Dance Moms, the reality TV sensation that aired on Lifetime from 2011 to 2019, became a cultural phenomenon and a launching pad for numerous young dance stars. The show, set in Pittsburgh at Abby Lee Miller’s Abby Lee Dance Company, captivated audiences with its intense training, fierce competition, and the dramatic interactions between the young dancers and their equally ambitious mothers. Under the demanding eye of Abby Lee Miller, the dancers navigated grueling rehearsals, high-stakes competitions, and the infamous “pyramid” ranking system, which was a weekly source of stress and drama. Despite the pressure-cooker environment, Dance Moms not only entertained millions but also propelled several of its cast members to stardom, including Maddie Ziegler, JoJo Siwa, and Chloé Lukasiak. Years after the original series wrapped, the legacy of Dance Moms continues with a recent reunion special in May 2024 and a reboot series, Dance Moms: A New Era, which premiered on Hulu in August 2024, introducing a new generation of dancers. As fans old and new tune in, curiosity about the original cast members is at an all-time high. What happened to the dancers and moms who started it all? Let’s delve into the lives of the full cast of Dance Moms and discover where they are today.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/dance-moms-cast-2-0e674267f747467d94cc0a9b42b779a0.jpg)
Abby Lee Miller
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/abby-lee-miller-dance-moms-ceca3979cb0b46d699bc32fd45381cfb.jpg)
Abby Lee Miller, the central figure of Dance Moms, is a dance coach, studio owner, and choreographer whose career began under her mother, Maryen Lorrain Miller. Maryen owned a dance studio near Pittsburgh, where Abby honed her skills and eventually took over to establish the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). Dance Moms made Abby Lee Miller a household name, largely due to her strict and often controversial coaching methods. Her interactions with both the dancers and their mothers were a focal point of the show, marked by sharp critiques and intense pressure. Miller’s “pyramid” ranking system became infamous for the stress it induced, setting the tone for weekly drama.
Beyond the dance studio, Miller’s career took a tumultuous turn when she faced legal issues. In 2015, she was indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges, accused of concealing over $755,000 in earnings. After pleading guilty in 2016, she was sentenced to 366 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release, reporting to prison in July 2017. Following her release to a halfway house after eight months, Miller faced further health challenges. She was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2018, a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leading to emergency spinal surgery and extensive treatment. By May 2019, she announced she was cancer-free and began the long journey of regaining her mobility after being confined to a wheelchair.
In 2023, Miller sold the Dance Moms studio for $300,000, marking a significant change but emphasized that she retained her brand and life’s work. Despite not being invited to the Dance Moms reunion special due to requests from some cast members, Miller maintains relationships with some of her former students, notably JoJo Siwa, who speaks with her weekly. In May 2024, Miller reflected on her Dance Moms experience, admitting she was “too harsh” on some dancers and expressing regret for some of her on-screen behavior. Although she declined a cameo in the Dance Moms reboot, Dance Moms: A New Era, she remains a significant figure in the dance world and the lives of many who passed through ALDC.
Maddie Ziegler
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/maddie-ziegler-dance-moms-ae61d09c62fd4c5088e9167582f05048.jpg)
Maddie Ziegler, arguably the most famous alumna of Dance Moms, joined the show at just 7 years old and stayed from 2011 to 2016. Known for her exceptional talent and expressive lyrical dances, she was often considered Abby Lee Miller’s favorite, a point of contention among the other moms. Maddie’s breakthrough into mainstream fame came in 2014 when she starred in Sia’s music video for “Chandelier.” This video, which has garnered over 2 billion views, catapulted her to international recognition. She continued to collaborate with Sia, appearing in videos for “Elastic Heart,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Big Girls Cry,” and performing alongside her at major events.
After leaving Dance Moms, Maddie transitioned into acting, securing roles in films like The Fallout, The Book of Henry, Music, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Her talents extend beyond dance and acting; she became a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, in 2017. Maddie has also ventured into modeling, working with high-profile brands such as Givenchy, Kate Spade, and Fendi.
