Last night’s Dance Moms reunion special brought together familiar faces from the iconic reality show, offering a nostalgic yet revealing look back at the highs and lows of competitive dance and reality TV stardom. While some key figures were absent, the reunion provided closure, sparked new conversations, and reignited some old flames of drama. For those unfamiliar with the phenomenon that was Dance Moms, the show initially aimed to document the unique bond between mothers and daughters navigating the competitive dance world. However, it quickly evolved, pivoting to spotlight the intense and often controversial teaching methods of Abby Lee Miller, the studio owner and dance coach.
This is the story of what unfolded when seven of the original and later-era dancers – Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Chloe Lukasiak, Nia Sioux, Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker, and JoJo Siwa – reunited to unpack their shared experiences. Noticeably absent were Maddie Ziegler, Mackenzie Ziegler, and original cast member Vivi-Anne Stein, creating a dynamic where those seeking closure took center stage.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere was set for a mature reflection, with the dancers greeted by sophisticated wardrobes and champagne – a detail that raised eyebrows given JoJo and Kendall were not yet of legal drinking age in the US, though perhaps a nod to California’s more relaxed attitudes. JoJo Siwa’s personality immediately filled the room, with some perceiving her as taking on a host-like role. Early green room conversations hinted at lingering tensions, especially when the topic shifted to who was and wasn’t invited to a birthday party hosted by the Ziegler family.
JoJo’s comments about those who “didn’t show up” were quickly shut down by Paige, emphasizing that there was no need to dwell on absences. A palpable undercurrent of jealousy from Kendall towards Maddie Ziegler surfaced during these initial exchanges. Interestingly, Kalani revealed she hadn’t even been invited to the party, highlighting the different social circles within the group, especially considering JoJo and Paige’s friendship was only just beginning at the reunion. Chloe openly admitted her initial hesitation about attending the reunion, citing mixed emotions about revisiting this chapter of her life.
When the “original” girls – Brooke, Paige, and Chloe – were called to the stage, the deep-seated issues began to surface. Chloe addressed the infamous rivalry manufactured by Abby between her and Maddie. She poignantly stated her realization that Abby would never truly support her beyond the show’s narrative. For Brooke and Paige, this reunion marked the first time they had publicly discussed Abby or their Dance Moms experiences since the traumatic New York incident that led to their departure. As footage of the incident played, Brooke and her mother Kelly, watching from the green room, were visibly moved to tears. Kelly joined her daughters on stage, expressing a heartfelt regret and stating she would handle things differently if given a second chance.
Kalani then shared a revealing anecdote about Abby’s calculated moves, recalling a moment during Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition when Abby introduced Maddie and Mackenzie to Kalani with the phrase, “Maddie, meet your new partner.” Kalani disclosed that Melissa Ziegler and Kira Hilliker were aware of Abby’s plans, leaving Brooke, Paige, and Kelly completely blindsided. This revelation underscored the manipulative environment and the emotional toll it took, particularly on Kelly, who admitted this event significantly altered her life, leading to the girls stopping dance and her separation from her husband. In a powerful moment of reconciliation, Kelly publicly apologized to Paige and Brooke, leading to emotional hugs and a sense of catharsis.
Kendall then took center stage, bringing her own perspective to the reunion. Drawing parallels between herself and her mother Jill, Kendall positioned herself as an “original” cast member, given her season two entry. Brooke and Paige gently corrected her, pointing out her brief stint at rival studio Candy Apples. Kendall clarified that this move was driven by her mother, Jill. She acknowledged the high stakes upon her return to ALDC and became emotional watching a clip of Ashlee Allen (another Dance Mom known for her strong personality) making her cry – a moment Kendall now recognizes as a precursor to her mother’s own intense approach. Jill joined Kendall on stage, asserting that the show ultimately strengthened Kendall, preparing her for life’s challenges. Unsurprisingly, Jill stated she wouldn’t change a thing about their Dance Moms journey. Kendall shared her current path, pursuing political science and pre-law at James Madison University, a testament to her resilience and ambition beyond dance.
