Once upon a time, on a Tuesday night, I was bored and was clicking through TV channels, until I stumbled upon a show, called Dance Moms. At first I thought it was either a Dancing With The Stars or America’s Funniest Home Videos kind of show. Either way, I started to watch it and my love for Dance Moms was born. Since that very first episode aired I have only missed one Dance Moms Tuesday. This episode was the very first and is still one of my favorites. Now, on to the review.
The very first pyramid. It’s basically the same as it is today, except now Mackenzie and Brooke have switched places, making Mackenzie middle row material and Brooke a bottom row bum. (No offense Brooke! I still love you!) I don’t know if any of you remember Maddie’s pyramid photo from the first season but it is a really intimidating photo. (see sidebar) All of the other girls are giving cute smiles or funny faces and then there’s Maddie, who’s giving the camera a, “Don’t mess with me because I will crush you” expression. Anyways, Abby assigns two numbers, a group dance, called "Party, Party, Party", and a trio (with Paige, Chloe and Maddie), called "Pinup Girls". I was sad that I didn’t get to see Mackenzie compete, but this season she doesn’t do a lot of dancing because she’s at that age where she hasn’t learned most of what the other girls already have.
During rehearsal Maddie has a stomachache that ultimately leads to her crying in the bathroom with her mom. *Interesting Fact: Maddie had her stomachache when they were filming episode 2, but there was already enough drama in episode 2 so they just added it to the first.* Let me just say something about Maddie. She may be Abby’s favorite but that’s not the only reason why she’s so talented. That girl is dedicated! Melissa said, in this episode, that Maddie has never missed a dance class. No wonder Abby loves her so much. She is fully committed to her dance career and while I’m not saying that the other girls aren’t committed, (because trust me they are) we have to give credit where credit is due. It also amazes me that directly after she calmed herself down she walked back into the studio and started dancing the routine, while the group was in the middle of it. She didn’t wait for them to be done before jumping in again. She just popped back in like nothing happened.
Vivi and Cathy arrived around halfway through the episode. You can immediately tell that Cathy is obnoxious and that Vivi doesn’t want to be there at all. I kind of understood why Cathy didn’t want Vivi at her studio anymore, but I can’t help thinking that Cathy would want to make her studio good enough for her own child and by her sending Vivi away it reflects poorly on Candy Apples. Cathy’s not the only teacher there so her excuse isn’t really cutting it.
I find it funny that the first “Dance Moms blowout” doesn’t even involve one of the Dance Moms. Instead it involves a minister, named Dawn, and her daughter, Reagan. Her daughter wasn’t dressed appropriately for class so Abby kicked her out, which might have been a little harsh it they hadn’t been given specific instructions beforehand, which she ignored. When it comes to Abby calling the cops I’m 50/50. On one hand, Dawn was screaming and chasing Abby around her studio, while insulting her. On the other, Abby never verbally asked Dawn to leave. She just shot some insults back, on her way to Studio B.
When they reach the competition Abby realizes that the Hyland kids went to the nail salon and got French Manicures. I, personally, don’t understand how a French tip could stand out during a group dance. It’s not like they were wearing neon green nail polish with nail stickers, but nevertheless Abby didn’t like them and wanted them off. I think she was very polite when she was talking to Paige, making sure not to hurt her feelings, but instead just telling her why she couldn't wear it. It’s Abby’s number and Abby’s team and she wants a certain look. The girls need Abby’s permission to just cut their hair so how Kelly planned on getting away with the manicures without Abby’s consent is beyond me. Abby does have a right to tell Paige and Brooke to take them off, but Kelly demanded money for the manicures that she wasted. Kelly, you knew what would happen and you did it anyways. That’s not money you wasted. That’s money you used stupidly.
