This week’s episode of Dance Moms delivered its usual dose of mom drama and Cathy’s antics, but the real highlight for many fans was undoubtedly the ever-charming Mackenzie. While the episode seemed a bit light on actual dance content, Mackenzie’s presence and performance were definitely bright spots. Let’s break down the most AWESOME and AWKWARD moments, with a special focus on Mackenzie’s journey in this episode.
One of the AWESOME moments was Pyramid. It was refreshing to see Chloe at the top, finally getting some much-deserved encouragement from Abby. The excitement built as Abby announced solos for Chloe, Asia, Maddie, and Kendall. While we had to wait to see these performances, the anticipation itself was a positive moment. However, the happiness was short-lived as drama quickly unfolded.
Kristie ingratiates herself with Abby Lee Miller on Dance Moms
The AWKWARD drama revolved around “The View” appearance. Abby declared Asia would fill in for Mackenzie, instantly upsetting Mom Melissa. The situation escalated when Abby bizarrely instructed Mackenzie to tell her mom to fight for her spot – an unreasonable burden for an eight-year-old. Predictably, the moms, particularly Kelly, became embroiled in the conflict, overshadowing the kids’ feelings. It felt like Abby was deliberately prolonging the drama for viewership, which, while effective, was undeniably awkward to watch.
Fortunately, things took an AWESOME turn when the results regarding “The View” were revealed: Mackenzie would indeed perform! Her genuine excitement was infectious and heartwarming. Asia’s mature reaction to not being chosen also stood out positively. The group performance that followed was a success, with Abby surprisingly refraining from her usual critiques. This marked a high point in the episode, largely thanks to Mackenzie’s involvement and positive outcome.
Mackenzie Ziegler performs a cartwheel, marking her strong return on Dance Moms
Mackenzie’s own words perfectly captured her spirit: “As soon as I did my cartwheel over the seat, I was like, ‘I’m back.’” This quote encapsulates her resilience and determination, making her a fan favorite.
On the AWKWARD side, Cathy’s storyline continued to be cringe-worthy. Her studio auditions felt more like a spectacle of poor judgment than a genuine search for talent. From dismissing a dancer because of her name to making inappropriate comments about a child’s physique, Cathy’s behavior was unprofessional and uncomfortable to watch. Vivi’s presence as a judge added little value, and her confession about eating five pizzas in a day felt oddly out of place.
Despite Cathy’s antics, an AWESOME element emerged in the form of Victoria, Cathy’s new dancer. Victoria, from Larkin Dance Studio, appeared to be exceptionally talented. The choreography featuring her hinted at promising future performances, offering a glimmer of genuine dance talent amidst the surrounding drama.
The AWKWARD moments with Cathy continued as she and Vivi shared cheesecake and an awkward conversation. Cathy’s attempt to push Vivi into admitting romantic feelings for Jalen was inappropriate and uncomfortable, further highlighting the forced and often bizarre nature of Cathy’s segments.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Mom Cathy: “This is hard work auditioning people.”
Vivi: “I’m hungry.”
In conclusion, while this Dance Moms episode was heavy on manufactured drama and Cathy’s questionable scenes, Mackenzie Ziegler’s moments shone brightly. Her enthusiasm, performance, and resilience continue to make her a captivating figure on the show. The anticipation for the upcoming solos, especially Mackenzie’s, remains high. Hopefully, the next episode will bring more dance and less unnecessary drama, allowing talents like Mackenzie to truly take center stage.
