JoJo Siwa, a name synonymous with vibrant energy and unwavering positivity, recently opened up about her formative years on the hit reality TV show Dance Moms. While many remember her bright bows and dynamic performances, Siwa revealed a less sunny aspect of her early fame: being the “most hated” dancer on the show. In a candid interview with LADYGUNN, Siwa reflected on how her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, helped her navigate the criticism and negativity, offering advice that remains impactful even today. This insight provides a deeper understanding of JoJo Siwa’s journey and her enduring perspective on public attention.
Siwa’s journey on Dance Moms began on the spin-off series Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition when she was just nine years old. Her undeniable talent and bubbly personality quickly landed her a spot on the main cast of Dance Moms. However, with the spotlight came scrutiny, and Siwa found herself facing harsh criticism from viewers. “I was the most hated on that show,” Siwa, now 21, confessed to LADYGUNN. The intensity of fan reactions, particularly negative ones, could have been overwhelming for a young performer.
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It was during this challenging period that Jessalynn Siwa’s advice became crucial. She instilled in her daughter a powerful lesson about the nature of public attention. “But my mom was like, nobody can take away what you did,” JoJo recounted. Jessalynn emphasized that even negative comments indicated engagement and recognition. As JoJo explained, her mother’s perspective was, “Sure, people are commenting we want JoJo to go home, but people are commenting, we want JoJo… You know what I mean?” This reframing of criticism as attention, regardless of its nature, was a pivotal lesson for young JoJo.
This early experience on Dance Moms shaped JoJo Siwa’s understanding of fame and public perception. “I learned at a very young age that in the public eye, any attention is attention… whether it be good attention or just attention,” she stated. This philosophy seems to have guided her approach to her career, even as she transitioned from reality TV star to pop singer and beyond. Recently, when discussing her new management, Siwa illustrated how deeply ingrained this lesson is. When her team suggested focusing on making people “like” her, JoJo’s response was telling: “oh no, that’s not the point.” Her focus remained on engagement and impact, rather than solely on positive reception.
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Earlier this year, JoJo Siwa revisited her Dance Moms past during Dance Moms: The Reunion. This special brought together former cast members, offering a chance to reflect on their shared experiences. At the reunion premiere in New York City, Siwa also spoke about her current relationship with Abby Lee Miller, the famously strict dance instructor from the show. Despite their sometimes tumultuous relationship on screen, JoJo revealed a surprising level of connection. “Abby, honestly, my relationship is great,” she told PEOPLE. “I talk to her on a weekly basis. Great human in my life.” This positive relationship further highlights Siwa’s capacity for growth and forgiveness, moving beyond past conflicts.
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While the reunion offered a chance to reconnect with Abby Lee Miller, Siwa also addressed her relationships with other Dance Moms alumni. She noted that she doesn’t maintain close relationships with Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, clarifying, “[it’s] not a bad thing, not a great thing, we just don’t really communicate.” However, she remains friendly with Nia Sioux, mentioning, “Nia, I actually do see on occasion… We’ve always been very friendly with each other.” These updates provide fans with a glimpse into the current dynamics between the former Dance Moms cast members.
JoJo Siwa’s time on Dance Moms was undeniably a pivotal chapter in her life. From navigating early criticism to learning invaluable lessons about public attention from her mother, these experiences have shaped her into the resilient and successful personality she is today. Her reflections offer not only a behind-the-scenes look at her Dance Moms journey but also valuable insights into managing public image and staying true to oneself in the entertainment industry.
