Bittersweet | Dance Moms

MIAMI HEATWAVE (s2 ep9)

There was an episode before this one, but it got removed from Disney Plus. It was the topless showgirls episode. Chloe went to Cathy's husband's beef jerky commercial. Chloe placed second in the junior division, Virella took first in juniors, Maddie won first in the mini division, and Brooke won first in the teen division.

—

"Let's go, girls! Come on!" Abby barked, clapping her hands as the girls scrambled to line up in front of her for the pyramid.

Virella, Chloe and Paige all wore red dancewear to match!

She stood in front of the group, arms crossed, her expression stern. "Last week's competition, Fire and Ice, to me, was a big disappointment, ladies. I mean, here we are, invited back as winners, and you guys don't even place in the group category? Not acceptable."

The girls shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.

"Seven of you weren't in unison. The group needs to be cleaner, tighter, sharper. Do you understand?" she demanded.

The girls nodded quickly, their heads down.

"Alright, let me get right to the pyramid," Abby said, pulling the cover off the board to reveal the girls' photos.

"First, I have Mackenzie," Abby began, pointing to the bottom of the pyramid. "Mackenzie, I think your acting could've been bigger and longer. When you walk, we need to work on turning those feet out. It's the little things that make a big difference."

Mackenzie nodded, her small frame practically wilting under Abby's critique.

"Next, Paige," Abby continued. Paige sighed, already knowing what was coming. "I was in the dressing room all day long with you. I didn't see you utilizing your spare time to rehearse, and you need to start doing that. It shows when you don't."

Paige nodded, biting her lip to keep from tearing up.

"Next, Nia," Abby said, looking directly at her. "Nia, I just need to see more from you. More energy, more precision, more personality. You have it in you, but you have to bring it to the stage."

Nia nodded, her expression determined but disappointed.

Abby's eyes shifted to the next photo. "Lacey, you need to learn how to be a group dancer, not just a soloist. Your performance was strong, but you have to fit into the group dynamic better."

Lacey nodded, her arms crossed tightly as she absorbed the critique.

"Moving up, Chloe," Abby said, her tone slightly softer. Chloe straightened up, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "I thought you did a nice job on your solo. But your age is ten. You're competing in the ten-to-twelve division. You have to start dancing like a twelve-year-old if you want to win consistently."

Chloe nodded, her mom Christi giving her an encouraging smile from the back of the room.

"Next, Brooke," Abby continued. "Once again, you danced in the thirteen-to-fifteen division, and at thirteen, you won the whole division. That's impressive, Brooke. But don't get comfortable—there are older, stronger dancers out there."

Brooke gave a small nod, her usual laid-back demeanor unshaken.

"And then, Maddie," Abby said, moving to the second-to-last spot. "Maddie, you got first place, which I expected. You were competing in the nine-and-under division, and you're nine. Winning is great, but it was expected. You did your job."

Maddie smiled slightly, though it was clear Abby's praise wasn't as glowing as it usually was.

Finally, Abby reached the top of the pyramid. "And at the top of the pyramid is... Virella."