Summer is over, the girls and their mothers are back in Los Angeles, and JoJo is on a hoverboard. It’s got all the makings for a dramatic (and extra-long, I’m sure!) season. That’s right, dear readers! Dance Moms returned last night, and Abby Lee Miller brought the crazy…which she promises has nothing to do with her upcoming absences. Please. Kendall hopes that the finished studio will be good for Abby’s soul…she can’t be hateful in this beautiful space, right? Melissa brags that Maddie isn’t in attendance because she’s filming a movie, oh, and she’s now Kalani’s legal guardian so the teen can dance with the group while her mother Kira gets married and gives birth. Timing, you know. Abby interrupts the clucking hens, and she is beyond peeved at their Nationals loss. She lectures her clearly defeated group of dancers about their recent humiliation as the mothers purse their lips and the girls fight back tears.

Abby declares a ban on any extra work. No music videos, no appearances, no auditions, just dance. JoJo’s mother points out the hypocrisy that Maddie is filming a movie. Jill screams about her loyalty and how Kendall was turning down jobs left and right, as Kendall bawls, pleading for her mother not to make things worse with Abby. Abby then declares all of her dancers on the bottom of the pyramid before introducing Brynn to fill the incredible void left by Maddie. Brynn’s mother Ashlee does the requisite amount of sucking up as the other moms sulk. 

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For their first competition, Brynn gets the first solo. Kendall is pained that the new girl bypasses all their hard work to get the coveted dance. The group dance is based on the Boy in the Plastic Bubble…yeah, I’m not sure the girls are going to get that reference. Kalani interjects to say she’ll be at all upcoming rehearsals, but she won’t be competing as her father is getting married. What? Why is she even here? Who needs to see their dad walk down the aisle? Immediately, Ashlee and Melissa go at it after Ashlee accuses Maddie’s mother of talking badly about her daughter. Melissa shuts down…her daughter is the best (does she remember she also has MacKenzie?). JoJo is placed in the bubble, but she almost suffocates when the zipper to the plastic mess gets stuck. We’re not even a quarter of the way into the first episode of the new season and we may have a casualty on our hands!

JoJo escapes from the bubble while the mothers complain about Abby’s “just dance” law, which is hilarious given Maddie’s recent take-off. As Abby criticizes Kendall’s technique, Kendall fumes that while she loves Abby, she’s not her product. Kendall doesn’t want to be a competition dancer her entire life. She wants to sing and act and dance. Kendall wants to leave, and Abby declares her a hot mess. When Jill comes to her daughter’s defense, Kendall sticks to her guns. She’s over Abby’s fighting and drama…until her mom makes her return. Across town, Jeanette is leading the charge against the ALDC, and she’s recruited Gavin…he’s a precious and talented dancer who recently “killed it” on Ellen. She plans to revamp Abby’s losing Nationals routine with actual choreography. After a heart-to-heart in the parking lot, Jill promises Kendall she won’t go head-to-head with Abby anymore. Kendall returns to the group, but Abby takes a break from rehearsal to Facetime with Maddie. Melissa beams as the other mothers fume. The following day, Abby reminds Kendall that her mother is an evil villain who won’t leave well enough alone. Jill vows to her cohorts that she’ll stay quiet in the studio, but she’s not going to turn down any potential opportunities for Kendall. Holly will believe Jill’s defiance when she sees it. 

Brynn’s solo is a lyrical piece that Abby hopes will beat out any of Jeanette’s crew. The moms prowl social media, searching for Brynn’s competition. When they learn that Gavin has a solo, they declare his advantage due to penis points…apparently there aren’t a lot of male dancers his age. They come across a post from Jeanette that states, “We’ll be waiting,” and the group automatically (and correctly) assumes that she’s ripped off the ALDC’s waiting room number. I’m sorry, but this is so scripted. This group of ladies couldn’t find their way out of wet paper bag, so there is no way they guessed Jeanette’s group routine based on that inference. Speaking of, the BDA is working on their version of The Waiting Room. Jeanette reminds her dancers that Abby didn’t have that connection with the story, but she does. She tearily recalls her sister’s car accident while declaring that Abby has no clue about what it’s like to roam a hospital waiting room. That’s low, and I can’t flippin’ stand Abby. 

Did I mention that JoJo only has five minutes of air inside the bubble in which she’s dancing? There is a lot of zipping and unzipping, and Abby proclaims that it’s horrible. Only Holly seems concerned about JoJo’s lack of oxygen while playing in a human hamster ball. The next day, the ALDC walks into the season’s first competition with a warm welcome. Jeanette starts off the day baiting the ALDC moms who are quick to bite. Rise above, ladies. Oh wait…I forgot what I was watching. Maddie is glad to be back with her team, but she’s sad she’s not competing. She regales her friends with the wonders of movie making and skilled actors while silently wondering why Brynn is dancing in her place. Maddie, you are doing so much better for yourself and career far, far away from this mess. I hope this is the last season for your contract so you can stop making the required appearances.

Gavin is the first to perform, and he’s one talented little dude. If dance doesn’t work out for him, I feel like when he’s older, he’d be the perfect SUR server. Brynn follows, and while amazing, she doesn’t have that Maddie quality. Her lines are perfect, but there is just something about Maddie that makes her dancing mesmerizing. Abby finds her to be phenomenal, but she isn’t sure Brynn’s performance is enough to beat Gavin. As the ALDC and BDA prep for the group routine, the mothers are in rare form. Nia questions the protocol if they can’t free JoJo from her plastic tomb. Abby declares they just need to scream fire so people come running. Um, I think when people hear “fire” they run in the opposite direction, but that’s just me. The girls roll JoJo onto the stage, complete with their surgery masks. It’s an impressive visual for sure. The dance is amazing, and JoJo rocks her bubble as I have a mild panic attack about her confinement. It was phenomenal.

As Jeanette’s mothers scramble to get their props on stage, Abby complains to the judges that they are spending too much time organizing. The head judge disqualifies Jeanette’s group for taking too long and the crowd chants to “let them dance.” As a compromise, their group routine will have an automatic points deduction. Score one for evil Abby, subtract a few for Jeanette’s poor copycat dance. It’s great, but I can’t remember the ALDC’s waiting room routine to compare apples to apples. At the awards cermony, Brynn bests Gavin, winning first in the teen solo division to his second. Likewise, Jeanette’s Waiting Room is ousted by the ALDC’s victorious bubble dance. Backstage, Abby chastises Kendall with backhanded compliments about her recent behavior (she’s too beautiful to throw tantrums) before reminding her team that they are only as good as their last dance. If they want to reach anywhere near Maddie’s stardom, they had better learn how to take criticism. A teary Melissa beams with pride as Abby joins in the cryfest over Maddie’s success. Abby then changes her mood, claiming she feels like she’s being chained down to this group. Um, what? 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S PREMIERE OF DANCE MOMS? IS IT ONLY GETTING WORSE? (YES, IS THE ANSWER)

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

The post Dance Moms Recap: Bubble Trouble appeared first on Reality Tea.

After a mediocre first week of Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller is trying to keep her crazy in check, but she’s really just in major denial.

After lectures on punctuality and dedication, Abby is running late. She needs her make-up artist to make sure her eyebrows look better. Jill recognizes this behavior as Abby being on the verge of a breakdown. When the ALDC convenes for the pyramid, Maddie and Kalani are on the bottom due to their absences. MacKenzie and Kendall round out the bottom row. Nia is in the third spot for managing JoJo’s hamster ball, and JoJo places second for actually dancing in the ball. Brynn is in the top spot for winning her solo. Abby grants her solos to Kendall, MacKenzie and Nia, snarking that their mothers think they are good replacements for Maddie. Melissa sticks up for MacKenzie at every turn (for the first time), and Abby doesn’t appreciate her new stance. In a twist, Abby makes the announcement that she’s going to start training a mini team of young girls who she hopes will redeem her name with her sub-par competition team. The mothers are less than thrilled with this news. 

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The following day before rehearsal, the mothers are clucking over Abby’s legal drama going public, and they prepare for the worst. However, Abby pretends like nothing has happened, even when Jill halfway references Abby being in the news. Instead of being the crazy wreck the mothers had anticipated, Abby is ready to dive in to the solo routines. Nia is channeling the character Cookie from Empire. While Holly is happy that Nia will be dancing a solo, she doesn’t really see any choreography competitive enough for the teen competition. Abby wants sass and twerking and an embarrassed Nia is hesitant to become the next Miley. Without the twerk, Abby grows tired of working with Nia and summons MacKenzie.

After complaining about her technique, she quizzes MacKenzie on the name of her dance. MacKenzie proudly states it’s “I Just Want to Stay Home and Eat Chips.” WRONG! Abby rails her for forgetting that it’s “I Just Want to Sit On the Couch and Eat Chips.” Can’t she remember anything? When MacKenzie simply states she believed the name of her routine to be the actual quote she said, Abby bellows that she’s contradicting her teacher who clearly recalls MacKenzie’s quote about sofa-surfing at eating Lays. She calls the poor girl a smart ass before banishing her from rehearsal. Melissa is livid at Abby’s name-calling as JoJo and Kalani try to comfort a sobbing MacKenzine. 

Kendall’s solo is called meltdown, and Abby kisses up to Jill in an effort to unnerve Melissa. As Abby praises Kendall while bashing MacKenzie, Melissa seethes about what a loyal friend and confidant she’s been to Abby. Holly is a bit too pleased that Melissa is finally getting a taste of the Abby their girls are forced to deal with on a regular basis. As Melissa sticks up for MacKenzie who is being constantly compared to Maddie, Abby realizes she doesn’t like when Melissa pretends to be Mother of the Year. Jessalyn is concerned that if Abby keeps acting like nothing is wrong, she’s going to blow up with the crazy when they least expect it.

At the competition, Holly recognizes that Nia probably doesn’t have a chance with her solo. Kendall has been given amazing choreography and professional make-up, and Abby has all but ignored Nia’s routine since she refused to twerk. Abby believes that Kendall has been relying too much on being just another pretty face, so she’s made sure that Kendall’s make-up does the exact opposite. She tries to keep her tears at bay as Jessalyn hypes up her ability, assuring her that the “ugly” make-up will make such an impact on stage. Abby then does the unexpected. She tells a tearful Kendall to wash off the make-up and dance without it. Holly is in shock. Abby is certainly going to great lengths to get under Melissa’s skin by favoring Kendall!

In the teen competition, Nia is the first of the ALDC to dance. Nia showcases her sass even in a dance that doesn’t have much substance. She does an amazing job, and the judges agree with her rocking her facial expressions. Abby sits stone-faced as Nia beams at the praise. Conversely, Kendall’s dance is filled with difficult technical aspects, and she preforms flawlessly. However, the judges cite that such a pretty girl doesn’t need to plaster on sweet smile. They want to see Kendall convey her dark side. Maybe washing off that make-up wasn’t the best idea.  MacKenzie dances next, and I wonder why Abby complains that MacKenzie needs to grow up but then always has her dancing dressed like an eight-year-old. Abby cheers hard for MacKenzie, but when a judge notes MacKenzie’s soft ankles, Abby expresses her disappointment in Maddie’s kid sister. After the girls head out for the group number, Jill tries to broach the subject of Abby’s recent woes, but Abby assures her that just because she broke up with her boyfriend, everything is fine. Um, what? The mothers are as confused as I am. 

The costumes for the group routine, and while the dance is great, Kendall slips early on in the number. The judges love the routine, but Jill is concerned with Kendall’s flub. At the awards ceremony, MacKenzie lands fourth place in the junior solo division with Kendall getting third. Nia places second in the teen solo division. Let’s see if she gets the promised solo next week. The group places second in the group number by mere fractions of a point. Kendall is granted the solo next week as her dance had the most points. Holly tries to remind Abby that the mothers are there for her, but she basically snarks at the mothers, warning them they could be joining her in jail. Jessalyn is convinced…Abby is off her rocker. 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WAS ABBY TOO HARD ON MACKENZIE?

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

The post Dance Moms Recap: Hungry Like The Wolf appeared first on Reality Tea.

