SkimIt
After years of heaping abuse on her dance students and their mothers alike, Abby finally gets the verbal beatdown she deserves. The girls travel to a competition in Chicago, and Abby is feeling the heat after overall weak showings at their last two competitions. The more the dance company loses, the more that egotistical Abby puts the responsibility for her reputation on the girls. This week's group routine is based on zombies because, "That's what I think you are on stage," states Abby.
Pyramid Scheme
As usual, the episode starts with Abby's rating system; the pyramid. This talent hierarchy is yet again a source of pride for one mother and chagrin for the rest. Shockingly, Abby-darling Maddie is at the bottom of the pyramid for her refusal to perform at the previous week's competition. Naturally, Maddie's mom Melissa finds this to be unfair even though it is true. Kelly tries to plant the seed that Maddie's placement is due to the recent strain in Abby and Melissa's relationship. Christie, Holly and Kelly have just been waiting for any opportunity to elevate their own daughters' standings, and now is the perfect time since the mighty Maddie has fallen.
If It's Not One Thing It's a Mother
In an attempt to get Holly more involved, because apparently quitting your job to be present at every rehearsal isn't enough, Abby assigns her costumes. All the moms pitch in, leaving Kelly overextended, so she forgets to complete a prop for her daughter Paige's solo. An ugly battle ensues, and Kelly threatens to pull both of her girls (Paige and Brooke) not only from their routines but from the school as well. Instead of sticking to the relevant issue, Kelly loses all credibility when she screams at Abby about how fat she is before storming out of the studio.
The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same
Kelly relents and returns for the sake of her kids and the entire group. During a private lesson Abby lectures Maddie on her lack of fire and ambition, and Melissa practices her butt-kissing skills.
No Show, No Go
At the competition Melissa pulled a major stage mom and pushed Maddie to ask for a solo. Seeing through the scam, but wanting to be a good mentor to Maddie as well as increase her chances of winning, Abby readily agrees. Finding this out, and feeling her girls are being neglected, Kelly pulls both her daughters from the solo competition without informing anyone. Maddie performs flawlessly and receives second place in her division. Fearing her daughter's futures at the studio and determined not to disappoint the group, Kelly lets Paige and Brooke compete in the group competition. Abby Lee Miller Dance Studio also takes top honors in group.
The Circle Game
Another ugly confrontation occurs between Kelly and Abby over the unperformed solos and we're left wondering how things will resolve next week. The only thing that is certain is that Abby may be a bitch on wheels, but her teaching approach continues to produce winning results more often than not.
Recommendations: Dance Moms Miami
