Dance Moms

[ash_sk8s]

Not ballroom/partner dancing, but does anyone watch this show?

[dancelvr]

I saw about 20 min of it last night for the first. May start watching it. Could be interesting. Didn't care for that dance teacher....at all. Would love to see the mothers take her down a peg or two.

[pygmalion]

What is it about?

[ash_sk8s]

Here's the description from Lifetime:

Set in Pittsburgh’s renowned Abby Lee Dance Company, owned and operated by notoriously demanding and passionate instructor Abby Lee Miller, “Dance Moms” follows children’s early steps on the road to stardom, and their doting mothers who are there for every rehearsal, performance and bow … all under the discerning eye of Miller. Presenting a powerful cast of characters sure to raise eyebrows, the series immerses itself in the highs and lows surrounding competition season to deliver an intriguing and dramatic look at the cast’s frantic pursuit of the ultimate National Dance title. Centered on the devoted Miller, who runs her school with an iron tap shoe as she instructs her young, talented students while also dealing with over-the-top mothers who go to great lengths to help their children’s dreams come true, “Dance Moms” will pose the tough questions many ask about what really goes on behind the scenes in the fast-growing and controversial sport of competitive dance.

Is Miller’s in-your-face approach good for her students, or is it too much? At what point does she cross the line, and who has the guts to stand up to her if she does? Are these “Dance Moms” living vicariously by pushing their kids too far? How happy are the students in this unusually competitive sport? What happens when they and their moms become competitive with each other? And, ultimately, who has what it takes?

Constantly on edge from Miller’s strict discipline and at times harsh “my way or the highway” style of teaching, her students and their mothers are pushed to the limit emotionally, physically, socially and, in some cases, financially as they tirelessly rehearse every day for weekly dance competitions throughout the U.S. Some students and mothers in Miller’s universe buy in to her methods, while others crack under the pressure. Either way, “Dance Moms” uniquely captures this outrageous and dynamic interplay among teacher, student and parent as Miller commits herself to bring out the best in those students — and mothers — willing to dedicate themselves to be part of one of the best dance teams in the nation.

[danceronice]

If you haven't seen it, let me put it this way, the teacher's nuts and the moms make the mothers on "Toddlers and Tiaras" look sane. Watching the one mom in the first episode blithely ignoring her clearly-miserable older daughter (older girl wants to quit dance and do cheerleading) was more warped than any of the kiddie beauty pageant shows.

[pygmalion]

Oh. Psycho stage Moms on drugs discover dance?

[ash_sk8s]

Oh. Psycho stage Moms on drugs discover dance?

More like have very talented children and of course don't want to let them do anything else.

[bluemountain]

I liked the show, I liked the idea of looking at the extreme dancing moms and their trainer and making sure I am not going to do the same to my son (he is ten and loves dancing). It is hard to stop myself when the competitive side kicks in, but I am always trying to see and weigh things through his eyes - how important they are for him, not for me as his mom.

[Griffico]

One of the other threads got diverted a little bit to dance moms so I thought I'd bump this one...

Haven't seen this week's yet, but I have to admit this show draws me in. It's interesting to see the slight contrasts between how people behave on camera and how they speak about the show just in interviews. For instance, in many of the actual shows you never see them really address the question, "If you hate her so much, why are you here?" And yet off camera I've read Chloe's mom say a few times that it's simply just that the girls are such good friends and that Chloe doesn't ever say that she doesn't want to stay. If anything, I'd be curious to go back two years and be a fly on the wall before the show, to see what it was like without the cursed pyramid and the producers' input.

These girls are obviously pretty talented and very nice to each other, and it's a lot of fun to root for them week in and week out, all drama aside.

[Lifetimemom]

Abby lee miller is a bully and she needs to be put in her place. Those moms really need to take their kids somewhere else.

[twnkltoz]

I can't help myself. I love it. I don't like that kind of drama in real life, but I love watching it on television. It's my guilty pleasure.

