Dance Moms, the reality TV show that aired on Lifetime from 2011 to 2019, became a cultural phenomenon and a launching pad for numerous talented young dancers. Stars like Maddie Ziegler, JoJo Siwa, and Chloé Lukasiak captivated audiences with their performances and the intense drama of the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the show revolved around the demanding world of competitive dance under the strict tutelage of studio owner Abby Lee Miller, and the equally invested, sometimes clashing, mothers.
The Kids’ Choice Award-winning series offered a glimpse into Miller’s rigorous and often controversial coaching methods. Her infamous “pyramid” ranking system became a symbol of the pressure-cooker environment the young dancers faced each week. Despite the high-stress atmosphere, many of the Dance Moms girls forged successful careers and, surprisingly, some maintained relationships with Miller even after the show concluded. JoJo Siwa, for instance, acknowledged in a 2022 PEOPLE interview, “I do respect her choreography and I do [respect what she’s done for the world]. Whether the dance community wants to admit it or not, she changed the dance world for the better.”
Dance Moms‘ Abby Lee Miller Admits She Was Too ‘Harsh’ on Kids Who ‘Didn’t Have the Talent’ (Exclusive)
In May 2024, over a decade after the first season premiered, many of the original cast members reunited for a two-hour reunion special. However, noticeably absent were Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, as well as Abby Lee Miller herself, who reportedly was uninvited at the request of some cast members.
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The cast of ‘Dance Moms’ at Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Adding a new chapter to the Dance Moms legacy, a reboot titled Dance Moms: A New Era premiered on Hulu on August 7, 2024. This new series introduces a fresh group of young dancers under the guidance of coach Gloria “Glo” Hampton.
As fans eagerly anticipate Dance Moms: A New Era, let’s take a look at where the original Dance Moms stars are today and explore their journeys since leaving the ALDC.
Abby Lee Miller
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Abby Lee Miller from ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Scott Gries/Lifetime ; Tommaso Boddi/Getty
Abby Lee Miller, the central figure of Dance Moms, was more than just a dance coach; she was a studio owner and choreographer deeply rooted in the dance world. Her mother, Maryen Lorrain Miller, owned a dance studio near Pittsburgh, where Abby learned her craft. After high school, with her parents’ financial support, Abby realized her vision by establishing the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC).
Dance Moms gained notoriety for Miller’s sharp critiques and often controversial interactions with the dance moms. Infamous moments included verbally attacking Christi Lukasiak’s family, spraying water on rival coach Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, and an alleged physical altercation with Kelly Hyland.
Parallel to the show’s success, Miller faced significant legal challenges. In 2015, she was indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges, accused of concealing over $755,000 in earnings related to Dance Moms. After initially pleading not guilty, she eventually pleaded guilty in 2016 and was sentenced to 366 days in federal prison. Miller served eight months before being released to a halfway house in March 2018. Shortly after, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Following emergency spinal surgery and months of treatment, she announced she was cancer-free in May 2019. By September of the same year, Miller took her first steps after being wheelchair-bound since April 2018.
In 2023, Miller sold the Dance Moms studio for $300,000, emphasizing that she retained her name, brand, and life’s work. While not invited to the Dance Moms reunion due to requests from some former dancers, she maintains contact with some of her former students, including JoJo Siwa, who reports speaking with Miller weekly.
In a 2024 interview, Miller reflected on her Dance Moms experience, admitting she was “too harsh” on some of the young dancers and would “absolutely” take back some of her on-screen comments. She maintained her intention was to push the dancers to be their best, not to intentionally hurt their feelings.
Despite declining a cameo in Dance Moms: A New Era, Miller remains a significant figure in the Dance Moms universe, with coach Glo Hampton acknowledging her as a “trailblazer” and revealing that Miller sent a congratulatory text for the reboot.
