Dance Moms is a reality TV show that gained immense popularity after its premiere in 2011 on Lifetime. The series follows a group of young dancers and their mothers as they train and compete under the guidance of Abby Lee Miller, the strict and often controversial dance coach. The show has not only captivated audiences with its dramatic moments but has also launched the careers of several young dancers and entertainers. In this post, we’ll explore the cast, ages, and trivia surrounding Dance Moms and its iconic stars.
Main Cast of Dance Moms
- Abby Lee Miller
Born: September 21, 1965
Profession: Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Abby Lee Miller is the central figure of Dance Moms, known for her tough-love teaching style and controversial coaching methods. As the owner of the Abby Lee Dance Company, Abby became famous for pushing her students to their limits while maintaining a no-nonsense attitude. Despite facing legal issues and health challenges, Abby’s role as a mentor and her dramatic interactions with the mothers made her one of the most talked-about figures in reality television.
- Maddie Ziegler
Born: September 30, 2002
Profession: Dancer, Actress, Model
Maddie Ziegler became one of the most successful Dance Moms alumni. Known for her incredible dance talent, Maddie’s breakout moment came when she appeared in Sia’s music video for “Chandelier” (2014). Since then, she has starred in movies such as The Book of Henry (2017), released music, and appeared on various talk shows and magazines. Maddie continues to enjoy a successful career in both dance and entertainment, with a massive social media following.
- Mackenzie Ziegler
Born: June 4, 2004
Profession: Dancer, Singer, Actress
Mackenzie Ziegler, the younger sister of Maddie, also made a name for herself on Dance Moms. Known for her youthful energy and talent, Mackenzie became a fan favorite with her performances on the show. After leaving the series, Mackenzie pursued a career in music and acting, releasing albums and starring in the YouTube series Total Eclipse. Like her sister, she has a huge following on social media.
- Nia Sioux
Born: June 20, 2001
Profession: Dancer, Actress, Singer
Nia Sioux was one of the original members of the Abby Lee Dance Company and quickly became known for her talent and poise. While Dance Moms focused heavily on the drama between the mothers and Abby, Nia stood out for her growth as a dancer. After the show, Nia continued to build her career in the entertainment industry, appearing on Broadway and releasing music. She also maintains an active presence on social media.
- Chloe Lukasiak
Born: May 25, 2001
Profession: Dancer, Actress, Author
Chloe Lukasiak was another standout dancer on Dance Moms, known for her graceful performances and emotional range in her routines. Chloe often had a rocky relationship with Abby Lee Miller but became one of the most beloved dancers of the series. After leaving the show, Chloe pursued acting, modeling, and even wrote a book, Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World. Chloe continues to inspire young dancers with her story of perseverance.
- Kalani Hilliker
Born: September 23, 2000
Profession: Dancer, Actress
Kalani Hilliker joined Dance Moms in later seasons but quickly gained a reputation for her technical skill and maturity. Before appearing on the show, Kalani had already made a name for herself in the competitive dance world. Post-Dance Moms, she pursued modeling, acting, and dance, building a strong following on social media and appearing in various commercials and TV shows.
- JoJo Siwa
Born: May 19, 2003
Profession: Dancer, Singer, YouTuber
JoJo Siwa’s time on Dance Moms is especially notable for her colorful personality and signature oversized bows. JoJo quickly became a fan favorite and developed a huge following among young viewers. After leaving the show, JoJo transitioned into a successful career as a YouTuber, singer, and performer, with her own line of merchandise and a reality TV show. She has become a role model for young fans and continues to be a major influence in the entertainment industry.
- Mackenzie “Kendall” Vertes
Born: December 9, 2002
Profession: Dancer, Singer, Actress
Kendall Vertes joined Dance Moms in later seasons and was known for her strong technical skills and stunning performances. Outside of dance, Kendall pursued acting and music, appearing in various projects and releasing singles. Her Instagram following and social media presence continue to thrive as she shares her dance and lifestyle content.
- Brooke Hyland
Born: January 30, 1998
Profession: Dancer, Singer
Brooke Hyland was one of the original dancers on Dance Moms, known for her mature style and graceful performances. She quickly gained attention for her ability to perform both lyrical and contemporary dance. After leaving Dance Moms, Brooke focused on her music career and released several singles, while also continuing to engage with her fanbase on social media.
- Kendall Vertes
Born: December 9, 2002
Profession: Dancer, Singer
Kendall, also known as “Kendall Vertes,” was another dancer who made an impact on Dance Moms. She was known for her powerful performances and work ethic. Kendall later transitioned into music and has worked on a number of projects in the entertainment industry.
Fun Trivia about Dance Moms
The Dance Moms Curse: Many dancers from Dance Moms have had a rocky relationship with Abby Lee Miller, with some leaving the show due to her strict and sometimes harsh coaching methods. This created the “Dance Moms Curse,” where many of the girls who left the show went on to have very successful careers.
Maddie’s Sia Connection: Maddie Ziegler’s iconic dance in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video was a breakthrough moment for both her and the singer, leading to further collaborations. Maddie became Sia’s muse, appearing in several of her videos.
JoJo Siwa’s Bows: JoJo Siwa became known for her trademark oversized bows, which she even turned into a business by creating her own line of bows. Her bright, bubbly personality and positive attitude made her a massive hit among kids and young fans.
Abby’s Legal Troubles: Abby Lee Miller faced legal troubles after being sentenced to a year in prison for bankruptcy fraud in 2017. Her time in prison and subsequent health issues were covered extensively by the media.
Dance Moms not only entertained viewers with its dramatic storylines and fierce dance competitions, but it also launched the careers of several young stars who continue to thrive in entertainment today. From Maddie Ziegler’s rise to fame as a dancer to JoJo Siwa’s success as a YouTube personality and singer, the legacy of Dance Moms lives on through its talented cast. Whether they continued in the world of dance or ventured into other areas, these young stars have made a lasting impact on pop culture.