Bittersweet | Dance Moms

IT ALL ENDS HERE (s1 ep11)

This weekend is Nationals in Lake Tahoe, the culmination of everything the team has been working toward all season. The girls enter the studio, knowing the stakes are higher than ever. As they gather for the week's pyramid and assignments, the tension is palpable. Abby stands at the front of the room, her expression serious as she begins.

"Here we are in another studio, another week. We need to learn a new group routine. We have to do it today, and there are props," Abby announces, setting the tone for the intensity of the week.

She takes a moment, scanning the room, before continuing, "Now, I wanna reflect a little bit on the last two weeks. I keep telling you guys, you have been given an amazing opportunity. You've been hand-selected to go across the country, learn a new number each week, and do these competitions. But you are not stepping up to the plate."

The room is silent as Abby's words sink in. Her voice sharpens with urgency as she presses on, "I wanna see energy, enthusiasm, fun. If you don't wanna do it—there's probably a hundred more kids that would love to be in your shoes right now. So I need to see motivation. I want you to want to win."

Abby's gaze hardens as she concludes her statement, "This is my reputation on the line. My name. But by now, it's also your names."

She turns toward the pyramid, ready to unveil this week's rankings. "So, I'm gonna start now with Paige," she begins as she reveals the bottom of the pyramid.

Paige's photo is shown, and the usual tension fills the room. "Moving on," Abby says without pause, "Mackenzie, Nia."

The next row begins to come into view. "Next, we have Chloe," Abby states, her tone neutral but firm.

She moves on swiftly, "Brooke."

When Maddie's photo is revealed, "Maddie, I thought you danced better than second place last week," she says, taking a moment to emphasize her point. "The judges saw a number that was better and that was that I guess."

Finally, Abby reveals the top of the pyramid, placing Virella's photo at the very peak with pride. "On top, we have Virella," she announces with a smile. "You won. You delivered. And now, you're getting your audition."

Abby pauses to let the weight of the announcement settle. She looks directly at Virella, her tone filled with pride and encouragement. "You're doing a solo this week. It has to be flawless. You're also doing a duet with Chloe. Both routines need to be your absolute best, because this is Nationals, and all eyes will be on you. Not everyone gets this kind of opportunity, Virella, and I believe you're ready for it."

The room buzzes slightly with the excitement of the assignments as Abby concludes, "Chloe, Maddie, you two will also be doing solos."

"Abby, shouldn't the audition thing have been a thing for all the girls? Why just Virella?" Melissa asks

"Melissa, I just gave your daughter a solo even though she placed second. Do not make me take it away." Abby threatened

Virella
Maddie Brooke Chloe
Nia Mackenzie Paige

"Paige and Brooke, I'm giving you a duet. I want you to work as friends. I don't want you fighting as sisters. If you waste time and energy bickering back and forth, you're never gonna get finished." Abby's tone was stern, making sure the weight of her words hit home. Both Paige and Brooke exchanged glances, their typical sibling tension bubbling beneath the surface. Abby's sharp eyes landed on both of them, emphasizing the seriousness of what she was saying.

The room felt heavier as Abby continued, making sure every girl in the room understood the stakes. "Everybody is in the group number this week, even Mackenzie," Abby said, her voice not softening for a moment. "Every single one of you is an important part of this puzzle. In a group routine, everybody needs to pull their weight. It's not 'let's let Virella do all the lifting.'" She looked around the room, her eyes locking on each dancer to make sure they were paying attention. "Everyone has to contribute equally—there are no exceptions. If one person slacks, it brings down the whole group. And I'm telling you what, we need to win." Abby's words carried the full weight of her expectations, and the girls were well aware of what was on the line.