[fascination]

I can't watch it ...and trust me, I CAN watch most of that sort of thing when I am tired and want something mindless...but that one doesn't work for me....my children however, my gifted scholars, adore that show

[NURDRMS]

I can't watch this show, either. Makes me want to slap somebody.

[nucat78]

The only thing more stupid than the show is the mothers on it. Makes me think plague is a good thing...

[Griffico]

The last couple shows have made me increasingly uncomfortable... just the moms though. I kind of wish they'd play up the kids' dancing a little more; I really watch it to see them do their thing, not the drama between the parents.

[twnkltoz]

The last couple shows have made me increasingly uncomfortable... just the moms though. I kind of wish they'd play up the kids' dancing a little more; I really watch it to see them do their thing, not the drama between the parents.

That's true...I would like to see more dancing. They are good!

[danceronice]

Peyton's mom needs to take a hint: if Crazy Candy-Apple Cathy thinks you're out of line? You need to step back. As Obi-Wan Kenobi said, "You want to go home and rethink your life."

I find it funny how much happier and relaxed the girls AND Abby are when the Moms aren't there causing drama. Last week I loved how proud Abby was of Makenzie just having a great practice (and that kid's adorable.)

[Silmarwen]

Is it bad that this show makes me jealous? The stage moms are insane I'm so glad my parents never did that to me, but the opportunities these girls have and will have...wow...

[danceronice]

Is it bad that this show makes me jealous? The stage moms are insane I'm so glad my parents never did that to me, but the opportunities these girls have and will have...wow...

These particular kids, eh, they'll end up working dancers which is better than most studios, but the 'star' talk's just that (and clearly they're not headed for top-end ballet companies or ballroom greatness.)

But I get what you mean. I can't really blame my parents for A. not having THAT much money to ride with the big guns in a sport that takes more money than skating and ballroom combined B. giving me the genetics to be an androgynous waif as is necessary for skating, ballet, or hunter/jumper when you're female, or even C. not pushing me when I was clearly overhorsed and terrified...but on the other hand, what if they HAD made me ride whether I wanted to or not?

[Silmarwen]

Very true, I'm not sure there really is much a space for dance stars that don't belong to an old style right now. But that's just me. I still wish I got to perform as often as they do though!

[danceronice]

Very true, I'm not sure there really is much a space for dance stars that don't belong to an old style right now. But that's just me. I still wish I got to perform as often as they do though!

There never has been, really, except a very brief point in Hollywood where tappers and jazz dancers were in. Other solo styles are really niche markets. Abby doesn't turn out real "stars", anyway--what she HAS done is cranked out a LOT of dancers who are working on Broadway (to be a real Broadway star you need to be a singer/actor or a singer/actor/dancer, but the dancer is always the most optional part) consistently, who are working in videos, who are working as dance teachers in one venue or another. WAY more than your average studio--to have students who are making a living at it is very impressive. And I suspect that's more than Cathy Candy Apples can say (especially given her bizarre vanity project of adopting poor Vivi and making that poor child dance when she clearly has no interest, desire, or talent for it. Get that poor child a puppy already.)

[ktia85]

And I suspect that's more than Cathy Candy Apples can say (especially given her bizarre vanity project of adopting poor Vivi and making that poor child dance when she clearly has no interest, desire, or talent for it. Get that poor child a puppy already.)

I feel so sorry for Vivi, it is so obvious that she has no interest in dancing.

[jerseydancer]

This show is very addictive, and I am not fan of the reality shows at all. But i do not understand how these parents can let this dance teacher behave that bad, they pay to her to teach not to abuse, and where is the proof that she raises "employable dancers" as she said, does anyone know any dance stars coming out of her school? Is she really so unprofessional all the time, or this is all fake for the show?

