150 Fun Facts About Dance Moms

In what year did the reality television series Dance Moms first premiere?

The series opened on Lifetime on July 13, 2011, drawing 1.05 million viewers; the first episode ended with a wardrobe malfunction on stage and Abby and Christi bickering in the hallway.

Which dancer, Abby Lee Miller's favourite, received the most solos in early seasons?

Maddie Ziegler was frequently highlighted as Abby Lee Miller's top dancer and was known for receiving many solos and lead roles.

Which Canton, Ohio studio of Cathy Nesbitt-Stein's was the ALDC's standing rival?

Cathy's daughter Vivi-Anne actually danced with the ALDC for most of season one before the family became the show's recurring rivals.

Which original dancer left the Abby Lee Dance Company in Season 4 but later returned in Season 7?

Chloe Lukasiak and her mother Christi left the show during Season 4. Chloe later made a dramatic return in the Season 7 finale and Season 7B, eventually forming 'The Irreplaceables' with other dancers.

Which original cast member was the oldest dancer of the group, aged 13 when season one began?

Brooke, an acro/contemporary dancer and singer, started at Abby's studio at age three and was the eldest of the original team; her sister Paige was ten when the show began.

Which ALDC dancer's debut single, 'Wear 'Em Out', premiered its video on Lifetime?

Recording as Kendall K, she had a teammate help choreograph the video, which featured her sisters Charlotte and Ryleigh alongside fellow ALDC dancer Payton Ackerman.

Which original mom remained on the show for the longest duration, often without leaving the team?

Holly Hatcher-Frazier and her daughter stayed from the 2011 premiere through 2017, seven seasons, making them the longest-serving cast members of the show.

Dance Moms and the Abby Lee Dance Company moved their primary filming base from Pittsburgh to which city?

Los Angeles, California became the show's home after it left Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the ALDC began.

What was the name of the segment where Abby Lee Miller would rank the dancers weekly?

The rankings weighed the girl's performance, effort and attitude and even her mother's behaviour. Miller has said she never used a pyramid at her studio before the show: 'I've never done that in my life.'

Which lyrical and ballroom dancer from Boulder, Colorado, joined the ALDC mini team in season six?

She moved up to the elite team in season seven and returned for part of season eight, until Abby dismissed her and her mother Yolanda for causing tension among the other cast members.

Which Fayetteville, North Carolina dancer joined the mini team in season six and came back for season eight?

Known as Lilly K, she left with the rest of the ALDC during season seven and was one of the few to return for the 2019 revival season, where an episode was titled 'Lilly's Ultimatum'.

In 2015, Dance Moms won a Kids' Choice Award for which category?

The 2015 win broke Wipeout's three-year hold on the category; the show was nominated again in 2016 for Favorite Talent Competition but lost.

Rival studio Murrieta Dance Project, whose owner Erin Babbs choreographed for the Candy Apples, is in which state?

Erin Babbs choreographed for Cathy's Candy Apples in seasons four and five; after leaving the ALDC, Chloe Lukasiak briefly danced with Murrieta before forming The Irreplaceables.

Which hip-hop dancer from near Pittsburgh, passed over as too tall in season two, recurred as a swing for ALDC group numbers?

Payton Ackerman, from Upper St. Clair, was passed over for Vivi-Anne's spot as too tall, then recurred with the team through season four.

What was the title of the very first episode of Dance Moms?

The premiere introduced Abby's Pittsburgh studio and ended at competition with a wardrobe malfunction on stage that had Abby and Christi bickering in the hallway.

Which dancer joined the ALDC in season two after training at Rogers Dance and Studio 19?

She took Vivi-Anne's vacated place at the start of season two; her mother Jill briefly moved her to the rival Candy Apples that season before returning to the ALDC.

Which dancer, aged 10, played Gracie in the 2017 off-Broadway premiere of 'Dance Divas Nutcracker'?

The musical, based on Sheryl Berk's 'Dance Divas' books, ran at Theatre Row in Times Square in December 2017 with the 10-year-old ALDC dancer in the lead.

