For fans captivated by the drama and discipline of “Dance Moms,” the question “Where Is Abby Lee Miller Now?” is a persistent one. It’s been nearly five years since the popular reality show concluded, but the intensity and impact of Abby Lee Miller, the notoriously strict dance coach, remain unforgettable. As former students and their mothers reunite for the highly anticipated Lifetime special, “Dance Moms: The Reunion,” airing May 1st, curiosity about Miller’s current life and career is at an all-time high. This article delves into what Abby Lee Miller has been doing since “Dance Moms” wrapped, from navigating personal challenges to teasing new ventures in the world of dance and reality TV.
2017-2018: Navigating Legal Battles and Prison
During the later seasons of “Dance Moms,” Abby Lee Miller’s personal life became increasingly intertwined with legal and medical issues. A significant chapter in this period was her time in prison. From 2017 to 2018, Miller served eight months behind bars. This followed her conviction for concealing assets during bankruptcy proceedings and failing to report an international currency transaction, as confirmed by the Department of Justice.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller uses a wheelchair at a public event, reflecting her health challenges and continued public appearances after Dance Moms.
The charges stemmed from Miller’s initial not guilty plea in October 2015, regarding allegations of hiding $755,000 of income earned from “Dance Moms” and its various spin-offs. This legal battle marked a tumultuous period for Miller, occurring while she was still a prominent figure on television.
May 2018: Facing a Cancer Diagnosis
Adding to her personal struggles, May 2018 brought a serious health crisis for Abby Lee Miller. She was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rapidly progressing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This diagnosis came shortly after she underwent emergency surgery to address a spinal infection. The surgery and subsequent cancer diagnosis profoundly impacted Miller’s life, leading to her reliance on a wheelchair since then.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller in a hospital setting, a photo from her journey battling Burkitt lymphoma, highlighting her health challenges after Dance Moms.
May 2019: Declaring Victory Over Cancer
In a remarkable turn of events, just a year after her diagnosis, Abby Lee Miller shared uplifting news with People magazine in May 2019: she was cancer-free. This announcement followed ten rounds of chemotherapy and extensive rehabilitation. Miller openly discussed her gratitude and the challenges of her new reality, which included relying on others for everyday tasks due to her mobility limitations.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller during an interview, expressing gratitude and positivity after announcing she is cancer-free, showcasing her resilience and public presence.
She expressed, “I’m more than grateful. I’m thankful. I was always grateful but I think I must say ‘Thank you’ a hundred times a day because I have to rely on strangers… I’m very grateful and thankful to strangers that have been so kind.” This period highlighted Miller’s vulnerability and resilience as she faced significant health adversities.
June 2020: Controversy and Career Setbacks
Despite her health recovery, June 2020 marked another challenging chapter for Miller professionally. Lifetime, the network that aired “Dance Moms,” had planned to launch a new reality series titled “Abby’s Virtual Dance Off.” However, these plans were abruptly cancelled after Adriana Smith, the mother of season eight “Dance Moms” participant Kamryn Smith, publicly accused Miller of making racist remarks.
Alt text: Adriana Smith and her daughter Kamryn Smith, figures in the controversy involving Abby Lee Miller’s alleged racist remarks which led to the cancellation of “Abby’s Virtual Dance Off.”
Adriana Smith recounted on Instagram that Miller had made offensive statements to her daughter, including, “I know you grew up in the HOOD with only a box of 8 crayons, but I grew up in the Country Club with a box of 64 — don’t be stupid.” Smith also alleged that Miller indicated that she and her daughter were cast to add a “sprinkle of color” to the show. In response to these allegations, Miller issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging that racism could stem from ignorance and that she took responsibility for her harmful actions.
June 2022: Addressing “Toxic Environment” Accusations
Years after “Dance Moms” launched Maddie Ziegler into stardom, Ziegler described her experience on the show as being in a “toxic environment” during a 2022 interview with Cosmopolitan. Ziegler, who achieved further fame dancing in Sia’s music videos and in the “West Side Story” remake, stated she had no desire to communicate with Miller again.
