This week’s episode of Dance Moms delivered its usual dose of drama, but for fans of Mackenzie Ziegler, there were definitely some shining moments amidst the chaos. While the episode felt a bit heavy on the mom arguments and Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s antics, Mackenzie’s storyline and performance provided the much-needed dance content we crave. Let’s break down the awesome and awkward moments, focusing on Mackenzie’s journey.
Kristie attempts to gain favor with Abby Lee Miller in Dance Moms episode, sparking drama with other dance moms.
Awesome Moments for Mackenzie and the ALDC
Despite not securing first place the previous week, Chloe Lukasiak rightfully earned the top spot on the pyramid, a positive sign from Abby Lee Miller. This encouragement extended to solos for Chloe, Asia Monet Ray, Maddie Ziegler, and Kendall Vertes. While we had to wait to see these performances, the anticipation built excitement for the upcoming episode. The real win, however, was for Mackenzie.
The episode revolved around a potential appearance on “The View,” initially slated for Mackenzie. When Abby announced Asia would fill in for Mackenzie, it understandably upset Melissa Ziegler. Abby, in her typical manipulative fashion, encouraged Mackenzie to tell her mother to fight for her spot. This manufactured drama, while uncomfortable, ultimately led to a positive outcome for Mackenzie.
The results were revealed – Mackenzie would indeed perform on “The View”! Her genuine excitement was infectious, and Asia’s graceful acceptance of the decision showcased maturity beyond her years. The group performance itself was a success, with Abby surprisingly refraining from her usual post-performance critiques. For Mackenzie fans, seeing her get this opportunity and shine was a definite highlight.
Mackenzie Ziegler quote on her return to the spotlight in Dance Moms, highlighting her confidence and dance skills.
Awkwardness Abounds with Cathy and Mom Drama
The “awkward” moments were largely dominated by Cathy and the ongoing mom drama. Cathy’s audition segment was particularly cringe-worthy. Her search for a “new dancer” at Candy Apples felt staged and insulting to her existing team. The judging process was appalling, from dismissing a dancer because of her name to making inappropriate comments about a child’s appearance. Vivi-Anne Stein’s presence as a judge offered little to the segment other than silent reactions.
The mom drama, fueled by Abby’s manipulations, continued to escalate. Kelly Hyland, as usual, managed to insert herself into the “View” debate, somehow making it about her own children. It’s clear Abby enjoys stirring the pot and extending storylines for dramatic effect, even if it comes at the expense of the children’s emotional wellbeing and the audience’s patience.
Even Cathy’s attempt at a lighter moment with Vivi over cheesecake took an awkward turn. The conversation felt forced and uncomfortable, highlighting the manufactured nature of much of the Cathy content.
Final Thoughts: Mackenzie’s Resilience Shines Through
Despite the heavy focus on manufactured drama and Cathy’s often-unbearable scenes, this episode did offer moments of genuine positivity, especially for Mackenzie Ziegler. Her opportunity to perform on “The View,” her enthusiastic reaction, and her successful performance were definite wins. While the episode overall might have been lacking in actual dance content and heavy on the drama, Mackenzie’s resilience and talent continued to shine through. We look forward to seeing her solo performances in the next episode.
What were your thoughts on this week’s Dance Moms? Let us know in the comments below!