Despite her success, Maddie has openly discussed the pressures and negative aspects of her time on Dance Moms, describing it as a “toxic environment.” She cited the intense scrutiny and public nature of her childhood as challenging. Although she hasn’t spoken to Abby Lee Miller since leaving the show, Maddie has expressed feeling “at peace” and focused on her forward-moving career. In 2024, she starred in the dramedy Fitting In, reflecting on her journey of healing from her childhood experiences and asserting her voice as she matures in the entertainment industry.
Kenzie Ziegler
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kenzie-ziegler-dance-moms-de68bc421770427ca092237c911e261c.jpg)
Mackenzie “Kenzie” Ziegler, Maddie’s younger sister, was one of the youngest dancers on Dance Moms, appearing from season 1 to season 6. While often in her sister’s shadow on the show, Kenzie developed her own fanbase and demonstrated significant talent. Despite occasional comparisons, the Ziegler sisters share a close bond and have publicly supported each other’s careers.
Like Maddie, Kenzie transitioned into acting and music after Dance Moms. She starred in the web series Total Eclipse and the film Let Us In. Kenzie has also released two albums, featuring popular songs like “paper” and “100 degrees,” establishing herself in the pop music scene. She continued her reality TV journey, appearing on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and The Masked Dancer, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
In 2022, Kenzie and Maddie launched a podcast, Take 20 with Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler, offering fans a more personal glimpse into their lives and careers. Kenzie has also been in a relationship with TikToker Tacoda Dubbs since 2020. Like Maddie, Kenzie chose not to participate in the Dance Moms reunion, stating that she preferred not to revisit that era of her life, emphasizing a desire to move forward and not dwell on the past show’s dynamics.
Melissa Gisoni
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/melissa-gisoni-dance-moms-7d9db5ec277d452687c4d73eed48a028.jpg)
Melissa Gisoni, mother to Maddie and Kenzie, was a prominent figure on Dance Moms from season 1 to 6. She was often portrayed as favoring Maddie, which occasionally caused friction with other moms. Melissa and her daughters left Dance Moms in 2016, citing the show’s constraints on Maddie’s career and the overall well-being of her children. Since leaving the show, Melissa has maintained a strong online presence with millions of followers on Instagram and YouTube, sharing insights into her life and family.
In a 2022 YouTube video, Melissa discussed the less stressful and “much fuller” life she has enjoyed since leaving Dance Moms. She also joined fellow Dance Moms moms Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Kelly Hyland, and Jill Vertes to launch the podcast Because Mom Said So, where they discuss their experiences on the show and current events. Melissa continues to engage with the Dance Moms fanbase through social media and her podcast, offering a continued connection to the show’s legacy.
JoJo Siwa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jojo-siwa-dance-moms-a86b98bcf1e14409a746368563c51b98.jpg)
JoJo Siwa, known for her signature oversized bows and vibrant personality, is one of the most successful stars to emerge from Dance Moms. She joined the show in season 5 and quickly became a fan favorite, despite only being a main cast member for seasons 5 and 6. Her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, was also a prominent figure, often making JoJo’s iconic hair bows. JoJo and Jess left Dance Moms in season 6 after JoJo secured a deal with Nickelodeon, paving the way for a broader entertainment career.
Since leaving Dance Moms, JoJo’s career has skyrocketed. Her 2016 single, “Boomerang,” became a massive hit. That same year, she launched her “JoJo’s Bows” brand at Claire’s, which became incredibly popular, reportedly selling millions of bows. JoJo’s partnership with Nickelodeon led to numerous TV appearances, movies like Blurt! and The J Team, and hosting roles. She was named one of TIME‘s 100 Most Influential People of 2020, a testament to her widespread impact.
JoJo publicly came out as LGBTQ+ in January 2021, further solidifying her role as a role model for young audiences. She made history on Dancing with the Stars as the first female celebrity paired with a female professional dancer and served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. In recent years, JoJo has transitioned to a more mature image, ditching the bows and exploring new musical styles, as seen in her 2024 single “Karma.” Despite this evolution, she remains connected to her Dance Moms roots and maintains a close relationship with Abby Lee Miller.
Jessalynn Siwa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jess-siwa-dance-moms-9af04e575e1a46ddb48b6ac4af3ce45d.jpg)
Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo’s mother, was a significant presence on Dance Moms during seasons 5 and 6. Prior to the show, she owned a dance studio in Omaha, Nebraska, bringing her own dance expertise to the reality series. Known for her strong opinions and occasional clashes with Abby Lee Miller, Jessalynn was fiercely protective of JoJo and her career.
