The Tides May Be Changing (My Epsiode 3 Recap)

Greetings, Dance Moms fans!!! 

Woa! Episode 3 was intense, yes? But it started on a good note: Brooke made it to the top of the Bermuda Triangle! And Chloe was right behind! I was thrilled for her because she works so hard and doesn't get a whole lot of recognition. Maybe the tides are turning? One can hope.
But then Brooke decided to try out for cheerleading...

I'm glad Brooke decided to try out. I think it was good for her to explore something new and I support Kelly's decision to allow her. I realize that Brooke was the featured dancer in the "Born to Dance" number, but all of these girls work hard and would love to be featured in a number. Give someone else an opportunity to step up! I bet you would be shocked at the results.  I know Abby felt like Brooke was being inconsiderate of the group, but we have danced without others before, so I'm not sure why it was such a big deal. Probably because it wasn't Abby's idea or on her terms. I have never met someone as self righteous as Abby. And I'm the mother of a two-year-old, so that's saying a lot. 

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I stepped up to Abby and defended Brooke's decision because Kelly is my friend, I love Brooke and I would expect someone to do the same for me. Abby calling me an *ssh*le (in front of the girls) was uncalled for. And her saying that I only want Brooke to leave because I want Chloe to have her featured role was ridiculous. We all know that Abby would never feature Chloe in a dance, so that's a moot point. The fact is I'm backing up my friend and Abby is jealous that no one would do the same for her. So she resorted to name calling and tearing down my morals. Nothing new.

Can we talk about the group dance for a moment? Afterbirth? Birds and the bees? Childbirth? Not exactly appropriate dance class chit chat. And let me just say, if I had to choose a person to discuss these topics with my daughter, Abby would be last on my list! I would definitely NOT be sending her to school with Chloe for the "period talk"! Ugh! I may not be conservative in the least, but I am when it comes to my children and I don't appreciate being told what my daughter should and should not know at age ten.

Speaking of Miss Chloe, I was so excited that she finally had the chance to do a lyrical solo. I love that she got to use some acting skills and emotion in a dance. Finally. I think this dance is going to be a great one for her. I hate that Abby always puts the pressure on the Maddie vs. Chloe thing.  If she could just see them for individuals and not competitors, it would push them both to work harder for her. There is something to be said about positive reinforcement. The bottom line for me and Chloe is Chloe dances for herself. I want her to be proud of herself and feel good after a competition, no matter what her ribbon color may be. I really try to keep her focused on the positive. 

Oh, when I saw Chloe dance onstage, I thought she was so lovely and I think she has so much natural talent. Of course I think she is amazing now, I'm her mother, but I can only imagine how breathtaking she will be someday when it all comes together for her. When I watch her dance, she melts my heart. 

And then she won! What an amazing moment for her. Chloe has always struggled with self-confidence and I hope this gives her a boost. I always say she has no idea how good she is! But, of course, Abby ruined her moment in the sun by saying that she had mistakes and Maddie didn't, but Maddie looked like a professional. I'm not sure why she always has to bring Maddie into it. Maddie is amazing and is Chloe’s good friend however, this was Chloe's day. Let's focus on her! 

If you think I'm emotional when I watch Chloe's solo, you should have seen me during the group dance this week. The song was about a new baby, with 10 perfect fingers and toes, and the lyrics said "how would I feel, if I never knew you". And I lost it, because that's exactly how I feel about both my daughters. I am honored to know them and privileged to be their mother. They are the sunshine in my life and what would I do without them? And then to see Chloe dancing with such grace and elegance really brought to light that she is growing up fast. I want to keep her a little girl forever, but I know that's not possible. The days are long, but the years are short. 

Til next time, Dance Moms fans.

Cheers, Christi

**Dance Moms airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Lifetime.