OT The Dance Moms Thread!

[cachoi]

Sophia Lucia is at Youth America Grand Prix (same competition from First Position if anyone else has seen that) and someone commented on her coach's video "isn't that Maddie in the back?" lol bless your heart sweetie no, they only go to staged competitions.

 

[ErinS]

Sophia Lucia is at Youth America Grand Prix (same competition from First Position if anyone else has seen that) and someone commented on her coach's video "isn't that Maddie in the back?" lol bless your heart sweetie no, they only go to staged competitions.

So glad Sophia Lucia roll bounced off that show


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[SL&AM]

Sophia Lucia is at Youth America Grand Prix (same competition from First Position if anyone else has seen that) and someone commented on her coach's video "isn't that Maddie in the back?" lol bless your heart sweetie no, they only go to staged competitions.

That is hysterical!

 

[FlexyTumblerMom]

Sophia Lucia is just a much more talented and high-level version of what the DM show portrays. She may be doing serious ballet now, which is good, but she became instafamous from being a "competition dancer" w/ the same type of turns, tricks and really tiny expensive rhinestoned costumes that Maddie and co. used. A lot of her hype was her dancing and turning abilities at a really young age (just like what Maddie was, only better). In my mind she is the same thing as Maddie, just w/ much better skills - the serious ballet focus only started a year or two ago.

 

[SL&AM]

Sophia Lucia is just a much more talented and high-level version of what the DM show portrays. She may be doing serious ballet now, which is good, but she became instafamous from being a "competition dancer" w/ the same type of turns, tricks and really tiny expensive rhinestoned costumes that Maddie and co. used. A lot of her hype was her dancing and turning abilities at a really young age (just like what Maddie was, only better). In my mind she is the same thing as Maddie, just w/ much better skills - the serious ballet focus only started a year or two ago.

Serious ballet for most kids started around the preteen age because they're nearing the age of going en pointe. Since Sophia is only 13, she went serious into the ballet world at the perfect time for her age. As for the rest, I mostly agree---however, Maddie has never been able to touch Sophia in turns or flexibility. Even at younger ages they weren't comparable.

 

[FlexyTumblerMom]

I just think that 1.5 years ago Sophia being at YAGP would be just as much of a joke as Maddie being there, so we really shouldn't act like she is so far "above" Maddie when it comes to ballet. Most serious ballet dancers never get involved in the competition scene - they weren't doing 55 turns in tap shoes for a world record at the age of 9, and pulling their legs behind their backs showing off extreme flexibilty in 10 gross of rhinestones on a costume the size of a string bikini ;). They were in a studio working on perfect technique for a single pirouette wearing a black Leo w/ pink tights and their hair in a bun - and I'm sure to these kids Sophia is seen as a latecomer who switched from comp to ballet just recently (and it's probably kind of annoying how much attention she gets compared to them). This would be my guess based on my knowledge of both scenes - serious ballet vs. comp.

 

[cachoi]

I just think that 1.5 years ago Sophia being at YAGP would be just as much of a joke as Maddie being there, so we really shouldn't act like she is so far "above" Maddie when it comes to ballet. Most serious ballet dancers never get involved in the competition scene - they weren't doing 55 turns in tap shoes for a world record at the age of 9, and pulling their legs behind their backs showing off extreme flexibilty in 10 gross of rhinestones on a costume the size of a string bikini ;). They were in a studio working on perfect technique for a single pirouette wearing a black Leo w/ pink tights and their hair in a bun - and I'm sure to these kids Sophia is seen as a latecomer who switched from comp to ballet just recently (and it's probably kind of annoying how much attention she gets compared to them). This would be my guess based on my knowledge of both scenes - serious ballet vs. comp.

She started strictly training in ballet 5 months ago, according to her on instagram. She got 1st in three of the four categories she was in at YAGP. I really don't think how people started dancing, what they wore on stage, or what they're famous for should matter. Mastering a new style of dance in 5 months to compete and win at a prestigious dance competition is incredible. She deserves all the attention she gets because that kid has a God given talent.

 

[ErinS]

I just think that 1.5 years ago Sophia being at YAGP would be just as much of a joke as Maddie being there, so we really shouldn't act like she is so far "above" Maddie when it comes to ballet. Most serious ballet dancers never get involved in the competition scene - they weren't doing 55 turns in tap shoes for a world record at the age of 9, and pulling their legs behind their backs showing off extreme flexibilty in 10 gross of rhinestones on a costume the size of a string bikini ;). They were in a studio working on perfect technique for a single pirouette wearing a black Leo w/ pink tights and their hair in a bun - and I'm sure to these kids Sophia is seen as a latecomer who switched from comp to ballet just recently (and it's probably kind of annoying how much attention she gets compared to them). This would be my guess based on my knowledge of both scenes - serious ballet vs. comp.

Just curious. Are you aware of Laney Madsen? I'm wondering how you feel about her "success". She seems similar to me in terms of "recognition for XYZ" and then suddenly "I'm now training for ZYX". (For clarification, shes a former "cheerlebrity, who began training for the 2020 Olympic games in gymnastics, and has relatively succeeded i.e. being invited to the Karolyi Ranch for training camps without having competed in a competition at the time.....although she recently as of last weekend competed with Cali Allstars).

