“DANCE MOMS” // LIVING ON THE DANCE FLOOR

“DANCE MOMS” // LIVING ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Reality shows are rampant with drama, screaming, and more drama. Each show differs, but it seems like they all have the same amount of angst. What differs, though, is the plot. Whether it is a bunch of women living in one house, or one man picking between twelve different girls, the plot is what keeps shows interesting.
In the case of Lifetime’s “Dance Moms”, is a show about dance competition team moms and their daughters, the dancers. The dance teacher and owner of the Abby Lee Dance Company, Abby Lee Miller, teaches the girls about professional dancing, with questionable teaching methods. Abby is tough, and is hard on her girls to make them champions. The biggest thing standing in her way is the girls’ mothers, who question Abby nonstop. The girls are national champions, but not without hard work.
“Dance Moms” started in 2011, and remains popular four seasons in. It is hard to pinpoint cast members, since the team rotates out every few seasons, but the few steady members are Madison, Mackenzie, and Kendall. Season one dancers start with the first three, adding Chloe, Brooke, and Paige. The girls go through the competition season, each show season being one competition year, and the cameras follow their rigorous training.
Ratings have skyrocketed for the show, with 1.1 to 1.4 million viewers since the premier. It has also racked up awards and nominations, including winning the BMI Cable Award, and was nominated for a Blimp award and three Teen Choice awards. Theatrical value isn’t everything, though. Abby Lee has been under fire for how she talks to the girls in her company, mostly by the parents, who are always concerned for their children’s’ well being.
Accused of bullying and verbal abuse, Abby’s methods are questionable, but she comes home with award after award, and parents keep coming back.
The show is now on its fifth season, but with Abby under fire by one of the moms, the show may be on its last leg. Only time will tell, and the show will continue in its fifth season. “Dance Moms” airs on Lifetime, Tuesdays at 9/8c. The current season, along with what has aired of season five, will also be available on mylifetime.com.