Last night, fans of Dance Moms were treated to a reunion episode featuring some familiar faces and a few new additions, revisiting the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences from the hit reality show. For those less familiar, Dance Moms began as a documentary-style program focused on the intense world of competitive dance and the relationships between mothers and daughters. However, it quickly evolved into a phenomenon centered around the controversial teaching methods of Abby Lee Miller. This reunion special offered a chance for the dancers to reflect on their past, address lingering issues, and share their perspectives on the Dance Moms legacy.
This is the story of a group of young girls – Brooke, Paige, Maddie, MacKenzie, Chloe, Nia, and Vivi-Anne – who started their journey on Dance Moms. Brooke was the eldest, MacKenzie the youngest, and Maddie was quickly positioned as Abby’s undeniable favorite. Over time, the original lineup began to shift. Vivi-Anne and her mother, Cathy, departed early in season one, citing discomfort with the team bus travel (ironically, Cathy later formed her own rival team). Brooke, Paige, and their mother, Kelly, were next to leave after a heated confrontation in New York City, where Abby pursued assault charges against Kelly.
The Hylands subsequently pursued legal action (unsuccessfully) against Abby for her treatment of Paige. Chloe and her mother, Christi, also exited after another dispute with Abby, fueled by insensitive comments about Chloe’s medical condition, sinus eye. Eventually, Maddie, MacKenzie, and their mother, Melissa, moved on to pursue new opportunities.
Of the original dancers, only Nia and her mother, Holly, remained, fulfilling their contractual obligations despite Abby’s consistent attempts to push them out.
With the departure of the “original girls,” the show introduced new talent, most notably Kendall and her mother, Jill (season two), Kalani and her mother, Kira (around season four), and JoJo and her mother, Jess. These were the dancers who participated in the reunion, with the notable exceptions of Maddie, Mackenzie, and Nia, who opted out of revisiting this chapter of their lives. The reunion, therefore, became a platform for those seeking closure and a way to move forward.
The reunion kicked off with a glamorous setting – the girls, dressed in chic outfits, were greeted with champagne. This detail felt somewhat incongruous, given that JoJo and Kendall are not yet of legal drinking age, but as JoJo herself pointed out, “this IS California.” JoJo’s personality was immediately prominent, with some viewers noting she seemed to take on a hosting role. In the green room, a hint of cattiness emerged between JoJo and Kalani when the conversation shifted to the absence of certain cast members and who was, or wasn’t, invited to a birthday party hosted by the Zieglers for Paige.
When JoJo suggested that “the others should have come,” Paige swiftly intervened, asserting, “They didn’t need” to be part of the conversation. Kendall’s apparent jealousy of Maddie surfaced during this initial segment, and it was revealed that Kalani had not been invited to the Ziegler’s party (JoJo and Paige’s friendship was a recent development, post-Dance Moms). Chloe confessed she had almost declined the reunion invitation due to mixed emotions about revisiting the past.
Alt text: The cast of Dance Moms: The Reunion special, featuring JoJo Siwa, Kalani Hilliker, Kendall Vertes, Chloe Lukasiak, Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes, smiling and posing together.
The “original” girls were then called to the stage. Chloe addressed the rivalry Abby had manufactured between her and Maddie. She acknowledged realizing early in the show’s run that Abby would not offer her genuine support. Brooke and Paige revealed they had never discussed Abby or their Dance Moms experience since the traumatic New York incident. As footage of the incident played, Brooke and Kelly were visibly emotional, with Kelly expressing regret and stating she would handle things differently if given a second chance. Kalani’s reaction when asked if she anticipated Abby’s plans regarding Maddie’s partnership was telling; her hesitation suggested she was aware of the situation beforehand.
During Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Abby introduced Maddie and MacKenzie to Kalani with the phrase: “Maddie, meet your new partner.” Kalani confirmed that Melissa and Kira were aware of this arrangement, and she felt remorseful that Paige, Brooke, and Kelly were left in the dark. This event was a turning point for Kelly; the girls stopped dancing, and she and her husband separated. In a poignant moment, Kelly publicly apologized to Paige and Brooke, leading to heartfelt hugs and a sense of reconciliation.
Kendall’s segment followed. The reunion highlighted the similarities between Kendall and her mother, Jill. Kendall considered herself an “original” given her season two entry. Brooke and Paige gently corrected this notion, pointing out Kendall’s brief stint at rival studio Candy Apples. Kendall explained this move was Jill’s decision.
Kendall acknowledged the pressure she felt returning to ALDC. A clip showing Ashlee (another dance mom known for her strong personality) making Kendall cry was shown, prompting Kendall to tears again. Jill joined Kendall onstage, asserting that Dance Moms had strengthened Kendall for life’s challenges and that she wouldn’t alter anything that transpired. Kendall is currently pursuing political science and pre-law at James Madison University.
