The first season of Dance Moms, an American dance reality television created by Collins Avenue Productions, began airing on July 13, 2011 on Lifetime's television network. The season concluded on October 12, 2011. A total of 13 episodes aired this season.
Overview The first season introduces the leading dancers of the Abby Lee Dance Company, and their mothers. Throughout the season the dance team competes at various dance competitions around the US, finally reaching Nationals and competing for the title of overall top dance studio in the country. This season does feature the infamous Pyramid, however, it does not have as much an impact until the final episodes of the season. It also does not have a reunion special.
Cast The first season featured 13 star billing cast members with various other dancers and moms appearing throughout the season.
Dancers Maddie Ziegler Chloe Lukasiak Mackenzie Ziegler Nia Sioux Paige Hyland Brooke Hyland Vivi-Anne Stein
Moms Melissa Gisoni, mother of Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler Christi Lukasiak, mother of Chloe Lukasiak Kelly Hyland, mother of Paige and Brooke Hyland Holly Hatcher-Frazier, mother of Nia Frazier Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, mother of Vivi-Anne Stein
Guests Brandon Pent and mother Diane Pent (Episode 8) Justice McCort (Episode 10) Taylor O'Lear (Episode 10)
Dance Coaches
Abby Lee Miller, head choreographer for the Abby Lee Dance Company Gianna Martello, assistant choreographer to Abby Lee Miller Cathy Nesbitt-Stein (Episodes 9-10), head choreographer for Candy Apple's Dance Center
Cast Duration Episodes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13BrookeChloeMackenzieMaddieNiaPaigeVivi-AnneChristiHollyKellyMelissaCathy
Episode 13 is Abby showing clips of the season.
Notes
Key: = featured in this episode Key: = not featured in this episode Key: = joins the Abby Lee Dance Company Key: = leaves the Abby Lee Dance Company
Episodes
Reception
Dance Moms received heavy criticism upon its premiere in 2011. On Metacritic, the first season holds a score of 54 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.
References
General references