JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

As I delve deeper into the captivating life of this extraordinary young woman, I find myself utterly enchanted by her journey from a budding dancer on Nickelodeon to gracing the stages of some of the world’s most iconic events. Her resilience and determination are truly inspiring!


JoJo Siwa expresses optimism that the cast of “Dance Moms: A New Era” won’t need to save any tears for their pillows, meaning she hopes they won’t cry much during the show.

Prior to the August 7th premiere of the reboot on Hulu, the original cast member shared some guidance for the new generation of dancers, including Maddie Ziegler, Kenzie Ziegler, Chloé Lukasiak, Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Nia Sioux, Kendall Vertes, and Kalani Hilliker, as they navigate the intricately planned routines that defined their predecessors’ journey.

In a private conversation with TopMob News, the 21-year-old, who was part of Abby Lee Miller’s junior elite team for two seasons, offered some advice: “You guys are really young,” he said. “Just enjoy this experience and don’t let the nerves get to you.”

And, by all means, make the most of the time spent livin’ on the dance floor. 

Siwa advised, “You need to start filming for a TV show now,” she said, reflecting on the lucrative deal she secured with Nickelodeon following her departure from the Lifetime series in 2016. “Ride this momentum and make the best of it. If something is thriving, keep pushing ahead. However, if for even a moment you feel uncomfortable, leave because this industry can be extremely challenging. And remember, if you’ve got the talent, you’ll succeed. But if not, that’s alright too.”

Even though Siwa and her fellow cast members have all found success individually since the show ended in 2019, she anticipates that the new dancers will create their unique dance routines.

She encouraged individuality, saying, “Avoid mimicking others like Maddie, Kendall, Kalani, Nia, JoJo, or Kenzie. Instead, embrace who you truly are, as everyone is unique and special. Always be authentic to yourself.”

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

They would advise the same strategy to dance mom and studio owner Gloria “Glo” Hampton, who has adopted some of Miller’s techniques, including the controversial pyramid formation, as a reminder to her pupils that any one of them can be replaced.

“Don’t try to be Abby,” stressed Siwa, “because Abby is Abby and no one can be Abby.”

Either way, though, Siwa is ready to have fun watching the new series.

The “Karma” singer expressed her anticipation and eagerness to tune in, as she has insider knowledge about what truly transpired, and is curious to see how it unfolds on television. She also mentioned her curiosity if the events portrayed are genuine or if they’re fabricating a TV show.

The reason she considered Dance Moms close to the pinnacle of reality TV was because it felt genuinely authentic; they weren’t aiming to create a television show.

And years later, she and her teammates are still as rock solid as their competition routines. 

“Hilliker clarified to TopMob News in April that people might not realize we are friends. The complex storylines involving our mothers on the show often lead viewers to believe that we dislike each other or have chosen different allies, but in reality, we are very close.”

It seems that when a group of girls is frequently made aware of their interchangeability, it can lead to feelings of… unease, perhaps.

“It’s a trauma bond,” admitted Hilliker. 

Siwa agreed, “Regardless if it’s a positive or negative experience, it shares a sense of familiarity with us. This doesn’t automatically make it a negative thing.”

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

As a lifestyle expert, I express enthusiasm about the upcoming film when I say, “Upon learning of this project, I found myself thinking, ‘This sounds intriguing! Without hesitation, I leaped at the opportunity. Being a fan of horror films and Jade, the prospect of collaborating with someone familiar again was too enticing to resist. In essence, my response was, ‘Absolutely, why wouldn’t I be involved?'”

And the experience was definitely not a horror show.

“Pettyjohn exclaimed to TopMob how enjoyable the experience was! During breaks between filming, they found themselves reminiscing. Pettyjohn asked, ‘So, what have you been up to?’ It turned out that it had been quite some time since they last spent substantial time together. Pettyjohn continued, ‘Wow, we’re essentially catching up on years of conversation right now.’ Overall, it was a delightful reunion.”

Agreed Siwa, “It was a ball. The set environment was great.” 

Absolutely, she isn’t the sole former “Dance Moms” participant relying on something other than dancing. Let’s explore what the rest of her fellow cast members are up to now in their new endeavors.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

For over a decade since the dancer from Pennsylvania captivated us all as the undisputed leading lady of the Abby Lee Dance Company, she has soared to new heights, transitioning from a beloved figure in Sia’s music videos to an actress on the silver screen. Her roles include Sia’s directorial debut ‘Music’, the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’, and the upcoming film ‘My Old Ass’ slated for release in 2024.

Apart from that, she published a New York Times best-selling memoir titled “The Maddie Diaries” in 2017. She also judged the new season of “So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation”. Additionally, she collaborated with her sister, Kenzie Ziegler, on their podcast named “Take 20 With Maddie and Kenzie”. According to TopMob News, Maddie stated that they aimed to lower their defenses and present something less heavily produced, focusing instead on a casual conversation between the two.

In the future, she plans to establish her personal beauty empire. She shared, “I’d be thrilled to create my own line someday. To me, it seems incredible and has been a lifelong aspiration.”

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

Having completed her acrobatic phase, one of the singer’s recent works is the 2023 release titled “Anatomy,” which delves deeply into her emotional struggle with her estranged father. In an interview with People, she expressed that this song represents a significant step beyond her comfort zone and shares her story in an unfiltered manner that transcends social media.

