Ep 3. Cheerleader Blues

In Dance Moms season 1 episode 3, entitled "Cheerleader Blues," tensions continue to rise between the dancers and their mothers as they prepare for another competition.

The episode opens with Abby Lee Miller, the tough-as-nails dance instructor, announcing that the girls will be competing in a group number that's inspired by cheerleading. However, when the moms learn that the costumes will consist of midriff-baring tops and mini-skirts, they are not happy. Some of them complain that the outfits are too revealing for their young daughters, while others worry that the skimpy costumes will make it harder for the girls to win.

Meanwhile, one of the mothers, Kelly, has a problem with her daughter Paige's costume. She complains that the skirt is too short and asks Abby to make alterations. Abby is not pleased with Kelly's interference and tells her that if she doesn't like it, she can take Paige out of the routine entirely.

As the week progresses, tensions between the mothers reach a boiling point. At one point, Christi, the mother of dancer Chloe, confronts Abby about the way she talks to the girls. Abby fires back, telling Christi that she's lucky her daughter is even in the group.

The day of the competition arrives and the girls take the stage in their cheerleader-inspired costumes. The routine is high-energy and impressive, but the mothers continue to bicker in the audience. Some of them worry that Abby's aggressive teaching style is harming their daughters, while others believe that the end justifies the means and that winning is everything.

When it's time for the awards ceremony, the girls and their mothers are nervous. They have won many competitions in the past, but they know that this one is particularly competitive. When the results are announced, the girls are thrilled to learn that they've won first place in their age division.

The joy is short-lived, however, when the mothers realize that Abby is not happy with their victory. She believes that the girls could have done even better and criticizes them for their mistakes during the routine. This causes more tension between Abby and the mothers, as they continue to question her methods.

The episode ends with Abby challenging the girls to work even harder in order to win future competitions. The mothers, meanwhile, are left wondering if the stress and drama of competitive dance is worth it for their daughters.

Overall, "Cheerleader Blues" is a tense and dramatic episode that showcases the complicated relationships between the dancers, their mothers, and their demanding teacher. It raises important questions about the costs and benefits of competitive dance, and the toll it can take on young performers.