Congratulations, dear readers. We did it. And more importantly, we did it together. We survived yet another season of Abby Lee Miller’s shenanigans on Dance Moms (not counting the reunion, of course…that will be a gem!). Pat yourself on the back. You are stronger than you thought you could be. After last week, the Nationals soloists were up in the air, but finally we got see some amazing drama–and even better dancing!
The finale episode begins with Abby corralling the girls to hype up Nationals and poo-poo the ALDC’s track record thus far this season. Jill hopes that Abby will focus and become the leader the team needs, but learning the Jeanette’s team is competing has her off her rocker per the usual. Abby is stressed about the studio opening, and Jessalyn wonders how in the world it will be finished in time. JoJo is on the bottom of the pyramid for constantly needing corrections, followed by MacKenzie. Kendall rounds out the bottom for being “okay.” Kalani is third on the pyramid for placing third in the competition, with Maddie holding down the second spot. Woo hoo! A deserving Nia tops the pyramid for being the overall high scoring solo. Finally.
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Maddie is granted a solo, obviously, and the moms argue with Abby about Nia getting the second solo. Abby said the girls would go head-to-head and whoever won would get the solo. Did she say that? She doesn’t think so. Kira agrees with her peers about Nia dancing…kind of, but not really. When Holly interrupts, Kira starts yelling, but Abby has the final say. Nia gets the solo…her first ever at Nationals. Thank goodness. The ALDC’s group routine has been undefeated for four seasons, and Abby hopes to outdo herself with this year’s number, “Waiting Room,” which tells the story of people waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones in the hospital. Abby exits to pick out flooring, leaving the girls with Gianna. The moms are speechless. Across town, Jeanette announces daughter Ava as her soloist and entitles the group routine “Moving Target” as many of her dancers have been targeted by Abby.
With two days to rehearse, Abby is missing in action. The mothers give Gianna the side-eye as she makes excuses for her boss. Jill is worried about Jeanette’s team, and watching Ava practice her solo, she should be. Jeanette is dedicating her Nationals turn to paying back Abby for her horrible treatment of her daughter. At the ALDC, the moms gripe about Abby’s lack of attention to the team. Holly wishes that Abby was supportive of Nia. Has she been present at all this season? At least she likes Nia’s choreography, which is rare. After missing a solo at last year’s Nationals due to a little thing called “being Sia’s muse,” Maddie is feeling the pressure.
Over lunch, Holly gets a call from the enemy. Jeanette just wanted to see how everything is going with the ALDC. The mothers agree that Jeanette is just trying to get back at Abby, but Holly, Jess, and Kira get in Melissa’s ear when they say that Ava could certainly beat Maddie, especially with an overworked Gianna helming the ALDC solos. As the mothers finish lunch, Abby arrives, sniping, “It must be nice to sit on your asses and do nothing.” They’ll take the insults as long as she’s there to teach. Abby is impressed with Gianna’s progress, but she needs more emotion from her dancers. Melissa reminds Maddie of how she felt when she lost her first loved one. A sobbing Maddie runs across the room to embrace Abby as it was her mother. Mission accomplished, Melissa. Meanwhile, Jeanette is focused on her one-woman mission to take down the ALDC.
The following day, a miracle occurs and the studio looks amazing. Fans and celebrities who have too much time on their hands flood the grand opening, and Abby basks in the attention. While she’s beyond pleased with the turn-out, Abby knows that the success of the studio creates more pressure to win Nationals. At Nationals, everyone is a bundle of nerves, and Jeanette and Ava barge in to wish the ALDC well. It’s a silly tactic. Abby gives Nia and Maddie what is supposed to be a pep talk, which means she warns them not to embarrass themselves…or her. Nia performs first, and her music skips repeatedly early on into her dance. Nia loses over thirty seconds of her routine when the music jumps, but you’d never guess that she’s rattled. She finishes like a pro. Ava takes the stage next, and while she’s beyond talented, I can’t get over her costume. WTH? It’s no surprise that Maddie nails everything about her number. She is stunning.
Backstage, there is a lot of excitement over the solos. Maddie was flawless and Nia’s music didn’t deter her from dancing a beautiful routine. Jeanette’s girls dance their group number first, and it’s good, but I feel like I’m watching the budget version of Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood video (which is awesome, by the way). The ALDC takes the stage next and they offer up yet another riveting, moving story we’ve all grown to love. It’s head and shoulders more enthralling than Jeanette’s team, and damn if I don’t tear up a little. Okay, a lot. Impeccable.
At the awards ceremony, Holly is nervous about Nia placing. She shouldn’t be…Nia garners a second place spot in her division. I am beyond happy for her. As the emcee flubs the awards, Abby heckles him about his tuxedo. Maddie places second with Ava winning her division. Think that’s bad? The ALDC group number gets second to Jeanette’s team. As unsportsmanlike as Abby is about to make this competition, I have to agree that they were robbed. Melissa hisses that the girls need to leave, and Abby ushers the girls off the stage. As the audience boos, the emcee reminds the crowd that there are still awards to be given. Holly and Jessalyn sit stunned in the auditorium, wondering how Abby could set such an example and wondering how Jill, Melissa, and Kira could follow her. Abby is devastated by what this means for her new studio.
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[Photo Credit: Lifetime]
