My Fave Five: Dance Moms Dances

Dance Moms has been a reality TV series that remains a constant in my life. As a dancer for 18 years, I learned so much about dance simply from this show. I’ve seen the entire series probably five times all the way through.

Obviously, there are some subpar dances, due to the drama of the episode or the shortened rehearsal time due to traveling. However, most of the Dance Moms dances are spectacular and jaw-dropping.

Here are my personal favorite five dances in all 7 seasons of dance mom.

1. The Domino Effect - Season 5 Episode 9 Group Dance

Such a dystopian-themed group dance, and hit the symbol of the entire Dance Moms series, that they’re all just dominos. Absolutely the most captivating group dance I’ve ever watched, the choreography exemplifies the talent of all the girls.

The most interesting thing about this dance would be the costuming. Each girl has the number from a domino on their back, Maddie Ziegler having the 1. Sadly, Kalani Hilliker had to sit out the dance so only five of the six numbers were on stage.

The song truly sends chills down my spine, and I could watch this dance on repeat for years. I’ll expose myself and say that this song is in my playlist and I listen to it voluntarily.

2. The Hostage - Season 6 Episode 18 Maddie Ziegler Solo

Maddie Ziegler's last solo and she pulled all the stakes out of the bag. This dance truly proved there is nothing Ziegler cannot do.

Ziegler made us truly believe the stage was a cage and she was being held hostage. While doing this she managed to turn like a top and make it clear she is a true professional.

I think this dance honestly symbolizes how Ziegler was held hostage by "Dance Moms" as she grew up. I think her emotional portrayal of her character was her simply being her. I don’t think she could’ve left the show any other way.

3. Cry - Season 1 Episode 2 Maddie Ziegler Solo

Are you kidding me? This solo changed the world and absolutely altered the course of my life. Simply put, this has been my Roman Empire since I was 13 years old.

I truly believe that this solo is what made Dance Moms the reality show it became. This solo being on episode two must’ve been set up by the producers.

The talent that young Ziegler had was something extraordinary, and it's so obvious in this solo that she is shining on the stage. I still have aspirations to learn this dance.

4. Amber Alert - Season 4 Episode 31 Nationals Group Dance

Amber Alert is by far the most impressive national group dance performance and storyline. Abby Lee Miller pulls out the craziest ideas for national dances, and she blows it out of the water every year.

Miller’s previous national group dances were “The Last Text” and “Where Have All the Children Gone?" Amber Alert eerily expands the social issue dances with this terrifying number about child trafficking.

Mackenzie and Maddie Ziegler's performance is absolutely what made this a winning number. The elite team underwent extreme struggles during season 4 of "Dance Moms," and it was so refreshing to see them win at nationals.

5. Out Of My Mind - Season 4 Episode 26 Mackenzie Ziegler Solo

This is the one Mackenzie Ziegler solo where she isn’t wearing pigtails, and this solo changed my life. The technique and sharpness of Ziegler showcased she wasn’t just a young acrobatic dancer, she had become a talented mature star on the stage.

If Ziegler was given more mature jazz solos like Out Of My Mind, she could’ve become a huge threat in the competition world. Sadly Miller had to stunt her growth by forcing her into pigtails and doing flips across the stage.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology and minoring in psychological sciences. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu