Why I'm Hannah's Biggest Fan ( My "Dance Moms: Miami" Episode 2 Recap)

I was excited that Hannah got a solo this week because she has been working really hard on her technique and artistry. I am not "delusional" and I know that my daughter still needs to learn a lot more technique, but I am her biggest fan and should be as her Mom.  I didn't expect Hannah to beat Sammy, what I wanted was for Hannah to achieve closing the gap and she did that!  Hannah dances for herself and against herself -- not to beat anyone else. She knows what she has to improve on and works on it daily to achieve the goals that Angel and Victor have set for her.  I do believe that Hannah's level of artistry is what sets her apart and if she works really hard and wants it, her technique will catch up to that artistry.

During practice, the other moms didn't know what to think when Susan stormed out of the room grabbing Jessi on the way, I think we all felt bad for Jessi.  I was glad to see that Susan was finally speaking with her daughter about the trophy incident and having her apologize was the best thing for all involved.  It broke my heart to see Jessi cry though, Hannah and I both love Jessi very much.  Children make mistakes, it’s how they handle and deal with their mistakes that is important and in the end, Jessi handled it well.

As far as the group communication exercise goes, I think Hannah was just being honest with Jessi; She wasn't trying to hurt Jessi but nudge her and let her know that when she is "not so sweet" it hurts her feelings.  I think the answer Jessi gave to Hannah was very mature, to hear something and instead of lashing out, take it in and consider it was very grown up of her.  Hannah really looks up to Jessi and I am glad they have worked things out between each other.

As I watched Hannah’s solo, I saw her letting herself go on stage and just feeling the music. To me, that is beautiful.  I am not looking at the technique or anything other than sharing the experience of the performance with my child.  To see your child happy and have such joy is what all parents want for their children and my daughter shows her joy and happiness while she is dancing, not after she receives an award.

However, I was really proud to see her place 4^th. Though I don't feel the other Moms were supportive toward Hannah at all. When you say such things as "I would be embarrassed with 4th place" you are insulting not only my child, but most children who dance.  I think we forget how hard it is to place in the top ten at competitions, some children work for years and never accomplish it, that doesn't make them any less of a dancer than those who win time after time. Hannah says it best "she dances to express"!  To say that I would ever be or should be embarrassed of my child is ludicrous. Two years ago she would have placed last or close to it and I didn't love her or enjoy her dance any less then than I enjoy her dance now!

Mayra also had her own commentary. To hear the words "even Hannah" come out of someone's mouth who is such an integral part of our dance studio (and a dance mom herself) was just hurtful.  Mayra absolutely was instigating and using Hannah as a pawn in it – it’s just not right!

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

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