The BEST episodes of Dance Moms

Every episode of Dance Moms ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dance Moms!

Set in Pittsburgh, Dance Moms follows the Abby Lee Dance Company's Junior Elite Competition Team of young girls aged 11–14 years old as they travel week-to-week to various dance competitions, winning awards and hoping for an invitation to one of the National Competitions. Much of the program depicts the doting mothers as rivals not only of each other but as a group to protect the reputation of the team. All performances are choreographed by Miller and her staff, with the exception of a few guest choreographers. Later in the program, rival dance teams are introduced that spur the team's competitiveness. In season 5, Miller brings the team to Los Angeles to help build her repertoire. Every week on the show, Miller uses a pyramid to present who she feels performed the best in her eyes based on behavior, previous performance and who needs to improve.

Last Updated: 12/3/2024Network: LifetimeStatus: Continuing
star
9.15
13 votes

#1 - Dance Moms Reunion: Hurricane Abby

Season 3 - Episode 38 - Aired 9/17/2013

Storm clouds are gathering as the cast of "Dance Moms" Season 3 reunite to hash out the triumphs and tragedies of the season. Think old grudges have been settled? That's just the eye of the storm. Plus the Abby Lee Dance Company girls perform their favorite dance routines from this past season.

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Two Girls, One Solo
star
8.74
43 votes

#2 - Two Girls, One Solo

Season 3 - Episode 23 - Aired 6/11/2013

Abby decides to have Maddie and Chloe dance the exact same solo shocking the moms to see who really is the best dancer at the Abby Lee Dance Company. Chloe ends up winning first, and Maddie ends up taking second. Abby Is upset with Maddie losing, she go to the competion director and tells them the counted it wrong, the director comes in an gives Maddie first and Chloe second. Abby then lies saying the director pointed the mistake out but when the director comes back in the room and thanks abby for pointing out the mistakes the moms look horrified. Asia and Mackenzie go head to head as well, but Asia comes in first, while Macknenzie places second. After last week's big fight Christi and Kelly find that their friendship will never be the same again. Abby notices this and makes the two go down stares and die the pink ribbon together alone. Meanwhile, the theme of the group dance causes Abby to have painful memories to Abby and the moms.

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Bye Bye Baby
star
8.34
62 votes

#3 - Bye Bye Baby

Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/26/2013

Abby's precious pet Broadway Baby has passed away and Abby leaves the ALDC team to fend for themselves. To make matters worse, this week the team heads to St. Louis where they go up against the infamous Kaya Wiley and she's not going down without a fight!

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Same Old Frenemies Part 2
star
8.13
167 votes

#4 - Same Old Frenemies Part 2

Season 7 - Episode 14 - Aired 2/21/2017

Conclusion. In the Season 7 finale, the ALDC compete against the Candy Apples for the title of National Champions. Later, Abby has a breakdown; and an unexpected guest surprises the team.

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The Politics of Dancing
star
8.10
52 votes

#5 - The Politics of Dancing

Season 3 - Episode 15 - Aired 4/9/2013

In this patriotic episode, Abby assigns the girls dances inspired by the political state of America, but all is not fair in politics...especially in the dance world. Maddie and Chloe compete head-to-head and continuing with the political theme Abby has the Abby Lee Dance Company vote on who gave the best performance. Forced to sit on the sidelines, injured Mackenzie must watch her coveted spot on the team be taken over by ALDC's newest little powerhouse, Asia.

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The Best Is Yet to Come
star
8.07
96 votes

#6 - The Best Is Yet to Come

Season 7 - Episode 27 - Aired 10/24/2017

Emotions run high as the team prepares for their final Nationals competition as the Irreplaceables. With four solos, the girls go head-to-head to see who can come out on top as the National title winner. As this chapter comes to an end, the moms and girls all contemplate what their future holds.

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Maddie and Mackenzie Say Goodbye
star
8.05
57 votes

#7 - Maddie and Mackenzie Say Goodbye

Season 6 - Episode 21 - Aired 5/24/2016

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Guess Who's Back?
star
8.04
51 votes

#8 - Guess Who's Back?

Season 2 - Episode 20 - Aired 7/24/2012

Everyone is completely shocked when Jill and Kendall come crawling back to the Abby Lee Dance Company. Jealousy rears its ugly head when the moms learn that Maddie lands the coveted acting role on "Drop Dead Diva." Meanwhile, though Nia wows the crowd with another solo, Paige's dance future is threatened by a serious injury.

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Slumber Party!
star
7.94
18 votes

#9 - Slumber Party!

Season 5 - Episode 33 - Aired 8/18/2015

In this Slumber Party special, Maddie takes us behind the scenes as she and the girls from "Dance Moms" dish on celebrity crushes, makeup tips, who takes the longest to get ready and more!

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Out With Abby, In With Chloe - Part 2
star
7.94
109 votes

#10 - Out With Abby, In With Chloe - Part 2

Season 7 - Episode 18 - Aired 8/22/2017

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The Return of Studio 19
star
7.87
40 votes

#11 - The Return of Studio 19

Season 8 - Episode 14 - Aired 8/20/2019

GiaNina and Sarah go head-to-head for their shot at dancing a solo at nationals while the team performs a group routine unlike anything done before; Michelle comes to blows with the other moms; a confrontation at competition sends Abby over the edge.