Maddie Ziegler
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Maddie Ziegler on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; David Livingston/Getty
Maddie Ziegler, arguably the most recognized face from Dance Moms, was with the show from its inception in 2011 until 2016. From the age of seven, Maddie’s exceptional talent and expressive lyrical dances made her a standout performer and often Miller’s favored dancer, which, as viewers know, sometimes caused friction among the mothers.
Maddie’s career trajectory shifted dramatically when she starred in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video in 2014. The video’s viral success, amassing over 2 billion views, propelled Maddie into mainstream fame. She continued collaborating with Sia in videos like “Elastic Heart,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Big Girls Cry,” and performed alongside the artist on numerous high-profile platforms.
After Dance Moms, Maddie transitioned into acting, securing roles in films such as The Fallout, The Book of Henry, Music, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Beyond the screen, she became a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir The Maddie Diaries in 2017. Maddie also ventured into the fashion world, modeling for luxury brands like Givenchy, Kate Spade, and Fendi.
All About Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler’s 4 Siblings
In her personal life, Maddie was previously linked to musician Eddie Benjamin, but their relationship ended in February 2023. Maddie has openly discussed the pressures and negative aspects of her Dance Moms experience, describing it as a “toxic environment” in a 2022 Cosmopolitan interview. She highlighted the unwelcome scrutiny she faced growing up on television, stating, “I literally hit puberty in front of everyone on TV.” Maddie also revealed that she hasn’t spoken to Abby Lee Miller since leaving the show, stating, “I feel at peace.”
In a 2024 Teen Vogue interview, Maddie reflected on her journey of healing from her childhood experiences on Dance Moms and her role in the film Fitting In, expressing a newfound sense of agency and confidence.
Kenzie Ziegler
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Mackenzie Ziegler from ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Phillip Faraone/Getty
Mackenzie “Kenzie” Ziegler, Maddie’s younger sister, was also a beloved Dance Moms personality. As one of the youngest dancers, Kenzie charmed audiences from season 1 to 6, leaving the show alongside Maddie. Despite often being compared to her older sister, Kenzie forged her own path and showcased her developing talents.
The Ziegler sisters share a close bond. Kenzie has expressed admiration for Maddie, acknowledging her as “such a big inspiration” and appreciating the advice and support she receives from her talented sister. In 2022, they launched a podcast, Take 20 with Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, offering fans a more personal glimpse into their lives.
Like Maddie, Kenzie has expanded her career beyond Dance Moms. She has acted in the web series Total Eclipse and the film Let Us In. Kenzie has also explored her musical talents, releasing two albums featuring songs like “paper” and “100 degrees.” Her foray into reality TV continued with appearances on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and The Masked Dancer, where she placed third.
Kenzie has been in a relationship with TikToker Tacoda Dubbs since August 2020. While Kenzie also chose not to participate in the Dance Moms reunion, she assured fans it was not due to any conflict with the cast, but rather a desire to avoid revisiting that period of her life.
Melissa Gisoni
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Melissa Gisoni from ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Mike Coppola/Getty ; Michael Tullberg/Getty
Melissa Gisoni, mother to Maddie and Kenzie, was a prominent figure on Dance Moms. Known for her unwavering support of her daughters, particularly Maddie, Melissa sometimes drew criticism for seemingly seeking favor with Abby Lee Miller to benefit her children.
Melissa and her daughters departed Dance Moms after season 6. In a Cosmopolitan essay, she explained that her children’s happiness was paramount and that the show was hindering Maddie’s career opportunities due to contractual obligations. Since leaving Dance Moms, Melissa has maintained a strong online presence with a large following on Instagram and YouTube. In her videos, she has shared insights into her life post-Dance Moms, describing it as less stressful and more fulfilling. Melissa also co-hosts the podcast Because Mom Said So with fellow original Dance Moms mothers Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes, reflecting on their shared experiences.
