Dance Moms

10 Best Episodes of Dance Moms - Season 8

Dance Moms is a hit show that first aired in 2011 on Lifetime. It follows the Abby Lee Dance Company's Junior Elite Competition Team of young girls aged 11–14 years old as they compete for awards. It has been nine seasons long and has become a popular show worldwide. So, which episodes should you watch? Here is a ranking of the best episodes of Dance Moms ranked.

The episode "JoJo Steals the Show" from season 5 is considered one of the show's best episodes. In this episode, Abby Lee Miller has the girls competing against a rival dance team from California. Jojo is able to step in and help the team with a solo performance at the last minute, showing off her talents and winning the competition for the team. This episode has some of the best performances from the show, and is a great watch.

The season 6 episode "No More Crybabies" is another fan favorite. This episode is full of drama and tension, as Abby Lee Miller attempts to teach the girls a lesson in discipline. The girls struggle with their emotions and the pressure of performing, leading to an explosive confrontation. This episode is a must-watch for any fan of Dance Moms.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 13, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

Advertisement
Dance Moms - S8E6

#15 - Lily's Ultimatum (Season 8 - Episode 6)

With Brady gone, Abby challenges the girls to prove that they can win on their own; GiaNina is assigned an over-the-top character solo to go head-to-head with Sarah, who hopes her first solo can be a personal win for her family.

The episode was rated 7.57 from 46 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E7

#14 - Yolanda's Back (Season 8 - Episode 7)

Advertisement

On the latest episode of Dance Moms, Yolanda and Elliana returned to Abby's team, much to the surprise of the other team members. Abby had a plan to motivate the girls by having the two former teammates join the group. She assigned them a group dance about sorority hazing, which the girls had to learn quickly.

The episode was certainly shocking as one of the mothers abruptly quit the team when Abby brought Yolanda and Elliana back. It was a tense moment for the team and the episode left viewers on the edge of their seats. It was an interesting twist for the show and viewers were curious to see how Abby's plan to motivate the girls would work out.

The episode was rated 7.59 from 41 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E13

#13 - Abby's Audition (Season 8 - Episode 13)

In this episode of Dance Moms, Abby has decided to hold an open call audition for a new team member in preparation for nationals. This decision causes tension between the moms, as they are worried that Abby is not giving their current team members enough attention and focus. Pressley and Hannah are competing for the chance to perform a solo at nationals, and the competition is fierce. Abby also receives devastating news from Los Angeles, which leads to further tension and emotional stress.

The episode highlights the competitiveness and emotion that comes with being part of a dance team. Here we see the moms all trying to support their daughters, and Abby trying to build the best team possible. It is a stressful situation for all involved, and Abby is left to make a judgement call that will ultimately decide who will be the best fit for her team. The pressure is on, and the stakes are high as the team prepares for the big competition.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 31 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E12

#12 - 2 Jackets, 4 Dancers (Season 8 - Episode 12)

Advertisement

The hit show Dance Moms is back with the episode 2 Jackets, 4 Dancers. This episode follows the shocking news of Elliana's departure from the team, and how the remaining dancers must deal with her absence. Abby challenges the team with a ballet group dance inspired by "The Angry Birds Movie 2," casting GiaNina as the lead. Within the group, rivalries quickly brew as two duets compete against their partners for ALDC jackets.

The stakes are high for the group as the duets battle it out for the jackets. It is up to the dancers to prove their worth and show Abby why they deserve to be the winners in this challenge. This episode is sure to bring plenty of drama and excitement as the dancers strive to make the team proud. Will they be able to rise to the challenge and come out on top? Tune in to Dance Moms to find out!

The episode was rated 7.66 from 32 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E18

#11 - Reunion: Kids Tell All (Season 8 - Episode 18)

Dance Moms Reunion: Kids Tell All is an episode that brings together all the newest members of the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). Host Jai Rodriquez joins the girls as they have a candid discussion about Abby and the moms, their secret crushes, and other topics. The girls also perform their favorite award-winning dances.

