Abby Lee Miller, the controversial dance instructor and star of the reality show *Dance Moms*, has voiced her thoughts regarding former participants who have labelled their experience on the programme as “toxic”. In a recent interview with KTLA, Miller expressed her belief that those who have achieved success in the dance industry owe a significant debt of gratitude to the show and, by extension, to her personally.
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Miller’s comments come amidst a growing discourse among former cast members about their time on the show. The instructor, now 60 years old, stated, “They would not be where they are today without the show. Someone should learn to say thank you.” She emphasised her role in shaping the careers of her students, asserting that they have benefitted immensely from their involvement with the Abby Lee Dance Company.
Reflecting on the achievements of her former students, Miller highlighted that several have gone on to establish successful careers in the performing arts, mentioning individuals involved in Broadway productions as choreographers, directors, and performers. She remarked, “I have a lot of successful students. If their parents would have sent them to any other studio in town, they would not be where they are today.”
While some former participants seem to resonate with Miller’s sentiments, others have been vocal about their negative experiences. A reunion special aired in May 2024 brought together several original cast members, including Chloe Lukasiak, Kendall Vertes, and Kalani Hilliker, but Miller’s absence was conspicuous. According to reports, some of the young women requested this absence to feel more comfortable discussing their experiences candidly. A source revealed that the decision stemmed from a desire to avoid reliving the emotional and physical challenges they faced while working with Miller.
Kendall Vertes, who appeared on *Dance Moms* from 2012 to 2017, acknowledged during the reunion that the show was instrumental in shaping her and her castmates’ lives, calling it a “stepping stone”. Such reflections indicate a conflict between the show’s impact on their careers and the toxicity they associate with the environment fostered by Miller.
Notably, Maddie Ziegler, another prominent figure from the show, has expressed mixed feelings about her time on *Dance Moms*. In an interview with *Cosmopolitan*, she stated that while Miller’s training was beneficial, she felt capable of succeeding without the instructor’s guidance. Ziegler has described her exit from the show as a relief and has distanced herself from the toxic aspects she experienced during her time there.
Similarly, Nia Sioux, who featured on the show for six years, addressed her journey in her memoir, *Bottom of the Pyramid*. She remarked on the influence of being the only Black dancer for a significant part of the series, emphasising that her narrative was often overlooked. Her choice to name her memoir reflects her desire to reclaim her story and highlight her perseverance.
In contrast, Kalani Hilliker expressed a more nuanced perspective. Despite acknowledging the trauma of her experiences, she articulated that she remains grateful for the opportunities provided by the show and Miller. Hilliker revealed that she had not spoken to Miller for a considerable time after the show’s conclusion but was open to reconnecting when invited on Miller’s podcast.
JoJo Siwa also mentioned her positive relationship with Miller, indicating that she respects the instructor and believes she had her best interests at heart. Such differing viewpoints form a complex tapestry of experiences that highlight both the positive opportunities and negative challenges presented by *Dance Moms* and Miller’s tutelage.
As the conversations surrounding *Dance Moms* continue, it is evident that the programme has left a lasting impact on the lives of its participants. With some expressing gratitude for the platform it provided, while others reflect on the adverse effects of their experiences, the legacy of the show remains contested. Abby Lee Miller’s assertion that her influence was pivotal for these dancers will likely continue to spur debate among alumni and fans alike.