JoJo Siwa
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Jojo Siwa on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
JoJo Siwa, born Joelle Joanie Siwa, is undoubtedly one of the most successful dancers to emerge from Dance Moms, despite only being a main cast member in seasons 5 and 6. Instantly recognizable for her signature oversized hair bows, JoJo, along with her mother Jessalynn, brought a vibrant energy to the show. Jessalynn often crafted JoJo’s elaborate bows, which became a defining part of her brand.
JoJo and Jessalynn left Dance Moms during season 6 after a disagreement over a ballet duet assignment for JoJo. However, JoJo later clarified that her departure was primarily due to signing a deal with Nickelodeon. Since then, JoJo has become a global celebrity. Her debut single, “Boomerang,” released in 2016, became a viral hit. That same year, she launched her “JoJo’s Bows” line at Claire’s, achieving phenomenal success.
Through her Nickelodeon deal, JoJo expanded her reach into television, merchandise, and film. She starred in the Nickelodeon movie Blurt!, co-hosted Lip Sync Battle Shorties with Nick Cannon, voiced characters in The Angry Birds Movie 2, and starred in the Paramount+ movie The J Team.
In 2020, TIME magazine recognized JoJo as one of the 100 Most Influential People, with Kim Kardashian praising her as “a ray of sunshine.” In January 2021, JoJo publicly came out as LGBTQ+, embracing her identity and becoming an advocate for inclusivity.
JoJo made history on Dancing with the Stars in 2021 as the first female celebrity to be paired with a female professional dancer. She also served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. With millions of followers across social media platforms, JoJo continues to evolve her career. Recently, she has transitioned to a more mature image, ditching the bows and exploring new artistic directions, including her single “Karma” and a role in the horror film All My Friends Are Dead. JoJo has stated her readiness to face criticism as she transitions into adulthood and a new phase of her career.
Jessalynn Siwa
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Jess Siwa on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime
Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo’s mother, was a dynamic presence on Dance Moms for two seasons. Prior to the show, Jessalynn owned a dance studio in Omaha, Nebraska, bringing her own dance expertise and strong opinions to the ALDC environment. Known for her protective nature and occasional clashes with Abby Lee Miller, Jessalynn consistently championed JoJo’s talents.
Since Dance Moms, Jessalynn has continued to collaborate closely with JoJo. They co-created the Peacock competition series Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, which launched the girl group XOMG POP!. Jessalynn remains JoJo’s steadfast supporter in her various ventures, including Dancing with the Stars and Special Forces. Both Jessalynn and JoJo frequently express their appreciation for their close working and personal relationship.
Chloé Lukasiak
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Chloe Lukasiak on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Araya Doheny/FilmMagic
Chloé Lukasiak was a beloved original Dance Moms cast member, appearing in seasons 1 through 4 before departing due to ongoing conflicts between her mother and Abby Lee Miller. She briefly returned in season 7, but has been candid about her difficult experiences on the show. In a 2019 YouTube video, Chloé described her time on Dance Moms as “definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever been through.” She cited the demanding environment and contract restrictions as reasons for leaving.
Post-Dance Moms, Chloé has cultivated a successful YouTube channel with over 2 million subscribers. She has also pursued acting roles in films like Loophole and The Message. In her memoir, Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World, Chloé reflects on her Dance Moms journey and path to self-acceptance.
After filming Dance Moms: The Reunion, Chloé spoke about the lasting impact of Miller’s treatment and the competitive atmosphere fostered on the show, acknowledging that it is something she is still working to overcome. Chloé was previously in a relationship with skateboarder and model Brooklinn Khoury from 2020 to 2023.
Christi Lukasiak
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Christi Lukasiak on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
Christi Lukasiak, Chloé’s mother, was a central figure in the Dance Moms drama, known for her outspoken nature and frequent clashes with Abby Lee Miller and other dance moms, particularly Melissa Gisoni. Since leaving Dance Moms, Christi has built a thriving career. She has a significant Instagram following and runs a successful business called Adulting101, a life skills program geared toward Gen Z women. Christi also manages property rentals and co-hosts the Dance Moms rewatch podcast Back to the Barre with Kelly Hyland. Additionally, Christi is involved with YourMomCares, a non-profit organization focused on youth mental healthcare, demonstrating her commitment to important social causes.
