Dance Moms Uncovered: Producer Influence

Key Theme

• Investigating the influence of producers on dance performances in the TV show "Dance Moms."

Evidence of Producer Influence

1. Abby and Gianna's Statements

• Social Media Claims: Abby (choreographer) and Gianna (assistant choreographer) have both stated on social media that producers forced ideas on them.
  • Gianna: Producers picked songs and dance ideas.
  • Abby's Tweet (March 31, 2015): Claimed producers created the "Tell Me What You Want" dance number.
• Abby's Departure: Posted on Instagram about quitting in Season 7, citing conflict with producers' ideas.

2. The Dance "Electricity"

• Controversial Nature: The second group dance performed; suggested to be producer-driven to boost ratings.
• Audience Reactions: Cameras focused on capturing shocked audience reactions, indicating producers anticipated controversy.
• Location and Similarities:
  • Performed in a conservative area (Lancaster, Pittsburgh).
  • Similarities to a pre-show controversial dance "Single Ladies" (Dance Precisions).

3. The Dance "Fantastic"

• Public Backlash: Heavily criticized; episode unaired subsequently and removed from DVD.
• Abby's Tweet (March 7, 2012): Claimed a creative team, not her, came up with the idea.
• Staged Costume Reveals: Producers staged scenes for controversial costumes knowing mothers would disapprove.

4. The Dance "The Last Dance"

• Controversy in Season 7, Episode 24:
  • Provoked mother Ashley to quit the show with daughter Bryn.
  • Ashley suggests producers pushed for more provocative dances.

5. Abby's Resistance

• Newsletter Entry (2015): Abby fought against a producer's idea during Season 6, willing to incur fines.
• Studio Conflict: May explain why filming took place at Debbie Allen’s studio one week.

Conclusion

• Accusations Against the Wrong People?: The series suggests misplacing blame on Abby and the cast, urging focus on producer roles instead.
• Impact on Cast: Abby worked under contract pressures, challenging the justification of accusations against her.

Questions for Consideration

• Is Abby truly responsible for controversial numbers, or are producers more culpable?
• How does producer influence affect the perception of the cast on "Dance Moms"?

Viewer Engagement

• Encouraged viewers to share their thoughts on the evidence and the roles of producers versus cast members.