Bittersweet | Dance Moms

SHES A FIGHTER (s1 ep7)

Virella walked confidently into the den, feeling the excitement of her special day. She slipped off her sweatpants and settled down beside Paige, who was sitting on the little couch benches. Virella wore a cute, coordinated outfit—a pink bralette with matching booty shorts, both trimmed in a crisp white edge. Bold white letters across the bralette read, "Birthday Girl," making sure everyone knew it was her big day.

Today is my birthday! I'm so excited. After dance, I'm having a really big party with all my friends and family! | Virella Ashford

"Hey, Paigey," Virella greeted her friend with a warm smile.

"Hey, Ellie!" Paige replied, grinning back. "Happy birthday, by the way!"

Virella's face lit up with excitement. Her tenth birthday—it felt like such a big milestone. She was finally in double digits, and that meant she was growing up. It also meant Abby expected her to be more mature. They had so much planned for the day, and she couldn't wait to celebrate with all her friends.

The girls were laughing and chatting, buzzing with excitement about what surprises might be in store, when Abby's voice called them all into the main studio. They quickly got up, exchanging little nods of anticipation. Shoulder to shoulder, they walked over and settled on the floor in front of Abby, glancing up with eager, expectant faces.

"This weekend," Abby began, her tone serious but with a hint of pride, "we were in Providence, Rhode Island, an hour outside of Boston. Some of the most prestigious schools in the country are there. Top schools, tough competitors, and you really held your own. You won that victory cup." She paused, looking at each girl. "You killed it. I'm very proud of every one of you. Excellent work, and you know I don't say that very often." The girls clapped, their faces glowing with satisfaction.

"I'm also very proud that all the moms kept their mouths shut and didn't say anything to me!" Abby added with a smirk, glancing over at the moms lined up at the back of the room. "See how much nicer it is when everything goes so smoothly? It was wonderful. Now, if only the moms could learn to be team players like their daughters, then we'd be in business."

The moms exchanged quick glances, but no one dared to say a word, knowing Abby wasn't above calling out anyone who disagreed.

"Now," Abby continued, "let's talk about this week's competition." She moved over to the chalkboard and dramatically turned it around, revealing the pyramid.

Virella

Maddie         Chloe         Brooke         Paige        Nia

Mackenzie       Vivi-anne

She gestured at the top. "We are going to... what?" she prompted.

"Starpower!" the girls shouted in unison.

Abby nodded, satisfied with their enthusiasm. "It's at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. And it's a resort—everything's self-contained. That means we can't forget anything. We're going to have a wardrobe for each day you're there, just like in the old-school days." She scanned the room. "And you will pack here in front of me so I know you have everything."

"Now, let's talk about the board," she said, motioning to the pyramid. She paused before saying, "First of all, everybody worked together as a team. That teamwork is going to help you at nationals. That's what's going to put you over the top. Teamwork and technique. Those are the two things we are going to concentrate on this week." She pointed to the top of the pyramid.

At the top, proudly displayed, was Virella.

"At the top is our birthday girl, Virella," Abby announced, her gaze settling warmly on Virella. "You won your solo, and you showed real resilience out there. You stumbled on your needle, but you recovered, never missing a beat. I loved watching you dance. Your mother cried, and so did I."