Couple things right out of the gate, Dance Moms nation. Today’s recap will be screen-capture-free, because the events of its last twenty minutes are currently a matter of litigation in the New York City courts, so no press screeners were made available. So much the better if you ask me. There’s not much that happened this evening that I’d care to commemorate in pictures or in words.
In light of the weekend’s news of Maryen Lorrain Miller’s death, I was really hoping we might have something, anything I could write positively about — even though I knew better from the preview alone. But several seasons’ worth of dismay over the direction Dance Moms has taken came to a savagely unpleasant head this evening and it’s going to take some good, hard thinking in the next few days to decide if I can continue to watch this show and support what it has become.
I love how passionate you, the fans and readers, are about the show and the dancers and I learn a lot from your comments. I love the ALDC girls and watching them dance and support one another, regardless of the words and actions of the adults around them.
But it should not be commonplace to see them cry and look stricken and incredibly rare to see them smile.
In the simplest terms, you aren’t fun to be with anymore, Dance Moms. You never were nice, but now you’re only the worst kind of bully to the very children who made you a thing. And I don’t know that I’d choose to be a part of that any more.
Here is the long and short of what happened tonight.
We start out at ALDC where Abby can’t be happy with last week’s group dance win because everyone else did so badly. Jill and Holly want to know if Abby regrets bringing in New Chloe, which impinged on everyone else’s time and resulted in mediocre dances.
Abby says she enjoyed working with the girl and her mother. And anyway, she’s not just replacing one dancer anymore. She’s decided to assemble a whole new junior elite team to compete with the Pitt Crew. Except maybe Maddie, who could possibly be part of the chosen ones.
Bottom row of the pyramid, from left to right, are Mack, Nia, Kendall and Chloe.
Row two is Paige and Brooke.
Top is Maddie.
Yawn.
ALDC will divide and conquer at two competitions this week. Paige, Chloe and Brooke will attend Sheer Talent in the Bronx, and also — along with their mothers — accompany Abby to her open auctions in New York. Paige and Brooke will do solos, Paige and Chloe will duet and all three will reconvene with the rest of the Pitt Crew for a group dance called Beautiful Revenge.
Kendall, the Zieglers and Nia will be dancing at NUVO in Pittsburgh. And — we knew it was going to happen, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition fans — Maddie will also be dueling with “her friend” Kalani Hilliker, Abby’s beloved pet from AUDC Season 2.
While the mothers discuss the unsettling turn of events, Kalani and her mother Kira appear in the studio.
At the NYC auditions, the crowd chants for Chloe and Abby informs us that she has sent oh so many students to Broadway success. Christi and Kelly ask Abby why their children weren’t taught the audition combinations before being called on to perform them for the crowd. When they wonder if Abby deliberately planned to embarrass them, Abby says the real embarrassment is that the girls are wearing ALDC clothes. Chloe cries. Kelly has her girls change.
Abby is beside herself about the talent in New York, and we get the requisite audition mother making a scene, this time at Paige’s expense.
Come competition day in New York, Christi says she is sure Abby is up to something, but she’s not sure what just yet. It doesn’t take long to find out.
Paige’s solo, Ooh La La, is adorable, but after spending much of her practice time having what is left of her confidence reduced to rubble by Abby, her legs are not straight and her gymnastics are wobbly. Abby says Paige is forever a disappointment for not taking her corrections.
Brooke is next with Purple Rain. She does very well, but Abby says she is incapable of learning anything new and performs with zero energy.
Instead of watching Chloe and Paige’s duet, Abby tells the mothers that she’s going to watch other dancers, but she really heads off to enter Maddie and Kalani’s duet, 2 Sapphires — which won at NUVO — into Sheer Talent. Melissa asks Abby to enter it as non-adjudicated, so as not to steal Chloe and Paige’s thunder, but Abby says she needs a big win in New York.
In the dressing room, Maddie tells Chloe that she and Kalani will not be doing their duet here in New York, even though Kalani has made the trip. It is — obviously — not the truth.
Even though there is a considerable size difference (Kalani, did we have a growth spurt since AUDC?), Kalani and Maddie dance beautifully together. In the audience, Christi and Kelly call out Melissa for lying to them and for having Maddie lie to Chloe. Melissa looks flustered, but Abby laughs and calls Kelly an idiot.
Though their dance, Wishbone, is not as intricate as Maddie’s and Kalani’s duet, Paige and Chloe dance beautifully, too. If these duets would not have been afterthoughts to all of the unnecessarily unpleasantness, they would have been lovely to watch take shape and to savor.
In the hallway, Melissa, Kelly and Christi argue about who knew what when where the dueling duets are concerned, and the fact that Maddie lied outright to Chloe. Melissa says Maddie was told not to tell anyone about performing her duet and was just trying to do as she was told. Avoiding the truth is not the same as a lie, if you will.
Then Melissa delivers a splendid line of bull in a laughably twitchy aside, and Maddie attempts to backpedal in the dressing room, saying she thought she and Chloe were discussing NUVO, not Sheer Talent.
Christi comforts a clearly shaken Chloe by telling the girl that she knows who her real friends are. That gets to Maddie, who shows a rare bit of off-stage emotion, tearing up and huffing, “I guess we’re not friends anymore.”
In an aside, she tells us that this shouldn’t be such a big deal, because it’s just a dance. Just a few minutes of her life. Hardly the end of the world.
Well, yes. But it’s also a matter of character and integrity and maturity and fair play, Maddie, and how you should be taught those things with exactly the same level of commitment with which you are being taught to dance. And have examples of those traits set for you by the adults in your life.
When Abby announces that Kalani might be improvising a solo, as well, the mothers ask if Kalani will be doing the group dance, too. Kalani says she doesn’t think so. Abby says well maybe … if Brooke doesn’t show more enthusiasm about her role.
Between the debacle that was the auditions, her children’s phoned-in solo choreography and the duet trickery, Kelly has had all she can take. She hands Kira a group-dance costume and announces that she and her daughters are leaving. Abby retorts that she never said outright that she was replacing Brooke with Kalani, advancing on Kelly in a fury. Kelly shouts back, pointing a finger at Abby — who opens her mouth wide and aims it at the finger in her face.
Unnerved by the display, Kelly slaps Abby’s face then grabs a fist full of her hair in an attempt to stop the charge.
The other mothers recoil, some children begin to sob and Holly shepherds the girls from the room. Abby heads off to call the police. Holly tells Kelly to pack her things so they can get her out of there.
When New York’s finest arrive, Abby tells them she does not need an ambulance, since it was only her head that took the abuse. Kelly and her children are driven off in a black van.
