A visit to the Abby Lee Dance Company was filled with emotions, ballet outfits, and mothers squabbling over their young daughters’ positioning during the 2010s reality series “Dance Moms.” The show revolved around a select group of young dancers and their overly dramatic mothers navigating high-stakes training and competitions.
At the heart of the Lifetime show was Abby Lee Miller, renowned for critiquing the young dancers’ moves and ranking them weekly on a pyramid. Known for her harsh comments like “save your tears for the pillow” and “my purpose isn’t to make her feel special,” Miller left a lasting impact on the participants.
Nearly seven years after the series concluded, a parody musical based on “Dance Moms” is in the works. Titled “The Pyramid: An Unauthorized ‘Dance Moms’ Musical,” the idea originated from college friends James Stryska and Isabel Grace Blankenship pondering the concept while browsing through a thrift store.
Their creation journey began with the release of the original song “My Little Kendall” on TikTok in 2023, garnering over five million views and gaining praise from former “Dance Moms” cast members. The project attracted attention from L.A.-based producer Logan Clark, a former collaborator on the show, who saw the musical’s potential.
“Dance Moms” left a lasting impact through viral sounds on TikTok, with clips of memorable moments continuing to engage new audiences long after the show’s conclusion. The stars of the show, such as Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa, have ventured into successful careers post-“Dance Moms,” further solidifying the show’s enduring relevance.
The musical’s creators aim to capture the essence of the original show’s drama while also delving into the personal relationships behind the scenes. With a focus on authenticity and respect for the characters, the team is committed to bringing the spirit of “Dance Moms” back to life on stage, documenting their progress on social media and seeking crowdfunding support for the project.