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 manager and a constant supporter in her diverse ventures, from Dancing with the Stars to her music career. Their close mother-daughter relationship and professional partnership have been a consistent element of their public personas, extending well beyond their time on Dance Moms.
Chloé Lukasiak
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/chloe-lukasiak-dance-moms-a01151b38d8f42f69cab0e51a337baca.jpg)
Chloé Lukasiak was a beloved original cast member of Dance Moms, appearing from season 1 to 4 and briefly returning in season 7. Known for her grace and technique, Chloé was often pitted against Maddie Ziegler, creating a rivalry narrative on the show. She left Dance Moms due to ongoing conflicts between her mother, Christi Lukasiak, and Abby Lee Miller, citing a negative environment.
Post-Dance Moms, Chloé has built a successful career as a YouTuber, amassing over 2 million subscribers with content focused on lifestyle, dance, and personal vlogs. She has also ventured into acting, with roles in films like Loophole and The Message, and authored a memoir, Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World, reflecting on her Dance Moms experiences and journey to self-acceptance.
Reflecting on Dance Moms during the reunion special, Chloé acknowledged the lasting impact of Miller’s treatment and the competitive atmosphere. She emphasized the challenges of growing up under such intense public scrutiny and the long-term effects on her self-esteem. From 2020 to 2023, Chloé was in a relationship with pro skateboarder Brooklinn Khoury, adding another chapter to her life beyond dance and reality TV.
Christi Lukasiak
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/christi-lukasiak-dance-moms-68e499f234a14e609f4d575677cc151f.jpg)
Christi Lukasiak, Chloé’s mother, was known for her outspoken nature and fierce protectiveness of her daughter on Dance Moms. Her confrontations with Abby Lee Miller and other dance moms were a staple of the show’s drama. Christi left Dance Moms with Chloé after season 4, returning briefly in season 7.
Since leaving the show, Christi has become a successful businesswoman and social media personality. She has over 2 million followers on Instagram and runs “Adulting101,” a life skills program aimed at Gen Z women. Her business ventures also include property rentals and podcasts, including Back to the Barre, a Dance Moms rewatch podcast co-hosted with Kelly Hyland. Christi is also involved with YourMomCares, a nonprofit organization supporting youth mental healthcare, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and support beyond entertainment.
Nia Sioux
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/nia-sioux-dance-moms-d87bc77b203e46eeaef4f53bc0ff547b.jpg)
Nia Sioux was the longest-running dancer on Dance Moms, appearing in the first seven seasons. Known for her perseverance and growth throughout the series, Nia often faced challenges and critiques from Abby Lee Miller but consistently demonstrated resilience.
After Dance Moms, Nia pursued a diverse career in acting, music, and online content creation. She made her off-Broadway debut in Trip of Love, appeared in the film I Am Mortal, and had a recurring role on The Bold and the Beautiful. Nia has also released music, including songs like “Star in Your Own Life” and “Slay,” and hosted her Facebook Watch series, Dance with Nia.
Currently, Nia is a student at UCLA, studying American literature and culture, with aspirations of becoming an author. Despite moving beyond Dance Moms, she acknowledges the show’s significant impact on her life, recognizing both the challenges and the lessons learned. Nia chose not to participate in the Dance Moms reunion, explaining that she preferred to avoid revisiting past drama, indicating a desire to focus on her present and future endeavors.
Holly Hatcher-Frazier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/holly-hatcher-frazier-dance-moms-fe89b08ccaf0442484573140a348f8a2.jpg)
Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Nia’s mother, was known for her calm and composed demeanor on Dance Moms. As an Ivy League graduate with a Ph.D., Holly often provided a voice of reason amidst the show’s drama, though she fiercely advocated for Nia, particularly regarding issues of racial representation and fairness.
Since Dance Moms, Holly has co-hosted the podcast Because Mom Said So with Melissa, Kelly, and Jill, continuing the camaraderie of the Dance Moms mothers in a new format. In 2014, she published Moments of Clarity: Daily Affirmations from Dr. Holly, showcasing her intellectual and reflective side. Holly has also spoken out about her and Nia’s experiences on Dance Moms, addressing the challenges of being a Black family in a predominantly white dance world and advocating for greater sensitivity and awareness in the industry.