Nia Sioux
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Nia Sioux on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Alberto Rodriguez/Variety/Getty
Nia Sioux was the longest-running dancer on Dance Moms, appearing in the first seven seasons. After the show, Nia transitioned into various entertainment fields. She made her off-Broadway debut in Trip of Love, acted in the film I Am Mortal, and had a recurring role on The Bold and the Beautiful. Nia has also released original music, including “Star in Your Own Life” and “Slay,” and hosted her Facebook Watch series Dance with Nia. She has a substantial Instagram following and is currently pursuing higher education at UCLA, studying American literature and culture with aspirations of becoming an author. Nia celebrated her second anniversary with her boyfriend Gabriel Hawkins in February 2024.
While acknowledging the significant impact of Dance Moms on her life, both positive and negative, Nia opted out of the reunion special, stating simply that she “didn’t want to do it.”
Holly Hatcher-Frazier
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Holly Hatcher-Frazier on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Holly Hatcher-Frazier Instagram
Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Nia Sioux’s mother, was known for her composed and intellectual demeanor on Dance Moms. As one of the few Black mothers on the show, Holly often voiced concerns about racial insensitivity and the portrayal of her daughter. In a Washington Post interview, Holly recounted an instance where Abby Lee Miller assigned Nia a jungle-themed solo with an afro hairstyle, highlighting the problematic racial undertones.
Since Dance Moms, Holly co-hosts the podcast Because Mom Said So. An Ivy League graduate, she authored the book Moments of Clarity: Daily Affirmations from Dr. Holly in 2014, reflecting her insightful and thoughtful approach to life.
Brooke Hyland
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Brooke Hyland on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Rick Kern/Getty
Brooke Hyland, the eldest dancer on the team, appeared on Dance Moms from season 1 to mid-season 4 with her sister Paige. Brooke often expressed a desire for a more “normal” teenage life outside of the intense dance world. In a YouTube video, she admitted to feeling burnt out from dancing intensely since the age of two. In 2013, Brooke released a self-titled album featuring pop songs. She graduated from Ohio University in 2019 with a business degree and now works as a social media influencer with a large Instagram following. In May 2024, Brooke got engaged to her longtime boyfriend Brian Thalman, marking a new chapter in her life.
Paige Hyland
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Paige Hyland on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Paige Hyland Instagram
Paige Hyland, Brooke’s younger sister, was also on Dance Moms from season 1 to 4. In 2014, Paige and her mother sued Abby Lee Miller for assault, alleging emotional abuse and a hostile environment. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2015. After Dance Moms, Paige attended West Virginia University, graduating in 2023 with a business administration degree. Like her sister, Paige is active on social media with a significant Instagram presence. She has been in a long-term relationship with Jayvon Thrift, a former college football player.
Kelly Hyland
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Kelly Hyland on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Kelly Hyland Instagram
Kelly Hyland, mother to Brooke and Paige, has a long history with Abby Lee Miller, having been one of Miller’s students in her youth. Kelly left Dance Moms with her daughters and also sued Miller in 2014 following a physical altercation. Kelly was charged with assault, but both lawsuits were later dropped. After filming the Dance Moms reunion, the Hyland sisters expressed understanding and gratitude for their mother’s actions on the show, acknowledging she was protecting them. Kelly co-hosts the Back to the Barre podcast with Christi Lukasiak and the Because Mom Said So podcast with Melissa, Holly, and Jill.
