Bittersweet | Dance Moms

BROOKES BACK (s2 ep5)

After a not-so-successful weekend, the girls are back for another competition—and tensions are running high.

"Girls, come on!" Abby calls out, and the dancers quickly file into the studio.

"At this time, I would like to welcome Kendall and Lacey. You're members of the Abby Lee Dance Company. Here you go," Abby says as she hands them their ALDC jackets. The other girls surround Kendall and Lacey with hugs, smiles, and congratulations.

"Now, listen to me. This doesn't mean it's smooth sailing from here on out. It means you're going to have to work harder. When you're wearing that jacket, you can't be all hunched over and slouching," Abby says, her tone firm as she looks to Fraya and Jill. "If you see that, moms, you take a thumbtack and you stick it right in between their shoulder blades."

The moms exchange nervous glances, not entirely sure if Abby is joking.

"We are going to Starbound Competition in Long Island, New York. And I'll tell you what, they are ready for us. They wanna beat the Abby Lee Dance Company, and they are serious. They're like sharks in the water; they can taste the blood." Abby says dramatically, her words hanging in the air.

"Alright, now, Mackenzie." Abby reveals Mackenzie's headshot. "You did really well on your solo the last time. You need to do even better this time."

"Nia," Abby uncovers Nia's photo. "Chosen for a special part, your mom didn't want you to do it. Not a lot to say."

"Next, Paige. You didn't do a solo, you didn't do a duet or trio. There wasn't a lot to judge you on." Abby states matter-of-factly.

"Kendall, you're off probation. You're a member of the team. However, we need to fix the feet, the turnout, the back of the knee. You still have a lot of work ahead of you."

"Lacey, you're also off probation, but you're not Maddie or Chloe level. And certainly not Virella level." Abby says, glancing at Lacey, who nods nervously.

"Moving on, Maddie. Did a great job, you got second in your category. Won the second overall high score. Second is usually the first to lose, but you were great last week. So I have to keep challenging you."

"And next, I have Chloe. We're gonna give them what they want. When you walk backstage in those wings, you have to walk in with arrogance and your nose up in the air, just like you walk into the studio every day. Those other girls should be afraid of you just because you're Chloe and you're from the Abby Lee Dance Company."

"Virella, you won the overall high score and your category. You were amazing in the group. I couldn't take my eyes off of you." Abby says, and Virella smiles nervously. Chloe and Maddie exchange glances with Virella, their expressions unreadable.

Finally, Abby moves to the top of the pyramid, pausing for dramatic effect.

"And, on top of the pyramid... Brooke."

The room erupts with cheers as Brooke walks into studio A.

Meanwhile, Peyton stands frozen, her face quickly falling as the realization sets in. Her initial excitement fades into a mix of disbelief and hurt.

Brooke
Virella Chloe Maddie
Lacey Kendall Paige Nia Kenzie

The girls notice Peyton crying and immediately go back to hug her, offering silent comfort.

"I know you're all wondering," Abby starts, her voice cutting through the emotional moment, "how can she be at the top of the pyramid? Not only is she going to do a solo this week, and not only should she win—I demand that you win."