Bittersweet | Dance Moms

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST COMPETITION (s2 ep15)

"Finally! Overall high score, junior groups!" Abby announced with her usual dramatic flair, a triumphant smile plastered across her face. "Now, let's move on to pyramid!"

The girls shifted nervously, their eyes flickering between each other as they lined up. Abby's critiques were never easy to stomach, and the atmosphere in the room was tense.

"First, Brooke," Abby said, slapping Brooke's photo on the bottom row of the pyramid. "Probation. No solo this week. Paige, same thing." She placed Paige's picture beside Brooke's. "You didn't do your routines. Nobody got to see them."

"They didn't not do their solos because they weren't prepared," Kelly snapped, crossing her arms as her frustration bubbled over. "They didn't do their solos because of unfair treatment!" Her voice was sharp, and Virella glanced down at her feet, wishing she could disappear from the mounting tension.

"Well, regardless, it doesn't matter," Abby dismissed with a shrug, unfazed by Kelly's outburst.

"Chloe," Abby continued, slapping Chloe's photo onto the next spot. "Last Monday, you went to the doctor, then you went to the movies. That's ridiculous! You need to be in class, not a movie theatre."

"Mackenzie," Abby said, placing her photo next. "You did a great job, but it wasn't your best. You need to be in more ballet classes. Melissa, I know you can afford it." Melissa nodded awkwardly, her smile strained.

"Nia," Abby said, moving on. "You're here because you worked very well with Mackenzie. I gave you a role—you were the ringmaster in a circus. Some may say it's a little immature for you, but I love the fact that you embraced it, had fun with it, and entertained the audience."

"Next, Lacey," Abby announced, placing Lacey's photo just above Nia's. "You've been having easy weeks—just group dances. And honestly, I don't think you stand out in the groups. That absolutely has to change. Virella, keep working with her. Lacey, just watch Virella and learn what to do."

Lacey bit her lip, her cheeks flushed, and she gave a small nod. Virella glanced at her and offered a tiny, encouraging smile.

"And Maddie," Abby continued, Maddie's photo second from the top. "You did your solo, and you didn't forget this time, but you got second. And Virella won." Abby's tone was dismissive, as if second place was barely worth mentioning. Maddie looked down, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"Which brings us to the top of the pyramid," Abby announced, flipping over the final photo. "Virella. Once again, you're on top. You did your solo, and it was amazing. You gave the judges what they wanted, and you won. Keep winning and you will blow them away at Nationals."

The girls clapped for her.

Virella
Maddie Lacey Nia
Mackenzie Chloe Paige Brooke

"Now, this week we will be attending Energy Dance Competition again," Abby began, "It's in Waterford Township, Michigan. Last week, when I went to enter the routines, Gina, the owner—she told me there were two studios coming specifically to beat the Abby Lee Dance Company."

The girls exchanged nervous glances, knowing Abby wasn't going to let them slack for even a second this week.

"Let's talk about the group number," Abby continued, holding up a folder with the choreography. "It's called Silver Spoon. Silver meaning the finest quality flatware, meaning the luxuries of life—the country club, the finest schools. So this is a pretty dance. We also have a prop. We have a big, giant spoon, and you pass the spoon around throughout the dance."