Kendall Vertes
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Kendall Vertes on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Kendall Vertes Instagram
Kendall Vertes joined Dance Moms in season 2 and remained until season 7. During her time on the show, Kendall also pursued a singing career, releasing her debut single “Wear ‘Em Out” in 2015. Kendall is currently attending James Madison University and is part of the university’s dance team, with whom she won a national championship in 2024. She referenced Abby Lee Miller’s pyramid in her celebratory Instagram post, captioning a photo with “Top of the pyramid🏆💍.” Kendall has been dating baseball player Andrew Ciufo since 2022. While acknowledging the challenges of Dance Moms, Kendall remains close with many of her castmates, describing their bond as “trauma-bonded” but unbreakable.
Jill Vertes
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Jill Vertes on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Paul Archuleta/Getty
Jill Vertes, Kendall’s mother, was a pharmaceutical sales representative before Dance Moms. On the show, Jill was known for her fierce advocacy for Kendall and her frequent disagreements with Abby Lee Miller over pyramid placements and opportunities. Jill co-hosts the Because Mom Said So podcast with Melissa, Holly, and Kelly. At the Dance Moms reunion, Jill reflected on the emotional toll of the show, stating that revisiting clips triggered strong emotions and reminded her of the stressful environment Kendall endured as a child.
Kalani Hilliker
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Kalani Hilliker on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Mike Coppola/Getty
Kalani Hilliker joined Dance Moms in season 4 and stayed until season 7. Prior to Dance Moms, Kalani competed on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. After the show, Kalani continued dancing and acting, appearing in shows like Shake It Up and America’s Got Talent. She has also become a dance teacher and launched her skincare and wellness brand, Kare by Kalani, inspired by her mental health journey after Dance Moms. Despite acknowledging the “trauma” from the show, Kalani has expressed gratitude for Abby Lee Miller’s influence on her career. Kalani announced her engagement to Nathan Goldman in August 2024.
Kira Girard
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Kira Girard on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Michael Tullberg/Getty ; Kira Girard Instagram
Kira Girard, Kalani’s mother, was a regular on Dance Moms from season 4 onwards. After leaving the show, Kira has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on her family and sharing updates on Instagram. While not publicly commenting on the reunion, she appeared in photos from the set with her daughter Kalani.
Vivi-Anne Stein
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Vivi-Anne Stein on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Cathy Nesbitt-Stein Instagram
Vivi-Anne Stein, daughter of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, was featured in season 1 of Dance Moms as part of the rival Candy Apple’s Dance Center team. Known for her humorous and often unenthusiastic reactions to dance, Vivi-Anne became a fan favorite. Despite her initial reluctance, Vivi-Anne continued to dance after the show, and later became a cheerleader in high school and at Cleveland State University, where she joined the cheer team after graduating in 2023.
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein
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Cathy Nesbitt-Stein on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Cathy Nesbitt-Stein Instagram
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Vivi-Anne’s mother, owned Candy Apple’s Dance Center, the rival studio featured on Dance Moms. Her interactions with Abby Lee Miller and the ALDC moms provided consistent drama throughout the series. Cathy continues to own and operate Candy Apple’s Dance Center and frequently shares updates about her life and her daughter Vivi-Anne on social media.
Gianna “Gia” Martello
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Gianna “Gia” Martello on ‘Dance Moms’ then and now. Lifetime ; Gianna Martello Instagram
Gianna “Gia” Martello was Abby Lee Miller’s choreographer throughout all eight seasons of Dance Moms. Having worked at ALDC for over 15 years, Gia remains active in the dance world as a teacher and competition judge. She got engaged to Steve Lynch in 2022 and was involved in JoJo Siwa’s “Karma” music video in 2024, showcasing her continued presence in the entertainment industry.
The Dance Moms girls, who grew up in the spotlight under intense pressure, have each carved their own paths after the show. While Dance Moms presented challenges and controversies, it undeniably provided a platform for these young dancers to showcase their talent and launch successful careers in dance, acting, music, and beyond. As they navigate adulthood, the lessons learned and bonds forged during their Dance Moms years continue to shape their journeys.
