The beloved reality series Dance Moms has made a dramatic return with a highly anticipated reunion special on Lifetime, bringing back some of the most memorable dancers and moms from the original show. Dance Moms: The Reunion features former child stars Brooke Hyland, Chloe Lukasiak, JoJo Siwa, Paige Hyland, Kalani Hilliker, and Kendall Vertes, who are now all grown up. Joining them were their mothers—Jessalynn Siwa, Kelly Hyland, Jill Vertes, and Kira Hilliker—who were also central figures in the original series’ intense dance studio drama.
The reunion offered fans an emotional reflection on the series that captivated audiences with its mix of high-stakes competition, behind-the-scenes tension, and deep personal growth. Cast members shared their experiences, addressed controversial moments, and revealed how their lives have changed since the cameras stopped rolling.
However, one of the most notable absences from the special was Abby Lee Miller, the infamous dance instructor and founder of the Abby Lee Dance Company, which served as the backdrop of the original show. Miller’s strict teaching style and explosive confrontations made her a polarizing figure on Dance Moms. Her exclusion from the reunion raised eyebrows among viewers, as did the absence of other prominent former cast members, including Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler and Nia Sioux.
Fans eager to catch the reunion as it aired could watch it on Lifetime at 5 p.m. PDT on May 1. For those who missed the initial broadcast, the special is now available for streaming via the Lifetime app (with a TV provider login) and on MyLifetime.
How to Watch “Dance Moms: The Reunion”
The reunion aired exclusively on the Lifetime network, the same platform that broadcast the original series. Viewers can find Lifetime through their cable provider by checking local listings. Those who prefer streaming can watch the special on the Lifetime app or through the network’s official streaming site.
Catching Up on the Original Series
For fans looking to relive the original drama before diving into the reunion, all seasons of Dance Moms are available on various platforms. These include the Lifetime app, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Roku, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, Philo, and Sling TV. With such wide availability, it’s easy for both longtime fans and new viewers to binge the series from the beginning.
Where Is Abby Lee Miller Now?
Abby Lee Miller’s journey after Dance Moms has been tumultuous. In 2017, she was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges of bankruptcy fraud and attempting to conceal assets from the court. She served eight months behind bars, during which she experienced a significant physical transformation, reportedly losing around 100 pounds.
After her release in 2018, Miller revealed she had been diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She underwent emergency spinal surgery and chemotherapy, and by 2019, she announced she was in remission.
In an effort to return to television, Miller launched a new Lifetime project titled Abby’s Virtual Dance Off, but the series was canceled in 2020. This decision followed allegations of racist behavior made by a former Dance Moms cast member regarding Miller’s conduct during the original show’s production.
What the Reunion Means for the Franchise
Although Dance Moms: The Reunion doesn’t mark a full revival of the original series, it offers closure for many fans and cast members. By addressing past controversies and celebrating personal growth, the special sheds light on the emotional toll the show took on its young dancers and their families. At the same time, it highlights the lasting impact the series has had on pop culture and the dance world.
While Abby Lee Miller’s absence was heavily felt, the reunion managed to focus on the voices of those who had grown up in the intense spotlight of competitive dance—and emerged with powerful stories to tell.