Tonight’s Dance Moms was filled with mini meltdowns and mega drama. The ALDC mothers are concerned because Abby Lee Miller is introducing a new, younger team to replace their girls. She barely has time as it is to coach her competition team, and now these little ones are going to eat up even more of Abby’s time. Abby can’t be bothered with their fears…she needs to find her next Maddie, and the way the ALDC performed at last week’s competition has her convinced it’s the best decision. Her girls didn’t have one first place finish! 

Kendall is on the bottom of the pyramid for not being able to express emotions through her facial expressions. She’s tired of Kendall just being pretty…not to mention, Kendall placed third in her solo division. Nia and MacKenzie round out the bottom…they both have super successful videos and songs on iTunes, yet they can’t snag a win. Brynn takes the third spot from the top for being middle-of-the-road, and JoJo is excited to be second with Abby praising her stand-out performance in the group routine. Kalani takes her rightful spot at the top of the pyramid for rocking the group dance…and becoming a big sister. Kira and her baby brother are healthy and happy. Kendall is given the promised solo for having the highest individual score, and Jessalyn reminds Abby about Kendall’s make-up breakdown. JoJo gets the second solo, but she’s going to have to give up the bow for her dark hip-hop number. The girls cheer when they learn that the group routine will also be hip-hop, and Abby brings in their choreographers. She’ll be too busy working with her minis.

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Lifetime introduces us to the moms of the minis and these women are vying for Abby’s attention something fierce. The veteran mothers can’t decide if Abby’s latest distraction will work to their benefit or detriment. Jill grills the girls about their feelings on the minis. She personally finds them to be adorably distracting. The other hens cluck about how difficult it is for the ALDC to win a group number with a hip-hop routine, but Abby surprises them with three boys who she claims will be her secret weapon. As Kendall works on her routine, Abby informs the mothers that Brynn will learn Kendall’s solo (and Nia will learn JoJo’s). Abby wonders aloud what will happen if the understudies are better? Brynn’s mom takes the bait and starts needling Jill. Holly interrupts to remind the women that Abby is purposely trying to get under their skin. 

At every turn, Abby tells anyone who will listen that Kendall is too closed off with her dancing. Jill takes offense to Brynn dancing in front of Kendall while they practice. Brynn’s mother Ashlee interjects, saying that Abby is in the studio and she would tell Brynn to move if she saw a problem. Being the queen of blowing things out of proportion, Jill starts screaming that if Brynn had a brain, she’d know to dance at the back like Nia is doing with JoJo. Ashlee storms off to complain to Abby, and when Brynn leaves the studio, Jill starts yelling (well, heatedly speaking) at the poor girl. She explains that as the new kid, she needs to learn her place and not dance in front of Kendall. When Brynn politely tries to defend herself, Jill chastises her about talking back to adults. Her tirade has both Brynn and MacKenzie in tears. 

The following day, Abby is focused on her minis and the veteran moms are focused on giving dagger eyes to the distracting minis. When a six-year-old has a meltdown, her mother allows her to leave, but Abby follows them out to sweet talk the little girl. Minis are high-maintenance, and Abby is happy to take the crier under her wing. Jill snidely remarks that if Ashlee thinks Abby loves Brynn, she’s wrong…she loves that crier ten times more. Ashlee again tries to cajole a much deserved apology out of Jill, but Jill stands firm that Brynn was in Kendall’s way. Jill wants Abby to remember Kendall is part of the team who made the ALDC brand. Brynn? Not so much. Geez, Jill! Take a chill pill, or some champs and Xanax, at least!

The day of the competition, Jill is still harping on Brynn’s mirror hogging ways and JoJo’s crazy stage make-up…it’s clearly a slap in the face to Kendall crying about her latex make-up last week. Well, duh. Ashlee is still hoping for a sincere apology, and while Jessalyn stirs the pot, she and Jill have an awkward apology exchange. Thankfully, it’s brought to a halt by JoJo’s terrifying solo make-up. Of course, JoJo’s zombie face is interrupted by a call from Abby’s attorney wielding bad legal news. Abby is crying backstage and misses Kendall’s solo routine. Before Kendall can take the stage, Abby peels out of the parking lot and Jill sets up a scenario to blame Brynn in the event that Kendall loses. Brynn was, after all, dancing in front of her in rehearsal. Kendall’s dance is cute and upbeat and sassy, but she barely changes her expression. Technically, she is great, but her face is blank until she remembers to punctuate a move with a smile. On the other hand, JoJo absolutely kills her solo…or I should say it kills her. It’s one of her most impressive dances to date.

To quote Holly when it comes to the hip-hop routine, the girls “nailed it.” I wasn’t quite sure if the boys were the secret weapons Abby had described, but it’s a fun and energetic number. JoJo totally stole the show, but she gets robbed in the pre-teen solo division when her number places second. Kendall somehow wins first place in her division, and I think Jill may be a bit peeved that she can’t blame Brynn for Kendall’s downfall. Instead, Jill complains that Abby didn’t get to see Kendall take the top spot. The ALDC wins the deserved top spot in the group routine. Melissa finds a backstage experience sans Abby to be relaxing, and Holly knows regardless, things are about to get interesting. 

TELL US – WAS JILL OUT OF LINE WITH HER BEHAVIOR TOWARDS BRYNN? DO YOU THINK KENDALL SHOULD HAVE WON HER DIVISION? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Those of us who have been watching Dance Moms for a hot second are no strangers to Abby Lee Miller melt downs, but last night certainly took the cake, didn’t it? As last night’s episode unfolds, Abby is in crisis mode at the ALDC LA studio, hair in hot rollers, dramatic phone call, and lots and lots of tears. The girls and their moms congregate at 7:30 in the morning, and everyone is thrilled to welcome Maddie back into the mix. Maddie catches up her friends on her rise to stardom, and they are just as excited for her as she is humble. It’s cute to see them and realize there is a tiny bit that is still genuine about this show. Her Hollywood escapades are interrupted by Abby screeching in the next room, and the mothers plot to send in the mini troupe to check on her. Their girls certainly don’t want that responsibility!

As the minis and moms converge on the studio, Jess quickly directs them to the back room where Abby is braless and sobbing on her cell. It’s beyond awkward, and the mini moms retreat. After they contain their giggles, Melissa and Jill try to coax Abby out of the back room, but she screams at them to leave. Melissa is peeved. Maddie just scored a prime photo shoot, and Abby needs to be excited for her daughter. Ashlee is upset that Abby isn’t focused on the newbies, and she goes head to head with Jill over who is more passive aggressive. Ashlee accuses Kendall of being as hateful as her mother, and Jill shrieks into the parking lot (followed by Melissa) to find photographers from Seventeen Magazine hoping to document Maddie’s time with the ALDC. Jill recalls that Abby didn’t want any outside projects, but Maddie is always an exception.

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Jill tries to reign in her crazy to get her daughter a spot in the spread. The mothers are climbing over each other hoping to get their girls featured in Seventeen, and the excitement is enough to bring Abby out of her cave. The editors are vying for Nia, even when Abby tries to lead them elsewhere. Regardless of her opinions, the editors want Nia. After all, she’s a mini-Beyonce. They shut out most of the elite team, finally asking Kendall to join Maddie and Nia at the shoot. MacKenzie, JoJo, and Brynn are too young, and Kalani doesn’t fit “their look.” Abby wants the girls to focus on their competition. Sure, the Seventeen shoot is a big deal for Maddie and Kendall (um, and NIA?? HELLO??), but her girls need to win. The pyramid is glossed over, and Abby announces that the minis will be competing as well. Maddie and Brynn will be going head to head in their solo division. 

When Ashlee and Jessalyn are left alone in the viewing room, Ashlee confides that she’s happy to be with a mom who knows what it feels like to be an outsider. What’s wrong with Jill? Is she going through menopause? Jess urges Ashlee to keep her mouth shut. They’ve all had to be the new mom at some point, and it’s much easier to cope if no one is stirring up unnecessary drama. The following day, Maddie, Kendall, and Nia are prepping for the Seventeen photo shoot, and Maddie reveals to the photographer that Jill probably craves the spotlight far more than her daughter. Back at the ALDC studio, Abby is working with minis, hoping that one of them will carry on her tremendous legacy…much like Maddie is doing now. Ashlee warns the mini-moms that elite mothers are crazy and not to be trusted, and Jess takes great offense to this statement…even if it’s true. Jess calls the mothers to rehash Ashlee’s comments, and Jill laughs at the thought she’s going through menopause. That so happened a decade ago! 😉 

The minis are working on their solo, and their moms are on cloud nine that their girls are being highlighted. Jess finds the young group to be a hot mess, and Ashlee and Jessalyn heap their critiques on the mini-moms. Your child isn’t picking up on turns. Your four-year-old is slow with choreography. Yeah. She like just learned how to walk. In Abby’s absence, Gia is working on the elite team’s group number. The mothers have just received an e-mail that Abby is resigning from the ALDC. The mini-moms are confused. Abby seemed to happy last night. Holly would like to introduce them to Abby’s see-saw of crazy emotions. Maddie practices her Bond Girl solo as Melissa beams from the wings, wishing Abby was here to see her daughter’s talent. She also wants to stick it to Ashlee when Maddie beats Brynn.

On the day of competition, Abby is MIA, and the mothers (mini and elite) are shocked. Doesn’t she want to see Maddie compete against Brynn? Only Holly keeps a level head about the fact that Abby’s most consistent trait is her unpredictability. Maddie dances her solo first, and she is amazing. It’s refreshing to see her do well in a routine that isn’t a lyrical piece. Brynn performs next after a pep talk from Kalani, and she’s stellar as well. I prefer Maddie’s choreography, but we’re all aware I know absolutely nothing about dance. Holly agrees. Both girls gave standout performances, but Melissa and Ashlee bicker back and forth (and Jessalyn and Jill side with Melissa) about their daughter’s routines. Ashlee retaliates by criticizing JoJo’s technique. Is there going to be a fight up in here? 

With Abby missing, the elite team takes the minis under their wing, grooming them (and spraying their hair) for their first group routine while showering them with praise. The minis are far more talented than I could ever be, and given their average age is six, that’s impressive. Of course, given my two left feet and tone deaf demeanor, Honey Boo Boo could out dance me. The minis rocked their first competition and Jess hates that Abby wasn’t there to see it…and that one kid she’s been ragging on did better than expected too. Win-win? The elite team performs and they look like the missing members of T-Swift’s squad. I don’t love the dance, but the girls execute it beautifully. Dare I say MacKenzie is a beat behind? At the awards ceremony, Brynn scores fourth place in the overall solo division with Maddie placing second. Melissa feels robbed and Maddie plasters on a smile. The mini group doesn’t even realize they’ve place second in their age group, but the elite team takes the top spot. Backstage, the minis are moping, and the Seventeen photographer gifts the girls with a sneak peak of the photo shoot. The mini moms hope that Abby will be more present going forward, and Gia pisses off Melissa by confirming that Brynn’s solo was harder than Maddie’s. Cue World War III as the moms scream about Brynn losing to Maddie. Good times! 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE?

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

The post Dance Moms Recap: Don’t Get Mad(die) About It! appeared first on Reality Tea.

Even though she ghosted from the dance competition on this week’s episode of Dance Moms, I don’t think Abby Lee Miller is going anywhere anytime soon. Of course, by “anywhere” I mean “the clink.” The unhinged reality star is facing up to five years and five million dollars in fines as she’s accused of hiding almost $800,000 in earnings from the show during her 2010 bankruptcy. 

As the drama (and Abby’s mental breakdown) plays out on Lifetime, her legal team is working behind the scenes to buy more time in her fraud proceedings. On Wednesday, Abby’s lawyers filed a request for an extension in order to extend the deadline for their pretrial motions. This is the third delay in Abby’s trial.

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According to Radar Online, the documents submitted by Abby’s counsel asked the court for more time to file pretrial motions in light of new discovery. The request details that on December 3, 2015, the FBI supplied Abby’s legal team with “two discs containing discovery material.”

However, the two discs are not the only discovery material, and Abby’s lawyers have yet to review the additional information which is being housed in the FBI’s Pittsburgh office. The motion for extension claimed that Abby’s attorneys and the FBI had “not been able to coordinate a mutually available time” to go over the materials. At the motion hearing, the judge granted the request, and Abby’s team now has until March 1 to submit pretrial motions. 

People, people, people…this is why you don’t take financial advice from the Giudices. It’s that simple! 

