Abby's Studio Rescue
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dance studio makeovers put iffy mentor center stage.

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Abby's Studio Rescue
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What's the Story?
ABBY'S STUDIO RESCUE is a reality series featuring Dance Moms coach and studio owner Abby Lee Miller as she works with dance studio owners around the country to revamp and transform their failing businesses. Miller has four days to identify and change the studios' owners and staff's attitudes and business practices, improve the studio's dance education, and give the space a makeover. She also deals with the catty moms who hang out at the studios. Adding to the pressure is the fact that the studio also must choreograph and produce a dance showcase that will be performed to the community at the end of her visit. Sometimes it seems impossible, but they work hard to turn it around and make it a viable business that provides a quality dance education to the community.
Is It Any Good?
Abby's Studio Rescue highlights the many reasons why dance academies across the country close down -- from studios based in dangerously dilapidated buildings to a lack of good instructors and inconsistent class scheduling -- despite the community's interest in dance education. It also highlights some of the details that go into creating well-choreographed pieces and the techniques that dancers have to learn to move to the next level.
As is the tradition with the Abby Lee Miller franchise, the real focus is on Miller herself, who takes center stage with her management philosophies and tough-talking style of mentoring. Abby Lee fans will enjoy the makeover process, as well as the performances featured at the end of each episode, but the show's portrayal of mentoring and moms' relationships sends an iffy message to viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dance and dance education. What does dance education offer people and their communities? Do people have to have a background in dance and dance education to run a successful dance studio?
Do you think the owners, moms, and dancers featured here act the same way when the cameras are off? Or are they purposely behaving this way to make the reality TV series more dramatic?
What is the appeal of Abby Lee Miller? Does she seem like a nice person? Do you think she acts the same on-screen and off?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 17, 2014
- Cast: Abby Lee Miller
- Network: Lifetime
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Arts and Dance
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: September 3, 2022
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