What Happened to Abby Lee Miller from Dance Moms?

Publish date: 2024-05-21

Abby Lee Miller, the renowned dance instructor and star of the hit reality TV show "Dance Moms," has had a tumultuous journey since the show's conclusion.

From her controversial teaching methods to legal troubles, health battles, and plans for a reality TV comeback, Miller's life has been nothing short of eventful.

A Notoriously Strict Dance Instructor

Abby Lee Miller rose to fame as the owner and teacher at the Abby Lee Dance Company, the focus of the reality show "Dance Moms."

Her brusque teaching style and demanding nature made her a central figure in the show's narrative.

Notably, the show helped launch the careers of dancers like JoJo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler, but it also drew controversy due to the toxic environment that some former students accused Miller of facilitating.

Legal Troubles and Health Battles

Miller's life took a dramatic turn when she faced legal issues, including serving eight months in prison from 2017 to 2018 for charges related to bankruptcy court and illegal transportation of foreign currency.

During her incarceration, she underwent a significant transformation, losing about 100 pounds. Following her release, she announced a diagnosis of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, specifically Burkitt lymphoma.

After undergoing emergency surgery and chemotherapy, she declared herself cancer-free in 2019.

Miller's attempt to return to television with a new Lifetime series called "Abby’s Virtual Dance Off" was short-lived as it was canceled in 2020 after accusations of racism surfaced from a former "Dance Moms" star. Miller publicly apologized for the remarks, acknowledging the harm caused by such behavior.

Changes in Career and Business Ventures

In a significant move, Miller confirmed in January 2023 that she had sold the Abby Lee Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the very location where "Dance Moms" was filmed.

She expressed mixed emotions about parting with the property, attributing the sale to her decision to no longer teach dance exclusively in Pittsburgh.

She also revealed plans for the building to be repurposed into a daycare center, marking the end of an era for her studio.

In the midst of these changes, Miller shared her plans to return to reality TV, teasing a potential new series called “Abby Lee Dance with Me."

This new venture was described as a dramatic new version of "Dance Moms," featuring both younger and older students. She emphasized that the new series would showcase her classic style but with a mix of fresh talent and challenges.

A Highly Anticipated Return to Reality TV

Despite the challenges she has faced, Abby Lee Miller has not shied away from teasing her return to reality TV. She shared a trailer for her potential new series "Abby Lee Dance with Me" and has been actively promoting it on her social media platforms. T

he show aims to follow Miller as she travels across the United States in search of the next generation of talented dancers. The teaser trailer for the show featured clips from the original "Dance Moms" series, as well as scenes from the newly shot series, complete with new dancers and moms.

The prospect of Miller's return to the small screen has generated significant interest among fans and followers, with her highly anticipated new series potentially serving as a continuation of the legacy she built through "Dance Moms."

Although the release date and streaming platform for the show have yet to be revealed, the teaser trailers and Miller's active engagement with her fanbase have sparked excitement for her upcoming project.

Impact on the "Dance Moms" Reunion

Most recently, the "Dance Moms" cast reunited for a special two-hour Lifetime event titled “Dance Moms: The Reunion."

Notably, Abby Lee Miller did not participate in the reunion, and several former students expressed gratitude for her absence.

They mentioned that her presence would have hindered their ability to open up and reflect, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for the cast to share their experiences without fear.

Additionally, the absence of three original cast members, Maddie Ziegler, Mackenzie Ziegler, and Nia Sioux, from the reunion sparked speculation and discussion among fans.

While the reasons for their absence were not explicitly stated, Nia Sioux offered insight via TikTok, explaining that she chose not to participate in the reunion.

A lot to unpack here, but all in all, Abby Lee Miller's journey since her time on "Dance Moms" has been marked by significant challenges, including legal battles, health struggles, and attempts to navigate her return to television.

Her impact on the entertainment industry and the lives of her students has been undeniable, and her upcoming series "Abby Lee Dance with Me" holds promise for a new chapter in her career.

As fans eagerly await her next venture, the legacy of "Dance Moms" and the enduring influence of Abby Lee Miller continue to resonate within the world of dance and reality television.

Despite the controversies and setbacks she has encountered, her determination to make a comeback in the realm of reality TV demonstrates her unwavering passion for her craft and commitment to nurturing young talent.