In which season did ALDC dancers and mothers walk out to form "The Irreplaceables"?

The walkout came in the second half of the season; Abby herself left the show a few episodes later, followed by the remaining ALDC dancers and mothers, and the group later toured as The Irreplaceables Tour.

What was the full name of the production company that created Dance Moms?

Dance Moms was created by Collins Avenue Productions.

Which dancer was the only original junior elite member to stay until Season 7?

Nia Sioux (Nia Frazier) was the only original junior elite team dancer who remained with the ALDC until the end of Season 7.

In which Dance Moms season did Abby build a 'mini team' of brand-new dancers aged six to ten?

The sixth season brought the mini team, Abby's bid for a fresh set of dancers to carry the ALDC legacy as the original girls aged out.

Which original mom launched the podcast 'Back to the Barre' with Kelly Hyland in 2022?

The two mothers who clashed most often with Abby rewatch the show one episode at a time; by 2024 the podcast had toured live venues across the United States.

Which network premiered Dance Moms in July 2011?

The series began on Lifetime on 13 July 2011, following the Abby Lee Dance Company's Junior Elite Competition Team in Pittsburgh under Abby Lee Miller.

Which dancer, the youngest ever on 'Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition', briefly joined the junior elite team?

Asia, a jazz and contemporary dancer from Corona, California, left the ALDC just before Nationals in season three and went on to her own Lifetime spin-off, 'Raising Asia'.

Which 2012 spin-off had twelve dancers aged 6 to 13 competing for $100,000 and a Joffrey Ballet scholarship?

AUDC premiered on October 9, 2012 and ran two seasons; contestants aged 6 to 13 competed for $100,000 and a Joffrey Ballet School scholarship, and its alumni Asia Monet Ray, JoJo Siwa and Kalani Hilliker all later joined the ALDC.

Which original ALDC member left early in season two to try cheerleading, then returned?

Abby did not notice her absence at first and nearly pulled the group routine she was featured in; she tired of cheerleading and returned in 'Burn, Pom Poms, Burn!', where Abby told her she had to win her division to stay.

During which season did Kelly and her two dancer daughters leave the show after her altercation with Abby?

Kelly Hyland was arrested in January 2014 on charges of assaulting Abby backstage at a New York competition filmed the previous November; Abby announced on 'The View' that the family was no longer under contract.

Which dancer, known for her signature bows, later found massive fame on YouTube?

Her 2016 Claire's bow line was so popular with British primary pupils that some schools banned the bows for causing distraction; the video for her song 'Boomerang' has passed a billion YouTube views.

What was the name of the studio that Chloe Lukasiak joined after initially leaving the ALDC in Season 4?

After leaving the ALDC in Season 4, Chloe Lukasiak began dancing at Studio 19 Dance Complex.

Which lyrical dancer joined the ALDC in Season 4 and later became one of 'The Irreplaceables'?

Kalani, from Mesa, Arizona, came from season two of AUDC to fill the gap left by the Hylands and later toured with Kendall Vertes and Chloe Lukasiak on The Irreplaceables Tour.

Which season was subtitled 'Resurrection' and followed the team's rebuilding after Miller's release from prison?

Abby announced her return in July 2018, two months after leaving federal prison and while relearning to walk after treatment for Burkitt lymphoma; the revival's premiere aired on June 4, 2019.

In 2017 Abby Lee Miller was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for which offence?

She agreed to plead guilty to reduced charges in June 2016 and was also charged with customs fraud over undeclared cash carried back from Dance Moms tours; she reported to prison in July 2017 and was released on May 25, 2018.

Which dancer, known for her expressive performances, appeared in Sia's 'Move Your Body' music video?

The 2017 video is set in a 1987 mall photo studio, where the girl runs off set, finds Sia's black-and-blonde wig in a dressing room and puts it on.

What was the name of Mackenzie Ziegler's debut album, released in 2014?