To me her rise is no different than Sophia.... I'm not one to knock prodigy-esque talent though so I can appreciate both "routes" to achievement (i. e kids from First Position Doc. vs Sophia Lucia.)


I also don't think Maddie could have successfully competed at that competition if Abby's soul depended on it. But I also don't think Sophia could have done that Sia video. It's Adele vs Beyoncé again

 

[FlexyTumblerMom]

I'm not knocking Sophia as much as I am the implication that Maddie could never be at YAGP and Sophia could. Maddie isn't a horrible untalented dancer, and Sophia went on Dance Moms looking for fame just like Maddie did (and Sophia did it after it was a success, when it was unknown when Maddie got in it, so what Sophia did was more of a fame grab is you ask me), so she still has an association with ALDC and Abby cause it got her on TV. I guess in my mind both of them have their roots in competition dance and have fame because they seeked it out and stooped to pretty low levels (i.e. being on Dance Moms) to get it - most classically trained ballet dancers don't do this stuff. I'm sure if Maddie put her mind to it she could do ballet too, and everyone would be fawning over her being at YAGP in a couple years time getting awards too, and gosh, that would be annoying too if you can imagine.

I'm aware of Laney Madsen - watched her gym routines a while back and she did progress very far in a short amount of time. I'm really shocked to hear she's competing cheer again though - I'm surprised that elite path coaches would be okay w/ that just from the injury perspective alone? Many of those girls are strongly discouraged from taking PE classes at school cause of injury risk, let alone flying on a L5 all star cheer team. Is she still doing gymnastics? Either way, Laney (unlike Sophia and Maddie) doesn't seem to be a fame seeker to me - would you really call her a cheerlebrity, or just someone who is really good? Does she sell bows and promote products, etc. on her Instagram? She never seemed like that type to me. Maybe that's the difference to me.

 

[ErinS]

I don't think a "cheerlebrity" has to sell bows, tanning supplies and hoverboards to be a "cheerlebrity" The selling of items is a symptom of the fame (and a choice) not something that is precursory to becoming a "cheerlebrity". the only reason I know who Laney Madsen is because of the stunt videos when she was young with her dad and her relatively successful to transition into elite gymnastics. Therefore she has achieved recognition or "cheerlebrity" status in this activity. I'm sure people ask(ed) her pictures at competitions because they know who she is....without her selling things. I don't know the names of those children selling items because effectively they're not selling anything "to me"

I glanced at her insta and it appears she competed in gymnastics over the weekend as well


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[UCFKnights07]

I'm not knocking Sophia as much as I am the implication that Maddie could never be at YAGP and Sophia could. Maddie isn't a horrible untalented dancer, and Sophia went on Dance Moms looking for fame just like Maddie did (and Sophia did it after it was a success, when it was unknown when Maddie got in it, so what Sophia did was more of a fame grab is you ask me), so she still has an association with ALDC and Abby cause it got her on TV. I guess in my mind both of them have their roots in competition dance and have fame because they seeked it out and stooped to pretty low levels (i.e. being on Dance Moms) to get it - most classically trained ballet dancers don't do this stuff. I'm sure if Maddie put her mind to it she could do ballet too, and everyone would be fawning over her being at YAGP in a couple years time getting awards too, and gosh, that would be annoying too if you can imagine.

I'm aware of Laney Madsen - watched her gym routines a while back and she did progress very far in a short amount of time. I'm really shocked to hear she's competing cheer again though - I'm surprised that elite path coaches would be okay w/ that just from the injury perspective alone? Many of those girls are strongly discouraged from taking PE classes at school cause of injury risk, let alone flying on a L5 all star cheer team. Is she still doing gymnastics? Either way, Laney (unlike Sophia and Maddie) doesn't seem to be a fame seeker to me - would you really call her a cheerlebrity, or just someone who is really good? Does she sell bows and promote products, etc. on her Instagram? She never seemed like that type to me. Maybe that's the difference to me.

i honestly dont agree with this, sophia was pretty well known before she ever went on dance moms. heck, i knew of her before that show ever even aired. Did dance moms give her that extra exposure, sure. But plenty of people within the dance community probably were well aware of who she was before the show. I mean didnt sophia only compete like all of two times with aldc....

 

[FlexyTumblerMom]

i honestly dont agree with this, sophia was pretty well known before she ever went on dance moms. heck, i knew of her before that show ever even aired. Did dance moms give her that extra exposure, sure. But plenty of people within the dance community probably were well aware of who she was before the show. I mean didnt sophia only compete like all of two times with aldc....

True, but I don't think they'd be bringing up Maddie's name and asking if she was there too had Sophia not been on Dance Moms. It's just bringing the Dance Moms circus of crazy competitiveness and instafame to what has traditionally been a classy/prestigious competition that rubs me the wrong way I guess. Maybe YAGP likes the exposure though cause it could mean more income for them as these top dancers from the competition world start to cross over - who knows.

