Where Is Former 'Dance Moms' Star Abby Lee Miller Now?

It's been nearly five years since "Dance Moms" went off the air, but nostalgic fans looking to catch up with the show's cast members can tune into the two-hour Lifetime special “Dance Moms: The Reunion” on May 1. Several of the show's dancers — including JoJo Siwa, Chloe Lukasiak, Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker, and sisters Brooke and Paige Hyland — will reunite alongside their moms to share their complicated memories of their years as students at the Abby Lee Dance Company.

The dance school was run by the notoriously strict Abby Lee Miller, one of reality TV's most demanding figures. Miller gained fame for her brusque style, with some former students, including "West Side Story" star Maddie Ziegler, later accusing her of fostering a “toxic environment" in a Cosmopolitan interview. Since then, Abby Lee Miller has faced significant challenges, including health battles and legal issues. Here’s a look at what she has been up to since the conclusion of "Dance Moms."

Personal Details	Information
Name	Abby Lee Miller
Date of Birth	September 21, 1966
Nationality	American
Occupation	Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Reality TV Star
Known For	Dance Moms

2017-2018: Legal Troubles and Prison Time

Miller faced numerous legal and medical challenges during the later seasons of “Dance Moms.” She served eight months in prison from 2017 to 2018 after being convicted of concealing assets from a bankruptcy court and failing to report an international currency transaction. The Department of Justice reported that she had pleaded not guilty in October 2015 to hiding $755,000 in income from “Dance Moms” and its spinoffs.

May 2018: A Health Scare

In 2018, Abby Lee Miller was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This diagnosis came after she underwent emergency surgery to treat an infection in her spine. Since then, Miller has been using a wheelchair.

May 2019: Cancer-Free Announcement

By May 2019, Abby announced that her cancer was "completely gone." In an interview with People, she shared her journey through ten rounds of chemotherapy and months of rehabilitation. Miller expressed her gratitude, saying, "I’m thankful... I have to rely on strangers; someone to open the door, someone to get the hanger off the rack at the department store, someone to pick up my phone if I drop it."

June 2020: Controversy and Cancelation

After "Dance Moms" wrapped in 2019, Miller was set to launch a new series titled “Abby’s Virtual Dance Off.” However, the show was canceled following accusations of racism from Adriana Smith, the mother of a dancer. Smith claimed that Miller made a racist comment during filming. Miller later apologized, acknowledging the harmful impact of her words.

June 2022: Response to Allegations

Following former student Maddie Ziegler's comments about the toxic environment in Miller's studio, the dance instructor expressed disbelief. Ziegler, who gained fame dancing for Sia, stated she had no plans to speak to Miller again. In a YouTube video, Miller responded, questioning why Ziegler continued to train at the studio if it was so toxic.

January 2023: Selling the Dance Studio

In January 2023, Miller confirmed in an Instagram video that she had sold the Abby Lee Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, the original setting for "Dance Moms." She noted that while she sold the property, she retained her name and brand. The building is set to become a daycare center.

March 2023: Planning a New Series

While speaking to "Entertainment Tonight," Miller revealed her plans to return to reality television with a new series that would feature both younger and older dancers. She assured fans that while the format might be reminiscent of "Dance Moms," it would be something entirely new.

June 2023: Launching a Podcast

In June 2023, Abby Lee Miller launched a podcast titled “Leave It On The Dance Floor,” where she and guests discuss memorable episodes of "Dance Moms" and moments from her teaching career.

October 2023: Guest Appearance on 'House of Villains'

In October 2023, Miller appeared as a guest on the E! reality series "House of Villains," competing alongside other well-known reality TV personalities for a cash prize and the title of America’s Ultimate Supervillain.

December 2023: Teasing a New Reality Series

On December 7, 2023, Miller shared a teaser for a potential new series called "Abby Lee Dance with Me" on her YouTube channel. The trailer showcased throwback footage from "Dance Moms," signaling her return to the reality TV world.

April 2024: Student Reactions to Reunion Special

In late April 2024, several former "Dance Moms" students expressed gratitude that Miller did not participate in the reunion special airing on May 1. Kalani Hilliker noted that the absence of Miller allowed the girls to be more open and vulnerable about their experiences.