She used the album title as her stage name; its lead single 'Girl Party' reached number one on the iTunes pop chart, and 'It's a Girl Party' is the single's full name, not the album's.

Which rival studio was often led by Jeanette Cota, mother of dancer Ava Cota?

The studio is in Fenton, Michigan; Ava was originally brought to the ALDC to compete against Kendall and danced on Abby's Select Ensemble in season four before her mother's studio became a rival.

Who became the first boy ever on the ALDC Junior Elite Competition Team when he joined in season eight?

Brady, a ballet and contemporary dancer from Miami, left mid-season with his mother Tricia after Abby's favouritism toward him upset the other mothers, then returned to the team.

What was the special team Abby Lee Miller created in Season 4 to compete against the original team called?

Abby picked the Select Ensemble from three separate auditions and unveiled it on the show's 100th episode; it disbanded in the season four finale after the original team beat it at Nationals.

Which mom's daughter left the ALDC near the end of season six after signing a contract with Nickelodeon?

Jessalynn and her daughter had first appeared on season two of AUDC before joining the ALDC as guests in season five; the pair returned for a guest appearance in season eight.

Which season-eight dancer from Oakhurst, New Jersey, had played Amanda Thripp in Broadway's "Matilda"?

GiaNina also appeared as a guest pointe ballerina in 'The Greatest Showman' before joining the 2019 revival team, whose third episode was titled 'The Broadway Brat'.

What was the title of Abby's season-two group routine about her relationship with rival Cathy?

The same episode had Brooke and a Candy Apples dancer both questioned over age discrepancies at competition, the first ALDC-versus-Candy Apples showdown of the season.

Which dancer, known for strong technique and turns, joined the ALDC in Season 5 after guesting?

Kalani had guested for several weeks in season four and was made permanent in season five to fill the spot left when Chloe Lukasiak departed.

In the season one episode where Abby gave every girl a solo, who was the only dancer handed two?

Abby argued she showed strength in two genres; when she then won first place, Christi's protest that two solos gave her an unfair edge boiled over into a fight in front of the children.

Which dancer had a serious foot injury that impacted her dancing career during her time on the show?

Paige broke her foot backstage in season two and was ruled out for six weeks; Jill promptly pushed for Kendall to take her place in a duet, and Paige later danced a simplified solo to avoid weight on the foot.

Which mom moved her daughter to the rival Candy Apples studio for part of season two before returning to the ALDC?

Jill and her daughter had only just joined the ALDC that season, taking Vivi-Anne's place; the defection to Cathy's Ohio studio was short-lived.

Heading into Nationals in the season two finale, the mothers worried about the mature theme of which routine?

The routine, about the dangers of texting while driving, was rehearsed for the 'Nationals 90210' finale that aired on September 11, 2012.

Which original Dance Moms mother, along with her two dancer daughters, skipped Lifetime's 2024 reunion special?

Melissa Gisoni and the Zieglers stayed away, as did Nia and Holly Frazier, while the Hylands, Chloe, Kendall, Kalani and JoJo returned.

Which Phoenix dancer guested on the ALDC in season five and joined full-time for season six?

Before the show she trained at Club Dance Studio in Arizona, the same studio as teammate Kalani; her mother Ashlee Allen joined the cast alongside her.

The first Dance Moms spin-off, set at Stars Dance Studio, took place in which city?

It premiered on April 3, 2012 and was cancelled that September after a single season; the next spin-off, 'Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition', fared better with two.

Which season-eight Dance Moms dancer from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, left after her mother faced bullying?

Sarah, an acro and contemporary dancer, was one of several 2019 recruits who did not last the season; Savannah Kristich also left once Elliana Walmsley's return was announced.

Which original ALDC dancer quit Dance Moms after season four, when Abby Lee Miller commented on her medical condition?

Chloe Lukasiak left over Abby's comment about her medical condition, won Choice Dancer at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards, and guest-starred in the season seven finale.

On what date did Dance Moms premiere?

