JoJo Siwa, the vibrant personality known for her infectious energy, recently opened up about her experiences on the hit reality TV show Dance Moms and the invaluable advice she received from her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, during that time. In a candid cover story for LADYGUNN, the pop star and former reality TV personality recalled being the “most hated” dancer on the Lifetime series and how her mother helped her navigate the criticism and negativity.
Siwa, now 21, first stepped into the spotlight on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, a Dance Moms spin-off, at the young age of nine. Her time on Dance Moms itself was marked by intense competition and, as she describes, a significant amount of public criticism. “I was the most hated on that show,” Siwa admitted to LADYGUNN. However, it was during these challenging moments that her mother’s words provided a crucial perspective shift. Jessalynn Siwa’s advice was simple yet powerful: “Nobody can take away what you did.” This resonated deeply with young JoJo, highlighting that despite negative comments, her accomplishments and presence were undeniable. She recounted her mother’s explanation, “Sure, people are commenting we want JoJo to go home, but people are commenting, we want JoJo.” This pivotal lesson – that attention, regardless of its nature, acknowledges your presence and impact – is something Siwa carries with her even today.
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Jessalynn and JoJo Siwa during their time on ‘Dance Moms’, highlighting their close relationship and on-screen dynamic.
Siwa elaborated on this early understanding of public attention, stating, “I learned at a very young age that in the public eye, any attention is attention… whether it be good attention or just attention.” This philosophy seems to have shaped her approach to fame and criticism throughout her career. Even as she embarks on new professional ventures, this lesson remains relevant. She shared an anecdote about signing with new management who suggested focusing on gaining public favor. Siwa’s response, however, underscored her ingrained understanding of attention, indicating that her goal isn’t solely about being liked, but about maintaining visibility and impact.
Earlier this year, Siwa revisited her Dance Moms past when she and several former cast members reunited for Dance Moms: The Reunion. This highly anticipated special allowed Siwa to reflect further on her journey and relationships formed during the show. At the New York City premiere, she spoke to PEOPLE about her current relationship with Abby Lee Miller, the show’s notoriously strict dance instructor. Surprisingly, Siwa revealed they remain in regular contact. “Abby, honestly, my relationship is great,” she told PEOPLE. “I talk to her on a weekly basis. Great human in my life.” This revelation offers a more nuanced perspective on their relationship, moving beyond the often-dramatic portrayal on Dance Moms.
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JoJo Siwa and Jessalynn Siwa in 2021, demonstrating their continued strong bond beyond ‘Dance Moms’.
While Siwa’s relationship with Abby Lee Miller appears positive, she offered a more complex picture of her connections with other Dance Moms alumni. Specifically, she addressed her relationships with Nia Sioux and sisters Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler. Regarding the Ziegler sisters, Siwa stated they “don’t really have” a relationship anymore, clarifying, “[it’s] not a bad thing, not a great thing, we just don’t really communicate.” She added that while they would be friendly if they met, they simply don’t see each other. Her connection with Nia Sioux, however, remains amicable. “Nia, I actually do see on occasion. We’ve always been very friendly with each other,” Siwa shared, recalling a recent encounter at the Super Bowl. She emphasized the absence of “bad blood” with any of her former castmates, expressing gratitude for these positive terms.
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A young JoJo Siwa performing on ‘Dance Moms’ in 2015, showcasing her talent and early experiences in the spotlight.
In conclusion, JoJo Siwa’s journey on Dance Moms was formative in shaping her understanding of public life and criticism. Her mother, Jessalynn Siwa’s, simple yet profound advice about the nature of attention has been a guiding principle throughout her career. From navigating the intense environment of reality television to her current endeavors in the music industry and beyond, Siwa’s experiences on Dance Moms and the lessons learned continue to influence her approach to fame and public perception. Her reflections offer valuable insights into the realities of growing up in the spotlight and the enduring impact of parental guidance.
