'Dance Moms' tramples kids' esteem

what i dont understand is why this abby has to be so rude and mean to the kids it is one thing to be tough on students and teach discipline it is another to ridicule and tear them down she is destroying their self esteem and how in the world can abby be a dance instructor when she weighs 2 tons my god she has to turn side ways to get through a door way how can you teach someone to do something if you cant even do it your self how can a instructor tech if they can not demonstrate how to perform what ever they are teaching abby your a loud mouth fat A$# trailor trash ******* hick go back to the trailer court where you belong

Miss Abby is tough and she could have more finesse, but it is MOM's responsibility to build self-esteem and the "soft fuzzies". And if MOM finds it "abusive", then MOM needs to move baby girl. The show tries to paint Miss Abby as the villain, but she is upfront and says "this is business and my business is molding successful dancers". The most disgusting part about the whole show is the catty moms who argue with each other and the teacher in front of their children. Abby has been guilty of putting the kids in the middle also, but the Moms truly disgust me more than anything b/c they are setting a terrible example for their children when they act like that. Also, there are places for kids to go have fun dancing and enjoy it and there are places for kids who want to be professional. Just like there are baseball teams for boys who just want to play and there are serious competition teams for those who want to play MLB - and I can guarantee you the coaches pr

I've read a few comments from other news sites too, and I have to say, if you're expecting a nice dance teacher your child probably won't succeed. Abby Lee is not physically or mentally abusing these children, she is preparing them for the real world. If you suck, Hollywood and New York has no problem shutting the doors in your face. Same with college, if you don't work hard for your grades in HS, then in college you will fail and the professor will not care. These parents want their daughters to be successful, and there is no reason why they can't grow thick skin through the learning process. If you*****and don't work hard, you are in the back of the routine and probably wont make it in the real world.

That should have said 2 solos not 23..

I ran a studio for over a decade and many of my students won regional and national dance title, we won choreography awards, special awards, and overall scores. And never once did I ever have to make a child cry, yell, scream, or hurt the child's self esteem. Many of my students are dancing professionally, own their own studios, or are teaching now. I think a lot of this show is fake. No studio owner only spends time with 6 or 7 girls. They take all their competition groups & solos to competitions. And that one mom who had a fit over Maddy doing 23 solos that was ridiculous! She should be happy she was given a solo especially since she doesn't pay for a private. I mean ..who does that? Plus, if Maddy didn't beat her some other child would have. These mothers are probably paid good money to create all this extra drama. I feel bad for these children.

As a former dancer, I am going to say something that is unpopular. Your article simply proves that the Abby Lee Dance Company isn't for you. It is not a frilly "let's dance for fun!" studio. It is one focused on making the next generation of professional dancers. And that doesn't happen with the "let's focus on getting along" method you seem to prefer. It happens with more of a "tiger mom" method. Kids are gonna cry, get restless, and want to quit. I often wonder why parents let them! In order to be winning dancers, they need an instructor who won't tolerate it. $16k per year? That tuition is the norm for those serious about pursuing scholarships, competitions, and professional careers. I grew the most as a dancer with a teacher like Abby. My advice is my mom's approach: when I was crying at 12 after rehearsal, mom told me I was at the level where dance was no longer a fun hobby, but a skill to be studied seriously. It was my choice to continue, but I

memerose579: Thank you for the comment! If you are local and have been involved with this woman I would love to talk to you about the experience. Maybe a story down the road?

However, I must respectfully say that I think, even if the editors are manipulating every shot we see on the screen and it in no way accurately represents the woman, her students, the parents or her studio, she is still guilty of making a very poor decision in the way she wants to market herself, her school and the competitive dancing world by agreeing to do such a show in the first place.

And if those words come out of her mouth even ONE time, she is not worthy of molding young minds. No one should ever talk to children that way...not in a classroom, a dance studio or a football field.

You could not be more incorrect. I know for a fact that she IS a great dance teacher. I had the privilege of dancing for her for 5 years and she is still one of the most influential people i my life. I was an ugly , knobby kneed twelve year old and she told me that I was beautiful and gave me the confidence I needed. She was NEVER discouraging, she pushed everyone to be the best the could possibly be. her classes were hard, but they left you feeling satisfied knowing you had worked your butt off. She is one of the best dance teachers in the country. The girls at her studio love dance and are extremely supportive of each other. Don't assume that you know everything about the studio because you have seen a small glimpse.

I totally agree. My family was appalled by the behavior exhibited on that show. I wouldn't treat my animals the way those children were being treated. And the mothers were allowing this? I cannot comprehend what kind of parent thinks this is a way to build their child's character. It's teaching them to be spiteful, resentful, and rude. I am so glad that the dance family at Marietta Dance Academy is the polar opposite of this show. We truly are a "family". Everyone gets praise and encouragement, no matter what their talent level may be. I teach my children and my students to respect everyone and support each other. I am proud to say that the poor behavior shown on that show is not tolerated at Marietta Dance Academy.