TELL US – DO YOU THINK THIS IS THE LAST DELAY WE’LL SEE BEFORE ABBY GOES TO TRIAL? WILL SHE GO TO JAIL? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

The post Abby Lee Miller’s Bankruptcy Fraud Trial Delayed Yet Again! appeared first on Reality Tea.

Abby Lee Miller was notably absent on last night’s Dance Moms, but apparently her attendance isn’t required for ridiculous drama.

After Abby’s “resignation” on last week’s episode, the veterans and newbie moms are unsure of their direction, having relocated to a new studio. As the elite team and their mothers ponder their next move, Nia breaks down over haters on social media. Gia is taking over for Abby, and she’s not really the pyramid type. In lieu of solos, Gia has opted for duets. Kalani and Nia are thrilled to be paired together. Minis Peyton and Alexus are recycling a duet originally danced a few seasons ago by Chloe and Asia. Brynn and Kendall will be dancing the final duet, and Ashlee interrupts to ask if Brynn’s choreography will be more difficult than Kendall’s moves. Um no, Gia reminds Ashlee that they will be doing the same dance. As the moms bicker with Ashlee, Gia realizes that a group dance featuring the elites and the minis is going to be a lot harder than anyone anticipated. 

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The guest choreographer wants to know if we recognize him from So You Think You Can Dance. That’s a negative. In the viewing area, the original moms hound the mini moms about why they still want to compete without a leader. Jill reminds them that the elite team follows Gia because they are a true ALDC team…the minis are not invested. They are all distracted by the hot mess that is the group Bollywood routine. Holly recognizes that Abby has truly set them up for failure with these circumstances. 

As the minis practice, Alexus‘ mom Tiffanie is concerned about Peyton’s ability to pick up the choreography, not to mention she feels as if Peyton’s mother Kerri is a ticking time bomb. Kerri is, indeed, peeved that she is here for Abby’s direction, and she’s stuck with Gia. As the Bollywood dance crashes and burns around the minis, Holly reveals that Debbie Allen has requested Kalani and Nia come to a class at her famed studio. Holly is over the moon, and she’s able to escape the fray before Tiffanie and Kerri go head-to-head.

Across town, guest teacher Ieasha has arranged for Nia and Kalani to participate in an African dance class with Debbie. The girls are excited to be working with such a legend in the industry as Holly fills in Debbie on Abby’s latest antics. Debbie graciously offers the ALDC to come train with her in the interim. She heaps on the praise, and Holly can’t help but notice how receptive Kalani and Nia are to this approach after always being belittled by Abby. The following day, Holly excitedly relays Debbie’s offer, but Melissa isn’t biting. She wants her girls to dance for the ALDC, and she doesn’t want to alienate Abby in the event she returns. Jessalyn agrees with Holly…they would be crazy to turn down the opportunity to train with Debbie Allen.

The women are quickly sidetracked by the mini-moms who had their own stand-off over practicing at the hotel. Jill hopes that the mini moms won’t reflect poorly on the guest choreographers…that’s her job! As the elite duets rehearse, it’s clear that Kendall only has one facial expression…cheery. She doesn’t know how to play a dark character. Kalani and Nia work on their duets, and both girls are completely drained. Melissa claims that Kalani admitted to be the most stressed out she’s ever been. Ashlee quips that it must be hard for Kalani to have to work for something given that most choreography comes easily to her. Melissa dismisses her dig and questions whether Kerri is as worried as everyone else about Peyton’s ability to grasp the choreography. Without question, she is. 

On the day of competition, the veteran moms notice that the minis mothers are very tense. It turns out that the night before, Kerri reveals that she almost called the cops on Tiffanie for filming (or so she thought) her interactions with her daughter. Kerri calls Tiffanie and not so nice name, and Tiffanie bursts into fake sobs. Jessalyn can’t contain her glee while watching the exchange, and she accuses Kerri of cracking under the pressure of her daughter’s inability to learn the dances. When Gia offers a critique to Peyton, Kerri grabs her daughter and storms out much to the producers’ dismay. Holly and MacKenzie rush to the rescue to support Peyton and convince Kerri to return. Peyton and Alexus‘ duet goes off without a hitch, although they are no Asia and Chloe!

Kalani and Nia totally rock their duet, and Holly is beyond proud of both girls. They are the definition of professional, hard-working dancers. Brynn and Kendall? Not so much. Kendall is sporting a leather bustier, a purple mohawk, and a big ol’ smile. Ashlee is quick to cite Kendall’s inability to play a dark character, and Jessalyn interjects to shame Brynn’s late turns. Jill wants to know why the moms need to be talking about anyone’s daughters anyway…again, that’s her job! Kerri is worried that if the group number is a bust, all the moms are going to blame her child. Well, duh. The Bollywood costumes are amazing, and the minis aren’t nearly the hot mess they were in rehearsal, save Peyton watching every move of the child next to her. The moms feel redeemed, and the elite girls totally saved the dance. 

When it’s time for the awards ceremony, Alexus and Peyton score the top spot in the mini duet category. Kendall and Brynn’s number garners third in their division, and Kalani and Nia’s duet wins first place for the teens. The mini mothers are terrified that their girls will be the cause of a lower place, but luckily the ALDC scores the overall highest group number. Kerri apologizes for her erratic behavior as the elite moms urge the mini mothers to work together as a team…just like they do. How did she just say that with a straight face? 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WHICH DUET WAS THE BEST? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Do you hear that, dear readers? It’s the sound of damage control! In light of her legal woes and the notion she’s being portrayed in a false light on this season of Dance Moms (let’s pretend it’s a first and she hasn’t seemed like a miserable wretch since the show began airing so many moons ago!), Abby Lee Miller is speaking out against her negative perception.

Are you still reading? I wasn’t sure…I had to step away from my computer for a second to make sure I wasn’t hit by a stray lightning bolt…you know, by association. Well, we’re all still alive, with eyelashes intact, so let’s dish on Abby’s latest antics, shall we? 

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After all but ditching her team on the latest installment of Lifetime’s hit or miss reality show, Abby is defending her reputation in the press. Too little, too late? Not for Abby! In an interview with In Touch, Abby explains, “I’m to the point now where I respect and listen to my kids. Teaching children is my one true love.”

Let’s dissect Abby’s first sentence, shall we? “I’m at the point now where I respect and listen to my kids.” Translation: “I’ve gotten so much crap for the hatefulness and disrespectful manner in which I speak to the children in my care, that now I’ll tell the media of how important my job is when it comes to rearing these kids in the competitive dance community.” Am I wrong? Am I being too hard on the controversial reality star? I don’t think so, but like this interview, I am open to your interpretations.

When asked how she feels about being labeled a bully when it comes to her dancers, Abby responds, “I don’t think it’s true. I’m a tough coach, but if I’m giving you my time, my energy, my tutelage — you have to give back. You have to make me proud of you,” adding, “I wasn’t put on this earth to make kids feel special. I was put here to make them dance.”

It may seem like I’m contradicting myself, but I agree with Abby’s closing statements…just not with Abby saying them. As a former teacher, I think kids these days feel deserving of praise for simply showing up and doing what is expected of them. No one should get a gold star for doing what they should do…however, in my opinion, Abby is the last person to be touting this line of thought. 

TELL US – WHAT DO THINK OF THIS SNIPPET OF ABBY’S INTERVIEW? DOES SHE MAKE SENSE OR IS SHE JUST BLOWING HOT AIR? 

[Photo Credit: WENN.com]

The post Dance Moms’ Abby Lee Miller Defends Herself Against Those Who Call Her A Bully appeared first on Reality Tea.

Maddie Ziegler has officially become a celebrity! The 13-year-old dance superstar just landed a role in the upcoming movie “The Book Of Henry.” 

The Dance Moms star, who guest starred in Pretty Little Liars last year, has been open about her desire to be a Hollywood “triple threat” as a dancer, singer, and actress. Looks like she’s achieved her goal. 

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TMZ says Maddie was paid “at least $20,000” for her part in “The Book Of Henry,” where she’ll star alongside Naomi Watts and Sarah Silverman. 

With her movie career taking off, sources say Maddie is officially done with Dance Moms. Season 6 (which is airing now while also filming), will be her last.

Last week Melissa Gisoni was filmed breaking the news of Maddie’s departure to the rest of the cast. Maddie is exiting from both Dance Moms and the ALDC.  Entertainment Tonight reports that it will also be the last season for MacKenzie. Maddie has had one toe shoe out the door for a while.  

In addition to “The Book Of Henry”, Maddie will also begin work on “Sister,“ a film written and directed by Sia. 

I hope Abby Lee Miller can cope with the loss of her beloved Maddie – of course, she’ll probably take credit for all of Maddie’s success, since Maddie’s talent had absolutely nothing to do with it! Last year Maddie relocated to LA to pursue more acting roles and simultaneously reduced her participation in Dance Moms.  However, shortly after Maddie’s move Abby also headed out west to open an LA division of the ALDC. 

Abby herself may also be done with Dance Moms, depending on how her bankruptcy fraud shakes out! Last week leaked paperwork showed that Abby has earned up to $760,000 from Dance Moms and Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition since 2011. Her bankruptcy fraud accuses her of hiding more than $755,000 in earnings. Recently Abby was feuding with production and Lifetime arguing for a higher salary, and even took a break from filming last season. Abby also trashed the network for underpaying the dancers, who reportedly made as little as $1,500 per episode! 

Clearly Maddie is worth way more than that and it’s great to see her find success in Hollywood. Maddie’s former co-star Chloe Lukasiak has also been transitioning into acting by landing a role in the Lifetime Movie “Center Stage: Dance Camp”. 

Congratulations Maddie! 

TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED MADDIE IS QUITTING DANCE MOMS?

[Photo Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com]

The post Maddie Ziegler Lands Major Movie Role And Is Quitting Dance Moms! appeared first on Reality Tea.

Last night marked Abby Lee Miller’s return to Dance Moms, and it was every bit as ridiculous as every other episode has been for the last few seasons. Please, Lifetime, put this show out of its misery…it’s not fun to watch any more. It’s borderline disturbing. Abby is having some sort of passive aggressive psychotic break on camera, calmly telling the veteran mothers that she was on vacation last week and doesn’t give a flip about the elite team. She’s only back in the studio because her lawyers need to get paid. As Holly leads the charge to pepper Abby with questions, Abby dismisses her with glassy eyes and flippant remarks. 

Before the pyramid, Abby criticizes the routines that she wasn’t in the attendance to watch. The minis are included in the pyramid, with the entire crew rounding out the bottom rung. Peyton is in the last place spot for her mother’s deplorable behavior. Abby clearly doesn’t like a mom’s bad behavior being worse than her own, right? JoJo, Brynn, and Kendall make up the next level for their various flawed performances, and Nia and Kalani are in third and second. Abby is shocked that Nia didn’t excel more in African dance given that she’s African-American. No, just no. Holly loses it. Just because Nia’s black doesn’t mean she’s got the lock on African dancing. Abby barely back pedals…she didn’t mean to offend anyone, she just thinks that Nia needs to step up to the plate. MacKenzie takes the top spot. The girls will be dancing a lyrical piece with Brynn in the lead role. Abby warns Brynn that if the elite team loses it will be her fault. Jill takes the opportunity to remind everyone that Ashlee never finds Brynn at fault for anything. Shut it, Jill. Seriously, she is sounding like a broken record. Some mini whose name I’m not going to bother to learn is granted a solo.

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As Abby goes over the choreography with the elite team, she chastises Brynn for her mother’s decision to pull her out of the ALDC a few seasons ago. She should be grateful for their second chance. In the viewing area, Ashlee draws Jill’s attention to some bootleg video of Kendall and Brynn’s duet that is garnering a lot of praise for Brynn and negative comments for Kendall. Jill basically tells her to eff off (before calling her a fat ass…keeping it classy, Jill). She would never talk as poorly about a child as Ashlee does about Kendall. Um, does Jill watch the same show we do? All of these ladies are horrific. Glass houses, Jill. Glass. Houses. Ashlee retaliates with a zinging insult. She may be a fat ass, but at least she’s not as old as Jill. Has MENSA contacted these ladies? 