The first season ran 13 episodes and had no reunion special.

Under what former name was Miller's studio building known?

Her mother Maryen Lorrain Miller owned it before her.

Who is the ALDC's assistant choreographer who trained under Miller?

She covers all genres of dance at Reign Dance Productions.

Whose idea was the weekly pyramid, according to Miller?

She said she had never used one before Dance Moms.

Which Pennsylvania town were the Ziegler sisters from?

The Hyland sisters were also from Murrysville.

Which Pennsylvania town was Chloe Lukasiak from?

She began dancing at the ALDC at age two.

At what age did Maddie Ziegler start studying at Miller's studio?

Mackenzie started at two.

During which season did the Zieglers leave the show?

The Zieglers walked during the sixth season, ending a run that began with the show's 2011 premiere.

Which sport did Kelly Hyland quit dancing at the ALDC to pursue as a girl?

Abby herself had taught her.

Which Ohio city is Cathy Nesbitt-Stein's rival studio in?

Cathy Nesbitt-Stein's daughter Vivi-Anne danced with the ALDC in season one.

Under what stage name did Jill Vertes's daughter release music?

She was from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Which Pennsylvania township was hip-hop swing dancer Payton Ackerman from?

She graduated from the ALDC in 2015.

Which California city was Asia Monet Ray from?

She was the youngest competitor on either season of AUDC.

Which Arizona city was Kalani Hilliker from?

She was brought in during season four to replace Brooke and Paige.

Which city was JoJo Siwa from?

Omaha, Nebraska is JoJo Siwa's hometown; she joined Dance Moms as Chloe's replacement.

Which Arizona school had both Brynn Rumfallo and Kalani Hilliker trained at?

Brynn joined the ALDC as a guest in season five.

Why was Elliana Walmsley's mother Yolanda eventually dismissed by Abby?

The Walmsleys had returned for some season eight episodes.

Which Missouri city was Camryn Bridges from?

She joined in season seven and later left with the Irreplaceables.

Why were Daviana and Fernanda Fletcher really dismissed, per Miller's podcast?

On air, Miller said Daviana was not a strong enough dancer.

Which pop star's Purpose World Tour did Maesi Caes dance on in Des Moines?

She was from Altoona, Iowa.

Which Florida city was Brady Farrar from?

Abby's favoritism toward him caused tension among the season eight moms.

Which season eight dancer had appeared as a pointe ballerina in The Greatest Showman?

She also played Amanda Thripp in Broadway's Matilda.

Why did Savannah Kristich leave in season eight?

She was from Las Vegas.

Which team member is the only one never to be given a solo, duet or trio?

She joined in season eight to replace Elliana.

Who was the original coach of the Irreplaceables before Cheryl Burke?

Burke became the main coach.

Which Select Ensemble dancer was brought in to compete against Chloe?

Each Select dancer was matched against an original team member.

Which Select Ensemble dancer was brought in to rival Kalani?

She was the first Native American dancer featured on the show.

Which 'Replacements' dancer holds a Guinness record for most consecutive pirouettes?

She stayed a few episodes after the replacement team disbanded.

Which Virginia school did replacement dancers Kaeli and Bella belong to?

It later hosted the Hulu spin-off A New Era.

Which three sisters left a mini-team group dance midweek over Miller's methods?

Kaylee, Rihanna and Coco Quinn were from Los Angeles.

Which Utah locale produced two mini-team dancers, Alexus Oladi and Peyton Evans?

Both stayed until the mini team disbanded.

Which Michigan town is Broadway Dance Academy in?

Jeanette Cota closed the studio in later years.

Under which name did BDA compete for one week at the start of season 5.5?

They handed the ALDC its first Nationals group loss.

Which season two episode was pulled from rotation over its burlesque costumes?

It aired on March 6, 2012 and is not on the DVD.

Where was Kelly Hyland arrested for assaulting Miller during season four filming?

She pleaded not guilty in January 2014.

Roughly how much money did Miller hide, per her 2015 indictment?

