Bittersweet | Dance Moms

NO ONE LIKES A BULLY (s2 ep4)

"Girls, let's go, come on!" Abby shouts, her voice commanding attention as the girls shuffle into Studio A and quickly line up in front of her.

"Come on, we have lots of work to do today," Abby adds, the tone of her voice serious. She's never one to waste time.

"Congratulations on another victorious weekend," Abby says, raising her hands to applaud, and the girls and moms join in, clapping politely. "You won. However, I see things that I need to fix."

The praise quickly turns into a critique, as Abby's gaze sharpens. "Paige, you were okay in the group, but you know that you messed up that whole leap downstage. Kendall, on the grand jeté, you crossed to the right. We couldn't see if your hips were in line or not. Lacey, once again, you were offbeat the entire performance. You were late and kept looking at Maddie and Virella for the choreography instead of owning it yourself. Nia, you were good in the group, and while you didn't pull my eyes negatively, I want to see you start pulling my eyes positively. That's the next step."

There's a pause as Abby collects her thoughts. The girls stand there, some tense, others anticipating what will come next. Abby's eyes flick over the room, assessing. "This week, we are attending Hollywood Vibe. Those judges, those directors, and everyone who runs Hollywood Vibe—they are from LA or New York City. They're looking for the next big thing. The next star. The next little kid to be in their video or their commercial. So, you need to bring your A-game. No excuses."

She shifts slightly, her presence still as commanding as ever. "Onto the pyramid."

Without further ado, Abby looks at the first headshot, and there's a collective intake of breath as the group waits for her judgment. "I'm not even going to discuss this," Abby mutters, placing her hand over the covered headshot, which everyone assumes is Brooke's. The absence of Brooke hangs heavy in the room.

"I'm moving on to Paige. You're going to have to work back up that ladder. You've got the potential, but you've got to prove it. Again."

Paige's face hardens slightly, but she nods silently, acknowledging her place.

"Next, I have Nia," Abby continues, her tone softening a bit. "You've been working very hard, but you still have to fix those technical issues. You know what I'm talking about. Keep pushing, and I know you'll get there."

The room is quiet as the girls await more judgments.

"Kendall," Abby says, her voice firm. "You are still on probation. And, mom, it's a long process. Don't expect to be back on top anytime soon. Kendall, you know what you need to work on, and it's time to step up."

Jill's expression tightens, but she stays silent, knowing Abby is just doing what she does best—pushing for perfection.

"Lacey," Abby continues, her gaze unrelenting. "You're also still on probation. But I'd like to say something. Fix your legs. Get some technique privates. I'd gladly help you, but your mother has to sign you up for those. I don't just hand them out to anyone."

Fraya watches, her face unreadable, but she knows Abby's words are a challenge, not an insult.

"Mackenzie," Abby says, her voice warming. "You were the overall high score of the primary age division. You proved yourself in the group with 'Apples,' and you proved it in your solo. Keep that momentum going."

Mackenzie grins, her confidence shining through. She's proud, and she has every reason to be.

"Maddie," Abby begins, her tone serious again. "Third place is not you. You've never gotten third place in your whole life. It is not going to start now. I expect more from you, and I know you can deliver."