Dance Moms: The Most Meaningful Dances

What did we learn from Where Have All the Children Gone? Ah yes: that child abduction is an incredibly heavy subject to tackle. This didn’t stop Abby from approaching the subject again with Amber Alert. Mackenzie played the role of abducted child perfectly, while Maddie searched for her in vain, only to find her body at the end of the dance. How about we move on from kidnapping and murder now, ‘kay?

A dance so good, the BDA took first place with it when they stole it and performed it themselves, which says a lot, right? Anyone that’s ever had to sit in a hospital waiting room for news of loved ones will understand the emotion here, and after Abby’s mum’s death, it was particularly moving.

If the disturbing campaigns that warn against texting while driving aren’t enough to make people put. The phones. Down, then this dance just might. Mackenzie’s bloodied face, the girls lying prone on the stage and Nia’s attempts at resuscitation got the message across beautifully. DON’T SELFIE AND DRIVE. PEOPLE.

Don’t Fence Me In was a moving and mature dance that dealt with being emotionally and physically trapped and showcased the girls at their best. But this time, the real award goes to the BDA, whose dance Run, Run, Run was inspired by a transgender man’s story and was performed to a soundtrack provided by the Gay Men’s Chorus of LA. Points to both studios for nailing it.

As if Maddie’s last dance at the ALDC wasn’t going to be emotional enough! Couldn’t we have had a peppy jazz routine just this once, Abby? Melissa wearing the equivalent of widow’s weeds and quietly sobbing in the audience does nothing to make this less emotional. Pass the tissues, we’re having a moment.

Earlier this season the girls performed a powerful dance to raise awareness of suicide, after Kalani suffered the loss of someone close to her. The dance was a poignant reminder that help is available for those who are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.