It’s undeniable that missing two weeks of Abby Lee Dance Company action felt like forever! The return episode delivered everything fans love – the drama, the moms, and of course, the dancing, with Maddie predictably back on top of the pyramid (twice!). While the episode had many talking points, Kendall’s journey really stood out. Let’s dive into why Kendall Vertes was a highlight, showcasing her resilience and hard work.
Kendall, always a dedicated dancer, truly captured hearts this episode. Despite facing a tough competition week, her positive attitude shone brightly. Even after an awards ceremony that didn’t go her way, her smile was infectious. However, it’s clear the pressure was mounting on Kendall from all sides. Abby Lee seemed particularly focused on pushing her, Cathy from the Candy Apples appeared to have lost faith, technical issues plagued her music, and even her own mother seemed critical of her performance! This episode really put Kendall in the spotlight, highlighting her perseverance under fire. It’s moments like these that make fans root for Kendall, admiring her ability to keep going despite the obstacles thrown her way.
Kendall smiling after a performance in Dance Moms, showcasing her positive attitude despite challenges
Interestingly, while Kendall faced these hurdles, Paige also had a moment to shine. Though her mother’s antics can be polarizing, Paige’s solo success was a definite highlight. Finally given a solo opportunity (albeit one she had to perfect independently), Paige surprised everyone. Her mother’s unconventional re-choreography actually paid off, leading to a 7th place finish, just above Chloe and significantly outperforming Kendall in the solo category this week. This definitely sent a message to Abby Lee that Paige is capable of more than basic choreography, proving that dancers can grow and improve even outside of Abby’s direct instruction.
The episode also featured the somewhat awkward inclusion of Vivi-Anne as a “human prop” in the Candy Apples’ routine. While Cathy’s intention to reduce the age average of the piece is understandable, the execution felt uncomfortable. The dancers struggling to incorporate Vivi into the choreography raised questions about her role and future development as a dancer. It’s a stark contrast to dancers like Kendall, who are constantly pushed to improve their technique and performance skills.
Vivi-Anne being carried by dancers on stage during a Candy Apples performance in Dance Moms, highlighting the awkward choreography
On a brighter note, Abby Lee’s group number was surprisingly well-executed, even with the inclusion of older “ringer” dancers. Usually, age disparities in group routines can be distracting, but Abby Lee managed to blend the dancers seamlessly. Mackenzie also deserves recognition for keeping up with the challenging choreography alongside the senior dancers, demonstrating her own growth and talent – a subtle but powerful contrast to Vivi-Anne’s struggles and perhaps a testament to Abby Lee’s training when it does work.
However, the most unexpected moment came after the awards ceremony. Instead of the anticipated outburst, Abby Lee delivered a brief but memorable victory dance! While short, this display of uncharacteristic joy was a comedic highlight, offering a moment of levity after a tense competition.
In conclusion, this episode was a rollercoaster of emotions and performances. While Maddie’s consistent success and Abby Lee’s antics are always part of the Dance Moms formula, it was Kendall’s resilience and Paige’s unexpected triumph that truly resonated. Despite facing criticism and challenges, Kendall’s dedication and positive spirit make her a standout figure, proving that even in the face of adversity, hard work and a good attitude can shine through. Fans will undoubtedly continue to root for Kendall and her journey on Dance Moms.
