The reunion special of “Dance Moms,” aired on May 1, brought together several former cast members to reflect on their experiences in Abby Lee Miller’s dance studio and the impact it had on their lives.
However, Abby Lee Miller was notably absent from the event. In a rare interview with Juju Chang for “Impact x Nightline,” Miller opened up about her feelings toward the young dancers she coached and addressed the contentious nature of her teaching methods.
During the interview, Miller expressed her pride in the accomplishments of her former students, acknowledging the significant role her studio played in shaping their skills and careers.
She discussed the complexities of her relationship with the dancers, highlighting both the joy and challenges they faced under her guidance.
When asked about her more stringent teaching methods, Miller reflected on the consequences of her approach, considering whether she might have done things differently.
While she recognized the pressure she put on the girls, she also defended her high standards, suggesting that they were crucial for fostering talent and resilience.
Overall, the conversation provided insight into Miller’s perspective as a mentor and the lasting effects of her teaching style on the lives of the young dancers.
“I know when I go to sleep at night that I have done my job, and I have made the world a better place for children,” Miller told. And those kids that you’re talkin’ about, that tough love, they’re doin’ great.”
Since “Dance Moms” concluded its eighth season in 2019, Abby Lee Miller has continued to be a polarizing figure. Some former dancers credit her tough love approach with helping them develop their skills and achieve success in the competitive dance world. They appreciate the discipline and resilience they gained under her tutelage.
However, others express lingering emotional scars from her harsh criticism and demanding nature. Some cast members have described their experiences as traumatic, citing instances where Miller’s high expectations led to significant stress and anxiety.
This divide in perspectives highlights the complex legacy Miller has left behind—one that includes both empowerment and pain.
In interviews, several former dancers have opened up about their struggles with self-esteem and mental health, attributing some of these challenges to their time in Miller’s studio.
As the discussion around the impact of her teaching methods continues, it reflects broader conversations about the balance between discipline and emotional well-being in competitive environments.
In a recent episode of “Impact x Nightline” titled “Dance Moms: Behind The Curtain,” Brooke Hyland stated, “We went through some severe trauma together, and we survived it,” alongside fellow cast members Paige Hyland, Chloe Lukasiak, and Kendall Vertes, who shared their experiences at Abby Lee Dance Company.
Abby Lee Miller’s rise to fame was marked by her explosive teaching style, leading to emotional turmoil and even causing some dancers to quit. The show followed mothers and their young daughters, aged 6 to 13, as they navigated the competitive dance world.
Miller’s controversial tenure included accusations of racism from former cast member Adriana Smith, who pulled her daughter Kamryn from the show over allegedly racially charged comments.
Miller later apologized on Instagram, expressing regret for the hurt her words caused, especially toward the Black community.
This history highlights the complex legacy of Miller, where her ability to foster talent coexists with the emotional challenges faced by her students.
Days after allegations of racism surfaced, Lifetime announced that it would not proceed with airing the “Dance Moms” spinoff, “Abby’s Virtual Dance-Off.”
One of the show’s most notable moments occurred in November 2013 during a competition when Abby Lee Miller got into a heated argument with Kelly Hyland over another dancer replacing Hyland’s daughter, Brooke. The altercation began backstage but quickly escalated into a public screaming match.
Following this incident, Kelly and her daughters left the show, and both parties took legal action against each other—Miller alleged assault, while Kelly sued for defamation and emotional distress. Both cases were eventually dismissed.
Miller continued to face legal troubles, including being charged in 2015 with hiding over $750,000 in a secret bank account and facing 20 counts of bankruptcy fraud.
Although she initially claimed innocence, she later pleaded guilty to concealing income earned after filing for bankruptcy. Miller was sentenced to a year in prison and ultimately served eight months.
Miller was released from prison in May 2018 and moved to a halfway house. However, her situation quickly deteriorated. Following her release, she faced health complications, including a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which required extensive treatment and further impacted her recovery and well-being.
These challenges added to her struggles as she navigated life after incarceration and attempted to rebuild her career and personal life.
“I had lost 127 pounds in prison. I read 150 books,” Miller said. “And I exercised every day. I was in the best shape of my life. So when I walked in, she was like, “Oh my god. You look fabulous. What’s going on?” And I said, “I have this pain in my head and in the back of my neck is killing me.”
Miller was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, and underwent ten rounds of chemotherapy. While she is now cancer-free, she continues to struggle with mobility issues due to spine damage caused by a tumor.
Despite her dramatic fall from grace and criticism, Miller’s expertise remains in high demand, with mothers actively seeking her guidance.
She aims to create her own version of “Dance Moms” independent of Lifetime and currently teaches master classes across the country, promoting them to her millions of social media followers.
One of her protégés continues to support her, praising her influence and expertise in the dance community.
“I definitely have a way different relationship with Abby than anybody, I think,” Jojo Siwa, who appeared on two seasons of “Dance Moms,” said during Lifetime’s reunion special. “I do credit a lot of my thick skin and my ability to handle good news and bad news to Abby. This is going to be a little controversial to say, I think, but to me, Abby was always right.”
