Abby Lee Miller

Abby Lee Miller is the director of Reign Dance Productions, previously known as Abby Lee Dance Company, and is widely recognized as the principal cast member of Lifetime's Dance Moms. Gaining a reputation for pushing her students to their limits to prepare them for competitions, Abby's connection to dance started at an early age. Although she was exposed to dance through her mother, Maryen Lorrain, a long-time member of Dance Masters of America who ran several dance studios, Abby was more interested in teaching than performing. She opened her own dance studio at the young age of 14. Her dedication to honing young talent was evident as nearly three million viewers tuned in to watch her train hopeful dancers for a chance to win $100,000 and a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School.

Career & Family Life

In addition to her professional life, Abby's personal experiences have also shaped her journey. She owned a beloved white Bichon Frise dog named Broadway Baby, who passed away in 2012. Tragically, in April 2018, Abby was diagnosed with cancer, and she now battles the disease from a wheelchair. Among the many young dancers she has mentored, Mackenzie Ziegler stands out, not only for her time on Dance Moms but also for the personal connection Abby shares with her family. Abby and Mackenzie’s father, Kurt Ziegler, were high school classmates at Penn Hills High. Abby's story is one of resilience and passion, both in her career and personal life.