Jailbirds, Joffrey and Tears! (My "Dance Moms" Spring Finale Recap)

The Joffrey Ballet audition was incredible!!!  I had to temper Nia's expectations so she would not be discouraged if she did not get the scholarship. I want her to reach for the stars, you never know what may happen.  If you do not stretch yourself, you limit yourself and your opportunities.  However, not everyone can get the scholarship.  Nia takes dance seriously and is competitive.  Her work ethic and discipline are impressive but I recognized that she may not have had the extensive ballet training that some of the other candidates had. Even though Nia did not get the Joffrey scholarship, there will be other opportunities for her to shine.  You never know who will see you when you audition.  Nia only needs one "yes" for the right opportunity.  Faith in God is important and we have it!

I address issues that I believe are important.  Abby has consistently instructed the girls to display good sportsmanship and to "Suck it up" and leave the tears for your pillow! Yet she was crying in public about a particular dance performance and in the past has failed to show any empathy for other dancers in similar circumstances. Abby needed to be called out on the fact that she was displaying favoritism and violating her own good conduct policy!

Team spirit and good sportsmanship begins with the instructor! Abby was sending the wrong message and needed to hear and hopefully appreciate that she was not practicing what she preached! I have empathy for Abby and others and that's why I delivered my remarks in a spirit of kindness hoping for them to be received by Abby in the same manner. Unfortunately, Abby said she didn't care! In competitive dancing, you do not always place but you should always do your best. Abby was not at her best as an instructor and her students saw that display!

***Watch the "Dance Moms" spring finale online and don't miss the new docu-series "Dance Moms: Miami" Tuesdays at 9pm/8c.

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