Alt text: Maddie Ziegler, a former Dance Moms star, pictured from her Cosmopolitan interview where she discussed the “toxic environment” of the show.
Miller responded to Ziegler’s comments in a YouTube video, expressing her confusion and questioning why Ziegler continued with the show if it was indeed toxic. Miller emphasized her contractual obligations and her perception that Ziegler enjoyed and wanted to be at the studio, given her dedication to training.
January 2023: Saying Goodbye to the Pittsburgh Studio
A significant change occurred in January 2023 when Abby Lee Miller announced the sale of the Abby Lee Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, the iconic location for “Dance Moms.” In an Instagram video, Miller described the sale as “bittersweet,” clarifying that while she sold the physical property, she retained her name, brand, and life’s work. The decision to sell was driven by her reduced need for a permanent Pittsburgh base, as she was no longer exclusively teaching there. She also revealed that the building was set to become a daycare center.
Alt text: The exterior of the Abby Lee Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, which Abby Lee Miller sold in 2023, marking the end of an era for Dance Moms fans.
March 2023: Hinting at a Reality TV Comeback
In March 2023, Abby Lee Miller shared exciting news with “Entertainment Tonight” about her plans to return to reality television. She mentioned working on a new dance-related series, envisioned as a more dramatic evolution of “Dance Moms.” While details about network or streaming service distribution were not yet available, Miller teased that the new show would feature both younger and older dancers, maintaining her signature coaching style but with a fresh dynamic.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller in conversation with Entertainment Tonight, hinting at a new reality series and her return to the dance entertainment scene.
June 2023: Venturing into Podcasting
Expanding her media presence, June 2023 saw Abby Lee Miller launch a podcast titled “Leave It On The Dance Floor.” This podcast serves as a platform for Miller and guests to revisit and discuss memorable episodes of “Dance Moms,” as well as other highlights and moments from her extensive career in dance instruction.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller promoting her podcast, “Leave It On The Dance Floor,” expanding her reach into audio media and fan engagement.
October 2023: “House of Villains” Guest Appearance
In October 2023, Miller made a guest appearance on the E! reality series “House of Villains.” This show brought together notable reality TV personalities known for their “villainous” personas, competing for a cash prize and the title of “America’s Ultimate Supervillain.” Although Miller did not win, her appearance on the show marked her return to the reality TV competition format.
Alt text: Abby Lee Miller as a guest on “House of Villains,” showcasing her continued presence in the reality TV landscape beyond Dance Moms.
December 2023 and April 2024: Teasing “Abby Lee Dance with Me”
Towards the end of 2023 and into early 2024, Abby Lee Miller actively promoted a potential new reality series. In December 2023, she released a trailer for “Abby Lee Dance with Me” on her YouTube channel, featuring throwback clips from “Dance Moms” and a voiceover declaring “I’m back.” An updated trailer was shared on Instagram in April 2024, further building anticipation for this project and showcasing talented young dancers involved.
Alt text: A promotional image from the trailer for “Abby Lee Dance with Me,” hinting at Abby Lee Miller’s comeback to reality TV with a new dance show.
However, as her former “Dance Moms” students prepared for “The Reunion” special, they expressed relief that Miller would not be participating. In interviews, they highlighted the importance of having a safe space for open and honest reflection, suggesting Miller’s presence would have hindered this.
In Conclusion
So, where is Abby Lee Miller now? She remains a prominent figure in the dance and reality TV sphere. Despite past controversies and personal health battles, Miller is actively engaged in new projects, including her podcast, potential new reality series “Abby Lee Dance with Me,” and guest appearances on other shows. While she may not be directly involved in the “Dance Moms” reunion, Abby Lee Miller continues to forge her path in the entertainment industry, ever the demanding and unforgettable personality that audiences have come to know. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and enduring ambition, keeping her firmly in the public eye and conversation.
