10. Nia reads negative comments about her dancing
In Season 6, after Nia posted a video online demonstrating turns, she received negative comments about her dancing. Nia shed tears—as did viewers. Receiving feedback can be tough, but when it comes in the form of unfair internet comments, it can be devastating. Nia handled this moment with grace and bounced back stronger than ever.
Quintessential Episode: "Abby’s Replaceable" (Season 6, Episode 5)
9. ‘Broadway Baby’ passes away
In Season 3, Abby’s dog Broadway Baby passed away at 16 years old after battling kidney failure. This loss hit home for the whole ALDC studio. Abby loved her dog, and Broadway Baby had become a real Dance Moms favorite!
Quintessential Episode: “Bye Bye Baby” (Season 3, Episode 9)
8. Maddie gives in to her nerves
In Season 2, after forgetting her solo for “In My Heart,” Maddie frantically ran off the stage. It was emotional to see her so upset because she clearly didn’t want to let Abby down. But Maddie shook off those nerves and came back with poise the next time.
Quintessential Episode: “Abbygeddon” (Season 2, Episode 13)
7. Mrs. Miller’s memorial service
In Season 4, Abby’s mother passed away. In this ending scene, Abby eulogized her mother by sharing her love for dance and her accomplishments within the industry, adding that her mother’s dancing shoes “are too big to fill.” Seeing Abby and the cast shed tears over the loss of Mrs. Miller definitely tugged at some heartstrings, reminding everyone that some things are bigger than dance.
Quintessential Episode: “45 Second Solos” (Season 4, Episode 29)
6. JoJo listens to her team critique her
In Season 5, Abby gave the girls a “homework” assignment to write down reasons why JoJo should or shouldn’t be able to join the ALDC. Facing criticism can be difficult at any age, but the 11-year-old handled the situation gracefully. And, spoiler alert: She did make the team!
Quintessential Episode: “Nia’s Last Chance” (Season 5, Episode 11)
5. Abby blows up at Paige
In Season 2, Abby threw a chair after Kelly forgot to put rubber stoppers on the ends of the legs for her daughter Paige’s dance. Emotions ran high as Paige got caught in the middle between Abby and her mom and left the studio, crying. Then, as a punishment for Kelly's mistake, Abby took away Paige’s solo, making it a tense and emotional moment for everyone involved.
Quintessential Episode: “Night of the Living Dancers” (Season 2, Episode 15)
4. Maddie and Mackenzie leave the ALDC
In Season 6, Melissa broke the news to Abby that Maddie and Mackenzie would not be returning to the Abby Lee Dance Company. Abby and Melissa shared a heartfelt conversation, ending in tears. Both girls had been a part of the ALDC since Season 1 and watching them leave the ALDC left many of us grabbing for tissues, too.
Quintessential Episode: “Melissa’s Announcement” (Season 6, Episode 15)
3. Chloe cries and leaves ALDC
In Season 4, Christi and Abby had an argument where Abby called Christi's daughter Chloe “washed up.” Chloe shared that she heard what Abby said, which caused Christi and Chloe to leave in tears—and not return. This scene was hard to watch because Chloe was just a young girl who wanted to dance, and Abby's comment was harsh and discouraging.
Quintessential Episode: “Hollywood Here We Come, Part 2” (Season 4, Episode 31)
2. Chloe has to switch awards with Maddie
In Season 3, Abby had Chloe and Maddie perform the same number at a competition to prove who was the “better” dancer. Chloe won but then was told that there was a scoring mix up and she had to give the award to Maddie. Emotions ran high during this moment because the girls were pitted against each other, and Chloe had to endure the heartbreak of losing the award she thought she won.
Quintessential Episode: “Two Girls, One Solo” (Season 3, Episode 23)
1. JoJo performs a solo for her sick grandmother
In Season 5, Abby granted JoJo’s wish to perform a solo in honor of her dying grandmother, who was sick with cancer. In the tear-jerking solo “Faith is All I Need,” JoJo performed beautifully, and her grandmother was able to watch her incredible effort, skill and artistry.
Quintessential Episode: “West Coast Strikes Back” Season 5, Episode 24