Dance Moms captivated audiences for years, launching young dancers into the spotlight under the intense mentorship of Abby Lee Miller. Among these stars, Kendall Vertes became a familiar face, navigating the pressures of competitive dance and reality television. Now, years after leaving the show, Vertes has returned for a highly anticipated Dance Moms reunion, offering a mature perspective on her experiences and what Dance Moms means to her now.
The Dance Moms reunion special on Lifetime brought back six of the show’s most memorable mother-daughter duos, including Kendall Vertes and her mother, Jill. For Vertes, now 21 and a junior in college, the decision to participate was immediate. “The second my mom told me [about the reunion], I was on board,” she shared with Yahoo Entertainment. This reunion wasn’t just a look back; it was an opportunity for closure and reflection for Vertes and her former castmates.
Trauma Bonding and Closure
Vertes openly acknowledges the unique bond she shares with Chloe Lukasiak, Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Kalani Hilliker, and JoJo Siwa. “We’ve been through so much together,” she explained, describing their connection as “trauma-bonded.” This shared experience, forged under the intense environment of Dance Moms, is unbreakable. The reunion provided a space to “get closure, tie up loose ends, close the book and move on as a whole,” according to Vertes, highlighting its importance for the former child stars.
Revisiting Painful Memories on Dance Moms
Growing up on reality television wasn’t without its challenges. Vertes and her fellow dancers faced emotional, mental, and physical stress under Abby Lee Miller’s demanding instruction. Many have spoken candidly about the toxic environment and even pursued legal action against Miller in the past. The reunion special didn’t shy away from these difficult aspects, prompting emotional responses as the dancers relived pivotal moments and controversies from their time on Dance Moms.
“We cried in almost every segment,” Vertes revealed, emphasizing the emotional weight of revisiting past traumas. Seeing her friends’ emotions amplified her own, as they all understood the shared experiences of their childhood. The reunion became a vulnerable space, forcing them to confront memories they had long suppressed. However, this vulnerability was also a source of strength, as they navigated these emotions together.
Absence of Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler and Nia Sioux
Notably absent from the Dance Moms reunion were Maddie Ziegler, Mackenzie Ziegler, and Nia Sioux. Their decision to not participate was addressed in the special. JoJo Siwa’s trailer comment, referencing erasing the past, hinted at the complex dynamics and differing perspectives within the Dance Moms alumni. While Vertes didn’t explicitly comment on their absence, the focus remained on the six dancers who chose to return and confront their shared history.
Kendall Vertes Post-Dance Moms Life: College and Beyond
Life after Dance Moms has seen Kendall Vertes transition into adulthood and higher education. Currently a junior at James Madison University, she is pursuing a degree in political science and pre-law, showcasing her diverse interests beyond dance. She also remains connected to her passion, as a member of the university’s dance team. This blend of academic pursuits and continued involvement in dance illustrates Vertes’ well-rounded approach to life now.
Reflecting on her Dance Moms experience, Vertes acknowledges it “wasn’t a normal childhood at all.” However, she also recognizes the valuable lessons learned. One significant takeaway is developing “very thick skin,” a crucial asset in navigating social media and public opinion. Vertes emphasizes her ability to withstand criticism and remain grounded in her self-identity, a resilience honed through her years in the spotlight.
Kendall Vertes, Abby Lee Miller and Jojo Siwa walk onstage to accept the Favorite Reality Award for Dance Moms onstage during Nickelodeon
Relationship with Abby Lee Miller Today
Kendall Vertes’ perspective on Abby Lee Miller is nuanced. While they haven’t seen each other recently, Vertes expresses respect for her former coach. Acknowledging Miller’s health challenges, including her cancer diagnosis and confinement to a wheelchair, Vertes conveys empathy. She reflects on the unique bond the dancers shared with Miller, recognizing they were “kind of like her kids.” Despite the past difficulties, Vertes acknowledges Miller’s significant impact, stating, “She has definitely made me the person I am today — the good and the bad.”
In conclusion, Kendall Vertes’ participation in the Dance Moms reunion offers a powerful glimpse into the lasting impact of the show and her personal growth. From acknowledging the shared trauma to highlighting her current academic and dance pursuits, Vertes presents a mature and reflective perspective on her Dance Moms journey and its place in her life now. The reunion served as a pivotal moment for closure and allowed both the dancers and audiences to see how far Kendall Vertes and her fellow Dance Moms stars have come.
