Ep 12. Making a Splash In Pittsburgh

After seven seasons and over 150 episodes, Lifetime's hit reality TV show "Dance Moms" has returned with its eighth season. The show revolves around a group of young, talented dancers and their overbearing mothers as they navigate the world of competitive dance under the guidance of the strict and demanding dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller.

In season 8 episode 12, titled "Making a Splash In Pittsburgh," the ALDC (Abby Lee Dance Company) returns to their hometown of Pittsburgh for a dance competition. Abby is determined to prove that her team is still the best in the city, but she faces stiff competition from a new rival studio, Candy Apples, led by Cathy Nesbitt-Stein.

The episode kicks off with the moms and the dancers arriving in Pittsburgh, and tensions are high as the ALDC prepares to go head-to-head against Candy Apples. Abby is determined to win this competition at all costs, and she pushes her dancers to work harder than ever before. Meanwhile, Cathy is equally determined to take down the ALDC and prove that her dancers are the best in the city.

As the competition gets underway, both studios bring their A-game with impressive and technically challenging routines. The judges are impressed by the performances, but it's clear that the competition is anyone's game.

The ALDC's first routine of the competition is a contemporary number titled "Free Bird," which features a powerful solo by Brady. The judges are blown away by his performance, which earns him a standing ovation and high scores from the judges.

Next up is Candy Apples, who performs a jazz number titled "Back in Black." The routine is energetic and full of personality, but it's clear that their technique is not quite up to par with the ALDC's dancers.

The ALDC's second routine of the competition is a group number titled "The Rockettes," which features a high-energy tap number with impressive synchronicity and precision. The judges are impressed by the routine, but they note that there were a few moments of sloppiness in the performance.

Candy Apples follows up with a contemporary routine titled "A Song for You," which features a lyrical duet and impressive use of props. The routine is emotional and technically impressive, earning high scores from the judges.

In between the competition, tensions continue to rise between Abby and the Candy Apples' team, as well as among the ALDC moms. As always, drama ensues, with accusations of cheating and underhanded tactics being thrown around.

The final round of the competition features both studios' best routines, and the ALDC comes out swinging with a powerful contemporary number titled "Flames." The routine features impressive lifts and emotional performances from all the dancers, and the judges are once again blown away by their skill.

Candy Apples finishes the competition with a high-energy jazz number titled "Sweet Dreams," which features impressive acrobatics and flashy choreography. The routine is exciting, but it's clear that the ALDC's emotional performance resonated more with the judges.

In the end, it's a nail-biting finish as the judges tally up the scores from all the routines. Both studios put up a good fight, but it's clear that the ALDC's talent and technique win out in the end.

Overall, "Making a Splash In Pittsburgh" is a thrilling and drama-filled episode of "Dance Moms" that showcases the incredible talent and hard work of these young dancers. The tension between the ALDC and Candy Apples adds an extra layer of excitement to the already intense competition, and fans of the show won't want to miss this thrilling installment.