The minis are on the chopping block this week. If they don’t do well, Abby is going to do away with the mini competition team entirely. She has the elites wrangling the little ones when one mini (Kendall!) and mom show up late. Newbie mini mom Lynn interrupts rehearsal and Abby shuts her down quickly before kicking them out of the studio. Rookie mistake, new mom. Rookie mistake. Later, a teary Ashlee shares her frustrations with Holly and Jessalyn who remind her that she needs to maintain a delicate balance. They aren’t holding her breath that Ashlee is listening. The following day, the late newbie mom has returned, and Abby dismisses her yet again. Newbie mini-mom cries to the missing Jackson sibling (is that LaToya?), whining that she doesn’t want to put her daughter in such a negative atmosphere. Give me a break…as if she’s never seen the show before! Holly advises that if newbie mom feels uncomfortable letting her child be criticized and belittled, perhaps she’s with the wrong group of folks. These ladies are used to the treatment, and by golly, their daughters have learned to keep their mouths shut! 

The next day, the mini moms attempt to bond, but newest mini mom doesn’t believe they have to do things just like the elite mothers. Melissa rolls her eyes back into her head so far I’m surprised she can still see. Newbie mini mom accuses the elite moms of losing their identities to please Abby. Melissa’s eye rolls are contagious, and Holly has caught a serious case of it. Just to mess with their heads, Abby pops out of the studio to invite late mini to join the group. Jessalyn is bored of the mini mom dramz, so she questions whether Ashlee and Brynn will stick around when Maddie returns. Ashlee recalls Abby’s warning that a group loss will be Brynn’s fault. Jill disagrees…she would NEVER blame child for a loss. Does she have amnesia? 

At competition, Jill is surprised to see no fans are awaiting their arrival. Abby is in attendance, but she’s very blasse about the situation. Tardy mini mom apologizes for her bad behavior, and Abby commends her for not listening to the yapping of the other ladies. What? Melissa is livid. How dare this new mini mom throw them under the bus? These women are twisted. Before the first mini’s solo, Kendall gives her protege a quick pep talk, warning her not to look at Abby as she’s bound to be making crazy distracting hand gestures. The mini is sassy and adorable, but the mini moms don’t seem to understand that Abby doesn’t care about adorable. She just cares about wins. Late mini mom questions how long MacKenzie was sporting pig tails and baby dances, causing Melissa to bare fangs and her mini mother counterparts to come to Melissa’s defense. Remember the children? We don’t talk badly about them on this episode ever. Holly attacks next, sarcastically hoping that late mini mom doesn’t “lose her identity” like the elite moms have. Peyton’s mom, who showed her crazy last week, is lauding Melissa as the Godfather of the ALDC. I can’t. If you need most-hated mini mom, she’ll be digging her own grave.

Abby lectures the minis before their group number, which, by the way, is a hot mess…even for five-and-six-year-olds. Kendall 2.0 drops her prop, which we all know is worse than embezzling murder in Abby’s book of offenses. It’s not looking good for the mini team’s longevity with the ALDC. If the elite team does anything right, it’s a lyrical routine. Brynn is amazing as the featured dancer, and Jill throws her a bone. She did a fine enough job, according to the always unbiased Jill, but she’s no Maddie. At the awards ceremony, the mini’s solo places second which is basically first loser. Both the minis and the elite team win their division for the group numbers, mainly because the judges were napping during the minis’ routine. Jessalyn bashes the mini moms’ idea that just because they got first they did a good job. It was a hot mess. Jill demands to know if the minis will be returning next week. Abby laughs maniacally before leaving…will she be there next week–that’s a better question! 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? SHOULD THE MINIS STICK AROUND? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime] 

The post Dance Moms Recap: Minis…Too Little And Too Late appeared first on Reality Tea.

If there’s one thing that Abby Lee Miller can consistently do, it’s bring the crazy to Dance Moms. Despite her legal woes, she managed to be a part of last night’s episode–although she appeared to be on the verge of a mental breakdown the entire time. However, I don’t think Abby’s as unhinged as she appears…I think it’s all ego. Also, Lifetime, I’m on to you adding nine extra minutes to the episodes this season. Not cool. 

Abby is sporting pajamas and rollers as the ALDC waits to practice. Jill has her nose so far up Abby’s bum in hopes of drawing her out of the insanity. “Your hair is going to look so great when you finally take out of those hot rollers,” and, “You don’t want to go out on the bottom…you need to show the world you’ve still got it!” Abby retorts that she wasn’t put on this earth for the Feds to make her look bad. She’s done working with the ALDC. Holly questions whether they should pursue an opportunity with Debbie Allen. They want to be supportive, but if she doesn’t want them there, they don’t have other options. As Abby melts down, she shuns Melissa and Jill who hope she’ll change her mind. Gia is equally stressed as she works with the girls on their group number. 

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The competition is Phoenix and the mothers are worried. Gia shares that Kalani and Brynn will have solos. Maddie was supposed to have a solo, but she’s still shooting for her movie. She’ll be part of the group number, but they can’t risk her not having enough rehearsal time for a solo. Jill interrupts to ask Ashlee about recent drama with Kira. Apparently, they have been exchanging hateful texts that will no doubt come to a head when they reconvene in their hometown of Phoenix. Holly is focused on finding a nurturing place for their girls, so she’s pushing for Debbie Allen’s help. Jill polls the girls to see if they would be okay with switching studios for this competition. JoJo speaks with the wisdom these mothers should have…if they don’t have a teacher that wants them, they need to find one who does. Nia and Kendall second JoJo’s assertion, and Holly hits up Debbie Allen on speed dial. I am just thankful for no pyramid!

The following day, Abby still refuses to work with her elite team, and Jill seems confident in their decision to move to Debbie Allen’s studio. The mothers are concerned that the group number will have no costumes, so Kalani calls her mom who can provide costumes from her studio store. With Maddie’s impending return, Brynn is feeling the pressure. She knows she’ll have to beat Kalani to solidify a permanent spot on the team. Over lunch, Ashlee complains Abby’s lack of leadership, but Jessalyn stirs the pot. Jess reminds Ashlee that it’s a good thing that Abby won’t be in attendance to watch Kalani wipe the floor with Brynn. Ashlee is appalled…haven’t the other mothers noticed that Kalani has been off her game recently? Can’t these ladies snark on each other’s God awful make-up and horrific extensions without dragging the girls into their hatefulness?

Debbie Allen is the epitome of class. She is supportive and kind to the girls, and both the dancers and their mothers are awestruck by her presence. Even in the midst of the madness, Debbie can’t muster a negative word against Abby, sharing that she hopes their teacher will be back with them soon. Debbie laughs and inspires, and Jill is over the moon watching the difference in her teaching style compared to Abby’s. Funny…wasn’t Jill opposed to the Debbie Allen option just a few weeks ago? As Kalani practices her solo, Debbie gushes over her talent. When it’s Brynn’s turn to rehearse, Debbie praises her technicality but worries that she lacks emotion. Are you listening, Ashlee? 

The day before the competition, the girls (and Maddie) are working together in Phoenix at Kira’s studio. The moms inform Kira of all the drama she’s been missing while at home with her new son. Despite quitting the ALDC a few times over, Abby has traveled to Phoenix to send mean texts to the moms for retreating to Debbie Allen’s studio. Jessalyn is quick to tell Kira that Ashlee thinks Kalani isn’t a good dancer, but Jill corrects her. Ashlee just said Kalani wasn’t as good as she used to be. Kira is obviously peeved, but she admits that Kalani being in LA without her has caused her daughter stress. Before World War III can break out, the moms learn that Abby has arrived. She’s eating fast food in the parking lot. As the mothers rush to greet her, Jill inquires as to why Abby didn’t get her hair done since that’s why she claims she came to Phoenix. Oh Jill. Rookie move for a veteran. With her mouth full, Abby spits that she has gotten her hair done, and she’s planning to get her eyelashes done as well. 

Holly wonders if Abby plans to come in to watch the girls. Abby chomps and rolls her eyes…doesn’t Debbie Allen have everything covered? Jill asserts that they didn’t ask Debbie to come to Phoenix…they just needed some guidance with Abby’s choreography. “Lazy!” screams Abby. Yes, that is one word most would use to describe Debbie Allen, right? #sarcasm The mothers retreat into the studio, and Abby saunters in a few minutes later, complaining of the smell and complaining that the moms need so much coddling. She’s fighting a major battle, and these girls should know how to operate on autopilot by now. On the day of competition, the moms are buzzing about Kira and Kalani’s tardiness. Ashlee is hoping the mothers will see this as Kira’s disloyalty to the team, but when she arrives, Kira chirps about pumping breast milk and not missing the competition. Ashlee makes the attack personal (three baby daddies and a criminal record…you don’t say!), and Kira strikes back that Ashlee is pathetical. I love when reality stars make up words! Even the veteran moms are silenced by that word. Ashlee and Kira trade insults with Kira hoping that Abby will intervene. As Abby ignores everything around her, Kira storms out in a blaze of cussing glory. Jill and Melissa run after her, and Kalani is able to talk some sense into her mother.

Kalani’s solo is stunning. She is such a talented girl. Abby even takes time away from her tabloid and meal deal to pay attention. Ashlee is clearly concerned after Kalani’s performance, but she know her daughter is an asset to the ALDC. Sure enough, Brynn’s routine is technically perfect, but, as Debbie Allen said, she’s lacking the emotion that Kalani had. Before the group number, Abby is peeved about the costumes…all the shorts are different lengths. The mothers realizes that Abby is really upset that the mothers took matters into their own hands. Jessalyn screams that Abby is trying to rile up the girls with costume complaints when they look great and don’t need her erratic behavior. As the girls try to ignore the negativity (even Maddie looks like she wants to ream Abby), Abby prevails with her costume overhaul. While it’s not my favorite choreography, the girls nail their group number. At the awards ceremony, Brynn doesn’t place while Kalani wins the overall solo. The ALDC also get first place in the group routine. I’m sure Abby will take credit for the win though. Jessalyn wonders if Abby is setting a good example, and Abby retorts with a sing-song, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Her crazy eyes place Brynn on probation, and Kira threatens to walk if Ashlee returns. 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? DO YOU THINK ABBY’S AS CRAZY AS SHE APPEARS? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Thank goodness Maddie was back on last night’s Dance Moms. She has to mitigate some of Abby Lee Miller’s crazy, right? Um, that’s to be determined. The ALDC welcomes back Maddie from her movie shoot, but Abby is quick to remind her that she didn’t garner the first place spot due to all of her gaps in training. Melissa interrupts to ask Abby if she saw Maddie’s segment on Ellen. Nope! Melissa reminds Abby she e-mailed it so she can still watch it. A dismissive Abby claims she’s too busy to take the time to view the three minute clip, and Maddie is clearly hurt. 

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JoJo, Nia, Maddie, and MacKenzie (in that order) are on the bottom rung of the pyramid for dialing down their performances in the group routine. Ashlee likes this erratic Abby is it means that Maddie isn’t teacher’s pet. Kendall and Brynn make up the second tier and Jill is beaming. Kalani scores the coveted top spot despite Kira’s behavior. Abby didn’t appreciate Kira’s ultimatum that it was either Kalani or Brynn. Abby adores Brynn, but her mother Ashlee rubs Abby the wrong way. Weird that Abby and I agree on something! The competition this week is in San Diego. Nia, MacKenzie, and JoJo will be dancing solos, and the group routine will be a recycled number based on the Seven Deadly Sins. Holly labels Abby tweaking a past performance as lazy. 

As Abby bestows a sin on each dancer, there is *almost* a glimpse of the old Abby who loves her students and wants the best for them. The moms convene to gawk about Maddie’s appearance on the bottom of the pyramid, and Jill chastises Melissa for not speaking up more when Abby dismissed Maddie’s Ellen performance. The mothers then attribute all of the sins to Abby herself. When Abby comes out to speak to the women, Melissa questions why Abby didn’t watch Maddie on Ellen. Abby whines that she wasn’t feeling there, not to mention she wasn’t invited. Melissa shares she barely got to attend, but Abby can barely hide her jealousy at Maddie’s sky-rocketing star. Jessalyn predicts that Maddie will become Abby’s latest target, citing that Abby doesn’t share her toys…she breaks them. 