Alt text: Kendall Vertes and Jill Vertes reflecting on their Dance Moms journey during the reunion special, Jill emphasizing the show’s positive impact on Kendall’s resilience.
Kalani agreed that her family was generally treated well by Abby. Kira’s compliance with Abby’s demands contributed to this positive dynamic, but Kalani admitted she endured an emotional toll. She spoke about the personal hurt she felt from attacks directed at Kira. Kalani also touched upon body shaming she experienced after the show aired, without specifying the source. She mentioned the natural body changes that occur in early adulthood. Later, during a segment on favorite dances, producer Bryan Stinson referenced a “Suicide Hotline,” revealing the severity of the body shaming Kalani faced.
Kalani left the stage, visibly upset, seeking refuge in the restroom with JoJo and Jess following her. This highlighted the lasting impact of the negative experiences. The suicide hotline information proved impactful, with the organization reporting a surge in calls after the episode aired. Kalani’s willingness to share her story was praised for its potential to help others.
JoJo was next. She candidly admitted that Abby’s descriptions of her as “obnoxious” and a “greedy little monster” were accurate, but argued these experiences toughened her up for Hollywood and taught her resilience. JoJo felt she had an advantage entering Dance Moms as a viewer, knowing what to anticipate. Kendall questioned JoJo’s departure from ALDC. Jess joined JoJo to explain that numerous opportunities arose for JoJo with Nickelodeon, and Abby’s potential interference prompted their exit. Jess maintained that the decision was mutual and echoed Jill’s sentiment, stating she wouldn’t change their Dance Moms journey. JoJo expressed a positive relationship with Abby, appreciating Abby’s contributions to her career.
The conversation shifted to Abby Lee Miller. Chloe made a pointed remark, urging viewers not to credit Abby excessively, asserting that Abby often played up drama for the show. Kelly admitted she still thinks about Abby frequently. Chloe described her feelings towards Abby as complex, expressing a desire to forgive but acknowledging she was only in the initial stages of forgiveness. Paige stated she had achieved closure. Abby’s cancer diagnosis had shocked them all. JoJo had visited Abby in the hospital (in contrast, reports suggested Abby declined a visit from Nia).
During discussions of Abby’s hospital stay and past indictments, Paige, Brooke, and Kelly became emotional again. Kalani remained stoic, seemingly reflecting a different perspective on Abby’s situation. Jill described Abby’s behavior during that period as erratic and warned Abby about her actions, which went unheeded.
JoJo expressed her belief that Dance Moms still holds relevance and inspires young dancers. She defended choreographer Gianna Martello, calling her a “rock” for the girls, while criticizing Christi (Chloe’s mom) for speaking negatively about Gianna. The other girls disagreed with JoJo’s assessment of Gianna. Chloe defended Christi’s right to her own opinion, highlighting that JoJo never knew Christi personally.
Stinson brought up the infamous Pyramid. None of the girls expressed fondness for it. Paige, however, acknowledged its unexpected benefit in building her current confidence. She also recognized that the show wasn’t solely about dance and that growing up on camera was challenging. A lighter moment occurred when JoJo jokingly proposed to Kalani, eliciting laughter from the group.
Currently, Chloe is content with her college life and personal growth. She spoke about her three-year relationship with Brooklynn and her self-acceptance. Christi initially struggled to accept Chloe’s same-sex relationship but has since become supportive. Stinson played a video message from Christi expressing pride in Chloe’s kindness and strength, signaling Christi’s acceptance of Chloe’s choices. As the reunion neared its conclusion, Chloe revealed her future plans for a dance competition called Releve. Paige shared that “The Last Text” dance still prompts her to put her phone away when driving. Kalani reiterated the sisterly bond she shares with the other girls, and the episode ended with a reenactment of the iconic “Boss Ladies” dance.
Alt text: The Dance Moms reunion cast performing a recreation of their iconic “Boss Ladies” dance, showcasing their enduring camaraderie and dance skills.
The reunion episode provided some resolution to past dramas but also hinted at deeper, unaddressed issues. Abby’s consistent body shaming of the girls, a known aspect of the show and Pittsburgh dance community, was only lightly touched upon. Rumors of weight restrictions for competitions (gaining 10 pounds meant being benched) were not explored in detail. The episode offered a glimpse into the complex dynamics and lasting impact of Dance Moms on these young women, leaving viewers with much to consider about the realities of reality television and the pressures of fame and competition. It’s understandable why Nia, Maddie, and MacKenzie chose not to participate, having seemingly moved beyond this chapter. Nia and MacKenzie, like Kendall, are actively engaged in dance, acting, and singing. Kalani shows potential as a spokesperson, and perhaps an author. And as for Kendall, a future in politics seems a distinct possibility!
