The drama is heating up in this episode of Dance Moms! Abby Lee Miller is not happy after the team’s California trip and lets the girls know it right away. From pyramid placements that shock to solo assignments causing chaos, and a zombie-themed group dance, this episode is packed with classic Dance Moms moments. Let’s dive into the recap and relive the highlights, especially the most memorable Dance Moms Pictures from this episode.
Abby wastes no time in laying down the law. The girls’ entrance into the studio is deemed lackluster, setting the tone for a tense pyramid reveal. Maddie, usually at the top, finds herself at the bottom, a shocking turn of events. Abby criticizes Maddie for not dancing in California, emphasizing the importance of seizing every opportunity, a tough lesson for the young dancer.
Mackenzie also lands at the bottom after placing tenth with her solo, a placement Abby deems unacceptable. The pyramid continues with Paige, criticized for missing a crucial kick in the group dance, followed by Brooke, who Abby feels lacks personality and relies too much on technical execution. Nia is recognized for her improved responsibility, while Chloe, once again, claims the top spot, though Abby still demands more.
This week, the team is heading to Chicago for the Energy Dance Competition. Nia and Mackenzie are paired for a duet, a delightful prospect for the young dancers. Paige and Brooke are assigned solos, but Chloe initially loses hers for missing class, sparking drama with Christi. The reason? A doctor’s appointment. Thankfully, the solo is reinstated, but Abby’s mood remains sour.
Despite Abby’s reservations about the group’s energy, a zombie-themed group dance is in the works. Dr. Holly, seemingly with more free time, is tasked with the zombie costumes.
Dance Moms pictures often capture the moms’ reactions, and this shot of Holly perfectly encapsulates the initial apprehension about the zombie costume direction.
During group practice, Abby’s vision for the zombie dance involves the girls as statues on pedestals, a concept somewhat confusing even by Abby’s standards. Meanwhile, in the Mom Loft, Melissa’s children’s pyramid placements are a point of contention. Kelly suspects Abby is punishing Melissa for past issues. Melissa, no longer working the front desk due to time constraints, claims to miss it, though it’s hinted she misses the preferential treatment it afforded her daughters.
The moms, Kelly and Christi, believe Melissa’s lower pyramid placement is due to a lack of “worship” towards Abby. Paige’s solo, “Tongue Twister,” is revealed to be an acro routine dusted off from a year prior. Brooke’s solo, “Paint the Picture,” is an acro lyrical piece.
Kelly’s appearance doesn’t go unnoticed, particularly her dress and apparent “enhancements,” a topic openly discussed in the Mom Loft.
This classic Dance Moms picture shows the dynamic between Melissa and Kelly, often allies but also competitive, as they navigate Abby’s pyramid and studio politics.
Back in the studio lobby, Abby, under a newly installed “No Autographs” sign, directs Kelly to add rubber stoppers to Paige’s chair prop. Adding to the studio’s expanding offerings, Abby announces voice lessons, introducing a new instructor, much to Kelly’s initial resistance. However, Abby’s control prevails, and Brooke is set to sing.
Melissa attempts to secure private lessons for Maddie, seeking “rebonding time” with Abby. Initially hesitant, Abby agrees, seeing an opportunity to influence Maddie without Melissa’s interference. Mackenzie and Nia’s duet is revealed to be circus-themed, with Mackenzie as a lion and Nia as the lion tamer.
Voice lessons commence with the introduction of Cathy (or Kathy), quickly dubbed “Abby Merman” by the episode’s narrator due to her resemblance to Abby.
These Dance Moms pictures highlight the arrival of Abby Merman, the voice coach, whose introduction adds a new dynamic to the studio and Brooke’s storyline.
Brooke sings a self-written song, earning praise from both Abbys. Costume creation for the zombie dance begins, with Holly and the moms collaborating, even stomping on the costumes for a distressed look. The pink rhinestone chair prop for Paige’s solo becomes a point of contention, with Kelly failing to bring stoppers and focusing on costumes instead.
Abby explodes at Kelly, leading to a major confrontation. Kelly quits, declaring her daughters done with Abby and her studio, citing Abby’s eating habits as part of her outburst. “You were a mean girl then, you’re still a mean girl,” Abby Merman observes, capturing the long-standing tension between Abby and Kelly.
The next day, surprisingly, Kelly brings the girls back, prioritizing teamwork despite the drama. Paige even manages to make work boots look stylish with her dance costume.
Dance Moms pictures often showcase the moms’ fashion choices, and this image of Christi and Kelly in their stylish dresses is a perfect example of their off-stage personalities.
Abby is agreeable to the Hylands’ return, knowing their importance to the team’s success. Chloe’s avant-garde solo is anticipated, while outside, the moms continue costume work. Abby focuses on Maddie’s private lesson, with Melissa observing, wanting Maddie to regain her teacher’s-pet status.
Melissa, seeing Maddie with Abby, breaks down, expressing her loyalty to Abby and criticizing the other moms. Maddie, embarrassed, leaves her mother to her outburst. Melissa then tattles on Chloe and Christi, attempting to regain favor with Abby. Abby, however, redirects Melissa, telling her to focus on Maddie’s dancing.
The team heads to Chicago, but the Hylands are absent. Christi’s animal print outfit becomes another dance moms pictures fashion moment as they arrive.
Christi’s bold fashion choices are frequently captured in Dance Moms pictures, and this animal print ensemble is a memorable example of her style.
Melissa coaches Maddie to flatter Abby, but Maddie’s attempt seems forced and uncomfortable. Abby, noticing the Hylands’ absence, instructs the competition organizers to pull their solos, intending to insert Maddie’s solo last minute.
The Hylands arrive, with Kelly sporting a fashionable hi-lo dress, another standout dance moms pictures moment.
Kelly’s fashion sense often shines in Dance Moms pictures, and this hi-lo dress is a testament to her stylish competition arrivals, even amidst studio drama.
Abby confronts Kelly about their lateness and the solo situation. Holly observes the ongoing conflict between Abby and Kelly. Paige performs her solo while Abby is distracted by her laptop, perhaps a blessing in disguise for the easily rattled Paige.
Kelly confronts Abby about Maddie’s added solo and pulls Paige and Brooke from their solos in protest, though allowing them to participate in the group dance for the team.
Chloe’s solo is a success, earning third place. Maddie’s solo faces a music malfunction, but she dances through it, earning second place and audience applause.
Backstage, Kelly, despite the drama, allows Paige and Brooke to participate in the group dance. Nia and Mackenzie’s duet is adorable and well-received, winning first place.
Finally, the zombie group dance, “Glam,” takes the stage. The costumes and makeup are impressive, and the dance is a hit, earning them first place.
Iconic Dance Moms pictures like this zombie group performance shot showcase the creativity and dedication of the team, even amidst the constant drama.
Despite the wins, backstage Abby confronts Kelly again, bringing up a past incident where Kelly’s husband ran over Paige’s foot, using it to further criticize Kelly’s parenting and question her daughters’ commitment to dance. Abby ultimately tells Kelly to leave the studio, ending the episode on a cliffhanger.
This episode was filled with drama, competition, and memorable dance moms pictures. What did you think of Maddie’s impromptu solo? Was Kelly right to pull her daughters’ solos? And what will Abby Merman do now? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
New episodes of Dance Moms air Tuesday nights at 9/8 CT on Lifetime.
Images and video: © 2012 Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. All rights reserved.