The mothers continue to cluck about how odd it is that Maddie didn’t get a solo, and Ashlee hopes that this is Brynn’s opportunity to steal Maddie’s spot on the team. Melissa asks Abby if Maddie will have a solo next week. Maybe? Abby can’t think that far in advance. Jessalyn and Jill warn Melissa not to let Abby tear down Maddie during rehearsals. Abby has gifted solos to the three dancers she feels are flying under the radar. She’s pitted JoJo against MacKenzie, but she only halfway works with JoJo. Jessalyn misses the old, passionate Abby. Nia’s routine is a musical theater number. Abby can see Nia showcased on Broadway one day, but Holly finds the choreography to be babyish. When Holly bursts into Nia’s practice, Abby dismisses Nia which leaves Holly raging. MacKenzie gets similar treatment, as Abby rushes through her rehearsal while hurling insults. Melissa is peeved. She pays Abby to teach dance, not half-ass her job and complain.

The following day, Abby arrives with her wet hair wrapped up in a towel. The mothers have learned not to be shocked by Abby’s behavior, but it doesn’t make them any less angry. Would Abby show up with like that if she worked at a bank? Holly thinks not! As the girls work on the first season’s leftover group dance, Abby criticizes Maddie’s every turn while lavishing praise on Brynn. Ashlee is over the moon, but Jill is quick to remind the mouthy newbie that her daughter is dancing on a probationary basis. What does that even mean? Don’t ask Jill or Ashlee because they sure as heck have no clue! 

On the day of competition, the ALDC once again has adoring fans waiting on their arrival. Abby lectures the soloists about the pressure they are under to perform which causes a collective eye roll from the moms. She barely spent a hot second working on their choreography. Jessalyn points out that Brynn was “inadvertently” left out of the program, and Ashlee starts crowing about how great of a dancer Brynn is. Abby wishes Ashlee would just shut it…she adores Brynn, but let her talent do the talking–not Ashlee’s big mouth. JoJo performs first, and while she brings her usual vivaciousness to the routine, but it clearly lacked a lot of forethought from a choreography standpoint. Ditto for MacKenzie’s routine–it’s overflowing with acro-tricks, but it’s also all over the place. 

Holly is concerned as Nia takes the stage. She can’t believe how little time and effort Abby put into coaching her daughter. I don’t love the choreography either, but Nia always shines. Nailed it. As Abby and the moms discuss the solos, Ashlee wonders if Abby regrets not giving Maddie a solo. Abby shrieks that she no longer needs to shove Maddie down people’s throats. When Ashlee tries to take it as step further, Abby shuts her up rather quickly. Not surprisingly, Ashlee doesn’t take the hint and continues to gloat to the moms that Brynn is poised to be the newest Maddie. Melissa tries not to let it bother her as Abby gripes about everything Maddie does. It’s bothering me, and that says a lot! 

Can I just say I LOVE the commercial segments where the girls interact on everything from boys to selfies to food? They seem like such a sweet group of genuine friends. I’d watch that for an hour! The ALDC girls rally before their solo…I just love them, but I could still be riding the high from that food segment. Recycled or not, the group number delivers. It’s fabulous. Abby considers it to be the product of all of her hard work. If only the moms could see it that way. At the awards ceremony, JoJo takes third in her age group with MacKenzie snagging first. Nia places fourth in the teen solo division, but I blame her choreography…as does Holly. The ALDC deservedly garners the top spot for their group routine. Backstage, Ashlee keeps pushing Abby for a definition of “probation,” and Jill takes particular pleasure in Abby blaming Ashlee’s behavior for the designation. Holly accuses Abby of setting the bar low with Nia’s subpar routine. Abby apologizes before breaking into tears over her sacrifices for the girls. She burned out and tired of fighting. The moms seem to understand how difficult it is for Abby to separate her crumbling personal life from what happens in the studio. Give me a break.

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WAS ABBY TOO HARD ON MADDIE? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

The post Dance Moms Recap: Abby’s Got Bad Blood…You Know It Used To Be Mad(die) Love appeared first on Reality Tea.

Am I allowed to be excited when the Dance Moms sound technicians and producers are scurrying around the Los Angeles ALDC studio totally gobsmacked as to why Abby Lee Miller and the drama-loving mothers are nowhere in sight? The dancers are there, but they aren’t allowed to be filmed without their moms present. Ashlee and Brynn arrive and are confused as to why they are the only ones in attendance to meet with Abby. A producer reveals that the veteran moms are no-shows, and without them, the girls cannot be on camera. Abby cackles at the wonderful thought of not having to deal with the crazy. Abby has designated this week’s solos to follow the theme of famous L.A .murders. Brynn tries to be cheery as Gianna Googles “Black Dahlia Murder” to get the young dancer in character. Yikes. 

Trying to make a point about Abby’s recent shenanigans, the mothers decide to show up late wearing their pjs in a nod to their dance instructor’s erratic behavior. The mothers take issue with Brynn rehearsing sans the remaining ALDC dancers. Abby totally could have let the other girls dance…it didn’t have to be on camera. Ashlee tries to explain that she’s not the reason the girls weren’t allowed to participate, but Jill knows how to push her buttons. The more Ashlee fake cries, the more Jill screeches. It’s cringe-inducing. 

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As the season drawls on, Brynn and Ashlee wonder how they have become the bad guys when no one else seems to be putting in the time. Abby can’t be bothered with silliness, so she moves immediately into the pyramid. Kalani is in the bottom spot for not being well enough to perform last week. Kendall is next, followed by Nia and MacKenzie rounding out the bottom rung. JoJo is thrilled to make the second tier, and Brynn is touted as second best for not standing out in the group routine. Maddie is ecstatic to finally make her way back into the top spot. Brynn, Maddie and Kendall are gifted solos, and Jill seems to take offense to Abby comparing her daughter to Natalie Wood. Jill knows that Kendall will never get the time and attention she deserves from Abby. Ashlee throws shade, stating that Jill is likely nervous that Kendall is competing against both Maddie and Brynn. The group dance is inspired by cults. How fitting. 

Maddie is rehearsing her Lizzie Borden influenced solo, and I think she’s going to kill it…pun intended. As Abby works with Brynn, she encourages the dancer to work on her facial expressions. Not surprisingly, Ashlee draws Abby’s individual focus on her daughter to the other mothers’ attention which doesn’t go over well with Jill. Ashlee and Jill continue to go head-to-head, and Ashlee knows that Jill finds Kendall’s spot on the team threatened by Brynn’s attendance. Jill considers Ashlee to be an Abby arse-kissing fake. Their argument elevates until Abby intervenes to complain about both of their behavior. When Abby calls you out on your crazy, it’s time to seek immediate help! 

At the competition, there is an issue with the elevator permits, and Abby refuses to walk down a flight of stairs to join her team. She’s missing Jill and Ashlee continue to go at each others’ throats. Maddie, Kendall, and Brynn are made up and costumed to a tee. Ashlee only hopes that Brynn can hold her own against Maddie’s inflated (her insinuation, not mine) reputation. Brynn’s performance is mesmerizing, and she’s technically amazing and graceful. As the judges pile on the praise, I realize that Brynn’s bloody make-up is going to give me nightmares. Kendall performs next, and her choreography is beautiful. She’s even foregone her normal plastered-on smile. However, she’s deprived of the shocking costume and make-up of her counterparts. Speaking of…did I say that Brynn was going to haunt my dreams? Scratch that…Maddie is totally going to be my boogey man, but she’s phenomenal. The judges concur. 

Backstage, Jill makes the mistake of asking for Abby’s opinion on the solos. She’s met with gibberish. Also gibberish is Holly and Jessalyn trying to explain the concept of a cult and “drinking the Kool-Aid” to the clueless dancers. Bless their innocence. The ALDC takes the stage to perform their cult group routine, and I love it. The girls are crisp and precise, and the music is exactly why I was so terrified of the first season of True Detective. Spot on, girls! The team is praised by the judges on their timing and emotions.

At the awards ceremony, Brynn places second in the junior solo. Jessalyn’s smugness is extremely unbecoming…it wasn’t as if Brynn was competing against JoJo. In the team division, Kendall’s solo places second to Maddie’s top spot, but Ashlee is quick to point out that Brynn’s second place win was with a higher score than Kendall’s. Geez Louise. No one will be surprised to hear that the girls’ cult routine is first place among the group numbers. The mothers determine the ALDC is a cult of winners. Ashlee brings everyone some Kool-Aid for the team to drink in their honor. Hale-Bopp for sure. 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WHICH MOTHER IS MORE RIDICULOUS…ASHLEE OR JILL? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Lots of changes coming on Dance Moms! For starters Maddie Ziegler and Mackenzie Ziegler have left the show to move on to bigger and better opportunities. 

For Maddie that involves signing onto So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation as a judge. Variety explains that the casting makes sense because season 13 will include kid dancers for the first time on the series. 

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While Maddie is making her moves, Mackenzie temporarily abandoned being MacZ to model for Ralph Lauren! Holy big time! 

Abby Lee Miller even congratulated the genetic accessory of her former protege by posting one of Mackenzie’s POLO ads. 

[Credit]

“therealabbylee: It’s like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget! I’m so proud of @officialmackzmusic @aldcstudiola @aldcstudiopgh #ALDC #ALDCPGH #ALDCLA #DanceMoms #MackZ #MackenzieZiegler #ALDCAlways @DanceMomMelissa31 @RalphLauren @PoloRalphLauren,” wrote Abby.

Was that… praise? Without Abby taking credit for teaching Mackenzie to model or ride a bicycle? Perhaps legal issues have humbled her.

“Went to Macy’s today and saw @officialmackzmusic and @levizmiller @ralphlauren. So excited,” shared Melissa. [Credit]

Melissa Gisoni certainly is becoming quite the pimpmomager, isn’t she!

Speaking of, Melissa, who has been a Dance Mom since the beginning days, is also done with the show. And although she hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with her fellow moms, they celebrated Melissa with a going away party at the ALDC. Melissa shared photos of their celebration. 

“Last feast together!!” shared Melissa of her departure from Dance Moms. [Credit]

“dancemommelissa31: Thanks to everyone!! Love you all!! @dancemom_jill22 @dancemomholly @jessalynnsiwa @kiragirard @therealabbylee @gmartello22 #aldcla #dancemoms” [Credit]

Why do I feel like Melissa is working on a reality show about Maddie and Mackenzie navigating their lives in LA with her as their manager?

TELL US – WILL YOU MISS MADDIE AND MACKENZIE? ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THEIR FUTURE SUCCESS?

[Main Photo Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com]

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The minis were back on last night’s Dance Moms, as was Abby Lee Miller’s unstable behavior. Maddie has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award, and Abby has managed to snag two tickets for herself. Jill whines to Melissa that the entire ALDC should be allowed to attend to support Maddie. Good luck with that, Jill! The veteran moms need to stay behind to insult the mini-moms and grill potential newbie Jeannie with her three dancing daughters Coco, Rihanna, and Kaylee. Jeannie has been personally invited by Abby, so of course the moms are immediately wary of her.

Luckily, Ashlee takes some of the heat off Jeannie by interrogating Melissa about Maddie quitting the team. A frazzled, eye-rolling Melissa is quick to deny the rumors, although she looks very much like the cat who ate the canary! Melissa swears that Maddie will never leave the ALDC, but she can’t even keep a straight face as she says it. Abby enters sporting her normal hot-rollered head, warning the remaining mini-moms about how amazing Jeannie’s daughters are in the dance world.

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At pyramid, MacKenzie is in the lowest spot because of her absence this week, followed by Kalani who rushed her choreography in the group dance. Nia follows Kalani until Abby moves her to the first seat on the second rung of the pyramid for being such an amazing demonstrator during one of Abby’s recent classes. JoJo is praised for blending in during the group routine, and Kendall and Brynn are complimented for their acting chops. Of course, Maddie is in the top spot for her high-scoring solo…and People’s Choice nomination. The minis will be doing a jazz routine, and Maddie is granted the only solo entitled “The People’s Choice…Or Not.” Nice.