Brooke Hyland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/brooke-hyland-dance-moms-d69a32a13ceb4330a7437001f22b2a33.jpg)
Brooke Hyland was one of the original dancers on Dance Moms, appearing from season 1 to the middle of season 4 with her sister Paige. As the oldest dancer on the team, Brooke often expressed a desire for a more normal teenage life outside of dance. She was known for her acrobatic skills and, briefly, for pursuing a music career during the show.
After leaving Dance Moms, Brooke attended Ohio University, graduating in 2019 with a degree in marketing, management information systems, and business analytics. She has since become a social media influencer with millions of followers on Instagram, sharing lifestyle and fashion content. In May 2024, Brooke got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Brian Thalman, marking a new chapter in her personal life away from the dance spotlight.
Paige Hyland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/paige-hyland-dance-moms-a14f7784fc154a94b25e7667fe1613ae.jpg)
Paige Hyland, Brooke’s younger sister, also danced on Dance Moms from season 1 to 4. Her time on the show was marked by emotional challenges and conflicts with Abby Lee Miller, leading to Paige and her mother, Kelly Hyland, leaving the show and subsequently filing a lawsuit against Miller for emotional distress.
Following Dance Moms, Paige pursued higher education, graduating from West Virginia University in 2023 with a degree in business administration. Like her sister, she maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram, connecting with fans and sharing aspects of her life. Paige has been in a long-term relationship with Jayvon Thrift, a former college football player, further establishing her life beyond the dance world. Reflecting on their Dance Moms experiences during the reunion, Paige and Brooke expressed gratitude towards their mother, Kelly, for prioritizing their well-being amidst the show’s pressures.
Kelly Hyland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kelly-hyland-dance-moms-8402cf97a6d84666bf0c826e2bca49cb.jpg)
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. On Dance Moms, Kelly was known for her fiery personality and frequent clashes with Miller, often defending her daughters against perceived injustices. She and her daughters left Dance Moms in season 4 after a physical altercation with Miller, which led to lawsuits from both sides, later dismissed.
Since Dance Moms, Kelly has co-launched the podcast Back to the Barre with Christi Lukasiak and joined Because Mom Said So with Melissa, Holly, and Jill, maintaining her connections with the Dance Moms community. Kelly has remained a strong advocate for Brooke and Paige, and the Hyland sisters have publicly acknowledged and appreciated their mother’s efforts to protect them during their time on the show.
Kendall Vertes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kendall-vertes-dance-moms-1597b107a74a4eeba3255c9ba071bfca.jpg)
Kendall Vertes joined Dance Moms in season 2 and stayed until season 7, briefly joining rival Candy Apples Dance Center before returning to ALDC. Throughout her time on the show, Kendall developed her skills and also launched a singing career, releasing her first single “Wear ‘Em Out” in 2015.
After Dance Moms, Kendall enrolled at James Madison University in Virginia, where she joined the dance team. In 2024, she and her team won a national championship, a significant achievement that she celebrated with a nod to Dance Moms by captioning a photo “Top of the pyramid.” Kendall has been open about the negative experiences on Dance Moms but remains close with many of her former castmates, acknowledging the unique bond they share from their shared experiences on the show.
Jill Vertes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jill-vertes-dance-moms-25741816c4314f9092d548dac5244595.jpg)
Jill Vertes, Kendall’s mother, joined Dance Moms in season 2 and became known for her assertive personality and strong advocacy for Kendall. Her interactions with Abby Lee Miller and the other moms were often dramatic, driven by her desire to see Kendall succeed.
Since Dance Moms, Jill has joined the podcast Because Mom Said So with Melissa, Holly, and Kelly, continuing to discuss her experiences on the show. Jill participated in the Dance Moms reunion, where she reflected on the emotional toll of the series, noting that revisiting past clips brought back intense feelings and reminded her of the challenging environment they endured. Despite the difficulties, Jill remains connected to the Dance Moms community through her podcast and ongoing interactions with fans.
