The beloved cast of the timeless reality TV classic has reunited on screen once more in “Dance Moms: The Reunion.”
Brooke Hyland, Chloe Lukasiak, Jojo Siwa, Paige Hyland, Kalani Hilliker, Kendall Vertes, along with moms Jessalynn Siwa, Kelly Hyland, Jill Vertes, and Kira Hilliker, now adults, returned to Lifetime to reminisce about the most unforgettable moments from “Dance Moms” and discuss their lives since then.
Notably absent from the reunion was Abby Lee Miller, the dance coach, and proprietor of the Abby Lee Dance Company, which was at the heart of the original series.
Some other original cast members also skipped the reunion, sparking intense speculation among fans.
Curious about Abby Lee Miller’s whereabouts, why Mackenzie, Maddie, and Nia were missing from the special, and how to catch all the excitement firsthand? Here’s what you need to know.
‘Dance Moms: The Reunion’ Premiere Date & Streaming Details
Dance Moms: The Reunion made its debut on Wednesday, May 1, airing on the Lifetime channel.
As of Thursday, May 2, the special can be accessed through the Lifetime app with a TV provider login and on MyLifetime.com.
Where To Watch All the Seasons of ‘Dance Moms’?
To catch up on the original “Dance Moms” series before watching the reunion, all episodes are available on the Lifetime app and various streaming platforms including Tubi, Amazon Prime, Roku, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, Philo, and Sling TV.
However, certain services may necessitate a specific membership or login to view the episodes.
Where is Abby Lee Miller Today?
Abby Lee Miller’s life has been filled with significant events since the conclusion of “Dance Moms.”
In 2017, Miller faced legal troubles, serving an eight-month prison sentence for concealing assets from bankruptcy court and unlawfully transporting foreign currency. During her time in prison, she underwent a transformation, shedding around 100 pounds.
Upon her release in 2018, Miller revealed she had been diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After undergoing emergency surgery and chemotherapy, she announced her remission in 2019.
Attempting a return to television, Miller launched a new Lifetime series titled “Abby’s Virtual Dance Off.” However, the show was axed in 2020 following allegations of racism made by a former “Dance Moms” star.
Adriana Smith, mother of season eight participant Kamryn Smith, accused Miller of making derogatory remarks, including a comment about Kamryn’s upbringing and insinuating her inclusion on the show was for diversity’s sake.
Smith shared her allegations on Instagram, highlighting Miller’s racially insensitive behavior during their time on the show.
In her Instagram post, Miller didn’t refute the accusations but instead issued an apology, acknowledging her responsibility for the harm caused, stating, “I realize that racism can come not just from hate, but also from ignorance. No matter the cause, it is harmful and it is my fault.”
In 2023, Miller confirmed the sale of the Abby Lee Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where “Dance Moms” was filmed.
Since then, Miller has made various public appearances and hinted at a potential return to reality TV. In 2023, she launched a podcast, appeared on an E! reality series, and regularly uploaded content to her YouTube channel.
According to statements from multiple cast members, they expressed gratitude for Miller’s absence from the reunion.
“The whole point was for it to be a safe space for us to open up and reflect, and I feel like it would have been the same thing where we would have been scared to say anything,” Paige Hyland told.
Reason Behind Maddie, Mackenzie and Nia’s Absence at the Reunion
Three original cast members, Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, and Nia Sioux were notably missing from the reunion, prompting fan speculation.
Some speculated they opted out to avoid revisiting traumatic experiences from the show or due to strained relationships with other members, while others suggested they might have been preoccupied with other commitments.
Although the Ziegler sisters haven’t addressed their absence, Sioux provided some clarity via TikTok, stating that she “just really didn’t want to do it.”
“I love the girls and I’m really happy for them and I’m really happy that they get to share how they felt or their experiences,” Sioux said. “But that’s just something that I decided I didn’t want to do and that’s OK.”
Some of the absent dancers’ former co-stars shared remarks about their nonattendance during the show, with varying degrees of kindness.
“As much as we’re grateful for this day, everyone wondering about the few people missing, everyone was invited today but only some wanted to be here,” JoJo wrote in response to fan comments flooding in. “[We] know how to be sweet with a little bit of sass!”