The remaining kids do the group dance, which wins its division.
Paige’s solo gets fifth. Brooke gets fourth. The other girls accept their trophies for them.
Paige and Chloe gets second.
Maddie and Kalani gets first.
Christi says she hopes it’s all been worth it for Melissa.
Asked how she plans to proceed with Kelly, Abby says the face of the team has changed. It’s business. Her business. Her rules. Her show.
But the decision to keep watching it — and what continues to happen to these poor girls at the hands of people who should know so much better — is entirely our own.
New episodes of Dance Moms air Tuesday nights at 9/8CT on Lifetime.
So so so tired of Abby. Come on! An ice pack on your head after that small hair pull? And what scratch is she talking about? Kelly slapped her with an open hand. Heck–if I had to take all that garbage–I might slap her also.
I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughtful discussion. I think you’ll be surprised next season, when, the ALDC evolves, without the meanness that Kelly and Christy brought in increasing measure.
I believe the viewers thought much of this was staged, and didn’t comprehend the complexities of dealing with the contracts the moms and kids were under. By the last season, they decided it was their show, not Abby’s. It was ”Dance Moms.” NOT ”Dance Teacher.”
You saw Kelly storm off, then, come back, and when Abby didn’t show up, the reason was, there was nothing she could do to control the situation, since Kelly was under contract. Remember last season, when, Abby didn’t come. She was boycotting the moms and show producers.
Abby’s not going anywhere, and she’ll be better next season. Without Kelly, Christy is a pretty funny, smart woman. Kelly brings out the worst in her.
Christy is no longer under contract, either, and if she walks out again, it’s forever. But, precious Chloe, wants to dance on the team, and she’s the right age. I hope they stay, but, it’s unknown what the future may be.
Without Kelly, they can bring in new members and new moms. That’s what’s going to happen. The show could not have 15 and 16 year olds on kid’s teams. They threw Brooke a bone and she got to record. This may open up doors for her, but, her mom may close them, just as fast. There’s something unstable about her. It was funny in the first seasons, and she was adorable, but, she’s mean, cruel, immature, and horrible to any new mom.
Stay tuned. It is going to be a better season without Kelly, and Christy has settled down. If she acts up, she’s gone.
You speak with such authority, Mr. 00724. I’d love to know your connection to the show. And if you’d care to be my therapist.
I’m glad to see Kelly go. I don’t know why Abby allowed her to come back after She walked out with her kids last time. She and Christie were just awful.
Lori, mrb has no connection to the show or maybe is being kept out of the loop. The show’s director “@DirectorJimmyC” on twitter has confirmed that the Hylands will be allowed to return to the show in season 5 if they want to
I don’t know who you think you are or what connection you have (or think you have) to the show, but you’re comments and thoughts are just don’t work.
First, as someone said below, there is a difference between being strict and challenging and pushing children to do their best and bullying, terrorizing, and just plain tearing them down. Abby crossed that line long ago.
Yes, Kelly has problems and so does Abby. They should have parted long ago. But again, a lot of it is Kelly’s reactions to Abby’s bullying and spitefulness. Does that make Kelly right? No. They are both wrong. Kelly should know not to put herself in those situations or know to take herself out of them and Abby should know when to shut up and leave well enough alone instead of constantly pushing Kelly’s buttons.
As for your “Abby had to do it to get them off the show” and “Brooke is too old and had to be pushed off the show” theories — wrong again. The producers can do what they want and have them on the show as much or as little as they want. It’s the “actor” who has little or no say in how much they appear or don’t appear. If it really is Abby’s show and she’s such great friends with Jeff Collins as she makes herself out to be, he could have just “written” them out of the show — no bullying or denigration needed.
As for Brooke’s age — if she’s too old and Abby needs to get her off of the team because of her age, why does she keep bringing Payton, who is older than Brooke, in? Yes, I agree, Brooke is too old for the team but it has nothing to do with Abby’s behavior and trying to push her mother’s buttons.
You also stated in a comment below that no one will work with Brooke and Paige because of their mom, but both were in LA working just a couple weeks ago — Brooke making a video and Paige doing modeling. I do not believe for one minute that Abby talked to people and got Brooke a music contract to get her off the show — again, not believable or necessary to get Brooke off the show/team.
And one of the biggest holes in your theories — Abby had to do this because of how bad Kelly and Christi are — doesn’t work either. Both Kelly and Christi have been very low key (up to last night) this season. What have either done this season up until last night when Abby was badgering Kelly?
You also state that when Kelly and Christi are gone, Abby will be “sweet” and “nice” again like she was in the beginning — Abby was never “sweet” and “nice.” Was she as bad as she is now? No, but she was never “sweet” and “nice” either. And, by the way, this theory flies in the face of your first statement that Abby has to be that mean to teach and coach these girls to greatness — which, by the way, also falls flat on its face when you look at the fact that the only girl she doesn’t treat that way is her “star” pupil, Maddie. Given your theory, Maddie should be the worst dancer on the team.
Christi is on record as saying she is in Year Four of a six-year contract.
Whether Kelly is gone or not (contracts always have buyouts and other clauses) the whole “court case” is ridiculous and obviously being manipulated for PR (successfully, it seems). As if New York is really going to to go to the time and expense of extraditing Kelly from PA over a misdemeanor assault.
Congrats, you just received a standing ovation for this post from me, love it 🙂
Lori, do you know the best email/contact info for the powers that be for Lifetime and/or Dance Moms? I little feedback in their direction definitely seems to be warranted here
Checking.
Collins Ave contact info is here: http://www.collinsave.com/contact-us
Lifetime only offered a link to its online support: http://www.mylifetime.com/about-us/support
Thank you. I am fed up with a lot of what happens on what used to be a very good show. Abby has gone too far. I would like to make my feelings known.
Thank you 🙂
I found this for Lifetime:
ABOUT US: ABOUT LIFETIME
SENIOR EXECUTIVES:
Executive Vice President of Programming, Lifetime Networks: Rob Sharenow
LIFETIME OFFICES:
NEW YORK
235 45th Street
New York, NY 10017
(212) 424-7000
LOS ANGELES
2049 Century Park East
Suite 840
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 556-7500
CHICAGO
444 North Michigan Ave.
Suite 3270
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 464-1991
I believe Ron Sharenow is in the New York office.
I also found these two articles from Variety about who is in charge of reality programming at Lifetime:
Bravo Development Exec Eli Lehrer Moves to Lifetime
Lifetime Bolsters Reality Division
I couldn’t find any personal email addresses, but I did find this:
Feel free to contact us at aefeedback@aenetworks.com
on the A&E Networks site (Lifetime is part of A&E Networks).