This episode of Dance Moms is a must-watch for any fan of the show as it gives us a better insight into the ALDC. It is an opportunity to get to know the new dancers better, as well as learn about their opinions on Abby and the moms. The performances of their award-winning dances also make for an entertaining watch.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 20 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E2

#10 - Mommy Dearest (Season 8 - Episode 2)

Advertisement

The hit show Dance Moms returns with the episode "Mommy Dearest". Abby, the ever-demanding and often controversial dance instructor, gives two lucky dancers the first solos of the season. This leads to one of the moms exploding in an emotional outburst at competition. The team then has to tackle a difficult tribal dance, which proves challenging for the dancers. Finally, Abby's star dancer cracks under the pressure and can't seem to keep up with the other dancers.

This episode of Dance Moms will be sure to entertain and shock viewers. The drama between Abby and her students and their moms is always captivating and the competition scenes are truly intense. Fans of the show will be eager to see the outcome of the difficult tribal dance and how Abby's star dancer will handle the pressure. Don't miss out on this episode, as it's sure to be full of entertaining drama and an exciting competition.

The episode was rated 7.72 from 43 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E11

#9 - Hannah Unmasked (Season 8 - Episode 11)

In the episode of Dance Moms titled Hannah Unmasked, young dancer Hannah faces her biggest challenge yet when Abby assigns her the lead in the group dance. This puts Hannah in a difficult situation of having to prove her abilities and earn the respect of her peers and mentor alike. With added pressure from the other dancers, Elliana and Sarah, who have a solo showdown, Hannah must rise to the challenge to prove herself.

Adding to the drama, Abby's treatment of Michelle threatens to tear Sarah and Michelle apart, while Yolanda threatens to quit the team. With tensions high and Hannah in the spotlight, the episode follows her journey to prove her mettle and earn the respect of her peers and the team. Will she be able to overcome the pressure and prove herself? Find out in the episode of Dance Moms titled Hannah Unmasked.

The episode was rated 7.77 from 39 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E16

#8 - New York Nationals (Season 8 - Episode 16)

Advertisement

The ALDC team is headed to the Big Apple for the prestigious New York Nationals competition. This time, three of the dancers will compete for the national title and the pressure is palpable. Abby, the team’s leader, is determined to make sure that her team will take the crown, but she knows that she has a formidable opponent in the form of Studio 19.

The competition promises to be fierce, as the stakes are high. With tensions at an all-time high, Abby will have to use all her expertise and experience to make sure that the ALDC team will come out on top. The dancers are ready to bring their A-game, but will they be able to overcome the challenge of their rival Studio 19? Only time will tell who will be the New York Nationals champion.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 42 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E5

#7 - Queen of the ALDC (Season 8 - Episode 5)

In the Dance Moms episode "Queen of the ALDC," Abby sends one of her dancers home, changing the future of her team. This decision sets off a chain of events that leaves Brady pushing himself to his limits in a tribute to Queen. Meanwhile, GiaNina is put to the test in a solo rematch with Hannah.

This episode is sure to be an emotional roller coaster. While Abby's decision leaves the team reeling, they must come together to honor Queen and put on a show-stopping performance. GiaNina's solo rematch with Hannah promises to be a thrilling display of talent as each dancer strives to prove their worth. No matter the outcome, this episode of Dance Moms is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 48 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E10

#6 - No More Mamma Drama (Season 8 - Episode 10)

Advertisement

In the "No More Mamma Drama" episode of Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller blames the mothers for the team's poor record. In an effort to motivate her dancers, Abby has her two star dancers go head-to-head to show her who deserves a solo at nationals. When a local rival shows up at competition, Abby calls the police on the mother she believes is to blame.

This episode of Dance Moms highlighted the drama that can arise between parents and their children in a competitive environment. Abby's tactics of pitting her two star dancers against each other to prove their worth had a clear goal in mind, but it only added to the tension and drama of the show. When a local rival shows up at competition, the drama intensifies and Abby does not hesitate to call the police on the mother she thinks is to blame. This episode of Dance Moms is an example of the intense drama that can arise when parents and children are in a competitive environment.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 29 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E9

#5 - Making a Splash In Pittsburgh (Season 8 - Episode 9)

In this episode of Dance Moms, Abby returns to Pittsburgh for her first competition since her return. She puts her team to the test with their most daring routine yet. Two of the team's longest rivals, Lilliana and Elliana, go head-to-head in solos inspired by former ALDC member JoJo Siwa.

