Who stars in 'Dance Moms: The Reunion'? Lifetime show alums to address controversial moments
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Dance Moms' invites former cast members for an explosive reunion to reflect on their experiences on the hit reality show. However, three notable cast members, Nia Sioux, Maddie Ziegler, and Mackenzie Ziegler decided to skip 'Dance Moms: The Reunion'.
The controversial dance instructor and choreographer, Abby Lee Miller, did not receive an invitation to the Lifetime special episode due to her complicated relationships with her students. During the episode, the dancers would reflect on the highs and lows of their time on 'Dance Moms', which aired from 2011 to 2019.
As youngsters during their time on the Lifetime series, these women will reminisce about both the joys and challenges they faced. The Lifetime show alums will also discuss the most controversial moments, their journeys since leaving the show, their relationships with their moms, Abby's controversial teaching method, and drama with props and costumes.
Meet 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' cast:
The two-hour 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' special will bring together six alumni.
JoJo Siwa
JoJo Siwa debuted as a contestant in 'Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition' in 2013. She quickly rose to fame with her energetic performances and became a main cast member in the fifth and sixth seasons of 'Dance Moms' from 2015 to 2016 after her initial appearance during Season Four.
After she departed from the Lifetime show, Jojo Siwa's singing career skyrocketed with her breakout 2016 song 'Boomerang'. Since then, she has appeared on numerous shows, including 'Dancing With the Stars' and 'America's Got Talent', and has served as a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance'.
JoJo Siwa shares a closer bond with Abby Lee Miller compared to other contestants. The singer, accompanied by her mother Jessalynn, is set to make an appearance in the upcoming reunion.
Kendall Vertes
Kendall Vertes first appeared on Season 2 of 'Dance Moms' and remained a prominent contestant throughout Season 7. In her final season, Kendall joined the elite team known as 'The Irreplaceables', alongside Camryn Bridges, Chloe Lukasiak, Kalani Hilliker, and Nia Sioux. The elite team was coached by Burke.
After the Lifetime show, Kendall took five years off from dancing. The reality star became a member of the official dance team of James Madison University in 2022. She is also a social media influencer.
Paige Hyland
Paige Hyland starred in the first four seasons of 'Dance Moms' with her sister, Brooke Hyland. However, the duo left the Lifetime show after their mother, Kelly, had a dramatic fallout with Abby. She is now thriving in her career as a social media influencer. She has also starred in a few music videos.
Brooke Hyland
Randy and Kelly Hyland's daughter, Brooke Hyland, starred in 'Dance Moms' from 2011 to 2014 alongside her sister Paige. The entire Hyland family opted to depart from the Lifetime show following numerous conflicts with Abby, which culminated in a lawsuit.
After leaving the show, Brooke has become a well-known social media influencer and TikTok sensation. She earned her degree in marketing, management information systems, and business analytics from Ohio University.
Chloe Lukasiak
Chloe Lukasiak starred as a main cast member during the first four seasons of 'Dance Moms'. Chloe abruptly quit the Lifetime show after Season 4. Later, she disclosed that her decision to leave stemmed from her former dance teacher mocking her for a medical issue with her eye.
Chloe's mother, Christi, will also appear during the reunion. Christi often stood up to Abby, who has been criticized for her harsh treatment of young dancers. Following their departure from the Lifetime show, Chloe ventured into acting, making her debut and starring in numerous movies and music videos.
Kalani Hilliker
Kalani Hilliker joined 'Dance Moms' as a recurring cast member in Season 4, eventually becoming a full-time participant until Season 7. After her questionable teaching methods, Kalani left the Abby Lee Dance Company to join The Irreplaceables in the finale season.
Kalani is a dance teacher in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a social media influencer. Additionally, she founded her own beauty, cosmetic, and personal care brand, Kare by Kalani. Kalani will be joined by her mother Kira Girard in the reunion.
'Dance Moms: The Reunion' will premiere on Wednesday, May 1 at 8 pm ET on Lifetime.
