10 Memorable Quotes from Dance Moms

By Liana Zaino
Chloe, Kendall, JoJo and Kalani laugh onstage.
The former cast members (from left to right): Chloe, Kendall, JoJo and Kalani.

Lifetime’s hit series Dance Moms ran for eight seasons, and during its run, the show served up many memorable moments for the fans—and even more quotable moments. The dancers, their moms and studio empresario Abby Lee Miller all delivered their share of catchy quotes—sometimes funny, sometimes emotional—that live on well beyond the show.

Take a walk down memory lane with these memorable quotes. Then go back and stream ALL seasons of Dance Moms in the Lifetime app. And be sure to tune into the Dance Moms Reunion 2024 on Wednesday, May 1 at 8/7c on Lifetime. It will be available to stream the next day.

10. “My solo this week is called “Careless”... Abby gave this to me because she knows I could care less about dance.” —Brooke Hyland

Brooke finally gets a solo and an opportunity to prove her dedication to the team. Abby strategically chooses the name of the dance to reflect her opinion on Brooke’s attitude. In this memorable quote, Brooke quips that she isn’t that invested, but ends up doing a great job anyway!

Quintessential Episode: “You’ve Been Unfriended” (Season 3, Episode 8)

9. “She said we were going to blow the competition away. I really hope she doesn’t mean literally… ‘cause we could get disqualified.” —Chloe Lukasiak

In this episode, Abby gave a pep talk telling her dancers that they will beat their competition. Chloe took it a little too literally, but at least she had right idea!

Quintessential Episode: "Return of the Candy Apples" (Season 2, Episode 2)

8. "Everyone’s replaceable.” —Abby Lee Miller

This infamous quote occurred during the Season 2 premiere. Abby shares big news with the dancers and moms, letting them know that she is holding a casting call for a new dancer on the team. She makes it clear that they are all replaceable, setting the tone for the rest of the show's run.

Quintessential Episode: "Everyone’s Replaceable” (Season 2, Episode 1)

7. "I don't like to lose, but I don't ever lose anyway." —Maddie Ziegler

Maddie was consistently the dancer to beat at the Abby Lee Dance Company, and this quote encapsulates that. She's reacting to another first place win, and Chloe's mom, Christi, is unhappy because Chloe did not have enough time to practice her solo. But Abby and Melissa are ecstatic about another solo win for Maddie.

Quintessential Episode: “Stealing the Show” (Season 1, Episode 4)

6. “Abby wants me to be a role model for all the other girls. But I don’t really know if I want to be a role model for them.” —Brooke Hyland

Brooke is a fan favorite because of her nonchalant attitude toward dance. In this quote from Season 2, Brooke reacts to her new responsibility of being a leader in a group dance, while she was more concerned about her cheerleading tryouts.

Quintessential Episode: “Brooke’s Turning Point” (Season 2, Episode 3)

5. “I think these moms will be a lot happier if they stop encouraging people to have fights with Abby.” —Kalani Hilliker

Kalani was onto something! This quote comes from Season 5, when Abby kicks Kalani out of the group dance, and another mom encourages Kira to stand up for her daughter. However, Kalani takes the peaceful route and would prefer her mom to stay out of the line of fire.

Quintessential Episode: “The Great Divide” (Season 5, Episode 9)

4. “I don't want to go on Broadway, I want to just stay home and eat chips." —Mackenzie Ziegler

Another relatable moment comes when Mackenzie is practicing her solo and then explains that she loves to dance but would rather stay home and eat snacks Honestly, who can blame her?

Quintessential Episode: “Stealing the Show” (Season 1, Episode 4)

3. “I want to sit back and relax and enjoy my evening. When all of a sudden, I hear this agitating, grating voice.” —Abby Lee Miller

This fan-favorite—and TikTok viral—quote occurs after a successful dance recital for the ALDC. But, right when Abby is ready to head home, Cathy from the Candy Apples Dance Studio crashes their recital.

Quintessential Episode: “The Recital to End All Recitals” (Season 2, Episode 23)

2. “This is gonna cost me a lot of money in therapy.” —Jill Vertes

In Season 2, Kendall returns to the ALDC after a stint at the Candy Apples. Abby is unhappy with Kendall’s mom, Jill, and does not let Kendall perform in the group dance. Kendall cries at the competition, leaving Jill to share her thoughts on Kendall’s future therapy needs.

Quintessential Episode: “Guess Who’s Back” (Season 2, Episode 20)

1. “She does not have weapons, just her mouth” —Abby Lee Miller

In the series premiere, Abby starts off the show with a bang as she calls the police on one of the moms in the studio. Abby is speaking with the police as she says this famous quote, and it touches on one of the big takeaways from the series: Words can be lethal.

Quintessential Episode: “The Competition Begins” (Season 1, Episode 1)