‘Dance Moms’ Star Pays JUMP a Visit
By Katie McFadden
JUMP Dance Studio on Beach 116th Street celebrates their tenth anniversary this year, and as part of the ongoing celebration, they recently had the pleasure of being taught by a big name in the dance world—Abby Lee Miller.
The “Dance Moms” reality TV star, who appeared on the show and various spinoffs from 2011 to 2019, was known for her tough teaching methods on the show but Miller is also beloved in the dance world. Her highly respected Pittsburgh-based studio, the Abby Lee Dance Company, helped guide dancers through successful competitions and into successful careers, with some going on to be Rockettes and featured in Broadway shows and other big names who found their own way such as TV star JoJo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler, who famously appeared in singer Sia’s music videos and on tours.
So, the dancers of JUMP Dance were eagerly awaiting her visit. “Abby Lee and I have known each other for some time,” JUMP owner Juliette Admoni said. “We’ve been waiting for her to be in NY to be able to give our students the opportunity to take class with her! Abby is an icon in the dance community. The girls have been talking about this all summer leading up to the event!”
On Monday evening, some dancers were given the opportunity to sit down for a Q&A with Abby Lee, who explained how she got her start on the show, some of the behind-the-scenes insights and answer to questions like what her favorite type of dance is and who her favorite and least favorite castmates were. Following the Q&A, the starstruck dancers got to meet Abby Lee personally for a photo op and were given an autographed poster.
Then, about 80 dancers packed the studio for a rare opportunity to take a two-hour class led by Miller herself. Miller spent nearly an hour guiding the dancers through various, at times, intense, stretching activities, that they can use in their own practice, ahead of teaching some dance moves.
The visit was a thrill for dancers and JUMP staff alike. “I am honored to have had Abby bless us with her presence this week. The girls were totally starstruck!” Admoni said. “What an amazing start to our tenth season.”
JUMP Dance studio is located on the second floor of 181 Beach 116th Street. Fall registration is now open. For more information, see: www.jumpdancestudio.com and follow jumpdancestudiony on Instagram.