I used to love this show when it started. I would screen it first and then watch it (or just the dances) with my girls, who loved the show because they loved the girls and loved watching them dance. I stopped allowing my girls to watch the show at all by the end of last season, and after last night’s disturbing episode, I don’t think I will be watching it anymore either.
I was HORRIFIED by both Abby and Kelly. Scripted or not, the way Abby talks to those girls (outside of Maddie) is completely offensive and sickening. And shame on you, Lifetime, for allowing and/or scripting it. Have you forgotten these are CHILDREN she is talking to? No ratings spike on earth is worth the damage being done to these girls. (Lifetime, please send Abby to some mandatory anger management counseling and etiquette classes, stat).
While I can’t say I wouldn’t have had a defensive reaction had Abby approached me this way, Kelly’s instability and constantly pulling her kids and losing her cool is concerning (someone on Lifetime please get this woman some mandatory counseling too). I like Brooke and Paige, but this whole scenario is getting old and I think it’s time for the three of them to go.
Someone should also tell Melissa she is a terrible liar (and so is her kid). I am actually at the point of being bored watching her precious Maddie dance. Same tired choreography, tricks, and expression every time. Maybe they should spend some of their newly acquired free time to teach her some character and social skills (or you know, put her back in school, since all those privates have done little to improve her dancing).
My heart broke for Chloe last night. All the abuse she has taken from her teacher is horrendous (please Christi, pull her out and put in her in a studio with a teacher who will actually treat her with some dignity…the money’s not worth it!), but to watch her see her friend lie to her face, then stick her nose in the air and declare “I guess we aren’t friends anymore” like Maddie was the victim made me want to reach through my TV and hug her. Chloe is a beautiful girl and a beautiful dancer, and honestly the only reason I was still watching the show. But I just can’t stomach it any more.
You’ve read my mind Elita, I absolutely agree with you on all aspects.
I agree also. I wouldn’t mind if Kelly and her girls go because it is just over the top at this point. I do not want Chloe to leave! I love this kid and she has taken so much from Abby. I think Abby needs to be told to tone things down a bit. Calling children “dingbats” and “stupid” is simply not right. I am to the point where I find myself rooting AGAINST Maddie (who is just a kid) because I am sooooo tired of her getting such special treatment! This is not making me a fan at all.
I’m the same way, I lost so much respect for Maddie after how she treated Chloe last night…If she keeps it up, she’ll be the dreaded “brat” kid that Abby claims to hate working with. I’m wondering if once Abby gets this new team set up, if we’ll see a totally different Maddie, maybe one that isn’t so confident, and miserable to work with because she’s not the center of attention anymore…..wouldn’t that be karma kicking Abby, and Melissa for that matter, where it hurts.
What a heartbreaking episode! I’ve seen clearly for weeks what Abby is trying to do. She keeps coming up with these ‘competitions’ to pit the girls against each other. Trying to break up their relationships. She has been gunning for the Hyland girls for a couple of seasons now. She has hated them all since that first time Kelly took the girls and left and the other mother’s rallied to get them back on the team. Then her target became Chloe when Christi did the same thing. The mothers didn’t rally for her or for Chloe because of how their daughters had been ‘punished’ afterward (especially Melissa). Remember when Maddie didn’t get any solos for almost a whole season because she didn’t go against her mother and stayed in the van. Remember Abby crying to Maddie because she said that Maddie let her down by not defying her mother. Maddie cried too because she is just so confused and messed up. I was not at all surprised that Maddie lied last night. She is told to lie by Abby. If she doesn’t do what Abby says, Abby might turn against her, too.
Last night, though. For those that didn’t realise it, Abby taking Brooke, Paige and Chloe to NY was her saying, ‘these are the girls I am replacing.’ I don’t think that until that moment, Chloe realized that she was included in that group, especially since Abby had mislead her with all that, ‘you are my #2 now behind Maddie’ stuff (remember that she competed twice with Kendall for that ‘title’ supposedly), but Abby never intended to let Chloe be anything.
Abby putting Maddie and Kalani’s duet that they had been working on for months against a routine with Paige and Chloe that had been given 2 days of rehearsal, was just so underhanded that it proves what a horrible person Abby is. As for the person that said that Brooke didn’t show any enthusiasm. Well…can you blame her? Every time she goes on, Abby makes her ‘you are so replaceable’ speech. That wouldn’t motivate me to want to do my best. But her not having Chloe or Paige or Brooke compete with the rest of the team, and setting them up for humiliation in NY was the end of it for me.
If any producers or if Abby herself reads this again, take note. You have ruined the show. We all came to love and support these girls and the way they stuck together despite everything. Your pushing Maddie into a ‘perfect little dance machine’ that no longer cares about her friends, has ruined what was left that was good about the show. Your continued persecution of Brooke and Paige and Chloe has made us all see your true colors. There are so many clips of your little asides to Maddie about how all of those other kids were holding her back and she didn’t need them. Well…now she thinks so, too so mission accomplished. I pray that Chloe will keep dancing. I disagree with the person who said that she had peaked. If she can get away from Abby and have someone nurture her talent, she will fulfill her destiny to be a great dancer (she already is great…but a great adult dancer).
For those of you that keep watching, from what I saw of the previews, she is starting in on Kendall and Nia next. She wants them gone, too. Abby now thinks that she has it made. Make the parents mad enough and they will leave. You have to remember, too that these girls are under contract and so is Abby. She calls Dance Mom’s ‘her show’, but it isn’t. They will have to keep featuring these girls (including Brooke and Paige) through the rest of this season because that is what they are contracted to do. Abby doesn’t give Chloe solos for any other reason than that she has to. I just admire Chloe that much more for her ability to keep dancing well despite the fact that she must feel sick to her stomach every time she goes out because of Abby saying such horrible things to her right before she goes on. No smiles from the audience for Chloe, no matter how beautifully she does. Last night Abby was at an all time low for pointing out what she thinks of as Brookes ‘faults’ while Brooke was dancing. She was like Cathy, talking rudely, but doing it about her own dancer. Gah! I quit watching AUDC after one episode last season and was hanging by a thread on this show because of Chloe and caring about her. I think Abby deserved what she got last night and would have probably done the same thing. Abby was advancing on Kelly. I mean, the whole thing started with Abby calling Kelly a name and getting up and charging over to her. Then her acting like she was going to bite Kelly. Kelly barely touched Abby’s face, but did get a good handful of Abby’s extensions. It was Brooke that was sobbing in the background. Despite everything, she still loved Abby and now she knows it’s all over. Poor Brooke. Poor Piage. Poor Chloe. It is heartbreaking. Abby is a mean, nasty spirited person and now everybody knows it. I am sure there were many people cheering for Kelly last night. Maybe the producers will get a clue and quit rewarding Abby for her behavior. Probably not, though.
