top of page
Writer's pictureAfton Turner

The Harmful Effects of Abby's Pyramid on 'Dance Moms'

Updated: Jun 2

Ethical Consumption of Reality TV

Reality TV footage is carefully edited to portray a specific narrative. While fictionalized, it can still offer insights into human dynamics relevant to our lives. Although devoid of the complexities of real life, viewing with empathy allows us to learn valuable lessons about human behavior and relationships.

Key Points:


  • Abby Lee Miller's pyramid ranking system in 'Dance Moms' creates a competitive atmosphere among young dancers, potentially impacting their self-esteem and mental well-being.

  • The pressure to earn Abby's approval can foster unhealthy dependence among the girls.

  • Abby's perspective may contribute to perpetuating this toxic dynamic, where self-worth becomes heavily tied to external validation.

  • The pyramid hierarchy can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth among lower-ranked dancers and a sense of grandiosity among those ranked highly.

  • Balancing competition with empathy and understanding is crucial, both in 'Dance Moms' and in our own lives, fostering environments that prioritize personal growth and well-being.

Dance Moms Pyramid

The Introduction of the Pyramid


In Season 1, Episode 1 of 'Dance Moms,' we are introduced to Abby Lee Miller's controversial pyramid ranking system. The pyramid visually represents each dancer's performance and behavior from the previous week. Abby emphasizes that the behavior of the moms can influence the girls' ranking, adding pressure beyond the dancers' control. This can pit the girls against their mothers, viewing them as another hurdle in their path towards success.


The Quest for Approval and Abby's Perspective


As the season unfolds, the detrimental effects of the pyramid on the girls' self-esteem and mental well-being become apparent. In Episode 10, Christi expresses how deeply the girls crave Abby's approval, highlighting the emotional toll of constantly striving to meet her expectations. Abby's response, stating that she wants the girls to continue to crave her approval, underscores the unhealthy dependence fostered by the pyramid.


Abby's desire for the girls to continue craving her approval may stem from a belief that such dependence is necessary for their success. By positioning herself as the ultimate authority and source of validation, Abby might feel she can maintain control and ensure that the girls remain motivated and disciplined. This approach, however, fosters an environment where the dancers' self-worth becomes heavily tied to Abby's approval, creating an unhealthy dynamic with long-term psychological effects.


Abby's emphasis on the mothers' behavior affecting the girls' pyramid ranking adds pressure beyond the dancers' control. This dynamic can potentially create a rift between the girls and their mothers. This perception of their mothers as obstacles rather than allies intensifies the emotional toll and complicates their relationships.


The Impact on Self-Worth


The pyramid creates a hierarchy among the girls, with those at the top often receiving more opportunities and praise from Abby. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth among those ranked lower. The pressure to climb the pyramid and earn Abby's approval can be overwhelming, increasing anxiety and stress. Anxiety and stress can negatively impact performance, making it harder for the dancers to concentrate and perform at their best. Additionally, being ranked highly can give a child a sense of grandiosity, making them feel superior and in control. They might view any success of others as a mere consolation prize, further distorting their self-perception and relationships. They might also perceive their own failures as catastrophic and confusing, amplifying feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.


It's important to remember these are young dancers, many not yet in their teenage years. These formative years shape their views of success and self-worth, potentially impacting them for a lifetime if left unaddressed. When young children are taught to compare themselves to others, this behavior can perpetuate into adulthood. Such a mindset fosters a constant need for external validation and approval, leading to chronic self-doubt and anxiety. This comparison can diminish self-esteem and overshadow personal achievements, as individuals measure their worth against others rather than recognizing their unique strengths and progress. In the long term, it can hinder personal growth and fulfillment, as the focus remains on outshining others instead of self-improvement and contentment.


The Need for a Balanced Approach


While competition can be motivating, it's crucial to balance it with empathy and understanding. The girls on 'Dance Moms' are not just performers; they are young individuals navigating complex emotions and pressures. As viewers, we must approach their stories with sensitivity, recognizing the harmful effects of unrealistic expectations and the importance of nurturing positive self-esteem.


In competition, ranking systems are often used to identify the best performance. Similar to how dance competitions are scored, with each studio receiving a score sheet that breaks down numerical expectations and scores, a fair ranking system ensures clear standards. Although subjective, these scores are consistent for all participants, unlike Abby's arbitrary criteria. For instance, Abby mentions being "easy to work with," a vague standard, but also highlights consistent attendance as a factor in pyramid ranking. Attendance is a measurable statistic, providing a clear and fair basis for comparison. In competitions, winners and losers are inevitable, but with transparent criteria, losing can be a learning experience. Arbitrary standards, however, create confusion about what is needed to improve and succeed.


Reflecting on Your Competitive Environments:


As you consider your involvement in sports, academics, or the workplace, take a moment to reflect on the following:


1. Recognize the prevailing culture in your competitive environment. Does it encourage healthy competition and personal growth, or does it foster a mindset of constant comparison and measuring ourselves against others?


2. Assess Your Approach: How do you approach competition? Are you fostering a balance between ambition and empathy, or are you solely focused on achieving success regardless of the impact on others?


3. Embrace Empathy: Embrace empathy and understanding towards others in your competitive sphere. Recognize the value of each individual's unique contributions beyond just their achievements.


4. Create Supportive Environments: Whether you're watching 'Dance Moms' or navigating your own competitive world, strive to create a balanced and supportive atmosphere. Remember that behind every achievement lies a complex human being deserving of empathy, respect, and understanding.


By integrating these considerations into your own life, you can contribute to the cultivation of a more positive and healthy competitive environment for everyone, including yourself.


Conclusion


The pyramid on 'Dance Moms' serves as a stark reminder of the impact of competition and the quest for approval on young minds. As the girls strive to climb the ranks and earn Abby's favor, they face a myriad of emotional challenges that can have lasting effects. By examining the harmful effects of the pyramid, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the dance studio environment and the need for a more balanced and compassionate approach to mentorship and competition. This reflection not only sheds light on the dynamics within the show but also provides valuable lessons for our own lives. It encourages us to reevaluate our approach to competition and approval-seeking behaviors, fostering environments that prioritize growth, empathy, and well-being. By learning from the experiences of the 'Dance Moms' cast, we can cultivate healthier relationships and foster positive outcomes in our own endeavors.



Ethical Consumption of Reality TV


It's important to remember that the footage we see is edited and curated to tell a specific narrative that the production team wants us to see. While there are many fictional elements, we can still learn important lessons as we may see similar dynamics in our own lives or even understand why an episode made us feel uncomfortable. Reality TV is not real; the only thing real about it are the humans behind it. Reality television does not account for the intricacies of the human experience. By watching with empathy and understanding, we can enjoy these shows ethically and learn valuable lessons about human behavior and interactions.

1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page