Dance Moms episodes are never short of drama, dance battles, and of course, the unforgettable moms. After what felt like an eternity without our fix of Abby Lee Dance Company action, this episode brought back everything we love—cocktails for the moms, the Candy Apples rivalry, and Maddie predictably at the top of the pyramid. But amidst the usual chaos, some moments truly stood out. Here are the top highlights from the episode, with a special focus on Paige’s surprising solo performance.
One dancer who often gets overlooked but finally stepped into the spotlight this episode was Paige. While Kendall faced relentless pressure and Vivi was used as a questionable prop, Paige quietly worked her way to a significant moment. Let’s break down the standout scenes.
Kendall’s Struggle and Paige’s Solo Surprise
Kendall, usually a strong contender, had a tough week. It was painful to watch her navigate criticism from Abby Lee, a seemingly indifferent Cathy, technical difficulties with her music, and even her mom’s frustration. Despite all this, Kendall’s resilience and sweet smile after a disappointing awards ceremony were truly admirable. We’re definitely rooting for Kendall to bounce back!
However, the real surprise of the night was Paige’s solo. Often overshadowed by the other girls and known more for her mother’s antics than her own dancing, Paige finally had her moment to shine. It’s true, Kelly, Paige’s mom, can be a lot, but in this instance, her intervention surprisingly paid off. Abby Lee assigned Paige a solo, but with a catch – Paige had to perfect it outside of class time, without any official instruction. This seemed like a deliberate set-up, but Paige, with a little help (or rather, complete re-choreography) from Kelly, defied expectations.
Paige's solo performance on Dance Moms, showcasing her improved technique and stage presence.
Kelly took matters into her own hands and re-choreographed Paige’s entire solo to make it more challenging and showcase Paige’s potential. Against all odds, it worked! Paige placed 7th, just one spot below Chloe and significantly ahead of Kendall. This was a major victory for Paige, proving to Abby Lee that she was capable of more than the “safe, boring choreography” she was usually given. It was a clear message: Abby Lee needed to challenge Paige and recognize her growth. This solo was a testament to Paige’s hidden talent and determination.
Vivi-Anne as a “Human Prop” and Abby Lee’s Ringers
On the less inspiring side, Vivi-Anne’s role in the Candy Apples’ routine was awkward to watch. Using a young child as a “human prop,” as the original article aptly describes, felt outdated and uncomfortable. Even professional choreographers struggle to integrate Vivi-Anne into routines effectively, and the “Asian Princess” concept was questionable at best. While Cathy’s intention might have been to lower the age average of the piece, it ultimately highlighted the challenges Vivi-Anne faces in keeping up with choreography. This raises concerns about her future in dance if these issues aren’t addressed.
The ALDC group dance, featuring senior and junior dancers in a sophisticated routine.
In contrast, Abby Lee’s strategy of bringing in older dancers to perform with the younger girls was surprisingly effective. Usually, a large age gap in group dances can be distracting, but Abby Lee managed to create a beautiful routine where all the dancers, young and old, held their own. Mackenzie deserves special mention for mastering complex choreography alongside senior dancers – a clear dig at Cathy’s struggles with Vivi-Anne and a point proven for ALDC’s talent pool.
Abby Lee’s Unexpected Victory Dance
After the awards ceremony, everyone braced for the typical Abby Lee outburst. Instead, we were treated to something completely unexpected – an incredibly short but incredibly hilarious victory dance! This brief moment of uncharacteristic joy from Abby Lee was pure gold and a perfect comedic end to the episode. It was a reminder that even amidst the drama and tension, Dance Moms can still deliver moments of lighthearted entertainment.
This episode was a rollercoaster, from Kendall’s struggles to Paige’s triumph and Abby Lee’s bizarre celebration. But Paige’s solo definitely stole the show, proving that sometimes, the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected places. What were your favorite moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
