It’s been over a decade since Dance Moms first graced our screens, catapulting a group of young dancers and their mothers into reality TV stardom. Among them, Chloe Lukasiak quickly became a fan favorite. Known for her grace, talent, and resilience, viewers watched Chloe grow up under the intense pressure of Abby Lee Miller’s studio. But what happened after the cameras stopped rolling? What is Chloe from Dance Moms doing now?
To understand Chloe’s present, it’s worth revisiting the beginnings of Dance Moms. In a revealing interview, Chloe and her mother, Christi, shared memories of how the show unexpectedly took off.
Chloé: Well, actually, what was different about Dance Moms, was that we’ve known each other since we were, like, 2. I mean, there were different dancers in our community who weren’t cast on the show, so it did kind of change a little bit. But I’ve known Paige since, I think, our first dance class. And Brooke was her older sister. I saw her around. We weren’t close friends because she was part of an older group, but I knew her. We were friends, but not as close as Paige and I were. And I’ve known Nia a long time. And then Maddie came after. And so, I think that was what’s really interesting about that particular cast of Dance Moms — we actually have a really organic bond and a lot of history.
Chloe highlighted the genuine connections within the original cast, emphasizing their long-standing friendships predating the show. This organic chemistry was a key ingredient in the show’s initial appeal. The interview also touched upon the initially modest expectations for Dance Moms.
Chloé: And when we first found out [about the show], it was only supposed to be, like, six episodes. So, we were like, “Oh, this will be cool. Maybe it’ll be good on our résumé in a couple of years,” and then it became, like, a totally different experience.
Neither Chloe nor her fellow cast members anticipated the cultural phenomenon Dance Moms would become. Christi added her perspective on the chaotic early days of filming and the surprising way Abby Lee Miller reacted to the show’s development.
Christi: For me, when they put up a casting call, I was one of the first people to start communicating with the casting director. The whole premise of the show changed as he got to know the studio. And he was like, “Oh, everything I’m looking for is in this one place.” He was actually looking for multiple moms across different places. And actually, it was Abby [Lee Miller], who called me in December — Chloé and Paige were having a sleepover at my house. You guys were dancing to “Santa Baby” in some weird outfits — but Abby was like, “Lifetime is interested in the show.” And then she’s like, “You’re gonna be hearing back,” and then they came in to film in January.
Christi’s account reveals the serendipitous nature of Dance Moms‘ creation, initially conceived as a broader search across studios before focusing on the Abby Lee Dance Company. She also shared an amusing anecdote about Abby’s initial attempts to sideline her and Kelly Hyland.
Christi: True story: She actually sent Kelly and me to [New York] to get out of the way. Just like [Cinderella] and her stepsisters! She sent us away so we couldn’t be taped. But I was talking to all of the producers who knew that we were being sent away, so they came the night before to do our auditions. But yeah, she tried to get rid of us, which tracks so far, right?
This humorous detail underscores the behind-the-scenes drama that even preceded the show’s official filming. The mothers’ personalities and dynamics were clearly a focal point from the outset. The interview further illustrates the unexpected and rapid escalation of Dance Moms‘ popularity.
Christi: Then, it was February 28 — I have a weird thing with dates — that [Dance Moms executive producer] Bryan Stinson called me, and he said the show’s been picked up six episodes. I asked who was in the cast. And he said, “Well, it’s you, Kelly [Hyland]…” And I was like, “Hooray!” Then he said Melissa and Holly [Frazier], and I was like, “Holly?!” and I said, “Oh, they need someone normal. Got it.” Then he said, “And then another woman named Cathy [Nesbitt-Stein].” And I said, “Well, what’s she like?” And he goes, “Oh, you’ll find out.”
The casting decisions, as Christi recounts, were a mix of expected and surprising elements, setting the stage for the interpersonal conflicts and entertainment that became synonymous with Dance Moms. The initial six-episode order quickly expanded due to the immediate drama and network interest.
Christi: We started filming on April 5 — like, six weeks later — and again, it was only supposed to be six episodes; the first half ended up being seven episodes because there was so much drama that happened in the first week that they had to, like, split it. Before we were even on Episode 4, they came to us and said, “The network thinks that this is going to be a big show. And we’re going to film six more episodes this summer; pack your bags.” I was like, “I have a 1-year-old. What am I supposed to do with her?” And they said, “Bring her!” So it was weird, wild life. But to what Chloé said, we were still living in the same house. We were going to the same studio. We were hanging out with the same people. We were shopping in the same places. The only thing that was different is that they had a crew that they got to be friends with and that they liked.
Despite the burgeoning fame and demanding filming schedule, Chloe and the other girls maintained a semblance of normalcy, a point Chloe emphasized.
Chloé: We were still going to school, too. I feel like a lot of young stars start homeschooling and move to LA, but nothing changed for us. So, I think that’s why a lot of us are still pretty normal and processing it all as normal as possible.
This grounding in their familiar lives likely played a role in Chloe’s ability to navigate the post-Dance Moms world with grace and purpose.
Chloe Lukasiak: Life Beyond the Dance Moms Stage
So, circling back to the original question: What is Chloe from Dance Moms doing now? While Dance Moms provided a significant platform, Chloe has successfully transitioned into a multifaceted career, showcasing her talents and passions beyond reality TV.
After leaving Dance Moms in season four and briefly returning in seasons seven and eight, Chloe didn’t step away from the spotlight, but rather redirected it. She embraced her love for dance while also exploring other creative avenues.
A Continued Passion for Dance and Acting
Chloe has continued to dance, but on her own terms. She’s moved away from the competitive studio environment and focused on dance as a personal expression and art form. Beyond dance, Chloe has also pursued acting, appearing in projects like “Loophole” (2017) and “Next Level” (2019), demonstrating her versatility as a performer.
Author and Content Creator
Expanding her creative repertoire, Chloe has ventured into writing. She authored a young adult novel, “Girl on Pointe,” published in 2018, further connecting with her audience on a deeper level. Moreover, Chloe has become a successful content creator, leveraging social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram to share aspects of her life, connect with fans, and promote positivity and self-love.
Education and Entrepreneurship
Chloe is also dedicated to her education. She attended Pepperdine University, showcasing her commitment to personal growth and intellectual pursuits. Adding another dimension to her endeavors, Chloe has also stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, launching her own businesses, further exemplifying her drive and ambition.
Inspiring a Generation
Today, Chloe Lukasiak is more than just “Chloe from Dance Moms.” She is a dancer, actress, author, content creator, and entrepreneur. She has successfully carved out a path that aligns with her passions and values, inspiring a generation of young people who watched her grow up on television. From the intense dance competitions of Pittsburgh to a blossoming multi-hyphenate career, Chloe’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. She continues to evolve and inspire, proving that life after reality TV can be even more rewarding and fulfilling.