She pled guilty in June 2016.

After how many months was Miller paroled from her one-year-and-a-day sentence?

Two years of supervised release followed.

Which spin-off did Lifetime cancel in June 2020 when it cut ties with Miller?

It was to be judged over video conference during the pandemic.

Which two studio owners ran Stars Dance Studio in Dance Moms: Miami?

It premiered April 3, 2012 and lasted one season.

Which spin-off followed Miller helping struggling studios across the U.S.?

Only one season was made.

Which 2014 spin-off starred the youngest AUDC competitor and her family?

Raising Asia featured her model mom, bodybuilder dad and sister Bella Blu after Asia guested on Dance Moms in season three.

Who hosted the British version, Dance Mums, at her Liverpool studio?

Jelli Studios hosted the two-season series.

Which comedian was reported in 2016 to be developing a Dance Moms film?

Nothing came of the project.

What is the name of Miller's own podcast launched in 2023?

Kelly Hyland and Christi Lukasiak's rival podcast is Back to the Barre.

Which Big Brother-style series with young adult dancers did Miller join in 2023?

Hannah Colin appeared in season one and Cathy Nesbitt-Stein in season two.

On which platform did Dance Moms: A New Era premiere in 2024?

It was set at Studio Bleu under coach Miss Glo.

Why did the studio hosting A New Era close permanently in mid-2024?

Its staff reopened as Project X Dance Company in the same space.

On what date did Dance Moms: The Reunion premiere?

Christi Lukasiak appeared only in a short virtual cameo.

Which show did Christi Lukasiak announce she would host after the reunion?

She announced it on Instagram in April 2024.

In what year was Abby Lee Miller born?

Her father was a railroad yardmaster.

How old was Miller when she formed the Abby Lee Dance Company in 1980?

She took over her mother's studio in 1995.

Which two Dancing with the Stars pros publicly called Miller's methods abusive in 2012?

Dance Masters of America also terminated her membership that month.

Which host compared Miller to gymnastics coach Béla Károlyi on The View?

Miller defended using a foam-rubber baseball bat to straighten knees.

What was the title of Miller's 2014 book?

She also guest-judged Dancing with the Stars that year.

Which film in the shark-tornado franchise featured Miller as scientist Dr. Bramble?

It premiered while she was incarcerated.

For how much did Miller sell her original Pittsburgh studio in 2022?

It was to become a bus lot and daycare.

Which cancer was Miller diagnosed with in April 2018?

It went into remission that September.

Where did Miller report to begin her prison sentence in July 2017?

She was moved to a Long Beach halfway house in March 2018.

How much did Miller owe the IRS when she filed for bankruptcy in 2010?

She has said she 'loved the studio more than family'.

How many official episodes did season three have?

It ran from January to September 2013.

Which season four episode ended with Kelly slapping Abby?

It aired February 11, 2014.

Which Select Ensemble dancer was the first Native American featured on the show?

Her mother Loree owns New England Dance and Gymnastic Centers.

How many official episodes did season five have?

It was the first to feature JoJo Siwa and Brynn Rumfallo.

Which Fame star was a guest choreographer in season six?

Season six also introduced the mini team.

Which Lady Gaga choreographer joined the season seven choreography roster?

Aisha Francis and Cheryl Burke also coached that season.

Under what name did the AUDC dancer later known as Lennon appear on the show?

Torres was the first AUDC cast member to join Dance Moms.

Which producer of season eight had worked on So Sharp?

Jeff Collins came from The Drama Queen.

Which Miami dancer topped 'the List' most often on Dance Moms: Miami?

He was the only boy on the show and later danced with the Candy Apples.

Which Miami dancer won Junior Mr. NexStar 2012?

His mother Brigette is now with Candy Apples.

Who hosted Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition?

Richy Jackson and Robin Antin judged alongside Miller.

Who won the first season of Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition?

She took the $100,000 and a Joffrey Ballet scholarship.