Jeannie is upset to learn that her eldest daughter will be dancing with the minis, but she tries not to show it no matter how Ashlee and some mini moms try to goad her. As Abby preps for People’s Choice, she decides to gift Brynn with her extra ticket. Abby feels horribly that Brynn is always left out by the team because the mothers have such disdain for Ashlee, and Brynn is thrilled at the invitation. However, after dressing Brynn and announcing their departure, Jill and Jessalyn blow a fuse over the fact that Abby is taking Brynn and not one of Maddie’s closer friends. They warn her that Melissa is going to be livid that Abby used the extra ticket to bring Maddie’s replacement.

Abby throws up her hands, citing she’s over fighting with this group of women. Brynn’s invitation is revoked, and once again, the girls prove that they are a million times more mature than their mothers. Abby offers the extra ticket to Kalani who politely declines, stating she would hate to be the one who deprived Brynn of the opportunity. She doesn’t want to be part of the mothers’ silly manufactured drama. Abby turns to Kendall, who sweetly follows Kalani’s lead. Jill gets the invitation and giddily accepts. Seriously? When Ashlee reminds Jill that the mothers were the cause of Brynn’s snub, Jill gets pissed that she’ll look like a bad guy for stealing Brynn’s spot. No one takes the ticket.

The following day, Melissa is giddy about Maddie winning a People’s Choice Award, and Jill fills her in on the ticket drama. Melissa can’t believe that Abby would even consider taking Brynn to the show. Ashlee interjects to say that Abby wanted Brynn get to get to an awards show since she’d never been before, but Melissa shuts down that idea as so stupid. She also refuses to acknowledge that every media outlet is calling this Maddie’s last season with the ALDC. Of course, Jill is quick to turn the attention to Jeannie’s oldest daughter who is rolling her eyes and shedding her costume during the minis rehearsal. Melissa snidely remarks that Kaylee is going to come across as bratty with her actions. The mimi-moms chime in, chirping that they don’t want their girls looking up to someone with such a bad attitude. Holly suggests that Jeannie take a moment with her daughter, but the eleven-year-old still isn’t keen on dancing with the little ones.

Abby has a heart-to-heart with Maddie about the rumors she’s leaving the ALDC. Maddie tries to convince Abby she’d never leave the team, but it sounds more like she’s trying to persuade herself. Abby encourages her to be more vocal about her intentions to remain loyal to the ALDC, and Maddie nods, chewing on her cheek. Meanwhile, now that the mothers have a found a new target in Jeannie, Ashlee is taking the opportunity to jump on the bullying bandwagon. At least she’s not the one they’re all squawking about now, right? Ashlee shares a rant on social media that Jeannie wrote about doing what’s right and not succumbing to bad behavior. Jeannie arrives to tell Abby to her face that they will not be returning to compete, and Abby threatens her with legal action when she reads Jeannie’s #trashtalking. The minis group routine is morphed into a trio, and the mini-moms are panicked. As one mini melts into tears, Abby decides to pit them against a hip-hop duet in hopes of lighting a fire under their baby butts. 

On the day of competition, Jill questions Maddie’s intentions. Maddie claims to want to continue dancing, and Melissa mutters, “for now…” Uh oh. Maddie is feeling the pressure, but she performs one of her flawless solos. Backstage, Abby introduces her little hip-hoppers which basically incites a riot with the mini moms. How long has the duet been practicing? How is this fair? Have these women watched the show? When one of the moms screams, Abby gets in her face. The older girls sweep in to aid the minis in retreat as Abby lashes out at one tearful mini mom. However, Abby’s diabolical plan works, and one particularly feisty mini reminds her cohorts that they need to prove Abby wrong with how well they perform their trio. It needs to be spot on because the hip-hop duet is pretty awesome. Not shockingly, the minis have dried their tears and rock their precious trio…as much as a mini can rock a monster dance. Their facial expressions are perfection. 

Holly is upset that the week’s drama has centered on the minis, leaving little time for the junior elite team. She needn’t worry–their vulture number is phenomenal. At the awards ceremony, Maddie wins first place in the teen solo division (duh) and the minis duet takes second to the hip hop duet. Not surprisingly the ALDC sweeps with a win for the teen group routine. After the competition, Abby lavishes the minis with compliments and hugs, which they deserve. The mini mom apologizes to Abby because she’s learned that groveling is the only thing that Abby relates to at the end of the day. However, another mini mom who wants to know the status of the minis with the ALDC hasn’t quite learned that lesson…

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WILL THE SHOW GO ON WITHOUT MADDIE? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Big changes are coming to Dance Moms because Maddie Ziegler is poised to become a big star! Reacting to the news that her protege and most favorite person ever is leaving the show, Abby Lee Miller gushes that she’s “so excited” for the next season because this is what she always had in mind while micromanaging Maddie’s career. 

“I create stars,” Abby crows. “It’s what I do – make these professional, working, employable dancers who can go out and get jobs!” 

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According to Abby, it is she who plucks such little dancers from the obscures of Pittsburgh and creates their careers. Little dancers with a dream like Maddie!

“I pride myself on that,” Abby says to ET. “I’ve taken so many kids out of Pittsburgh and onto The Great White Way in New York City; out to Los Angeles.” 

Of Maddie’s success, Abby brags, “She’s just another one of those kids that I’ve proven my ‘talent’ with. I’m super proud.” Of herself? Or of Maddie?

At this point I have to ask: Is Abby hijacking on the back of Maddie’s success (which she has worked incredibly hard for); or did Abby cultivate Maddie’s success and give her the opportunity to achieve such success and deserves some credit? Abby certainly has promoted Maddie every chance she could, favoring her over other girls. I also believe many of these girls wouldn’t be in movies or on TV if it weren’t for the exposure from Dance Moms.  

A video of Abby bragging about her own amazingness is below. 

While Abby is celebrating all of Maddie’s successes, she’s seemingly ignoring her own massive financial woes – her bankruptcy trial has been postponed again. And yes, Dance Moms will continue on without Maddie and Mackenzie. 

TELL US – IS ABBY RESPONSIBLE FOR MADDIE’S SUCCESS?

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After allowing Jill to watch over Kalani in Los Angeles, on last night’s episode Kira returned to Dance Moms. Is it bad I’d forgotten she’d left? She and Ashlee pretend that the other doesn’t exist while they speak horribly about each other just a few feet away from the other. Jill is happy to have Kira back as she considers Ashlee to be a giant bully. Oh really? Abby Lee Miller is in rare form, cheering for last week’s group win. This week isn’t a pyramid, and Abby plans to go backwards. The sisters Ziegler are sharing the top spot…Maddie for winning her solo, and MacKenzie for garnering a scholarship to the Pittsburgh chapter of the ALDC. There’s still a studio there? Nia, Kalani, Kendall, and Brynn share the second tier, and Abby shares they are evenly placed. JoJo is on the bottom because someone has to be.

At this week’s competition, Abby will be entering two trios which means one girl be dancing. Abby crowns both Brynn and Maddie as the captains of their trio, making the choice who will be part of their routine. Jill interrupts to determine how Abby chose the leaders, and Ashlee tries to quickly quiet her. Brynn picks Kalani and MacKenzie while Maddie chooses Kendall and JoJo. Nia tries to pretend that it doesn’t bother her, but she’s clearly crushed. Abby promises that if Brynn’s solo wins, she’s secured a spot on the ALDC team. The group routine this week will be based on a commercial she has signed up the girls to team, and the girls cheer at the return of Todrick. The mothers are a tad wary. Abby doesn’t often play well–or collaborate–with others. The moms know that Abby can’t focus on more than one task (if that), so if she’s freaking out about the commercial, the competition routines are sure to suffer. 

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Abby briefly works with both trios, warning them that their practice time will be cut short due to the video shoot. The mothers cluck about Holly’s whereabouts, and Melissa believes that it was wrong for Abby to leave out one of the long-time team members. When Holly and Nia arrive, Nia isn’t her normal self, but she’s always the professional. Abby and Todrick work with Nia on the commercial, and Nia admits that it’s so hard not to have her long-time dance instructor be supportive of her. Todrick reminds Nia that Abby is a bit cray, and Nia has everything she needs to be a star.

Abby is itching to get out of the studio, and she enlists Melissa to assist her pick out costumes for the commercial. The group routine is on the back burner, and Kira is livid that Melissa is always sucking up to Abby. The mothers immediately pounce…didn’t Melissa watch her daughter for twelve weeks when she was home tending to her baby? Jessalyn responds that Kira isn’t the most brightest (that makes two of them), and she exits, citing the need for a stiff drink. Kira hurls a water bottle at her. How dare these women claim that Kalani was a stress on Melissa? Hey Jill? Please stop buying jeans in the junior department. Thanks!

Kira bursts into tears, saying she’s reached her breaking point. Jessalyn forgoes her cocktail. Kira may get on her last nerve, but Jessalyn is willing to swallow her anger for the sake of the group. The webisode commercial thingy is a modern take on the Wizard of Oz, and Abby is barking orders at Todrick  and the mothers. Todrick, as the star of the video, is confused as to why Abby is making the situation so difficult. Welcome to their world, lament the mothers and dancers. Abby then wanders into traffic to stop cars as the rush hour horns blare. The mothers refuse to allow the crew to dance in the streets, but Abby manages to get the shot without becoming an asphalt pancake. Now, the girls have thirty seconds of a routine they learned for the commercial, but their competition number needs to be at least ninety seconds. Did someone say improv? 

At the competition, the group number is the first to perform. The ALDC has no clue what to make of their last minute choreography, and once again Abby is a no-show. Todrick pops in to watch the girls compete before catching a flight to New York, and he’s shocked to learn their teacher isn’t around. Is this normal? Ashlee is beside herself. How will Abby determine that Brynn deserves a spot on the ALDC if she’s not there to watch her dance? Todrick applauds the girls for their ability to maturely put up with Abby’s crazy BS, and he believes her inability to act as a support system only makes them stronger. Abby arrives in time to see the cute group number, but it seems that she, Todrick, and the moms are the only people in the auditorium. Funny how that works, right? 

The trios are about to go head-to-head, and Abby wonders if Brynn made the right choice by picking Kalani and MacKenzie to dance with her. Holly expresses pride in Nia for not getting bent out of shape that she’s not participating in a trio. True to form, Nia responds with such class, jokingly wondering why she’d be upset about her teammates of twelve years not wanting her to compete with them. Brynn’s trio is beautiful, and Abby’s gushing compliments are totally overshadowed by her smug clapping. She wants a Maddie victory, no doubt. The second trio is equally as boring, er, flawless, until Maddie totally falls out of a turn. Melissa reacts as if a family member has died. At the awards ceremony, the ALDC shockingly takes the top spot for the group number. The mothers are floored, but the dance was adorable.

Brynn’s trio trumps Maddie’s and Ashlee is shocked that no one else is excited. Jessalyn points out that the numbers were incorrectly announced. Jill thinks that something must be fishy. Abby approaches the announcer who apologizes for flubbing the numbers but confirms that Brynn’s trio was the high scoring routine. Abby gifts Brynn with a team jacket while calling out Melissa and Jill for questioning the points. Jill and Ashlee get into a screaming match that leaves both Ashlee and Brynn sobbing. Brynn bawls that Jill was saying such horrible things about her mother, and Jill is screaming that she never claimed the competition was rigged, but she’s getting bleeped out every other word. Who is the bully again, Jill? Remind me again why I watch this show??

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WHICH TRIO WAS BETTER? WHO IS MORE UNBEARABLE–JILL OR ASHLEE? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Last night’s Dance Moms brought the drama, but Abby Lee Miller managed to stay slightly above the fray. You know that means it’s bad! As the episode begins, Abby is as unhinged as ever as she lectures the mothers on not respecting how busy she is as Ashlee lobbies for a pyramid to prove to the other moms that Brynn is worthy of the ALDC jacket. She’s still fuming that the team refuses to accept her daughter as its newest member, and I’m fuming that I get riled up and forget this a scripted mess.

At the studio, JoJo inquires to the whereabouts of Ashlee’s friends, and Ashlee retorts that she has no friends. Meanwhile, Melissa drives her daughters to practice, and Maddie admits that she love Brynn, but her addition to the team was awkward thanks to the mothers. MacKenzie chimes in to say how sad it was that the moms accused Brynn’s win of being rigged, and Melissa quickly shuts her down. “We don’t say that word.”

