The reality show Dance Moms debuted on Lifetime in 2011, captivating viewers with its blend of tough competition, high-stakes drama, and gifted child dancers. The show, which revolved around the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh, started the careers of several emerging stars, with Abby Lee Miller’s infamous “pyramid” ranking system keeping the dancers on their toes.
Maddie Ziegler, Chloe Lukasiak, and JoJo Siwa became household names over time, moving from the dance floor to popular culture. Although the original series ended in 2019, a two-hour reunion aired in May 2024, evoking nostalgia among fans, despite noteworthy absences from Maddie, Kenzie Ziegler, and Abby herself.
Now, if you’re one of those fans and are wondering what the cast is doing now, keep reading this article!
Abby Lee Miller
Abby Lee Miller, a key personality on Dance Moms, was known for her tough-love coaching style and controversial comments. Despite helping to create emerging stars, her teaching manner was frequently criticized.
Outside of the program, Abby was in significant legal difficulties. In October 2015, she was charged with bankruptcy fraud for concealing approximately $755,000 in profits.
She pleaded guilty later that year and was sentenced to 366 days in jail, but was freed after serving eight months in 2018.
Following her legal issues, Abby was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, which presented her with another personal obstacle. After emergency surgery and months of chemotherapy, she revealed her cancer-free status in 2019. Despite these challenges, Abby stayed interested in dancing, but in 2023, she sold her original Pittsburgh studio for $300,000.
Although Dance Moms returned for a special in 2024, Abby was not invited, purportedly because certain former cast members requested her absence.
Maddie Ziegler
Maddie Ziegler, who first appeared on Dance Moms at the age of seven, rapidly became one of Abby Lee Miller’s favorites. She first appeared in Sia’s legendary music video Chandelier in 2014 and has since appeared in Elastic Heart, Cheap Thrills, and Big Girls Don’t Cry.
Maddie’s career continued in cinema, with appearances in The Fallout, The Book of Henry, Music, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
In recent years, Maddie has continued to act while also making a reputation for herself in the fashion business. She has cooperated with luxury brands and is noted for her distinct flair.
Kenzie Ziegler
Maddie’s younger sister, Kenzie Ziegler, has had a successful career in both acting and music. She has appeared in both the web series Total Eclipse and the film Let Us In. Kenzie has also released music, including the smash tune 100 Degrees and the latest album Biting My Tongue.
She has also competed in reality television shows such as Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and The Masked Dancer. Kenzie also uses social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
JoJo Siwa
JoJo Siwa, who appeared on Dance Moms seasons 5 and 6, debuted her music career with the popular track Boomerang in 2016. She became successful and landed a contract with Nickelodeon. JoJo came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021, and she has had multiple public romances.
That same year, she competed in Dancing with the Stars and was a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. In 2024, JoJo appeared in the horror film All My Friends Are Dead, released her single Karma, and released her fourth EP, Guilty Pleasure.
Chloe Lukasiak
Chloe Lukasiak quit Dance Moms after season 4 owing to issues between her mother and Abby Lee Miller, as well as her refusal to sign a contract that would limit her screen time.
After quitting the show, Chloe pursued acting and released her biography, Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World. Chloe recently co-founded the Elevé Dance Competition and continues to interact with followers via social media.
Nia Sioux
Nia Sioux, a former Dance Moms star, has pursued acting and music since leaving the show. She has appeared in several shows, including Trip of Love, I Am Mortal, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Mean Girls.
Nia has also made music and is presently studying American literature and culture at UCLA. She has collaborated with businesses such as Marc Jacobs, Maybelline, and Warner Brothers.
Brooke Hyland
Brooke Hyland, who left Dance Moms in season 4, graduated from Ohio University in 2019 with degrees in marketing, management information systems, and business analytics.
She is currently a renowned social media influencer with millions of followers, having collaborated with businesses such as Victoria’s Secret Pink and Fortnite. In May 2024, she proposed to her longtime lover, Brian Thalman, in Pittsburgh.
Paige Hyland
Paige Hyland, who appeared on Dance Moms, graduated from West Virginia University in 2023 with a business degree.
She has approximately 4 million Instagram followers and has collaborated with businesses including imPRESS and ColourPop Cosmetics. Paige frequently discusses her relationship with former college football player Jayvon Thrift on social media.
Kendall Vertes
After leaving Dance Moms, Kendall Vertes concentrated on her acting and singing career. She appeared in the films Santa in Training and Rapunzel: A Princess Frozen in Time.
Her first song, “Wear ‘Em Out,” and her EP, K-Mas, were both published. She enrolled at James Madison University in 2021 and competed for the Dukettes dance team, which took home a championship. Kendall has more than 11 million Instagram followers and is dating baseball player Andrew Ciufo.
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Kalani Hilliker
After leaving Dance Moms, Kalani Hilliker has been on shows like America’s Got Talent, Shake It Up, and Bunheads. She now instructs young dancers. She founded Kare by Kalani, a skincare and wellness business.
She got engaged to Nathan Goldman in August 2024. She shares her life and wellness advice on Instagram, where she has more than 7 million followers.
Vivi-Anne Stein
Dance Moms star Vivi-Anne Stein disliked dancing and only did it because her mother insisted on buying her tacos.
She grew interested in dancing after the concert and joined the high school cheer squad. She joined Cleveland State University’s cheer squad in 2023.
Conclusion
Dance Moms has helped its cast members become famous. The dancers have achieved success in acting, music, and business despite certain difficulties and legal troubles. Every celebrity has their own career, from JoJo Siwa’s music and TV series to Maddie Ziegler’s films.
Dance Moms will always be recognized for their resilience and inventiveness in the entertainment industry, and they continue to expand and engage with their followers.