Bittersweet | Dance Moms

MELISSA PLEADS THE FIFTH (s2 ep10)

The girls walked into the ALDC, ready to start a new week of dancing. The energy in the studio felt a little off, especially for Virella, who was trying to hold back her emotions. Elizabeth had to fly to Michigan to take care of Virella's great-aunt, who was gravely ill and about to undergo surgery. The high possibility that her great-aunt might not survive weighed heavily on her, and it was clear from her expression that she was upset.

"Let's go, girls! Get in here with those fabulous tans!" Abby clapped her hands, her usual enthusiasm filling the room as the girls lined up.

As Abby scanned the room, she noticed the absence of several moms. "Woah, this mothers' association is dwindling to a trio, huh?" Abby remarked with a raised eyebrow.

"My mom's in Michigan because of my great-aunt being extremely sick," Virella explained, her voice quieter than usual.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Abby said, her tone softening for a brief moment before Melissa chimed in.

"Holly's at work, and Fraya's on vacation," Melissa added.

"Of course," Abby said dryly, clearly unimpressed by the reasons, particularly Fraya's vacation.

Abby clapped her hands again. "Alright, let's get to the pyramid."

The girls gathered closer, their focus shifting to the week ahead.

"First, Nia," Abby started. "Honey, my heart stopped. You guys always think I'm the bad guy, but I don't want any kid—my student or not—to stop mid-routine. I just don't want it to happen again. You're better than that." Abby's tone was stern but carried a hint of concern.

"Next, Mackenzie. Mackenzie, there's some things to improve on," Abby said, her critical tone returning.

"Lacey, you did good on that back tuck last week, but you went from almost at the top to almost at the bottom. You did good in the group because you got to take your own beat instead of having to be in sync with everyone."

"Next, Brooke. Brooke, I thought you did a great job," Abby said with a nod of approval.

"And next, we have Chloe. Chloe, your solo was excellent. However, the trio was a little shaky."

"Next, Paige. Paige, you worked through the pain in your feet. Even in the dressing room, when you should've had those feet up and icing them, you were running through the dance over and over. That's dedication."

"Maddie, you could've won. You could've redeemed yourself from the last time. But instead, you got second, and Virella won."

Abby turned to Virella with a smile. "And that's why, back on top of the pyramid, is Virella. Virella, I challenged you to see if you could stay there for three weeks in a row, and you did. I told you where those judges were and you never took your eyes off of them. If you can get the judges to look you in the eye, and suck them in— then you have them in the palm of your hand.

Virella's face lit up as she smiled and nodded. Despite everything happening in her personal life, this was a moment she could be proud of.

Virella
maddie paige chloe
Brooke Lacey Kenzie Nia

I'm so happy to be on top of the pyramid again. I think everything Miss Abby is telling me to do is making me a better dancer and actress, | Virella Ashford

Abby stood at the front of the room, her commanding presence as strong as ever. "Now, each and every one of you are very lucky little girls," she began, her tone firm but thoughtful.

Virella shifted slightly where she stood, reflecting on Abby's words. She knew she was lucky. She had a beautiful home, parents who supported her dreams, and talent that set her apart. But sometimes, even with all of that, it felt like the world was against her. The expectations, the pressure—it wasn't always easy.