Review by J1 Reporter Moira Harr

When I heard that Abby Lee Miller, the infamous dance choreographer and instructor in the reality TV show “Dance Moms,” was coming to Omaha, of all places to teach a dance class and meet kids, I knew immediately that I had to attend. I was not sure what to expect before I was actually at the event. This particular class was the second session on Sunday, May 4 at Core Dance Company, located off of 144th and Fort Street.

I had expected there to be a mix of dancers and non-dancers, as the flyer had stated “Open to the public! All levels welcome!”  The “all levels welcome” was somewhat true, because there was a range in the ages of dancers from 6 to 16. However, by “all levels” she did not mean no level or very little dance experience. I also assumed that there would be lots of kids who just wanted to meet Abby Lee, but in reality the kids who signed up were kids who did competitive dance.

If you plan to sign up for the class, I would recommend being at least 10 or older, having lots of experience, and having thick skin. 

The regular dancer package was $65 or $70 with the refund protection added on. The regular dancer package included a photograph with Abby, an 8×10 signed headshot, a technique class, an audition workshop, and a Q&A. For the VIP package, priced at $75, or $80 for the refund protection added on. Anyone 18 or older could buy an observer ticket for $28, which would allow them to be able to watch the class. 

The most reasonable price for a ticket was the regular dance package because it included almost everything the VIP ticket did, and you got basically the same experience. For a dancer, I think that for the price you paid, you got lots of experience and advice that genuinely would help you become a better dancer, and of course you got to meet a celebrity. The observer ticket would not be worth it; a more reasonable price would have been $10.

It was scheduled to start at 4 p.m., but it did not actually begin until 4:45. 

As you walked in, you had the opportunity to buy official Abby Lee Dance Company merchandise, including shirts, sweatshirts, and pillowcases with her catchphrase “Save your tears for the pillow.” 

After the merchandise table, Abby Lee Miller was waiting to take pictures and make small talk with each participant. You were also given the autographed headshot at this point. 

Immediately after this, the dance class began. Abby made her expectations clear from the beginning and was focused on critiquing the dancers and evaluating their skills. The class itself was intense, and felt as though it was straight out of an episode of “Dance Moms.”

The technique class was about an hour filled with Abby’s instruction and commentary. We then moved to the audition workshop, where you had a short time to learn a dance and then had to audition in front of the class, and once again Abby would critique and advise the dancers. Abby did not hold back on her opinions, so dancers have to be open to criticism. With her years of experience with big names, she gave tips on how to be the best at an audition. 

Luckily for me, Abby decided to mostly ignore me and my group, who did not have dance experience. 

After the two and a half hours of dance, there was the Q&A session, where Abby Lee answered questions about the show and the dance industry. This ended at about 7:45, and then the acrobatic session began for the VIP dancers.

As an avid fan of the show, I found the class worth it. It was a memorable experience, gave me more insight into the world of dance, and a chance to meet one of my favorite celebrities. 

If your goal is to become a better dancer with professional help, then definitely sign up for this class, but be prepared for brutally honest critiques and try not to cry. If your goal is to just meet Abby Lee Miller herself, maybe consider attending a meet and greet instead.