Kalani resonated with Kendall’s experience in some ways, acknowledging that her family was generally treated well by Abby. She noted that her mother, Kira, was favored for her compliance with Abby’s demands. However, Kalani emphasized the hidden emotional cost she personally endured. She opened up about experiencing body shaming after the show aired, though she didn’t specify the source. Referencing the body changes common in early adulthood, Kalani’s vulnerability deepened when producer Bryan Stinson mentioned a “Suicide Hotline” during a segment about favorite dances. This revealed the profound impact of body image pressures on Kalani’s mental health. She bravely recounted running offstage to the restroom, seeking solace and support from JoJo and Jessalynn Siwa. Kalani’s disclosure highlighted the lifeline the hotline became during a difficult period, and she expressed hope that her story would encourage others facing similar struggles to seek help. Following the episode, the organization reportedly saw a surge in calls, underscoring the episode’s impact.
JoJo’s segment was marked by striking honesty. She readily admitted that Abby’s harsh labels – “obnoxious,” “greedy little monster” – were, in some ways, accurate reflections of her persona. She credited Abby’s tough critiques with preparing her for the cutthroat world of Hollywood and teaching her resilience. JoJo acknowledged an advantage in having watched Dance Moms before joining, giving her a sense of what to expect. Kendall, however, questioned JoJo’s departure from ALDC. Jessalynn Siwa joined JoJo to explain that lucrative opportunities with Nickelodeon were emerging, and Abby’s involvement would have complicated those deals. Communication lines were effectively cut. Jessalynn affirmed that the decision to leave was mutual and, echoing Jill, stated she wouldn’t alter their Dance Moms experience. JoJo expressed a positive relationship with Abby, appreciating the foundational role Abby played in her career.
The conversation then shifted to Abby Lee Miller herself. Chloe offered a critical perspective, cautioning against giving Abby too much credit, suggesting Abby strategically amplified drama for the show. Kelly revealed that Abby still occupies her thoughts to this day. Chloe described her feelings towards Abby as “complicated,” stating she is in the process of forgiving Abby, but not yet at forgiveness itself. Paige, in contrast, expressed having achieved closure. Abby’s cancer diagnosis was a shock to the group. JoJo shared that she visited Abby in the hospital, while it was mentioned that Abby reportedly declined a visit from Nia. During discussions of Abby’s hospitalization, Paige and Brooke were visibly emotional, while Kalani remained stoic. The Hyland family seemed to perceive Abby’s health struggles as a form of karmic retribution. Jill weighed in on Abby’s past legal troubles, describing Abby as a “screaming banshee” and “complete mess,” claiming she had warned Abby about her behavior.
JoJo offered a contrasting view, suggesting Dance Moms still has a positive legacy, inspiring young dancers. She then called out Christi Lukasiak (Chloe’s mom) for negative comments about Gianna Martello, Abby’s longtime choreographer, praising Gia as a “rock” for the girls. The others largely disagreed with JoJo’s assessment of Gianna. Chloe firmly defended her mother’s right to her own opinion, emphasizing that JoJo had never met Christi.
Producer Bryan Stinson steered the conversation towards the infamous pyramid ranking system. None of the dancers expressed fondness for it. Paige, however, offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that the pyramid, despite its negativity, contributed to her current confidence. She recognized that the show wasn’t solely about dance, and growing up under its intense scrutiny was challenging. In a lighter moment, JoJo playfully proposed to Kalani, eliciting laughter from the group.
In updates on their current lives, Chloe shared her happiness in college and her fulfilling relationship with her girlfriend Brooklynn. She expressed pride in her personal growth. She also touched upon her mother Christi’s initial struggles in accepting her same-sex relationship. Stinson then played a video message from Christi, who expressed immense pride in Chloe’s kindness and strength and affirmed her acceptance of Chloe’s choices. As the reunion neared its end, Chloe revealed her next venture: a dance competition named “Releve.” Paige mentioned that the dance “The Last Text” now prompts her to put her phone away when driving. Kalani reiterated the sisterhood she feels with the other dancers, and the episode concluded with a reenactment of the iconic “Boss Ladies” dance.
While the reunion addressed much of the surface-level drama, some deeper issues remained largely unaddressed. The pervasive body shaming culture fostered by Abby Lee Miller, mentioned in passing, deserved more in-depth discussion. It was common knowledge, especially within the Pittsburgh dance community, that dancers faced weight restrictions and potential penalties for weight gain. Many viewers and insiders, including former dancers and dance educators, hold extensive knowledge about ALDC beyond what was publicly shown. The absence of Nia, Maddie, and Mackenzie was understandable, given their successful transitions beyond Dance Moms. Nia and Mackenzie are both actively engaged in dance, acting, and singing, and Kendall continues to dance as well. Kalani’s potential as a spokesperson is evident, and a memoir from her could be impactful. As for Kendall’s political aspirations – time will tell!
