I haven’t engaged with any of those projects. I refrain from talking to the media. I’ve done a couple of podcasts, but just with the OGs. So, that’s pretty much it.
How do you see the show’s place fitting in the conversation about whether children should be on TV at all?
Kids have been on TV forever, whether it be scripted or reality. I follow the rules to the T. There are very strict child labor laws in place for reality TV, and they can only be in front of the camera for a certain amount of time. They have to be supervised. There’s a teacher advocate. So, I feel like I’ve been squeaky clean when it comes to that. I really do have the best interest in the kids on the show.
But again, the mothers and the dance teachers are there for a reason. End of the day, they’re the ones that made that decision, and have to protect their kids. I think at this point, every single kid from Studio Bleu had absolutely an amazing experience and really can’t wait to do it again.
What do you find is most misunderstood about Dance Moms?
[a long beat of silence] I’m not sure I have a great answer for that.
Okay.
Because I don’t talk about it a lot. You’re asking me these questions, I don’t really— because I’ve stayed hidden a little bit. I don’t know. Can I think about that one?
Does pumping out 31 episodes or so a year make it difficult to reflect back on what you’re making?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve done over 300 hours of Dance Moms programming. So, to be honest, if I need to remember something that happened, I would call JoJo, because she knows the show inside and out. She knows more about the show than I do. [pauses] But, I don’t know. I don’t know, Savannah.
How did you find it to talk about the show for the first time in this way?
I’m so passionate about it, and I do love to talk about it. I don’t know why I really haven’t talked about it with someone like you. I don’t have kids, and these OGs are my kids. I just feel blessed and grateful—it’s the only thing I ever want to do. All I really care about are talented kids. People have asked me to do other TV shows, other projects, and I have no interest.
It was a pleasure to pick your brain about the show.
Okay, wait. Can we just be real for a second? Tell me what you thought, honestly.
It was incredible reality TV. I was amazed by how much you were able to get away with. The body bags, for instance, represent a very intense topic, but there’s also something perversely funny about these kids fighting to out-dance each other so they aren’t first to get zipped up—or become the head under the tray in the number inspired by The Menu. It makes for complicated watching, which is what made me want to talk to you about it.