Who's Bullying Who? (My Episode 4 Recap)

**Tune in to "Dance Moms" Tuesdays at 9/8c on Lifetime **

Greetings, Dance Mom a fans! Sorry for the delay posting this blog, we have had a crazy, busy week, so let's get to it!

Let's start with the Pyramid of Dread, Chloe made it to the top! Finally! And she got there on her own merit! I was so happy for her, but I still hate the pyramid. I think it is terrible that in order for someone to be at the top, another child has to be at the bottom. Chloe was excited to be at the top, but I really try to emphasize to her that it is more important to feel good about herself then where someone puts her on a pyramid. But as long as there is a pyramid, they will work hard for their "spots", so it is what it is.

On to rehearsal! Chloe's happiness was short lived because Abby found it necessary to tear her down. Keep in mind, when we are watching upstairs, we can't hear what is being said in the studio. And we do not see the episodes until they air. So, I had no idea why Chloe was crying in that room until Tuesday night when I watched in horror with the rest of America. To say that I was upset to hear Abby say those things to Chloe and see her cry is the understatement of the century. Trust me, I pick my battles with Abby, but that was definately a battle I would have fought. I felt like I let my daughter down and it was an awful feeling.

So this week, Abby added Peyton to the group dance and with Peyton, comes Leslie. I have known Leslie for years, so I know exactly what to expect from her. When she invited us for coffee, I knew it wasn't going to be a fun little chit chat. I knew she was going to tell us exactly how she felt about each of us and demand answers to her questions. And if our answers weren't the same as her opinion, we would be wrong. She feels that she is always right. So when she started demanding why I stay at a studio I complain about, I didn't feel that it was any of her business. There are many, many complicated reasons why Chloe is still a dancer at Abby's studio and I dont feel like I need to justify myself to anyone but my husband and daughter. But I continue to be a customer, so I will continue to fight for what I feel is fair treatment.

And I will continue to not like all of Abby's costume choices. School girl uniforms are great, but add an exposed belly button and fishnets? Yuck. Prostitots, the sequel. I hated the original concept of these costumes, so I was thrilled when we lost the fishnets. I am a big advocate for keeping the girls as young as we can, for as long as possible. They have their whole lives to be "sexy", let them be innocent while they still are.

Again, am I fighting a losing battle?

Speaking of fighting, I had to speak up when Abby kept harping on them that it's "her name". Yes, she is the dance teacher, but it's them that's actually on that stage. Its their name, their reputation. I don't know, I just get tired of them feeling like they have no individual identities. So I said something. What else is new? That's just who I am. Love it or leave it.

Until next week! And thank you to all the incredible fans across the country who have been so kind to Chloe and me. Your support is unbelievable!

Cheers, Christi