What viewers don’t realize is that the moms and kids are under contract, and due to the popularity of the show, Christy and Kelly were impossible. They run off any new mom, and they are horrible to Abby, too.
Abby is not all mean to the girls. Whatever she did to feature Brooke and Paige was received by Kelly’s paranoid neuroses, as a slight. If she didn’t get what she wanted, she went berserk. Would you want that in your life.
The show has to move on, and it will be better without Kelly and Christy. The new moms will provide entertainment and drama, but, not the psycho dramatics of Kelly. Although Christy has been MUCH MUCH better this season, she’s not under contract any more, and I doubt Chloe will stay on, which is a tragedy, because, Chloe is a doll, and truly as talented as Maddie.
Momagers often shoot their kids in the foot, or undermine their careers, and you see why.
Abby will sweeten up with Kelly and Christy gone. You’ll see. She had to replace some of these girls, and they were under contract, and they just were mediocre. Brooke and Paiges were not good dancers anymore, and they were under contract, but, no longer. Abby was trying to get more from them, and it created this insanity we’ve seen..
Ermm, Christi is not under ALDC contract but she is still under contract with Lifetime so she has to stay on – unless of course, she pulls Abby’s hair as well
I had to laugh when Abby was holding something (an ice pack???) to her head after Kelly pulled her hair. I saw the whole thing–and though Kelly completely lost it–Abby did not require an ice pack for crying out loud!
Apparently she ripped out a bumpit along with a good chunk of hair (according to Abby via an interview).
Kathryn–I agree totally with almost every word you wrote!
I have watched Dance Moms and AUDC from the beginning and like many of the comments here, I see this show becoming “darker” than I care to see. However, from the beginning, both Kelly and Christy have been the primary instigators of turmoil and friction on this show. They always seem to find something to complain about and have no problem interrupting and shouting down the other mothers and even attacking any new mom whose daughter is brought in to work with the team. Still, realizing that this is a reality show, I imagine that the producers of the show do have control over much of the content being put on screen. As for Maddie, she has undeniable talent. When I watch her perform, I see her feeling and living the piece she’s performing, whereas many of the other girls seem to be going through the motions. At times, I see Chloe do spectacular routines, especially the lyrical ballet type pieces which are her strengths. Kendall is adorable and a very good dancer, but just doesn’t have the passion for dance that Maddie does. Lack of passion could be said about all the team (except for Chloe at times) when compared to Maddie. As a former “Dance Dad”, I’ve watched many rehersals, recitals, competitions that my daughter was involved in over the years. I never observed any of the “Mom” shenanigans as portrayed on Dance Moms. Our dance instructor/studio owner would never have permitted it. My daughter, now a successful stage actress, would tell your that she owes so much to the “strict and demanding” teaching style of her instructor. As for me, I will continue watching the show, but do hope that Kelly is off the show. As for Christy, I hope she mellows out and stops seeing conspiracies at every turn as I would like to see Chloe remain on the team.
There are competition teams and then there is television and professional show business. It’s as cutthroat as anything on this planet, and unless you’ve been in the industry, it’s hard to fathom how ruthless and rotten it can be.
Every kid dreams of what these dance kids had the opportunity to achieve, but, it comes with a huge price. I hate that moms put their kids under this pressure, but, this season was different, because, Abby was losing her mom, and had wanted Kelly and Christy to leave, and they weren’t budging, because, they’re making a lot of money on ‘Dance Moms’.
They were under this misapprehension that it was their show, and that they had more ”weight” than Abby. They were right. It is ”DANCE MOMS” Not ”Dance Teacher”….
However, in all competition teams, you need to keep the ages contemporary, and this is a youth group, with 15 and 16 year olds. They needed to get rid of Brooke, so, Abby set up connections with record producers, which Kelly took credit for, of course, but, it was the show trying to throw the child a bone, to get them moving on.
Abby loved these girls as much as Maddie. But Kelly was nuts. Now that she’s gone, new moms and kids will brighten the show, and it will get back to what it was in the first season. You’ll see. Abby was stuck with this psycho mom, and it affected the season. She needed to get Kelly out of her contract, and with the assault and harrassment, Kelly played into the trap.
MRB. I totally agree with you. My daughter competed in tap, jazz and song and dance, in many of the same competition venues as Abby’s girls do now. Although my daughter’s team didn’t have any disruptive moms, I did get to see poor behavior and hear rude comments from other teams during the competitions. Even today, my daughter would tell you that showbiz is a tough business, which is why I believe Abby pushes and demands excellence from her kids. As for Abby’s attitude and behavior at times, I would be pulling my hair if I had to listen to Kelly all the time. Kelly and Christy together is like having a lit match in a room filled with explosives. As you pointed out, with Kelly gone, maybe the show can get back on track and be more about the kids and possibly moms that cooperate rather than instigate.
If they needed to get rid of Brooke, why bring in Payton? And we know from the girls social media that she comes back later in the season.
Well, at least for the show, it seems to me that Payton does show more enthusiasm than Brooke. That said, I’m not a fan of Payton nor her Mom either. As for Brooke, maybe it’s just me, but it always seems that she has a frown on her face and is not at all interested in the group. However, she seemed to me to enjoy herself more in the senior group. Seems to me that her emotions/interests would be more in line with the older group than the younger girls.
I’ll throw my two cents in here. First I want to say how much I enjoyed Lori’s recaps which are insightful and have that rarest quality of recaps on various blogs in being well-written and funny without being vicious.
As to the show itself, lately I’ve been skimming the front half to avoid the nastiness until getting to the dancing. I tuned in early this week to see the longer version of Kendall and Nia’s “17 Minute Duet”. Despite some awkward transitions (and one non-pointed foot during a jump), they really sold it. This is what I liked about the show. Watching the dancers and how they progress. They each have strengths and weaknesses. Nia is fabulous in jazz and modern-ish pieces. Kendall is adaptable and has a solid technical foundation. They worked well together. I’d really like to see them do this duet again after they work out the rough spots.
So this week, I was happy Chloe and Paige were assigned a duet. Paige looks taller this season and they have similar styles as had been demonstrated in the two trios earlier where they had supported Brooke and Kendall. Was it too much to ask for a nice lyrical, balletic duet for Chloe and Paige? I guess it was.