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Back at the ALDC, the veteran moms give Ashlee the cold shoulder. Jill doesn’t believe that Ashlee fits in…plus she has to put down the other girls to make her daughter look good. I can only assume that Jill is upset because Ashlee is trying to steal her signature move…any other reason would be the height of hypocrisy! At pyramid (which never actually happens), Abby applauds Brynn for leading her trio to victory and the girls welcome their new teammate. 

As the moms serve up major side-eye, Ashlee interrupts to ask Abby how she feels about moms who are bitter that her daughter has had a better season than Kendall. As Kendall bursts into tears (sweet JoJo is always there to support her friends), Ashlee dismisses Kendall with a snide comment. Kendall screams at Ashlee about how hateful she is, and Holly is saddened to see that the girls are now becoming their mothers. Brynn cries because Kendall was mean to her mother, and Abby chastises Kendall for letting Ashlee get under her skin. How is she going to react to a negative comment on her next job? This show is my nemesis, yet I can’t not watch. Great. 

Holly lectures the crew on the importance of being role models (isn’t it a tad late for that?), and Melissa predicts the soloists…the trio winners. Abby hopes that this week’s competition in Las Vegas will provide some fun in the midst of the drama. MacKenzie comforts her friend Brynn in light of the moms’ nastiness. Abby reminds the group that the subject of the fight, Brynn, has stuck around to be a part of the team while Kendall and Jill ran out on the girls. The group number is a tribute to David Bowie, and Brynn’s solo is inspired by Princess Lea. Jessalyn can’t believe that Brynn was gifted yet another solo. What about Nia? Preach, says Holly.

Abby is excited to have some down time over lunch with Maddie. She needs some quality conversation with her protege…and she needs to make sure that Maddie isn’t going anywhere. They reminisce about Maddie’s rise to fame as Abby cries about how proud her mother would be of Maddie’s shining star. Abby hopes that together they can squash any rumors about Maddie leaving the ALDC. Um, Maddie can’t quite make eye contact with her teacher upon hearing that statement.

The following day, when the mothers start to bicker, Holly calls a tribunal in the parking lot. Clearly Kendall was modeling the behavior they’ve taught her, and the moms need to be more aware of how they speak to one another in the presence of their girls. Jill and Kendall are rejoining the group, and Jill gives her daughter a pep talk about not letting Ashlee push her buttons. Holly leads the charge to remind her cohorts that they need to be careful with their words. Ashlee isn’t upset about pissing off Jill, but she hates that she caused Kendall such pain. Sure she does…Jill can’t let a sleeping dog lie, so she keeps poking the bear while MacKenzie rehearses her J-Lo-esque number. Kira is thrilled about Kalani’s solo, and she hopes her daughter’s talent will be enough to shut Ashlee’s mouth when it comes to bashing the dancers. Ashlee realizes that she’s got to do something to alleviate the hate pouring down on her, so she issues a seemingly sincere apology to the mothers. 

At competition, the ALDC is met with their usual throng of adoring fans. Holly hopes the girls can put their mothers’ differences aside to dance as a team. Haven’t they been practicing that skill for years? Abby reiterates the importance of being a loyal member of the ALDC by reminding everyone of MacKenzie’s residency with the studio. JoJo (I love this kid) jokes that it’s like Monopoly, “If you’re not just visiting, you’re in jail.” Ashlee wonders if Abby’s speech was intended to guilt MacKenzie to stay with the team as the rumors of Maddie’s departure from the ALDC run rampant. A teary Melissa admits she’s not willing to deprive her girls of future opportunities, although she’s not going to say they are quitting…just yet. Her counterparts wish that Melissa would just be honest with her intentions so they could move forward as a team (even if it means moving forward without the Ziegler girls). 

MacKenzie performs first, and I’m not going to lie…I wasn’t floored. Her technique was good, but her costume was awkward and she didn’t seem very committed to the dance. Kalani, on the other hand, knocks her solo out of the park. The force was also with Brynn as she danced, but, as a total Star Wars geek, I think I loved how much the music mimicked the real deal much more than Brynn’s routine. Backstage, Abby dotes on all of her soloists, drowning them in praise. Gia notes that Brynn was very nervous about her performance. Before the group number, the girls are getting ready sans mothers and relishing in a few minutes free of drama. These girls have more maturity in their silly fauxhawks than the mothers have tenfold as a collective group. JoJo even entertains the crowd with a well timed fart. Again, I LOVE that child.

The ALDC’s homage to David Bowie is pretty amazing, even though I am pretty sure none of the girls have any clue who David Bowie was or how amazing his legacy is. I’m sure they enjoyed the 80’s make-up and colorful blazers though. Regardless of the scripted drama and the mother’s unpalatable behavior, this group is supremely talented. At the awards ceremony, MacKenzie scores the second place spot in her solo division, with Brynn taking the top spot. Kalani also places second in the teen division. For once, Abby isn’t screaming that second is first loser. Instead, she believes that Kalani’s ability may have her dancing back-up to J-Lo one day soon. Not shockingly, everyone celebrates when the ALDC group routine wins first prize. I won’t bore you with the fact that the episode concludes with the mothers clucking about which one is the meanest.

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? WHICH MOM HAS THE UGLIEST BEHAVIOR? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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On last night’s Dance Moms, Christ-y returns! Ashlee wanders into the viewing room to a find a new mother. Christy explains that she’s not exactly “new,” since Abby Lee Miller has been training her daughter Sarah for ages. Ashlee looks a bit deflated and admits that while her daughter has been working hard to make the team, she’s not very popular with the moms. Christy understands…and agrees with Ashlee’s detractors. Abby needs to keep to girls she’s been training since they could walk, and she warns that Brynn’s ALDC jacket can easily be taken away from her. It’s extremely rich when Melissa enters and hugs Christy, thanking her for her support and text messages. Could this be more fake? When Jill and Holly welcome Christ-y with open arms, I know it must be a sign of the apocalypse. They all used to hate this woman. Ashlee is basically Christ-y 2.0! At least Jessalyn remembers how horrible she was. 

At pyramid, Abby praises the girls’ David Bowie routine. The bottom row is comprised of Kalani (she’s absent for her great-grandfather’s funeral), MacKenzie (sloppy feet), and JoJo (good job in the group number, there’s no real reason why she was arbitrarily placed on the lowest rung). Kendall follows on the second tier for making it through a morning without a meltdown, and Maddie is shockingly in the third spot for her silly string aim. Nia is in second for a great performance in the group number, and Brynn takes the top spot for her solo win. 

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Jill notes that Abby has been glowing ever since a rendezvous with a hot guy on their recent trip to Vegas. Abby has nicknamed said fellow “Magic Mike.” The group routine is an homage to Michael Jackson and his love of baseball because that is apparently where his symbolic rhinestone glove came into play…it was a metaphorical catcher’s mitt. I’m going to have to Google that for sure. Sarah and Brynn will be doing a duet, and I apologize in advance as I know I’m going to get them confused. They look like they were separated at birth. Kendall and Maddie are thrilled to have a duet together, and Melissa interrupts to to inform Abby that Maddie will be absent from rehearsal the following day due to a performance at Disney’s sixtieth anniversary. Abby wonders aloud if it’s fair to Kendall to cut down on practice time. When Maddie tells her mother that Abby doesn’t want the duet to be rushed so she may can it, Melissa is peeved. Maddie has missed out on so many opportunities to be loyal to the ALDC, and quite frankly she’s sick of hanging out with a bunch of negative Nancy moms at some budget dance competitions. 

The following day, Jill and Jessalyn passive aggressively muse about Maddie’s rising star and whether she’ll stay with the ALDC. When Melissa counters that Kendall and Maddie dance like one person, Jill reminds her they still need practice. On cue, Christy chimes in–she, too, has heard the rumors that Maddie is quitting the team. Melissa exits the conversation abruptly, and Jill compares trying to get Melissa to talk about something she’s avoiding is like trying to pry a half-eaten hot dog out of Abby’s hand. It’s not going to happen. When Ashlee tries to question Melissa further, she gets bitterly defensive. Jessalyn tries to diffuse the situation by Googling the story behind Michael Jackson’s glove (thanks for sparing me the task!). She can’t find any baseball references, and the moms tease a blushing Abby as to whether she got this story from Magic Mike. 

In Maddie’s absence, JoJo is rehearsing the duet with Kendall. Abby hints that she’ll be Maddie’s replacement if she’s unable to attend the competition. Kendall’s face immediately goes sour, and Abby decides that perhaps Kendall could just perform the routine as a solo. Like the pro she is, JoJo steps aside, not letting the change phase her. Kendall half-heartedly goes through the motions until Abby stops to question her sullen attitude. Kendall storms out in tears. She doesn’t want a solo, she wants a duet with her best friend. As Jill and Melissa rush to coddle her, JoJo is given the opportunity to perform the dance as a solo. JoJo is excited for the chance, and she’s not upset that her teammate had a tantrum if it means she may get a solo. After an awesome performance, Abby wants JoJo to do the solo. When Jill returns, Christy is quick to inform her of the turn of events. Jill wants to know if Abby is going to take the duet from Kendall, and Abby starts yelling about how the choreography didn’t lend itself to a duet. Kendall storms out again, only to return to yell at Abby about screaming at her. Jill gathers her daughter and the two peace out of the studio. 

The next day, Maddie seconds Kendall’s sentiment. She would love another solo with her friend. Inside, Ashlee accuses Jessalyn of throwing Kendall under the bus to get a solo for her daughter. Christy is salivating to join in on the fun. As soon as she can, she kisses up to Jill, reminding her that Jessalyin is trying to deprive Kendall of an opportunity. Jessalyn is confused. Kendall said she didn’t want to do the dance as a solo, and she certainly wasn’t keen on dancing a duet with JoJo. Jill confronts Abby that her daughter is constantly punished. Abby retorts that the only lesson to be learned is that when you’re given the opportunity to dance, you do it all out regardless of what you think about the music or the costume…or your partner. Who knew Abby’s crazy would subside mid-season to make room for Jill’s? 

At the competition, Christ-y wishes JoJo good luck on her solo but in the next breath tells the child she feels badly that Kendall can’t do it. I have to hand it to JoJo, she’s got a backbone. She looks Christ-y square in the eye and eloquently states that neither she nor her mother had anything to do with Abby’s decision to give her a solo. The timing wasn’t right for a duet. You go, JoJo. I think even Abby is secretly pleased with the display. Christy then changes her tune to start sucking up to Abby, but Abby needs Sarah to prove herself. Backstage, Kendall and Maddie give JoJo a pep talk. They know she had no part in taking away their duet, and they both think she will rock the dance as a solo. They are correct, and Abby is blown away by her performance. Brynn and Sarah’s duet has beautiful lines and is very graceful, but to be honest, it kind of bores me and I can’t tell which girl is which. The judges love it though, although Sarah gets more constructive criticism. Abby believes that the pressure Sarah has put on herself is causing her to suffer from a case of the nerves. She then lavishes JoJo in praise. The moms are in awe of Abby’s mood in the wake of Magic Mike!

The judges gush over the group number, and I have to agree. I thought it was fabulous. Of course, Sarah gets a critique for falling behind at one point. At the awards ceremony, JoJo doesn’t even place. What? Brynn and Sarah’s duet wins first place in their division. Everyone is floored when the group number doesn’t place. Abby notes that Sarah was behind most of the routine, and Christ-y wrestles with back talking Abby or trying to save her daughter’s spot in LA. Melissa wishes everyone could just get along. Ashlee quips that Melissa shouldn’t care what goes on since they all know she’s leaving. Abby asks Melissa if she has anything to say, but Melissa just grins and smiles. She’s so out of there!

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S DANCE MOMS? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Last night’s Dance Moms was it…the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. I think I took it about as well as Abby Lee Miller, and I’ve had a head’s up for months! As the episode begins, the mothers are all atwitter about whether Melissa and her daughters will be sticking with the ALDC. When asked pointblank, Melissa admits that Maddie and MacKenzie will be exploring other opportunities and will no longer be a part of the elite team. Jill feels betrayed. Holly is confused that she wasn’t able to share this news long before now. Ashlee (I’m not shocked) is convinced that Melissa leaked the news of Maddie’s departure to the media herself in order to create more of a buzz. She may actually be on to something! Melissa promises she was just following her attorney’s advice, and hey, at least the moms’ know before MacKenzie does…she has no clue. Melissa predicts that Abby will be sad about letting go of her daughters, but happy that she’s prepared them for fame. Good luck with that. 