Who won the second season of Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition?

Kalani placed fourth and JoJo fifth that season.

Which judge replaced Robin Antin for AUDC's second season?

Season two premiered September 3, 2013.

Which soap opera did Nia Sioux join as Emma Barber?

She appeared from 2018 to 2019.

What is the title of Nia Sioux's 2024 memoir?

She wrote it during her junior year at UCLA.

Which condition was Nia Sioux diagnosed with as a young dancer?

She continued dancing regardless.

Which network did Nia Sioux report for at the 2018 Winter Olympics?

NBC, the US home of the Olympics, made Nia a correspondent at the 2018 Games in South Korea.

Which Radio City role did Elliana Walmsley land for the 2019/2020 Christmas Spectacular?

She had pursued the role for three years.

Which title did Elliana Walmsley win at The Dance Awards in Las Vegas in 2018?

She represented the Michelle Latimer Dance Academy.

Brynn Rumfallo first found fame in 2013 with her dance team Fresh Faces on which show's eighth season?

America's Got Talent's eighth season, in 2013, introduced Brynn Rumfallo and her team Fresh Faces.

Which Lilliana Ketchman solo was performed entirely in a straitjacket?

It earned a perfect score of 300.

Which Netflix film starred Ava Cota as Jodi Kreyman?

A sequel followed in 2022.

Which Australian prize did Sia's 'Chandelier' clip win?

Maddie was 11 when she starred in it.

Which role did Maddie Ziegler play in Spielberg's West Side Story?

She had the title role in Sia's film Music the same year.

Which annual Time list included Maddie Ziegler from 2015 to 2017?

Her memoir The Maddie Diaries was a bestseller in 2017.

Which Brat TV drama starred Mackenzie Ziegler from 2018 to 2020?

Her second album Phases came out in 2018.

Which JoJo Siwa video has topped a billion YouTube views?

Boomerang's video has passed a billion YouTube views, and by 2020 JoJo was on Time's list of the 100 most influential people.

As which character did JoJo Siwa compete on The Masked Singer in 2020?

A year later she was part of DWTS's first same-sex partnership.

Which retailer sold JoJo Siwa's line of hair bows from 2016?

The bows became her signature look.

Which condition did Chloe Lukasiak have surgery for in 2015?

Miller's comment on the condition prompted the Lukasiaks' exit.

Which Lifetime movie gave Chloe Lukasiak her acting debut as Gwen Murphy?

She later studied at Pepperdine.

Which university did Chloe Lukasiak graduate from in December 2023?

She studied creative writing and marketing.

For how many seasons did Cheryl Burke perform on Dancing with the Stars?

She replaced Miller as coach in 2017.

Which two companies jointly own Lifetime's parent, A+E Global Media?

Lifetime was established in 1984 by merger.

What did the first-season Metacritic score of 54 indicate?

One critic called it 'the new worst show on television'.

Dance Moms: A New Era, the 2024 Hulu series, is set at which former ALDC rival in Ashburn, Virginia?

Studio Bleu, coached by Gloria Hampton, hosted the Hulu revival and then closed in mid-2024 over debt and an eviction notice.

After the A New Era studio closed, coach Gloria Hampton opened what in its former space?

The closure came only months after A New Era premiered on Hulu following Miss Glo and a fresh set of dancers and mothers.

Which actor danced opposite Maddie Ziegler inside a cage in Sia's 2015 'Elastic Heart' video?

Shia LaBeouf and Maddie's cage dance has passed a billion YouTube views; 'Big Girls Cry' later completed her trilogy from 1000 Forms of Fear.

Maddie Ziegler's film The Fallout won the narrative Grand Jury Prize at which 2021 festival?

She played the popular but lonely Mia; director Megan Park later cast her again as Ruthie in My Old Ass.

What was the title of the 2017 memoir by the Ziegler sister who starred in 'Chandelier'?

She had already written the foreword to Abby Lee Miller's 2014 memoir and went on to a trilogy of middle-grade novels.