I wasn’t expecting the horror show to come. There’s a difference between “challenging” or “pushing” dancers and “terrorizing” them. Beginning with weeks of “Everyone’s replaceable.” and open auditions, this week Abby brought Kalani in, ordered Chloe, Brooke, and Paige to the NY audition and apparently expected them to become auditioners on-the-spot, and then entered Maddie/Kalani into the competition. I had flashbacks to the Chloe vs. Maddie scoring mess.
Given the nature of television reality shows, I’ve been giving the adults the benefit of doubt when they squabbled with each other but I really think Abby and Lifetime crossed the line by Abby’s treatment of Chloe, Brooke, and Paige this week. If Lifetime and/or Abby is reading this then, yes, “everyone’s replaceable” and I’ll watch something else. Something that doesn’t contribute to empowering an abusive dance instructor.
“There’s a difference between “challenging” or “pushing” dancers and “terrorizing” them.” — Yes. Exactly. Precisely. Thank you, Eugenia!
I was so disappointed in Maddie and her smart-@ss comment after being outted for lying to Chloe. So much for these girls not being jealous or fighting with each other. It really doesn’t surprise me though, Maddie’s attitude has changed immensely ending last season and through this one, her cockiness and arrogance is over the top thanks to Abby. In the end she’s just a smart-mouthed kid who doesn’t care who she hurts, as long as she comes out on top. And no I’m not blaming Melissa for it, Abby is just as much to blame as anyone for puffing that kid up and making her believe that the others are beneath her. I just wanted to hug Chloe last night, she was clearly heartbroken that her closest friend and biggest rival on the team would do that to her.
I totally agree that Abby is more to blame than Melissa. Abby has said countless times that she feels bad for Chloe because her mother is a liar and a snake and she’s raising her daughter to be the same way, but when Abby punished Maddie for not stepping up last season and automatically volunteering to do her Survivor solo in place of Paige’s new solo for the ALDC showcase she was teaching Maddie that it doesn’t matter who you have to step on to get to the top, even if it is one of your best friends. I do have to say that I was very surprised and impressed at Melissa when she asked Abby if Maddie and Kalani could do their duet but not be scored. Honestly didn’t see that one coming. What she should’ve done was not bring the costume in the first place. If Abby tells you to bring it, there’s a 99.9% chance she’s going to perform that number. I believe her when she said she didn’t know for sure until the last minute, but she knew in the back of her mind what was really going to happen. The entire episode really just left me at a loss. I still really don’t know what to think about it and if I’m going to continue watching. Lori, even if I stop watching I for sure will still read this blog. I absolutely love it, you do a fantastic job!! It’s the highlight of my Wednesdays. I do understand though if you stop. This show is way too emotionally exhausting and draining.
True, it’s just too bad that Abby would never admit that Melissa asked her to submit the duo as a showcase and not to be scored, that may have been Melissa’s saving grace with the other moms.
I was way more disgusted by Christi make snide remarks at a child, telling Chloe that Maddie isn’t her friend right in front of Maddie.. Maddie shouldn’t have lied, but more importantly, Abby shouldn’t have told Maddie to lie. It’s one thing when Christi talks like that to the other mothers, but Maddie is 11. If it was a concern that Maddie lied to Chloe, it should either be between Maddie and Chloe or Melissa and Christi, NOT Christi and Maddie.
And no, I am in no way talking about how Abby talks to the non maddies of the group. This is not about that, before I get attacked with comments about it.
Good point, the girls have been pitted against each other from day one, and the moms completely fed into it. But then again, when have we ever known Christie to censor anything she’s said?
I agree that Christi shouldn’t have said that because it did upset Maddie and Chloe was already upset to begin with. I do feel like Maddie was put in a very tough spot that no 11 year old should be put in. With that being said, she is 11 years old and is old enough to know better and know that you shouldn’t lie. I said before that even if Melissa didn’t know for sure that the duet was going on until the very last minute, she knew what was going to happen in the back of her mind and I feel that Maddie did too. If we’re going to criticize Christi for making that comment in front of Maddie, we also need to address how Abby talks about the other girls to Maddie in front of them. She constantly tells Maddie she’s looking for dancers who want to dance and who are on her level and won’t pull her down. Also how she carries the team and does all of the work. I can only imagine how that must make the other girls feel.
Absolutely, Abby is just as much to blame as anyone else. Melissa should just have kept her mouth shut, but when have we ever know her to do that lol.
Well I don’t think Paige and Brooke actually wanted to dance anymore so this gets them out of it. And Kelly, out-of-control white trash that she is, can stop stretching out her 15 minutes. I just want to know how all these kids on the show will feel at 21 when they realise the whole situation and realise this is permanently on the world wide web and they can’t take it back. But the first 2-3 seasons were about a tough but reasonable dance teacher and her clients of different abilities and personalities. Now it’s all about fame and money and limelight and is just a pathetic soap opera.
This will ruin Brooke’s ‘singing’ career but in all honesty it’s to the benefit of music lovers everywhere.
I don’t think lying is right but I think if Christi and Kelly hadn’t been such jealous bullies then Melissa wouldn’t have tried to hide it and Maddie wouldn’t have felt she needed to lie.
Melissa was no victim in this, all she had to do was keep her mouth shut and let Abby take the fall for it. She constantly does that, and it’s rubbed off on her kid now, great job mom. Like Hollywood or New York producers and directors are going to want to work with you or your precious Maddie. Poor Kenz, she’s the only mature one of the three.
I disagree. Maddie is constantly given special treatment. More than special treatment. She is treated like a princess and the other girls are her slaves. You’d think that Maddie–who is now 11 I think–would be at the age where she would not want this singling out constantly. And now she has started lying? What the heck? I root against the kid to be honest. I keep hoping she will not come in first.
Lori,
As usual, Reader Jen (you called me that once and it made me chuckle) is in your corner. I watch the show, because I love your blog, but who is driving this flying umbrella?
I used to watch it in a fit of boredom, when I was pregnant during season 1 or 2 and, now, my child is a toddler who, interestingly enough, loves to dance. And when I watch this fat, dewy- faced, smiling girl whip around my living room to music, laughing and rollicking and begging me to cut a rug with her, I get an icky feeling thinking of how it was probably this way, once, for all those kids.
It’s clear there are bigger battles of money, celebrity and control. They aren’t fighting for solos so the kids can equally participate in these competitions. They’re fighting for screen time. Big Mac’s hilarious asides about wanting to eat chips? No, no. That might send the wrong message to a casting agent. Best not let her speak, off script.
It’s not charming. It’s not even funny. It’s depressing.
So, I’m hanging it up, too. I’m off to get involved in another show you blog about, because you’re a laugh-riot and I’d miss you, otherwise.
