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Abby Lee Miller said she believed her former students “can’t face” her and knew they would not be where they are without Dance Moms. That was Miller’s explanation for her absence—not a confirmed account of why Lifetime or the reunion’s producers did not include her.
What Abby Lee Miller said about her absence
In a May 10, 2024 report, Entertainment Tonight quoted Miller discussing the invitation on the Just B with Bethenny Frankel podcast. “I think the kids can’t face me,” she said, adding that they “would never be where they are today if it wasn’t for the show.”
Those remarks describe Miller’s interpretation of the situation. The available reporting does not establish that the former dancers’ feelings—or any other specific reason—were the basis for the production’s decision.
Who appeared in the reunion
Lifetime announced Dance Moms: The Reunion as a two-hour special, with JoJo Siwa, Chloe Lukasiak, Brooke and Paige Hyland, Kendall Vertes, and Kalani Hilliker among its participants. It premiered May 1, 2024, without Miller. Lifetime’s announcement also said the special would be available in its app beginning May 2, 2024; those are the announcement’s historical dates, not a statement of current availability.
#1 Best Overall
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ABC News also reported Miller’s absence and captured the cast’s varied recollections of their time on the show. Brooke Hyland said, “We went through some severe trauma together, and we survived it.” Siwa, speaking about Miller, said, “I definitely have a way different relationship with Abby than anybody, I think.” The contrasting accounts are a reminder that the dancers did not all describe the experience or their relationships with Miller in the same way.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other cast members also missed the special
Miller was not the only former cast member absent. ET reported that Nia Sioux and sisters Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler also did not attend. Sioux explained her own choice simply: “I just didn’t want to do it, and that’s a good enough answer and that’s a good enough reason.” Her stated reason is separate from Miller’s theory about her own absence.
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Chloe Lukasiak initially declined because revisiting the past did not feel right to her, ET reported. She later decided to take part so she could speak for herself. These individual choices do not reveal why organizers did or did not invite any particular person.
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- Dance Moms (Season 6 - Collection 3) - 3-DVD Set ( Dance Moms - Season Six - Collection Three (12 Ep
- Dance Moms (Season 6 - Collection 3) - 3-DVD Set
- Dance Moms - Season Six - Collection Three (12 Episodes)
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Rank #3
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What is—and is not—confirmed
- Confirmed: Miller was not part of Lifetime’s 2024 reunion special.
- Attributed to Miller: She thought her former students could not face her and recognized the show’s role in their success.
- Not established in the cited coverage: A reason from Lifetime or the reunion’s producers for Miller’s absence.
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