The 10 Best Dance Moms Episodes

Dance Moms is a whirlwind of competitive dance, high drama, and intense rivalries, both on and off the stage. The show captures the dynamics between Abby Lee Miller, her talented dancers, and their often combative moms. Here we count down 10 of the best episodes that showcase the unforgettable moments and fierce competition that made the show a hit.

10. Two Girls, One Solo

Season 3, Episode 23 (2013)

Abby shocks the moms by making Maddie and Chloe dance the exact same solo, a decision that may finally prove who is the best dancer at the Abby Lee Dance Company. This dramatic episode perfectly captures the intense pressure the dancers face and how the competition brings out the best and worst in the dancers and their moms.

9. Judgment Day Approaches

Season 7, Episode 16 (2017)

Abby's court sentencing is only two weeks away and approaching fast. But when she's confronted by the moms, her denial of the situation creates chaos for the team. Instead of focusing on her case, she creates a group dance centered around Ashlee and Brynn's family court battle. It's an emotionally charged episode filled with real-life drama.

8. The Best Is Yet to Come

Season 7, Episode 28 (2017)

In the season 7 finale, tensions run high as the girls prepare for Nationals. Despite drama and Kalani's injured ankle, four girls perform solos at the competition. For their group routine, the team takes a risk with a new Latin ballroom style. It's an intense, thrilling, and emotional conclusion to the season.

7. Same Old Frenemies: Parts 1 and 2

Season 7, Episodes 13 and 14 (2017)

These back-to-back episodes reignite the rivalry between the ALDC and the Candy Apples. In part one, Abby faces challenges while choreographing the group routine, tensions rise over the assignment of solos, and Kendall premieres her music video. Then in part two, the two teams battle it out at Starbound dance competition. Plus, a former ALDC dancer makes a surprise appearance.

6. But I'm a National Champion!

Season 3, Episode 3 (2013)

The original moms return to the ALDC after a two-week strike, but they are put on probation and must redeem themselves. As they work to regain Abby's trust, Abby introduces her new "superstar," Sophia Luccia, who is the only replacement dancer to stay with the team. This development causes tension among the moms, particularly Melissa, who fears Maddie's top spot is at risk.

5. Abby's Trash, Cathy's Treasure

Season 5, Episode 13 (2015)

The media is going crazy for Maddie's second music video with Sia, so Abby introduces duets for the girls in her honor. Meanwhile, Cathy assembles a team of Abby's former dancers prepared to seek revenge. Tensions rise as both teams prepare for an intense showdown and compete at Energy NDC in Detroit, MI.

4. Boy Crazy, Mom Crazy

Season 3, Episode 22 (2013)

As Kelly and Christi's strained friendship reaches a breaking point, Brooke is assigned a featured role in the senior dance. In the hope of building on-stage chemistry, Abby sets Brooke up on a date with one of the senior dancers. Meanwhile, Cathy readies the Candy Apples to compete, but discovers that one of her boys is a "rotten apple" and kicks him out of the studio. Packed with interpersonal drama, everything adds up to make this one of the most chaotic episodes of the entire show.

3. Everyone's Replaceable

Season 2, Episode 1 (2012)

In the season 2 premiere of Dance Moms, Abby emphasizes her philosophy that everyone is replaceable with an open audition for Vivi-Anne's spot. Kendall wins, but some of the other mothers struggle to accept her mom, Jill. Meanwhile, Holly's career forces her to miss some of Nia's rehearsals and competitions, and Abby wrestles with Chloe's rising success. The episode highlights competition and the challenges of new team dynamics, setting the tone for the rest of the season.

2. Nationals 90210

Season 2, Episode 28 (2012)

In the season 2 finale, the Abby Lee Dance Company competes for a national title in Beverly Hills, facing off against Cathy and the Candy Apples. Abby intensifies the pressure by making Chloe, Kendall, and Nia vie for a solo spot. The ALDC performs an ambitious and mature group routine, "The Last Text," while Cathy’s team aims to challenge Maddie and Chloe. The combination of personal victories, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable performances makes this one of the most quintessential Dance Moms episodes.

1. Jill on the Rampage

Season 2, Episode 6 (2012)

It's solo week and Abby is fed up with the moms complaining about costumes, so she has them design and make their own. However, Abby is livid when Jill purchases one instead, which leads to Jill's iconic line "I'm not Becky Homecky!" Then, when the original competition is suddenly canceled, Abby has to scramble to find a new one. Plus, Maddie falls during her routine, Paige takes first place, and Jill throws a shoe in her cowboy hat. There's just so much going on, and that's why it's our pick for the best episode of Dance Moms.

Not enough Dance Moms episodes for you? Check out our Dance Moms random episode generator. And if you enjoyed our list of the best Dance Moms episodes, check out our other best episode lists as well, like the best Community episodes and the best Friends episodes.