Kalani Hilliker
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/kalani-hiliker-dance-moms-c681e7e2c59b426c91c58fc433027c62.jpg)
Kalani Hilliker joined Dance Moms in season 4 and remained until season 7, having previously competed on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. Known for her versatility and strong technique, Kalani quickly became a valuable member of the ALDC team.
After Dance Moms, Kalani continued dancing and acting, appearing in shows like Shake It Up and Bunheads, and even on America’s Got Talent. She has also become a dance teacher, aiming to provide a more positive and supportive environment for her students than she experienced. Kalani launched her own skincare and wellness brand, Kare by Kalani, inspired by her personal mental health journey post-Dance Moms. In August 2024, Kalani announced her engagement to Nathan Goldman, adding a personal milestone to her post-reality TV life. Despite acknowledging the “trauma” from Dance Moms, Kalani has expressed gratitude for Abby Lee Miller’s influence on her dance career.
Kira Girard
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(997×593:999×595)/kira-girard-dance-moms-f7c6eb2804094a679acb9e7f336ef470.jpg)
Kira Girard, Kalani’s mother, was a regular on Dance Moms from season 4 onwards. Known for her straightforward personality and occasional conflicts with other moms, Kira was a supportive figure for Kalani throughout their time on the show.
Since leaving Dance Moms after season 7, Kira has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, focusing on her family. She maintains a presence on Instagram, sharing updates with her followers and occasionally appearing in photos with Kalani and other Dance Moms alumni. While less publicly active than some of the other moms, Kira remains a part of the extended Dance Moms family.
Vivi-Anne Stein
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/vivi-anne-stein-dance-moms-9d64a3cb09ad4a3c844db89776fa502d.jpg)
Vivi-Anne Stein, daughter of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, was a unique presence on Dance Moms from season 1. Representing the rival Candy Apples Dance Center, Vivi-Anne was known for her deadpan humor and apparent disinterest in dance, often stealing scenes with her witty remarks.
Despite her initial reluctance, Vivi-Anne did continue to dance after Dance Moms. She also embraced cheerleading, becoming a cheerleader in high school and joining the cheer team at Cleveland State University after graduating in 2023. Vivi-Anne’s journey showcases a shift from reluctant dancer to enthusiastic cheerleader, demonstrating her evolving interests beyond the competitive dance world portrayed on Dance Moms.
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/cathy-nesbitt-stein-dance-moms-e41bacc1b02546fe97bcd1122ee4b82c.jpg)
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, Vivi-Anne’s mother, owned Candy Apples Dance Center, the rival studio featured on Dance Moms from season 1. Her interactions with Abby Lee Miller were a source of constant rivalry and entertainment on the show, with Cathy often positioning herself as Miller’s professional equal.
Since Dance Moms, Cathy has continued to operate Candy Apples Dance Center in Ohio, maintaining her presence in the competitive dance world. Although she reduced her appearances on later seasons of Dance Moms, Cathy remains a well-known figure in the dance community and regularly shares updates about her studio and her life with Vivi-Anne on social media.
Gianna “Gia” Martello
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/gianna-martello-dance-moms-c6b6241cd9fb42d5a1902e4a5ae3baea.jpg)
Gianna “Gia” Martello was Abby Lee Miller’s choreographer throughout all eight seasons of Dance Moms. Working at ALDC for over 15 years, Gia was instrumental in training the dancers and choreographing the routines that became iconic on the show. Known for her dedication and hard work, Gia was a consistent presence in the studio and at competitions.
After Dance Moms, Gia has continued her career as a choreographer, dance teacher, and competition judge. She is represented by MSA Talent Agency, underscoring her continued professional activity in the dance industry. In October 2022, Gia got engaged to Steve Lynch, marking a significant personal milestone. More recently, she contributed to JoJo Siwa’s “Karma” music video, showcasing her ongoing involvement in high-profile dance and entertainment projects and her continued connection to the Dance Moms legacy.
The Dance Moms phenomenon may have concluded its original run, but the journeys of its full cast continue to captivate audiences. From global superstars like Maddie and JoJo to entrepreneurs, authors, and college students, the stars of Dance Moms have taken diverse paths, each shaped by their unique experiences on the show. As they move forward, their stories remain a compelling testament to the lasting impact of Dance Moms on their lives and popular culture.