I watched some of Sophia's dances from the competition, and she is amazing. I guess the most annoying thing is that she went on Dance Moms in the first place - she didn't need to do that.

 

[dance_extreme_94]

I know this is random, but can I just ask one question about this show? what's the obsession with Maddie?

She's a beautiful child with good dance skills however, I know recreational dancers that have stronger technique, and a stronger winning competition record then she does. I'm just not understanding why Abby feels the need to dis other girls because they aren't Maddie. Especially her sister. Seriously? yes siblings will always be compared some what, but Abby takes it too far with all the girls. Not only that every since last season her technique has been going down hill as she hardly ever in class anymore. That said, It's really annoying to hear Abby say she has perfect dance technique and she does not. No one has perfect technique. If Maddie truly had perfect technique she'd be a ballerina by now, and even principle dancers barely get the term ballerina. Only a good 6% of former principle dancers earn the term ballerina.
If anything I think Kalani is the strongest dancer on that team.
Also, why must Nia always do an ethnic based routine? yes she's black but that doesn't mean she always have to do ethnic based routines I think its pretty insulting to always racially profile her. For me personally the routine "cookie" was the last straw for me specifically when Abby suggested that Nia twerks in her routine. None of the other girls have ever been told to twerk in their routine why make Nia do it? I feel so sorry for all the girls and really don't understand why their mothers keep their children there and want to steady complain about something.

Don't get me wrong, I love Maddie I think she's a lovely dancer and child I just don't understand why there is so much obsession surrounding her especially from her dance teacher. All coaches have their favorite child that's not the problem. The problem that arrives with favoritism is when you intentionally diss, compare, and belittle the surrounding children and take away opportunities because they are not that dancer. That's what gets me! I will never understand Abby's tactics. I've had harsh dance teachers and still do, but none of them have ever belittled me, or insult me in anyway shape or form let alone abuse me. Abby really puts a bad look on the dance community. I cannot even begin to express how much misinformation there is out there about dance because of this show.

I watch because I like to see the girls dance. I don't even watch the drama parts. I miss it when it was like Season one ( all about the girls)

 

[SL&AM]

I think to understand the obsession with Maddie you have to go back in time to a point where Abby was drowning and Melissa was her savior. Add into the fact that Maddie has a people pleasing personality that is very teachable and a face that emotes emotion very well and it's the perfect storm. She was the child who would stay in class longer than anyone else, who was there when no one else was because that is her personality---she put her all into dance; that isn't to say everyone else didn't, but Maddie's all was a bit different.

As for the public opinion of her---for those who follow the show, Abby's favoritism of her made her a cast member you either loved or hated. As for your twerk comment, I'd disagree---go back and watch Mackenzie's fake audition for the Joffrey and though it wasn't a 'twerk' so to speak it was a booty shake. The terminology simply changed. As for Maddie being a ballerina---never, she doesn't have the body or feet and really she wasn't trained to be one. She was trained for Broadway.

 

[ErinS]

I know this is random, but can I just ask one question about this show? what's the obsession with Maddie?

She's a beautiful child with good dance skills however, I know recreational dancers that have stronger technique, and a stronger winning competition record then she does. I'm just not understanding why Abby feels the need to dis other girls because they aren't Maddie. Especially her sister. Seriously? yes siblings will always be compared some what, but Abby takes it too far with all the girls. Not only that every since last season her technique has been going down hill as she hardly ever in class anymore. That said, It's really annoying to hear Abby say she has perfect dance technique and she does not. No one has perfect technique. If Maddie truly had perfect technique she'd be a ballerina by now, and even principle dancers barely get the term ballerina. Only a good 6% of former principle dancers earn the term ballerina.
If anything I think Kalani is the strongest dancer on that team.
Also, why must Nia always do an ethnic based routine? yes she's black but that doesn't mean she always have to do ethnic based routines I think its pretty insulting to always racially profile her. For me personally the routine "cookie" was the last straw for me specifically when Abby suggested that Nia twerks in her routine. None of the other girls have ever been told to twerk in their routine why make Nia do it? I feel so sorry for all the girls and really don't understand why their mothers keep their children there and want to steady complain about something.

Don't get me wrong, I love Maddie I think she's a lovely dancer and child I just don't understand why there is so much obsession surrounding her especially from her dance teacher. All coaches have their favorite child that's not the problem. The problem that arrives with favoritism is when you intentionally diss, compare, and belittle the surrounding children and take away opportunities because they are not that dancer. That's what gets me! I will never understand Abby's tactics. I've had harsh dance teachers and still do, but none of them have ever belittled me, or insult me in anyway shape or form let alone abuse me. Abby really puts a bad look on the dance community. I cannot even begin to express how much misinformation there is out there about dance because of this show.

I watch because I like to see the girls dance. I don't even watch the drama parts. I miss it when it was like Season one ( all about the girls)

1. The obsession with Maddie is essential to the plot line
2. The Nia type casting is essential to the plot line...and the racial narrative in America in general.