young Sarah: one wrong word from her mom, and she’s out. This sets the stage for the Christ-y drama that unfolds later. After a classic Abby reprimand for being “sore losers,” Jill dares to voice what the team is actually feeling – disappointment not in losing, but in Abby’s teaching.
The pyramid of shame (or fame, depending on your spot) reveals Chloe at the bottom for turn troubles, followed by Maddie for the grave sin of public crying. Kendall is third from the bottom, and Nia is told she’s not working hard enough to compensate for her “lack of raw talent.” MacKenzie snags second place, and Sarah, the guest of honor, tops the pyramid simply for being on the winning team. Abby, relishing the drama, announces their next competition: Ohio, against the Candy Apples. The group dance? “Broken Dolls,” because Abby loves to blur the lines between art and her dancers’ lives. Then comes the duet announcement: “I’ve Just Gotta Be Kissed,” assigned to Maddie and Cathy’s former student, Gino. Cue the blushing and giggling – and the brewing storm of parental outrage.
As the girls rehearse “Broken Dolls,” the moms vent about Abby’s “sore loser” narrative. Christ-y, riding high from her daughter’s winning streak (albeit on a different team), surprisingly sides with Abby, claiming the girls were indeed too sensitive. Meanwhile, in Candy Apples territory, Cathy unveils her strategy to Miami Mom and another mom (it’s hard to keep track!). Her choreographers are booked, so she’s bringing in a ringer: Abby’s “dear friend.” Cathy predicts Abby will lean into ballroom, referencing her DWTS judging stint. Nailed it, Cathy.
Enter Gino, and enter Christ-y’s immediate indignation. Her issue? Gino is stealing the spotlight from her precious Sarah. However, Abby’s laser focus is actually on Sarah, ready to pounce on any misstep. Christ-y’s outrage at Abby’s criticism of her “winning” daughter is met with a dose of Holly’s reality check: Sarah is a guest, not royalty. From the peanut gallery, Christi finds Christ-y’s attempts to curry favor with Abby by being argumentative utterly comical. The mom dynamics are as intricate as the dance routines themselves.
Cathy, ever the strategist, aims to outdo Abby’s ballroom duet with a more complex routine. And Abby? She’s more invested in choreographing Maddie’s first kiss than actual dance steps. Poor Maddie is mortified at the prospect of kissing Gino on stage, wanting to save her first kiss for, well, not a dance competition. The awkwardness is palpable. Abby, in a move that’s either helpful or deeply inappropriate (you decide), plants one on Maddie to demonstrate “it’s no big deal.” Maddie’s peck on Gino is followed by a hasty studio exit, leaving Gino in a state of adorable bewilderment. Chloe, ever the supportive friend, can’t believe Maddie beat them all to the first kiss milestone. It’s a rare glimpse of genuine camaraderie among the girls. Maddie, in her confessional, wishes Gino was Zac Efron. Relatable, Maddie, relatable.
Gino’s dad, observing duet practice, sees a permanent spot for his son on the ALDC team. He approaches Abby with charm, impressing even the seasoned moms with his audacity, much to Christ-y’s chagrin. As the group number practice begins, Holly points out the routine’s complexity, demanding synchronization. Abby, in true Abby fashion, uses this moment to single out Sarah. Gino’s dad, sensing an opportunity, gets Melissa to agree that Gino would be a “great fit.” Christ-y, however, is not buying it. She sees Gino’s dad as a “deceiving charmer” straight out of the Bible – and she’s not falling for his smooth talk.
Cleveland arrives, and Abby is on high alert for Cathy’s mystery choreographer. The reveal of Abby’s “friend” teaching the Candy Apples sends Abby into a predictable spiral of rage. Cathy is loving Abby’s panic, dubbing Gino the “rotten apple” in Abby’s perfectly arranged basket. Watching Maddie and Gino rehearse, Abby is practically combusting with fury. Cathy’s duet, as Melissa admits, is “beautiful and amazing.” Maddie and Gino’s duet is cute and entertaining, but undeniably less technically demanding. Abby, preemptively deflecting blame, declares any loss will be Gino’s fault, because Maddie, of course, is flawless. Poor Gino is taking hits from all sides.
The Candy Apples’ group number is impressive, and terrifyingly aviation-themed. A lyrical plane crash? Yikes. Holly and the other moms are genuinely concerned about how their girls will stack up. The ALDC costumes and makeup are, as always, on point. And then, disaster strikes – Chloe slips and falls during the group performance. In a testament to her professionalism, she recovers instantly and continues dancing. Melissa rushes to Chloe’s side, checking for injury but also praising her for pushing through. The team rallies around Chloe, assuring her it wasn’t her fault.
Competition results: Cathy’s duet takes first place, beating Maddie and Gino. Abby’s group number, however, snags the top prize. Abby is visibly relieved that Chloe’s fall didn’t cost them the win. Christ-y, ever gracious (not), brags about Sarah’s winning streak. Abby, in a swift and decisive move, blames Gino for Maddie’s duet loss and sends him packing. The original moms express sympathy for Gino, and the girls give him heartfelt hugs, while Christ-y revels in what she sees as a victory for Sarah. In the hallway, Cathy tries to pry information about Gino’s team status from the ALDC moms, but they remain tight-lipped. Frustrated, Cathy resorts to insults, telling Christi her “butt looks like a forty dollar cow.” A zinger for the ages, indeed.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WAS GINO THE WEAK LINK IN THE DUET?