I think the only thing left to do is decide how we ought to lay our cold-shoulder shirts and furry purple jackets and skull accessories to a proper rest.
Amen Lori, Amen Jen. I too mainly watch the show because of Lori’s hilarious blog (first thing I do on Wednesday morning.) To support this program anymore would be hypocritical on my part. So ALDC, goodbye and good luck, may you come to cherish the children in your care.
I don’t want to quit you guys! I just want to go back to having a laugh and a snark and a marvel at the talent of the girls and the outfits of the mom. I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Well, maybe…
Stay with it. It’s going to be a whole new show without Kelly and Christy’s nastiness.
There are people who are so toxic, that everything around them is poisoned. Unfortunately, those two were poison. They were good for some laughs, in the first and second season, but, they got too mean-spirited, chasing off any new mom and kid.
THEY were the problems. They are no longer under contract, and as long as Christy stays calm and cool, Chloe may be allowed to stay, because, she’s awesome, and is the right age.
It all depends on her mother’s behavior. You can’t act as she had been towards new moms. In children’s competition teams, you have to allow new team members.
Agreed. I had this uneasy feeling last night after the episode ended. I had this feeling of disgust and just felt very uncomfortable with myself for what I just watched. I questioned MY integrity for watching something like this and felt like I’m supporting this kind of behavior since I do watch the show every week. I’m still unsure if I’m going to continue watching. I watch for Chloe. I want to see her do well and be confident and happy. I want to see her dance with joy and not with fear. She’s such a beautiful dancer and look how well she does with a dance teacher who is constantly bringing her down. Imagine what she could do with a dance teacher who appreciates her and builds her confidence. The more I watch, the more I just get disappointed and heartbroken for her because of how she’s treated and what she has to put up with. Last nights episode really just broke my heart.
Same here. The show is unethical. We knew it as soon as we saw “laqueefa.” I guess I hoped the producers would realize how gross some of the behavior was and curb it, but it’s an endless cycle of people abusing kids, abusing each other, quitting and coming back just to tell us how miserable they are.
And I don’t want a new cast of people. I want that goof Cathy to run, unscripted, and talk about her psychotic collection of bunnies or have a “meeting of the minds” with a blank-faced vivi over snack foods. I want Christi’s ambition to be her kid taking a special ballet class, not racking up cash from appearances and barrette sales. I just wanna go back to holly talking about Melissa’s lack of embarrassment for sexual “taboos.” That … Was hilarious.
But I think we went to far when these reunion shows, a la real housewives, showed me this isn’t just an adult show that errs on a trashy side. This footage of people hitting each other, flashing their ta tas and calling each other a “bitch” is as equally marketed to a ten-year-old as it is grown adults. And we are seeing more and more footage of kids present, on the show, with this stuff going on.
It’s worse than bad taste. It’s barbaric. If the adults working for this show (on and off screen) can’t sort it out for those kids, we shouldn’t support it.
Correction for improper use of “to,” among other things.
I’m not sure what specifically you found offensive about Laqueefa, drag queens aren’t child molesters or dangerous criminals lol. They’re just guys who happen to like dressing and performing as women. Other than that I completely agree with you.
@Michelle –
It wouldn’t let me reply to your comment, below. My issue wasn’t with Drag Queens and I’m actually a fan of Shangela Laqueefa Watley (the drag queen who sang the song and later taught the “death drop.”)
My issue is the character “Laqueefa,” as Shangela plays it, is what she calls a “post-modern pimp-hoe” and those words are in the song in Nia’s dance. The character explores risque and taboo topics like sex acts, drugs and takes on racial tension.
They dressed Nia up in a costume that was similar to Laqueefa’s pimp-hoe costume and later had her dance to “Workin’ Girl” (I believe that’s the title, I could be wrong), but it’s another Shangela Laqueefa Watley song about . . . hookin’.
I just meant that I didn’t think that the girls should be dressed like prostitutes (a la “Electricity,” a la “The Fan Dance”). Moreover, the nine-year-old African-American shouldn’t be chosen to play this particular character, because the humor in “Laqueefa the Post-Modern Pimp-Hoe” is that the audience and Shangela are in on the joke. Nia and her mother are not and it wasn’t appropriate.
Thanks for clarifying that, and I do agree with you about the lyrics being inappropriate at times. It wouldn’t surprise me if those particular dances didn’t get HUGELY negative feedback from the judges. Especially the Electricity routine, considering it was in Lancaster “Amish Country Capital” Pennsylvania. There’s entertainment and then there’s flat-out inappropriate, Abby crossed the line.
I don’t want to see Chloe go. She’s a beautiful dancer and a good girl. Who puts up with sh** all the time.
What you said about Mac is probably the reason why she has the best chance of making it in the show business world. She’s adorable, talented, outgoing and could care less what goes on in the mama-drama. She just wants to have fun. To her, this is still fun, and not a job as the other girls, especially Maddie, tend to look at it as. I hope she keeps that spirit and attitude forever, no matter what others say.
Chloe is adorable and has a great personality. SOOOOO SWEET. i hope her mom keeps her composure and doesn’t blow it for her.
Even talent and potential means nothing when there are literally tens of thousands of other girls who want that job. It’s just the way it is.
Exactly, Abby is bound and determined to find an entire team of “Maddie’s”. They’re a dime a dozen and most of the time it’s a total crap shoot when it comes to getting professional work. I have a feeling that Maddie won’t be the little superstar once these new girls come aboard.
Did anyone else notice that during her “call” to the police, Abby’s phone wasn’t even on? Or that production team members were helping Kelly flee the scene of the crime?
It’s obvious that Kelly was genuinely upset, but I’m still calling bulls*** on this, alleged court case or not. This whole show is degenerating into torture porn as made by Ed Wood Jr., only you can’t even laugh at it’s hamhanded ineptitude because its being inflicted on little girls.
slightly embarrassed I got my “its” and “it’s” wrong.”
Does lifetime release ratings or number of viewers? I would be curious to see the difference between this week and next and see how many people come back
I’d be curious to know that as well, for the entire season, there HAVE to be people out there that are as sick of the bullying and nastiness as we are. I’m thinking it’s getting close to the time for a talk segment with JC, but I can’t imagine it happening until the court thing is settled since it’s in arbitration.
This week ratings were up 3 tenths from last week…
that’s more than a little disturbing….it’s like when you drive by a car crash, you don’t want to watch but you’re drawn to it.