Melissa approaches Abby who seems more consumed with her lipstick than Melissa’s admission. Melissa hems and haws and feigns fake tears while staring at the ceiling before breaking the news that this her daughters’ last season with the ALDC. Abby freezes, and Melissa is quick to assure the emotionally fragile studio owner that she had nothing to do with the rumors that her daughters would be peacing out from Abby’s tutelage. Abby quickly regains composure and warns Melissa that Maddie better never be on So You Think You Can Dance, Kids! Melissa back pedals. Melissa stumbles over her words, “Um no, Maddie won’t be, um, dancing on So You Think You Can Dance, Kids. No, no dancing. I can promise you I have never even heard of that new show that my daughter is in no way affiliated with so, um…” Don’t quit your day job, Melissa, if your day job is not being a giant liar. Abby tears up and acknowledges the cameras…why did Melissa wait until now to break this news? Could she not have given her a courtesy phone call?

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At pyramid (curses! I thought this latest development would save us from pyramid), Kalani is in the last spot since she was absent last week for a family funeral and Kendall follows for “being fine.” JoJo is next for a great solo that unfortunately didn’t place, with Nia a spot ahead for (you guessed it!) being fine. On the second row are the sisters Ziegler with Brynn on the top of the pyramid for her part in the winning duet. The group routine for this week’s competition is brought to you by the Huntsman: Winter’s War. Nothing like some great cross marketing to make me think I’m not watching some hour long Universal Pictures commercial! Nia and MacKenzie will be doing a duet entitled A Long Good-Bye and Kendall and Maddie are granted a bestie duet. The final duet goes to Kalani and Maddie, and Maddie is shocked to be competing in two dances. Kalani jokes that Maddie has to make up for all the weeks she’s missed. I get it now. Abby wants all the true teammates to get to dance with the Ziegler sisters.

Abby gets emotional talking about what an asset that sisters have been to the ALDC. Maddie is tearful, but MacKenzie is confused. Leave it to Ashlee to interrupt to inquire about open spots on the team due to “what’s going on” with Maddie and MacKenzie. Melissa counters that this isn’t the way she wanted MacKenzie to find out (I love how MackZ is all, “What’s going on?”) and Abby retorts that perhaps Melissa’s attorney should have handled it differently. Holly shoos the girls from the studio so the moms can convene. In the holding area, the girls wonder what is happening. Melissa makes her announcement before breaking into tears, and MacKenzie is in shock. Nia silently cries as she embraces Maddie. Damn you, Lifetime. I swore I’d never cry over this scripted mess. Group hug! Abby is absent from the emotional exchange because she’s locked herself in the bathroom. The veteran moms agree that Abby needs to grow up and relish in the OG’s last season, but Ashlee wants to make sure Brynn’s spot is secure, so she attempts to check on Abby.

The following day, Melissa invites Holly and Jill to brunch to reminisce. The women have certainly brought out the worst in each other, but they have had each others’ backs and mama-beared their bonus daughters as fiercely as they would their own. Ashlee is beside herself back at the studio. This must be Brynn’s moment! Abby is trying to keep it together. She shows the girls a trailer of the Huntsman: Winter’s War (funny how all this works!) to inspire them for the group number. Abby tries to maintain a stone face, but her rehearsals for the duets are mainly just a walk down memory lane with the the girls wishing their friends well. Jessalyn jokes that Maddie has two solos because Abby wants to squeeze every last bit of talent out of the poor girl in her final weeks. Melissa is concerned that Abby has given Maddie duets with her two best friends to twistedly pit the girls against one another. While critiquing Nia and MacKenzie’s duet, Abby breaks down. Holly recognizes that Abby isn’t the complete hard ass she portrays. She’s losing her “dance daughter” with Maddie’s departure, and the moms bond over the significance of Kendall’s last duet with bestie Maddie. Please, if you have a Dance Moms drinking game, please don’t take a shot every time someone mentions Huntsman: Winter’s War. You’ll thank me for that.

At the competition, Maddie and Kalani are the first to perform their duet. The girls are amazingly talented and perfectly in sync. Am I crying again? NOOO! At least not until Nia likens her routine with MacKenzie to their actual good-bye, citing their friendship since practically (MackZ’s) birth. Holly is in tears, I am in tears, Abby is pretending she’s not in tears. Geez. Let’s just add Kendall and Maddie’s beautiful duet into the mix! I hate how emotional I am! Backstage, Abby raves about each performance as the moms get weepy. Abby encourages Kendall to channel the confidence she has in a duet with Maddie into her solos. Ashlee interrupts to wonder what Kendall will do without Maddie to help her. Seriously, Ashlee? Can we just have our moment please? In that group number that’s inspired by that movie (what was it called again), the girls are dynamite, with Maddie and MacKenzie going head to head as dueling enchanted princess sisters. Despite the fact that there has been a lot of chatter about Chris Hemsworth seeing this routine at some point, he’s noticeably absent from this busted auditorium. Le sigh. It’s a fabulous group dance though. 

All of the ALDC members are confident about their performance at the competition. At the awards ceremony, Nia and MacKenzie’s duet takes first place in their division. In the teen division, the team knows that they are prepared for a one-two punch. Maddie is a double winner, placing second with her dance with Kendall and the top spot with Kalani. Shockingly, the group routine only scores second and Chris Hemsworth is nowhere to be found. Ashlee blames Melissa’s announcement while the other moms blame a minor costume malfunction. When Ashlee voices her opinion to Abby, Abby storms out of the dressing room. 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE? DID YOU GET EMOTIONAL LIKE MY STUPID SELF? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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Wait, I’m confused…Dance Moms is going to go on without Maddie? Do you hate us that much, Phil Collins? In the wake of Melissa’s announcement, the ALDC team wants to soak up the last few weeks they have with Maddie and MacKenzie. While they’re obviously sad to see them leave (at least the girls are), it’s clear that everyone is excited for what’s to come in Maddie’s skyrocketing career. Jill believes that even though she’s not showing her true feelings, Abby Lee Miller is secretly seething over the news. In other new, Jill is a candidate for MENSA. 

At pyramid, Abby rakes her team over the coals for a second place group number, but it’s a step up from not placing the week before. JoJo is on the bottom, and she jokes that she’s been on the bottom a lot lately. This child’s attitude is everything, but Jessalyn objects to JoJo’s placement–she worked hard and did well last week! Abby rips JoJo’s picture from the pyramid, yelling, “We’ll move her!” before placing her at the top of the pyramid and laughing. JoJo is thrilled. Jessalyn is thankful Abby didn’t throw her daughter’s head shot on the ground and stomp on it. If I were everyone in the studio, I’d be slowly backing away…it’s clearly a sign that Abby’s about to go totally loco. Brynn is now the bottom-most dancer for not dancing, with MacKenzie on her heels for not showing enough emotion in her duet with Nia. When MacKenzie tears up, Abby warns her not to be a crybaby. Emotions are only for the stage! Speaking of, Nia’s dancing was emotional and beautiful, but only third rung of the pyramid awesome. Kendall, Maddie, and Kalani make up the second tier in that order. She praises them all.

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At this week’s competition, JoJo and Brynn are granted hip-hop solos. JoJo exclaims, “That’s my girl!” before high-fiving Abby. This kid has grown on me so much. Ashlee and Brynn look nervous , but Ashlee is quick to assure herself the viewers that Brynn is exceptional at hip-hop. She’s not just some one-trick contemporary pony! MacKenzie snags the last solo which is an acro hoedown number. She begs for a hip-hop routine, and Abby retracts her solo. Holly intervenes to remind Abby that MacKenzie is only here for a few more weeks and has never gotten a hip-hop solo. What’s the harm? Abby retorts that they can do whatever they want before storming out and citing MacKenzie’s request as dumb. Holly feels like Abby is punishing Melissa by being hateful to MacKenzie. At least Gianna can assist with the group number, right? Jill urges Melissa to request a hip-hop routine for her daughter after never asking Abby for a MackZ solo. Holly wonders what Melissa has to lose. Taking their advice, she heads to Abby’s office, but Abby starts screeching and slamming the door, killing a defenseless boom mic in the process. 

The moms are in shock regarding Abby’s behavior (um, why?), and Ashlee is concerned that Brynn isn’t getting enough practice time due to Abby’s issue with Melissa. She decides to approach Abby who assures her that Brynn and JoJo will be doing their hip-hop solos…but not MacKenzie. NEVER MACKENZIE! A producer (talk about breaking that fourth wall!) intervenes, calling out the fact that Abby told the moms they could make the choice for MacKenzie’s solo. Doesn’t she remember? It was right before she stormed out of pyramid and killed his mic? He’s happy to replay it for her to jog her memory. Abby screams like a woman possessed. The mothers don’t run the studio! She sneaks out the back, and Holly and the moms try to head her off to get her to do her job. Abby laughs manically before peeling out the parking lot. Abby calls Holly and gives her an earful…she’s going to the beach and Holly can run the studio. At least MacKenzie has scored her hip-hop solo! 

Ashlee is hoping that Abby is watching the footage of her kissing arse in Abby’s absence. Ashlee lectures the veteran moms that Abby is clearly upset about Maddie’s departure. Holly and Jill argue it’s something bigger–Abby has lost control. Ashlee counters that perhaps Abby just needs support. Seriously? Jill drones on and on about how the moms left their other kids and husbands to be in LA everyday for Abby. That’s not support? Thankfully, Gia interrupts the brewing debate by inviting the moms in to watch the solos. MacKenzie buckles under stress and flees the studio before Gia can yell at her. Before Gia can say a word, Melissa confirms that yes, MacKenzie does need to grow up and face the pressure. Holly follows Mac and provides a much needed pep talk. I do love that no matter how much the original mothers may get peeved at each other, they are always acting as bonus moms for the entire team. 

The following day, MacKenzie has her head back in the game, and Holly is thankful that Gia can step up to the plate and be an actual adult when it comes to teaching choreography. Not missing a beat, Ashlee continues needling Melissa…isn’t it weird that Abby doesn’t want to be more involved given it’s MacKenzie’s last competition? Doesn’t she care about MacKenzie? Abby saunters into rehearsal and she’s about a stage four on her five stages of crazy. The hot rollers are a dead giveaway. Abby demands to see the group number, and she’s yelling critiques at Maddie and MacKenzie left and right. She sums up Maddie’s performance as shooting Gia’s choreography before shooing everyone out of the studio so she can conduct private lessons. 

At the competition, everyone is wondering about Abby’s whereabouts until she bursts into the studio, blinged out with a ball cap, yelling “Moms betta have my money!” which she follows up with “Black people said it was hip-hop week.” The mothers are floored. “She did not just go there,” Holly muses. Jill is less than entertained by Abby’s antics. Abby refuses to break out of her Gangsta’s Paradise persona, and Jessalyn finds it odd that Ashlee is dressing Brynn to be a JoJo clone. JoJo performs first, and she’s got her signature sass and hits all the moves. However, I don’t think her choreography is all that special. Ashlee is convinced that Brynn is going to dance JoJo under the table. Brynn proves she’s not just a lyrical dancer with her routine–precious. Nia pumps up MacKenzie before she takes the stage (like mother, like daughter!), and she totally rocks her routine…I’m not going to comment on whether it was age-appropriate. 

Backstage, Jessalyn teases Ashlee about Brynn’s outfit. Melissa cackles that Brynn isn’t the new Maddie, she’s the new JoJo. Ashlee tries to defend herself and it turns into a screaming match. She then goes crying to Abby who wonders why Ashlee even cares what these banshees think. The group routine is amazing, flawless. This is why I watch the show. At the awards ceremony, JoJo’s solo places fifth with Brynn snagging fourth. MacKenzie shows Abby with a first place win. The group number also nabs the top spot. After the awards, Abby criticizes MacKenzie’s performance before leaving. Ashlee and Jessalyn get back into their tiff, and the more upset Ashlee gets, the more Jessalyn giggles and sneers. Jill and Holly try to diffuse (do they?) by rapping about lyrical dance. 

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF LAST NIGHT’S DANCE MOMS? IS ABBY REALLY THAT UPSET WITH MELISSA? 

[Photo Credit: Lifetime]

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