Ep 19. Hello and Goodbye

The episode "Hello and Goodbye" is the penultimate episode of the sixth season of the popular reality dance show, Dance Moms. As the name suggests, this episode is heavy on emotions as the dancers and their mothers prepare for their final competitions together before some of them move on to college and other opportunities.

The episode opens with the team practicing a contemporary piece called "The Waiting Room," which is meant to represent the limbo between life and death. Choreographer Abby Lee Miller is particularly emotional during rehearsals as she reflects on her own recent cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty of her future. She takes a step back, allowing the mothers to take a more active role in the rehearsal process.

Meanwhile, the countdown is on for some of the girls who are leaving the team. Kendal Vertes is preparing for her last competition with the team as she plans to attend college next year. Similarly, Nia Frazier is looking forward to moving on from Dance Moms and pursuing other opportunities in the entertainment industry. The girls reflect on their time on the show and express sadness but also excitement for what's to come.

At the competition, tensions run high as the team competes in the group dance category. The moms are visibly stressed and anxious as they watch their daughters perform. The group earns a mixed judges' response but ultimately wins first place. Abby surprises the girls by inviting former team member Maddie Ziegler to join them on stage during their victory dance.

The individual dances are also full of emotion as the girls perform their final solos of the season. Kendal's contemporary dance is especially poignant as she reflects on leaving the team. Similarly, Nia's hip hop routine is a celebration of her time on the show and her future as an artist. The judges respond favorably to both performances.

The episode takes a more dramatic turn as one of the girls becomes ill during rehearsals. Abby is enraged when she feels that the mother of the sick girl is not taking the situation seriously enough. She throws a fit and cancels rehearsals for the rest of the day. This leads to tension between Abby and the mother, who feels that Abby is being insensitive and cruel to her daughter.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note as the team prepares to say goodbye to Kendal and Nia. They reminisce about their time on the show and express gratitude for the opportunities they've had. Abby takes a moment to emotionally reflect on the impact that Dance Moms has had on her life and career.

Overall, "Hello and Goodbye" is an emotional episode that captures the bittersweet nature of endings. It's a reminder that while change can be difficult, it's also necessary for growth and new opportunities. The episode serves as a fitting lead-up to the season finale and a reminder of the show's impact on both its stars and viewers.