Dance Moms – Season 3 Episode 5 – Recap – Revenge of the Replacements
Reality TVIn last week’s recap, I mentioned that a lot of humor + a little bit of drama = bigger success. I still stick by that equation. The powers that be decided to return to their original format of “intensified drama” in Episode 5, and it was a little difficult to watch. I would like for this series to evolve because I think the drama is tired now. Coming off of last week’s excellent episode, I thought this week’s episode was a bit of a letdown.
Abby Lee
Abby let Kendall & Maddie know that the judges made a mathematical error last week: they actually placed second, not first. Sophia is still in L.A. shooting a movie, so she didn’t appear in this episode.
Here’s the breakdown of the pyramid this week (from bottom-most to top-most):
6. Kendall
5. Maddie
4. Nia
3. Paige
2. Chloe
1. Mackenzie
The team travelled to Woodbridge, VA this week. Kaeli & Bella—the replacement dancers that Abby found—also participated in the competition this week with their studio, “Studio Bleu.”
Mackenzie’s Solo – “Dancing Barefoot” – Contemporary/Acrobatic Piece:
Mackenzie had difficulty with this piece because she’s used to doing “cutesy” numbers, not emotional ones. She forgot her solo at the end, so she choreographed her own dance. She placed third in her age division.
Chloe’s Solo – “Haunted” – Lyrical Piece:
I think she did a good job, but her mother—Christi—didn’t believe that Chloe showcased enough emotion. Christi thinks she performed better in rehearsals. She placed second in her age division.
Kaeli’s Solo – Studio Bleu – “There’s Always Hope” – Contemporary Piece:
Abby thought Kaeli was “strong and graceful” in her number. Kaeli placed first in her age division.
Bella’s Solo – Studio Bleu – “Over and Over Again” – Contemporary Piece:
Her technique looks a little rusty. She needs to improve her flexibility. She placed fourth in her age division.
Abby Lee’s Group Number – “Arabian Nights” – Acrobatic Piece
Brooke finally participated in the group number this week. I thought they did a good job, but the judges didn’t agree with me. They placed fourth overall. This was a humbling experience for Abby, the dancers, and the dance moms because they don’t even remember the last time they placed fourth.
Studio Bleu’s Group Number:
I thought they were excellent. They definitely out-performed Abby’s dancers because they were more cohesive and fluid with their number. They placed first overall.
Overview of the Drama:
At the beginning of the episode, dancer Maddie and her mother—Melissa—asked Abby if she could have a solo, but Abby refused to give her one. Since Melissa and other mothers walked out on Abby at the beginning of this season, Abby doesn’t believe that Maddie deserves a solo. Honestly, as a viewer, I expect Maddie to have a solo every week because she is the “star” of the Abby Lee Dance Company…
Melissa and Abby continued to argue after the competition ended. Here’s what Abby had to say to Melissa:
“You’re more worried about your friendships with these women. It’s the same thing with worrying about a guy more than your children. You jump from husband to husband! Nothing should get in the way of Maddie & Mackenzie. Not your personal life, nothing. You ripped her (Maddie) out of there (the studio) and made her sit in the parking lot for 12 hours.”
Abby was still upset with Melissa walking out of the studio with the other mothers.
Then, Abby and Christi fought:
Abby: “You’re an idiot!”
Christi: “There are so many things I could say to you right now!”
Abby: “Then say it!”
Christi: “Fine! Fatty, fatty, fatty. You’re ugly to the core.”
Abby: “I’m done! I’m out of here.”
Christi arguing with Abby
Wow, these women are really immature. It’s a bit grating to watch. I was extremely disappointed as soon as I realized the powers that be reverted back to their previous format of “intensified drama.” I’m let down by this week’s over-dramatic episode.