[Griffico]

From the Abby Lee website. I'm kiiiiiind of at work so in the interest of time and my job, I'm gonna let other people do the googling for now :P

A Teachers' success is judged solely by the
success of their Students!
Please Google our illustrious alumni:
Jennifer Snyder
Heather Snyder
Mark Myars - Wicked, Dance Supervisor
Michelle Pampena
Asmeret Ghebremichael - Book of Mormon
Katie Hackett
Rachel Kreiling - Faculty NYCDA
Erin Murphy
Jessica Swesey - Nat'l Tour West Side Story
Kristi Grachen - Disney Hollywood Studios, Beauty & The Beast
Claire Taormina - Disney Animal Kingdom, Finding Nemo
Semhar Ghebremichael
Koree Kurkowski
Allie Meixner
Ashley Kacvinsky
Gianna Martello - Cast / Choreographer Dance Moms
Amanda Stelluto - Tokyo Disneyland 3rd Contract
Miranda Maleski - SYTYCD? season 8, Disney Movie Elixir

[danceronice]

This show is very addictive, and I am not fan of the reality shows at all. But i do not understand how these parents can let this dance teacher behave that bad, they pay to her to teach not to abuse, and where is the proof that she raises "employable dancers" as she said, does anyone know any dance stars coming out of her school? Is she really so unprofessional all the time, or this is all fake for the show?

I don't consider Abby unprofessional. I think some of the "shocking" routines are definitely staged for the TV show, but as far as yelling, I don't find that out of the ordinary. (Bearing in mind, my experience is with ice skating and horseback riding and as far as the latter goes I'll take Abby any day.)

Now as far as the MOMS go...I'd have hit someone with a crowbar by now. The girls are ten times more mature than their mothers.

[Hank]

I’ve never understood the popularity of modern, jazz, tap, ballet. They’re enormously popular as participatory activities for children (mostly girls). I’ve been to US towns of 5000 people in the middle of nowhere that have these dance studios for children.

Yet, few adults want to watch modern, jazz, tap, ballet, and even fewer adults want to dance them. My metro area (millions of people) has one ballet company, which can’t support itself on ticket sales, alone. It barely scraps by on corporate donations and government grants.

[danceronice]

I can understand ballet. The reality there, though, is you need to specialize and specialize early if you want to make a career of it. It's also an end of itself--you're not going to be famous outside the ballet world, and it's more an art form.

I think the solo styles are popular to put children in because they're easier to teach in groups, work better when all you have are girls, and they do teach good balance, flexibility, discipline, etc.

[ChaChaMama]

I’ve never understood the popularity of modern, jazz, tap, ballet. They’re enormously popular as participatory activities for children (mostly girls). I’ve been to US towns of 5000 people in the middle of nowhere that have these dance studios for children.

Yet, few adults want to watch modern, jazz, tap, ballet, and even fewer adults want to dance them. My metro area (millions of people) has one ballet company, which can’t support itself on ticket sales, alone. It barely scraps by on corporate donations and government grants.

I'm probably not understanding the question properly, but I'll give it a shot.

#1--As a parent, I'm pretty much in favor of any children's activity that involves kids being active (physically and/or mentally) and not sitting in front of a screen, whether that be playing with the dog, dancing, doing a sport, playing an instrument.

#2--The vast majority of things that children do for hobbies are not what they will eventually do as a career. A lot of kids play soccer, do martial arts, play the piano, swim on the swim team, etc. A very small number of kids are going to make the U.S. Olympic team in soccer, and I don't think there even is women's professional soccer, for example. There are professional violinists, but in many areas, symphony orchestras face some of the same struggles you mention for ballet companies.

#3--There are career opportunities and audiences for many of these dance styles.
There are dozens of modern dance companies in the U.S., like Pilobolus, Mark Morris, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey...just to name some of the most well-known.

Jazz and tap are featured in many Broadway shows and national tours, are often the entertainment in big splashy musical numbers on cruise boats, and at resorts which offer entertainment like Disney World.

Hip-hop and jazz are both featured in lots of music videos.