I’d love to see the ratings for this upcoming episode. I think people wanted to see exactly what happened between Abby and Kelly because we all have been hearing about it and we obviously wanted to see what it was that provoked Kelly. I don’t think the ratings will be as high this week. I do think some people who say they’re done with the show will give it one more chance, but as we’ve seen from previews for next week nothing really gets better. Kenzie crys, Nia crys, Abby apparently accusses Christi of sabotaging something…the usual crushing children’s spirits.
Wow, just realized my terrible spelling…cries*
Lori i remember tweeting once you that your recaps would about make me wet my pants because i was laughing so hard. Sadly, i agree with you that this show is just not fun any more. I liked the show much better when Abby wore little makeup and her plastic headbands. Now her ego seems to have ballooned along with her weight (sorry, i know i shouldn’t make references to her weight, but i’m large too. Not as large as her though). It’s kind of funny how Abby is such a bully, yet calls the cops or about has a nervous breakdown when someone stands up to her. I truly wonder how much of this show is scripted because i found a video of Rosie O’Donell interviewing Abby and Cathy and they smiled at each other and said they are friends and like each other in real life.
I agree, the show was much more “real” in the earlier seasons. I saw the Rosie clips as well, and you could tell that Abby and Cathy did actually have a mutual respect for each other. I’m not sure the same can be said now though, a lot can change, and has, in 3 years.
I will miss Brooke because I just love how she moves. Last night’s number was lovely. I still love the show. I do think the moms are crazy to subject their children to such treatment.
Lori, are you paid to write the blog? I am sure there are people who do not like every second of their job (I will end there without offering you a suggestion of what you need to do.).
Indy, did my bosses pay you to write that? 🙂 The brunt of my job is writing editorial for our magazines; I blog about the things that catch my attention. You are right — not all aspects of any job are enjoyable. But this one involves kids. And I’m a mom. And, as Tooshy pointed out, a raging emotional drip of a mom. So the decision to continue is ultimately mine. Although I’m pretty certain my bosses would prefer that I do. And I would prefer that the show return to something that I can write about in good conscience AND good humor.
Is this where I have to quote Animal House and advise you to “drink heavily” if it will enable you to keep blogging? 😉
Kelly is unstable. Her behavior is bad, even if Abby is very aggressive, what people don’t realize is that this is the norm in competitive sports and dance for professional children. It’s the only way to motivate children, and I went through it, along with thousands of dancers, without trauma.
My teacher was worse than Abby Miller. I always had a knot in my stomach, but, it pushed me to do my ultimate best. Think of physical trainers, and how they push you to the limits. If your trainer pushes you, you benefit, and understand why they are doing it.
If these moms want mealy mouthed nice dance teachers, that’s fine, but, their kids will not be professional dancers, and that’s the way most kids learn, without aspirations to stardom and professional careers.
The ignorance about how coaches and professional teachers of dancing, acrobatics, ice-skating and other competitive pasttimes, is why people can’t accept how Abby trains these kids.
The kids on the team, except for Maddie, are played out. They need to be replaced, well, except for Holly and her daughter, who, play well with others, and she has really improved, and has the right attitude.
Chloe is an amazing dancer, but, she is peaking. Abby needs to pick new girls, and this is a very popular show, and will continue to grow. It’s popularity goes against the grain. People are offended that kids are treated like this, but, that’s show biz.
Umm, no. I raised one kid who’s currently a musician in college and another who is a fairly highly ranked tennis player and there is definitely a difference between a coach who pushes you to be your best and one who lies to, bullies and manipulates you. I didn’t have a problem with Season 1 Abby or even Season 2 Abby, but her behavior (staged on not) is out of control.
Max, i understand what you’re saying. Abby is acting out for the cameras, too. ALL reality shows encourage a certain amount of conflict, so, they do exaggerate, and the proof is that as the ratings have gone up, so, have the dramatics.
I agree that Abby has done things that make me cringe, and I hate that she tells these lovely little girls that they’re all replaceable, but, I’VE BEEN THERE, AND THAT’S NOT FAR FROM THE REALITY. My ballet teachers could terrorize us, but, in the real world, not television, or amateur dance, the competition for actual jobs is insane.
She can achieve the same results with a lot of pushing, but, also love. There’s tough love, and then, there’s abuse, and it’s a fine line. She definitely crossed it this season, but, I think it’s because she’s got to replace these girls.
I know it sounds like it’s cruel, but, these girls are played out, and their moms are not connecting to the audience. This is TV.
She’s going to bring in mothers and daughters from other places, but, Kelly and Christy run them off.
Christy is no longer under contract, and Kelly is gone.
It will be a better season next year, and you’ll see Abby sweeten up.. She needed to get those mothers off the show, and they had contracts, that’s why Kelly kept quitting and then returning, and she had to tolerate her coming back, and Brooke’s rotten attitude.
There are things that go on behind the scenes that the viewers don’t see.
So if what you’re saying is true, that she “has to replace those girls”, why does it need to be done to the point where the girls are having nervous breakdowns and panic attacks? Why not just sit down with the producers and say “we’re going in another direction and you aren’t part of the equation we’re looking for”? Why humiliate the girls? If she loves them as much as you say she does, she’d be more constructive in her approach.
This is a show I used to be able to enjoy watching with my son and when the mothers and Abby acted up I would take it as a “teaching” moment to discuss how wrong they were and ridiculous looking. But after tonight’s episode I just don’t think I can continue though he will be heart broken I told him I needed to think on it.
One thing I always loved was that the girls were always supportive of each other and to see Maddie lie and try to scheme out of it afterwards then to make the comments she did I was appalled – I very much agree with your assessment on that situation.
I don’t think I can here one more time “everybody’s replaceable” or that “have hundred girls who could take your spot”. If ratings are declining then a new team with Maddie being the only original will make them decline further.
You should never touch another person in an aggressive manner; however, I truly believe that Kelly’s defensive mode went into action as Abby was coming at her chomping at the bits and Kelly was backing up. I feel for Brooke and Paige and have for the past 2 seasons as Kelly has become impossible and an embarrassment so I feel for them having to face their friends tomorrow who say the episode tonight.
As always, Holly proves that she is the only adult among these women. She is the one to take the girls out when it gets bad and the only one who has reason and common sense!