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The Girls Say Goodbye
star
7.87
71 votes

#12 - The Girls Say Goodbye

Season 6 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/17/2016

Jai Rodriguez hosts a very special episode of Dance Moms where the girls from the ALDC say goodbye to Maddie and Mackenzie. They'll play outrageous games and answer questions from die hard fans. Later, Todrick Hall makes a special guest appearance to perform with the girls. We will witness the girls' heartfelt goodbyes to the Zieglers and watch them dance together for the very last time.

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Abbygeddon
star
7.86
63 votes

#13 - Abbygeddon

Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/3/2012

The second season ends with Abby's dancers competing in the regionals and for a scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet School. Unfortunately for her, the Candy Apples also compete

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Melissa's Announcement
star
7.81
113 votes

#14 - Melissa's Announcement

Season 6 - Episode 15 - Aired 4/12/2016

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It's Not Always Sunny in Pittsburgh
star
7.81
143 votes

#15 - It's Not Always Sunny in Pittsburgh

Season 7 - Episode 12 - Aired 2/14/2017

The team travel to Pittsburgh for Nationals, but mounting pressure leads to feuds between the moms. Later, Abby questions Camryn's desire to be on the team; and the ALDC compete against the Candy Apples in their last face-off before Nationals.

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Making a Splash In Pittsburgh
star
7.79
39 votes

#16 - Making a Splash In Pittsburgh

Season 8 - Episode 9 - Aired 7/23/2019

Heading to her first competition in Pittsburgh since her return, Abby challenges the ALDC team with their most daring routine yet; longtime rivals Lilliana and Elliana go head-to-head in famous solos inspired by former ALDC member JoJo Siwa.

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Abby vs. Kira ... AGAIN!
star
7.79
67 votes

#17 - Abby vs. Kira ... AGAIN!

Season 5 - Episode 27 - Aired 7/14/2015

With only four weeks until Nationals, the ALDC is desperate for a group routine win. To make matters worse, the Candy Apples are back with a surprise guest and they're ready to capitalize on ALDC's current misfortunes. The ALDC is traveling to Arizona and because Kira is still dissatisfied with Abby's treatment of Kalani, she brings in reinforcements from Kalani's past, which poses a direct threat to Abby.

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Choose Wisely
star
7.79
47 votes

#18 - Choose Wisely

Season 8 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/18/2019

Abby makes a shocking announcement that she's sending someone home; Stacey and Tricia go to war over Abby's star dancer, Brady; when tasked with picking their own duet partners, the young dancers fear that the wrong decision could send them home.

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The Mother of All Specials
star
7.76
25 votes

#19 - The Mother of All Specials

Season 3 - Episode 19 - Aired 5/7/2013

In this one-hour special, Abby Lee Miller introduces us to her mother, shares their amazing bond and history, with a revelation that will leave viewers awestruck. With Abby's usual unfiltered wry humor, she will also give us her crisp thoughts on the Dance Moms’ fabulous and not so fabulous mothering skills. This is the Mother's Day Special you won't want to miss.

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Dance Moms Down Under, Part 1
star
7.76
58 votes

#20 - Dance Moms Down Under, Part 1

Season 5 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/19/2015

The ALDC heads to Australia to perform at the ASTRA Awards; Abby loses her passport and leaves the team stranded in Sydney without her; Jess confronts the other mothers; Maddie misses a crucial rehearsal when she goes to an interview in Abby's place.

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She's a Fighter
star
7.73
109 votes

#21 - She's a Fighter

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/24/2011

Abby's typecasting of Nia sends Holly over the edge. Meanwhile, minister Dawn returns to the Abby Lee Dance Company and Abby is fully prepared for any heated argument that might erupt. 

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Nia vs. Kalani: Winner Takes All
star
7.73
56 votes

#22 - Nia vs. Kalani: Winner Takes All

Season 5 - Episode 30 - Aired 8/4/2015

With only one week left until Nationals, the ALDC is facing the super talented MDP who are bringing their best routine yet. Abby gives Kalani and Nia head-to-head solos to determine who will get the senior division solo next week. On top of prepping for this battle, Nia is really feeling the pressure as she is also shooting her second music video, hoping to cement her status as a pop star. Will she be able to balance both?

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I Know What You Did Last Competition
star
7.72
54 votes

#23 - I Know What You Did Last Competition

Season 2 - Episode 16 - Aired 6/19/2012

Melissa faces a cheating scandal. Kelly's daughters are put on probation. Payton rejoins the competition team causing tension among the Dance Moms.

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The Runaway Mom
star
7.69
65 votes

#24 - The Runaway Mom

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/28/2012

After Kendall is put back on probation, Jill has had enough and decides to take Kendall to dance for Candy Apple’s Dance Center. Abby finds out when she runs into the Candy Apple’s dance team during this week’s competition. Holly leaves the competition early.

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Two Teams, Two Studios Part 2
star
7.68
76 votes

#25 - Two Teams, Two Studios Part 2

Season 6 - Episode 33 - Aired 11/22/2016

In the Season 6 finale, the elite team face off against Abby and her mini team for the first time ever at a competition. Later, the elites strive to prove that they can win without Abby's direction; and Abby tries to show her own worth through the mini team's performance.

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