The children's world has a built-in audience because all the parents, grandparents, and friends go to the recitals (and, for kids who take it to the next level, the dance team competitions). The recitals are huge profit centers for dance schools.

#4--I think more adults do solo styles on a hobby level than you would think! I've been taking an adult hip-hop class. Maybe that's risible, since "popping" and "locking" are generally words I would use to describe things I do NOT want my body to do, but it is a good challenge to see if I can do a different movement style, and it is fantastic exercise. The teacher guy plays a good mix of music too, everything from 80s hip-hop to latin house!

[twnkltoz]

Given unlimited time and money, I'd like to take ballet and jazz in order to improve my ballroom, tango, and wcs. Oh, and I'd like to take belly dancing, too.

[ezDance]

...At least I hope! I am a Dance Teacher and a former competitive dancer. My studios (both teaching & dancing) were never like this. Is it bad parenting or bad business skills? Or Both?! It's disgusting the talent that is wasted in some of the routines. They are simply inappropriate which makes it hard to even look at the talent!

These girls are oh so talented and it's going to waste due to parenting and directing by Abby Lee.

[latingal]

Welcome to DF ezDance!

[ktia85]

Has anyone watched Dance Moms Miami? I really think these moms are worse than the moms on the original Dance Moms!

[Silmarwen]

Has anyone watched Dance Moms Miami? I really think these moms are worse than the moms on the original Dance Moms!

I think the mom's are crazier, but I like the teachers better. Teachers should be able to actually dance their steps. I can't imagine Abby being able to do much of anything...

[danceronice]

I watched the first episode. I thought the first show's moms were bad--these teachers need one of those air canisters for cleaning keyboards and scaring cats and they can spray it at the mothers and yell "NO! BAD!"

[Silmarwen]

I watched the first episode. I thought the first show's moms were bad--these teachers need one of those air canisters for cleaning keyboards and scaring cats and they can spray it at the mothers and yell "NO! BAD!"

I literally had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing out loud in class... :P

The sad thing is that I've defn had to work with moms who were at risk for turning into momsters....

[ktia85]

I think the mom's are crazier, but I like the teachers better. Teachers should be able to actually dance their steps. I can't imagine Abby being able to do much of anything...


I agree! The mom's are worse the teachers seem to actually care about the kids and can actualy dance the steps. There was one episode on Dance Moms where Abby did dance a little of the steps but when I say little I mean maybe 5 (or less) steps.

[ktia85]

I watched the first episode. I thought the first show's moms were bad--these teachers need one of those air canisters for cleaning keyboards and scaring cats and they can spray it at the mothers and yell "NO! BAD!"


LOL! To funny!

[theAnnelis]

I am a Dance Moms addict. I'm not particularly a fan of Abby Lee, but I love the girls in her company (especially Chloe - I adore that little girl and am in awe of her talent. I want her for my daughter :D ) and actually I think the moms are nice mothers, for the most part...but Dance Moms Miami is...I have no words. I love Victor (he's sooo cute and vicious) and Angel (though he kind of scares me, he's hilarious), but the moms on that show are all freaking crazy! The difference between them and the original Dance Moms, I think, is that the original Dance Moms aren't living through their kids, at least for the most part (*cough*Jill).

[danceronice]

See, I'd probably have beaten the Abby Lee moms to death with a crowbar by now. Melissa's passive-aggressive, Chloe's mother and what's her face Paige's mother are catty gossipy beyotchs, Holly clearly has moments of feeling super-superior because she's got a PhD, Jill was STARK RAVING INSANE and I hope she's happy with the equally-loony Cathy Candy Apples. But they are nowhere NEAR as awful as the Miami moms.

I think I was lucky. My parents figured they were paying my riding instructors a lot of money because THEY were the experts, so they signed the checks and watched my lessons and didn't usually venture any sort of opinion! And even though they're making a show now, "Ice Moms", I've met many skating parents and I can count on one hand any who were as bats#!t as the Dance Moms.