Maci Ziegler |DANCE MOMS|

May I Have This Dance?

Last week was kind of amazing. I won my solo and tied with Maddie for the fan voting. Everyone kept saying how we were both so good, but in my head, that meant people finally saw me as just as strong as Maddie.

But here's the thing, I don't want to be just as good as Maddie. I want to be better. I want to be the best. That used to be my dream when I was younger. It still is, but now... it feels different. It's not just about proving something to Abby or the team—it's about proving it to myself.

"Let's go, let's go, girls! Get in here," Miss Abby called from inside the studio.

We all hustled in, heading into Studio A. My stomach was doing flips, but I was trying to play it cool. There's always something about pyramid day that makes everyone act like they're holding their breath.

Miss Abby clapped her hands together. "On the Presidential Campaign, this"—she held up her middle and pointer finger—"means peace. But here at the Abby Lee Dance Company, it means second. Not only are we getting beat by Cathy's brilliant team of imports, but we're getting beat by teachers I've never even heard of before!"

She gave us all a look like we personally offended her.

Then, she brought her hands together. "Alright, I want to get to the pyramid."

She started at the bottom. "First, I have Mackenzie. You didn't dance."

Kenzie gave the smallest nod. I caught her eye and gave her a soft, sad smile. She didn't smile back.

"Next, Paige. That flag was a symbol for everybody in that audience. Don't do a disservice to this country," Abby snapped.

"And Kendall. We've worked on your facial expressions. They've improved. We've worked on your stamina. That's getting there. Now focus. Wherever your eyes go, that's where the judges' eyes go. You can't watch Maddie like a member of the audience."

Then she moved up.

"And next, I have Brooke. Brooke, during rehearsal, you did an outstanding job. Then we get onstage, and you go right by Asia and the flag, and then you have to wait four counts. You have to think on stage."

"Chloe," she said next, "you did a solo. You did a nice job. You were third only to Maddie and Maci. Corrections—hyperextending the elbows. Not lengthening the back of the knee. You can fix all of those things, but you have to want to."

I glanced at Chloe, who nodded. Her expression was unreadable.

"And next, Nia. You did an outstanding job. I thought you looked good in the group," Abby said, emphasizing the word. "I noticed you were smart, and you figured out you couldn't lift Asia until she got there." Abby actually smiled at her.

Then it was Maddie's turn. "Maddie, you were second to your sister. She finally got you. You also tied with her in the voting. It was a good performance."

Maddie smiled, but I could tell she didn't like being second—even if she didn't say it.

"And next, Asia. You won the overall high score in the petite division. You're a little firecracker, and I think when you step on stage, you cause an explosion."

And then...

"And on top of the pyramid, Maci. You were the overall high score in the junior division. Your friends voted for you, too. It was an amazing performance. You were the type of personality this country was built on. You all know that song 'America the Beautiful'? Maci, you were America the Beautiful."

My whole chest lit up with pride. I beamed. "Thank you," I said quietly.

"You're welcome!" Abby replied.