I’m so sad for Brooke and Paige…this is just heartbreaking. I mean honestly, I felt that Brooke was a little “over it” for a while, she’s a teen and she wants to pursue other things and there’s nothing wrong with that, unfortunately Abby is all or nothing dance and if you wanna sing then be and entertainer and do both. I REALLY feel bad for Paige, of all the kids, I always thought she was the most overlooked one. Obviously Maddie and Mack are the favs and no shade on a child but Maddie does dance beautifully, and Mack majority of the time wins her division, she’s getting older so super cutsey won’t work 2 much anymore but at this rate she’ll be at Brooke’s acro level soon enough and that was Brooke’s real strength: acro and some lyrical, but she appears to lost the drive, and when she was dancing with the older kids that seemed to boost her, I always thought after that moment Abby should have left her there with them. Nia has facial expressions out of this world and has the drive, unfortunately technically is not ALL there yet but it can click and I assume it will cuz she has passion. Kendall is technically better than Nia but no where near as expressive, they could learn from each other which is why I think Abby puts them together and after her you have Chloe, beautiful dancer, always thought she should be a ballerina cuz she’s long, her extensions are gorgeous, she should OWN that height. And then you have Paige…forgettable in the groups cuz of placement, solo’s never seem to end up going great, duets are scare and trios are 2, she’s never shown what she can do, and I feel so bad 4 her, she out of all the girls, has really gotten the shaft and I feel a lot has to do cuz Abby hates Kelly and she doted on Brooke and when Brooke didn’t reciprocate she lost interest as Paige. I’m just distraught…the whole episode was draining.
Well, Lori, its nice to see neutrality in your writing (end sarcasm). I usually enjoy your recaps, but not this one. Kelly and her girls are Not victims. Kelly has been a perpetrator for some time now. I shudder to think of how she is in her home environment. At any rate, I agree with you; it sounds like you are too emotionally reactive to continue recapping this show.
I knoooooooow it! SOB!
She is a nutcase. She acts like she is on some kind of crazy drug, and she has no impulse control. She has a persecution complex, and narcissism to the nth degree. As a momager, those kids can kiss any show biz dreams down the drain. NO ONE WILL DEAL WITH THIS WOMAN. There are millions of girls who are cute and can sing, and Brooke isn’t that great where agents and other mediators in the business will tolerate this shrewish woman constantly screaming at them and accusing them of nonsense. I am so happy she’s off the show, and while her girls are pretty and talented, they have lousy attitudes, because of Kelly, and have huge chips on their shoulders. Brooke is so sullen, that it’s wonderful we don’t have to look at her anymore. Bye bye Kelly and girls. That’s the last time they’ll be on television.
MRB—I am confused. Every comment you have written about this episode is attacking Kelly and Christie, and exonerating Abby’s horrible behavior. If you work for Jeff Collins or Lifetime, please go back to them and let them know that I will no longer be watching this show. Abby’s behavior will never be “sweet” or “nice,” as you claim it will be, once Kelly and Christie and their daughters leave. And if you’re a friend of Abby’s, or a paid shill for any of the above, please let them know that I also think that Abby is a pathetic monster, who needs counseling ASAP. Your endless comments and diatribe have done nothing to sway me to your opinions.
Yup, ditto that for me!
I have to agree with you, Lori. I had to really debate with myself whether or not to watch any of this episode and ended up flipping back and forth between it and the Olympics — should have just stayed with the Olympics.
Abby was on one the whole episode — constantly harping about how bad Paige and Brooke are, she needs a whole new team — blah, blah, blah. Broken record.
The big fight? Pppffffftttt. No, Kelly should not have slapped her (if you could call it a slap) or pulled or hair, but Abby is a bully and was bullying Kelly and going after her, even when Kelly was backing up — so I find it very hard not to side with Kelly.
And Abby’s over-reaction? An icebag for hairpulling? Really? And what scratch? I couldn’t see anything.
The thing I did notice was how red Kelly’s neck was when she and Christie were in the bathroom and Christie was putting wet towels on Kelly’s neck. Did Abby do something to Kelly’s neck?
It seemed pretty clear to me that Kelly’s response was more instinct than intentional … although, as you said, any physical contact is not appropriate. Especially in front of kids. The whole episode was just so incredibly off-putting. From what we are left to believe from the show, the children are merely tools in Abby’s fame-grab, are getting little from their dance training and are losing years of their childhood to this creepy mixed bag of celebrity and public trauma. No. Fun.
For me, the best moment of the episode was when the crowd was chanting, “Chloe, Chloe,” when they were walking into the auditions.
Take note, Abby: They weren’t saying “Abby,” they were saying “Chloe.”
I bet that’s what put Abby in such a rotten mood (not that she needs an excuse but it had to piss her off) and made Brooke, Chloe and Paige learn the auditioners learn the combination too. Although I did LOVE watching Paige nail that combo and Christie put that other mom in her place, even if it was repeating something said by Abby LOL.
Hannah–I loved that too! They were chanting for sweet Chloe! Abby should take note that Chloe is responsible for a lot of viewers! Quit treating her like a dog while you treat Maddie like some kind of princess.
Hell if I saw a 500 pound woman coming at me I’d react like that too!!
I’ve pretty much stopped watching the show…I just follow your recap and the girls on social media. Sometimes if it’s been an interesting episode, I might catch it.
I’m done. This is ridiculous. Nothing about this is fun to watch anymore. The trauma these lovely girls go through…and how much some of them have changed because of their parental influences. Take Maddie for example: what she did was wrong, but as you pointed out, it’s not entirely her fault. Look at who’s influencing her, who’s teaching her the proper way to behave.
Lifetime, if you’re listening, I’m 100% through with you and your show.
Thanks for reading, Courtney. Honestly you guys are the only reason I’ve kept writing these things for several seasons now. You’re a splendid lot. It’s too bad the show can’t do better by its fans.
I have watched the show on and off , only because I enjoy watching the dancing. After last night’s show , I will no longer watch. That show made me cry for the girls. Abby disgusts me. While physical aggression is never appropriate, I challenge any mother who critiques Kelly to put themselves in her shoes. She had reached her limit. Her daughters are constantly belittled and insulted in front of their peers( more than any other girls on the team) and most recently , in front of girls who want to take their place. Abby really gives it to Paige and Brooke ( not to mention Kelly). Her teaching methods are not motivating and are inappropriate. I realize that at least some of this is staged , but what is happening to the girls seems real. It’s one thing to be a strict, harsh teacher to push your students to achieve great things; but making children feel small and worthless will never work. She tells them she is embarrassed that they are wearing ALDC uniforms ? really ? Chloe, who wins competitions and who received a scholarship to the the Joffrey Ballet is reduced to tears. She pits them against Maddie , shows constant favoritism , instigates the moms — it just goes on and on. This show ruined my day. Why doesn’t she teach them the routine that they are to lead in NY at the open call? She intentionally embarrasses them and herself? If staged, it is unrealistic. Good luck to Kelly and her beautiful daughters . There are many more dance teachers out there. Take them to NY- the best revenge would be to have them succeed with someone else .
A-FREAKING-MEN!!!!!!