Former Dance Moms star Chloe Lukasiak has given fans an emotional update on her ongoing battle with trauma stemming from her time on the hit reality show, which is currently airing on Channel 4. The 25-year-old dancer and influencer, who rose to fame as one of the original cast members, admitted she is still suffering from nightmares linked to her experiences under notoriously tough dance coach Abby Lee Miller.
Chloe's Candid Confession
During an online Q&A with her 7.8 million social media followers, Chloe was asked if she would ever return to dancing. She revealed that she is still working through deep-rooted trauma connected to her years on the show.
Chloe said: "I've been having actual nightmares about dance, or my old teacher, or being onstage to the point where I started to dread going to sleep. It's been a true wake-up call as to how much unresolved trauma I need to deal with now."
The Impact of Dance Moms
Dance Moms became a global phenomenon when it launched in 2011, following young dancers and their ambitious mothers at the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show was known for its explosive arguments and confrontations, with Miller's harsh teaching methods sparking controversy.
Chloe was a breakout star alongside JoJo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler. She became a fan favorite due to her rivalry with Maddie and her determination to succeed despite clashes with Miller. However, she has previously spoken about the damaging impact on her confidence and mental wellbeing. Chloe left the series in 2014 but returned for its seventh season.
Abby Lee Miller's Controversial Legacy
Miller remained a controversial figure. In 2017, she was sentenced to prison for bankruptcy fraud and served time before being released in 2018. After her release, she underwent treatment for a rare form of cancer and officially left the show in 2020.
Other Cast Members Speak Out
Several former cast members have spoken about the pressures of filming at a young age. Maddie Ziegler, now 23, revealed in a 2023 interview that the hyper-competitive environment was so intense she has blocked out large chunks of her childhood.
Maddie shared: "During the first series, I was seven and there were male producers telling me what to say and do, and my mom wasn't even in the room. I did as I was told, and they'd say, 'Say you're the best,' so I was perceived as a little brat. After I watched the first episode, I cried because I thought everyone thought I was a little s**t."
She also faced pressure from Miller: "I was seen as the lead dancer, and she thought I was her lead girl, so I had to lead everyone to victory every time, which is not sustainable."