The audience is in for an exciting show as the girls take to the stage and compete to win. The stakes are high as Lilliana and Elliana perform their solos, both hoping to impress the judges and the audience. Both dancers have been rivals for a long time and are sure to put up an impressive show. With Abby's daring routine and the girls' competitive spirits, this episode is sure to be an exciting one!

The episode was rated 7.91 from 34 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E4

#4 - Choose Wisely (Season 8 - Episode 4)

Advertisement

In the Dance Moms episode, "Choose Wisely," Abby makes a surprising announcement that one of the dancers will have to be sent home. This creates tension in the studio and the kids are scared that one wrong move could lead to their packing their bags. Stacey and Tricia go head-to-head when Abby tasks them with picking their own duet partners. Brady, Abby's favorite dancer, is a source of contention between the two, leading to a heated debate over who should partner with him.

The episode is filled with anxiety and drama as the dancers try to choose the best partner for their duets. Everyone is determined to make the right decision and prove to Abby that they are ready for the next level. The stakes are high, and the dancers are desperate to make the right call so they can stay in the competition. It's a nerve-wracking situation and the young dancers must choose wisely if they want to remain in the competition.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 43 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E3

#3 - The Broadway Brat (Season 8 - Episode 3)

In the episode "The Broadway Brat" of Dance Moms, Abby is determined to challenge her team with her most serious group dance yet. She takes a chance and casts Lilly as the lead for the first time in her ALDC career. The stakes are high, but Abby is confident in the team's ability to rise to the challenge. However, when GiaNina complains about her choreography, Abby's expectations are quickly forgotten and she unleashes her wrath on the Broadway veteran.

This is an important episode for the team, as this is the first time Lilly will be performing as the lead. With the pressure on, GiaNina's criticism of Abby's choreography causes the coach to become frustrated and lash out. Ultimately, this episode is all about Abby's expectations of her team and her ability to remain calm and composed to ensure they perform at their best. As the team prepares for the performance, the tension and pressure builds, leading up to the unforgettable performance.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 45 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E8

#2 - A Team On Trial (Season 8 - Episode 8)

Advertisement

In this episode of Dance Moms, the team's losing streak has taken its toll on the girls and the team dynamic. This has caused a lot of fighting between the members. To make matters worse, Abby has decided to give a mini a big shot at joining the team and has created a duet with GiaNina and Elliana which has caused an all-out war between two of the moms.

The team is on the brink of breaking apart and the team dance is in serious jeopardy. The moms are locked in a battle and it's up to Abby to pull everyone together in order to save the team. With tensions high, the girls will have to rely on Abby's guidance to help them through this difficult time and come together as a team.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 35 votes.

Dance Moms - S8E14

#1 - The Return of Studio 19 (Season 8 - Episode 14)

The episode "The Return of Studio 19" of Dance Moms follows GiaNina and Sarah as they compete for a solo spot at nationals. The team also performs a unique group routine, which presents a challenge for all of the dancers. As the competition progresses, tension between the moms escalates, eventually leading to a very heated confrontation. This is the final straw for Abby, who loses her composure and throws a fit.

The competition only intensifies the existing tension between GiaNina and Sarah, who are both competing for a solo spot at nationals. With two of their best dancers vying for the same spot, the team is forced to confront their competitive nature and their differences. Meanwhile, the moms become increasingly hostile towards each other, culminating in a heated argument that Abby is unable to contain. At the end of the episode, Abby’s temper is put to the test and she is unable to maintain her composure, leading to an all-out meltdown.

The episode was rated 8.26 from 35 votes.

Search for TV shows...

About Series with Sophie

Welcome to our community!

We are a community of women who are passionate about our favorite series and want to share that passion with others.

Our mission is to create a space where women can discover new content, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in meaningful discussions about the series we love.

We believe that everyone should have access to reliable and trustworthy information about their favorite shows, and we strive to be the premier destination for women seeking that information. Whether you're looking for recaps, fan theories, or just want to connect with other fans, we've got you covered.

So join us and be a part of our growing community of series enthusiasts!