Bittersweet | Dance Moms

WAITING FOR JOFFERY (s2 ep11)

"Come on, girls, let's go! Join the party!" Abby called out with a clap, her voice cutting through the chatter as the girls quickly lined up in front of her.

Virella stood beside Chloe, their matching dance sets creating a buzz among fans of the show. The viewers were starting to adore their growing friendship, calling it wholesome and praising how they pushed each other to be better dancers.

"So, did everybody have a good time in Chicago?" Abby asked, her sharp gaze scanning the room.

The girls nodded eagerly.

"Yes," Melissa chimed in, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.

But for Virella, the happiness in the room felt distant. Elizabeth was still in Michigan, staying by the side of their great-aunt, who is currently undergoing a life-or-death surgery as we speak. The doctors don't think she will survive. On top of that, Virella's dad was out of town, leaving her siblings in the care of his mother. Virella, however, had chosen to stay at Christi's house for a little peace of mind. Despite the chaos, she tried to focus on the positive—like her big win in Chicago.

"Alright, now let's talk about our group dance," Abby began, bringing Virella back to the moment. "I thought it was beautiful. The costumes looked gorgeous on everyone, and I gave you all a challenge with acting. For the most part, you rose to it."

Abby turned her attention to Maddie, her tone sharp. "Maddie, maybe I didn't challenge you enough," she said, subtly placing the blame for the group's third-place finish on her.

Maddie's expression fell slightly, but she stayed quiet, focusing on the floor.

"Now, Maddie," Abby continued, "you did a solo this week. I know there were some boys you were worried about, but you beat them. And Virella," Abby turned to her, her expression softening slightly, "you went out there and dominated. That kid from Cathy's was in tears before she even stepped onto the stage. Good job. But listen to me, both of you—you cannot let yourselves get psyched out backstage."

Virella nodded, determined not to let her nerves get the best of her in the future.

Abby then shifted her focus to Nia. "Nia, I watched the trio, and I watched you closely. You were a beat behind. It's the technical difficulty you struggle with. That's what you need to work on."

The room grew tense as Abby announced, "We have a lot to do this week, so I'm getting straight to the pyramid."

"At the bottom of the pyramid... Chloe," Abby said. Chloe's face fell slightly.

"You're one of the most advanced dancers in this room, but I need more from you. You need a challenge, something to push you to the next level. That's why, this week, you have a duet with Virella."

Chloe's disappointment shifted into excitement as she and Virella squealed and hugged each other. Despite her happiness, Chloe felt a little upset. She had to prove she was good by dancing with Virella?

"Remember," Abby said, locking eyes with Chloe, "there is no 'I' in team. But there's an 'M' and an 'E,' and it's all about me."

"Moving on," Abby continued, "Nia. That trio—you wanted it, you got it. Like I said, you have the style and the sass, but the rest of it is a mess."

Nia's face fell, but she nodded quietly.

"Paige," Abby said, turning her focus to her next, "you did a good job. You did your part. But I want more."

"Lacey," Abby said thoughtfully, "you didn't have much to do, but I do think part of the reason we got third was because you were a beat behind. I don't know, though."