In a show of respect to the approximately 15 million followers of Dance Mom on Instagram, she delved even more profoundly for her third album titled biting my tongue, set to release on July 26, 2024.

She shared with TopMob News that this is the first time she’s been able to discuss significant aspects of her life and personal matters. Her hope is that others gain something from it – whether it brings joy, causes reflection, or creates a sense of connection.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

Approaching ten years since her last appearance on “Dance Moms”, the trophy-winning dancer is eager to resume dancing on the stage once more.

“The author of ‘Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World’ shared her motivation for starting Elevé National Dance Competition alongside Christi Lukasiak, Diane Pent, and Brittany Pent. She yearned to reconnect with a passion she held dear, dance, and sought a means to do so. However, she aimed to establish something vastly different from her previous experiences – a positive, uplifting environment. Her ambition was to create a platform that could rekindle her love for dance.”

As a devoted follower, I’m not just an admirer of this actress, but also cherish her bonds with the original cast of Lifetime series. Recently, I had the pleasure of reuniting with Nia Sioux in May 2023, as we celebrated together. On Instagram, I affectionately referred to her as “one of my sisters from another mama,” reflecting our deep bond that transcends blood ties.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

The original member of the company, who is also known for her love of death drops, remains a force to be reckoned with in both music and acting. In 2020, she released her single “Low Key Love”, and she currently stars in the web series titled “Sunnyside Up” and has appeared in 59 episodes of “The Bold and the Beautiful“.

During the evening, she concluded her daytime role as a UCLA student (she earned a degree in American Literature and Culture in June 2024), but simultaneously, she pursued a career in Hollywood. Notably, she released her single “IMMA CATCH” and made it onto Variety’s 2023 Young Hollywood Impact Report.

In an interview with TopMob News in May 2024, she expressed her eagerness to devote herself to her profession and artistic pursuits. She went on to say that this newfound freedom allows her to explore, innovate, and attempt fresh endeavors, with the hopes of directing, acting, singing, and performing more in general.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

Instead of organizing individual outings, the senior members of the original cast organized a group trip in 2023, which took them to Costa Rica. In July, they posted on Instagram that “over the course of 7 days, we transformed from strangers into friends, shedding tears at the airport as we had to part ways.”

Subsequently, she embarked on an unforgettable six-day adventure through Croatia, reminiscent of her post-Ohio University European backpacking experience. She recounted, “I immersed myself in stunning landscapes and rich cultures, forging friendships that would last a lifetime.” It was a journey she will always cherish.

In the United States, a Pittsburgh resident who became engaged to Brian Thalman, an account manager, in May 2024, utilizes her marketing degree effectively. She does this not only through her Bite-Sized Foodie Instagram account but also by collaborating with her sister Paige on the Hyland Sisters brand.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

Recently graduated from West Virginia University in May 2023 (with a heartfelt congratulations from Christi Lukasiak on her social media post), the model and influencer has been traveling extensively across the United States, visiting places like the Hamptons, Colorado, and Wyoming. As for her pillow, she doesn’t seem to have many tears left to shed lately.

Among Paige’s top travel companions (besides her older sister Brooke) is her long-term boyfriend, Jayvon Thrift, who used to play football at college. In a 2022 post, she expressed her love for him in various aspects, saying “I adore you in every way.”

In July 2024, they celebrated five years as a couple by securing their first apartment, as Paige announced on Instagram, “A new journey starts soon.”

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

Currently, the James Madison University junior continues to amass trophies as part of their championship-winning dance team. On Instagram in September, this political science student expressed pride saying, “My younger self would be thrilled.” Naturally, her dance mentor Jill Vertes added, “I couldn’t be more proud of my dancer Kendall.”

Apart from venturing into acting (such as in the 2019 movie “Rapunzel: A Princess Frozen in Time” and the live-action version of “Anastasia”), and her singing career under the name Kendall K, where she’s released multiple albums, she also garnered numerous sponsorship deals due to her impressive 11 million followers on Instagram.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: Originating from the original series for only two seasons (following a run on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition), JoJo with a Bow Bow surprisingly captured the limelight. This led to an impressive surge in her YouTube popularity, a coveted licensing deal with Nickelodeon, a flood of branded merchandise, and a prestigious spot on Time’s list of 100 most influential people in 2020.

She once told Kelly Ripa that one of the most significant lessons she took from Dance Moms was the need to either thrive or struggle. This doesn’t mean literally treading water in a pool, but rather having the ability to persevere and maintain a strong desire for success.

These days, she’s not just keeping afloat; she’s making waves. In 2021, the LGBTQ+ role model teamed up with Jenna Johnson to dance on the U.S. edition of “Dancing with the Stars”, marking the first time a same-sex couple competed.

Currently, her sights are set on a grander platform, sharing with Raven-Symoné and wife Miranda Pearman-Maday, “My ambition, my dream, is to perform at the Super Bowl.” Once she secures that opportunity (which she mentioned during an episode of The Best Podcast Ever in August 2023), she plans to retire and start a family. This was following the release of her debut EP, Guilty Pleasure, in July 2024.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

At her residence in Arizona, the multitalented individual who dances, acts, and manages businesses is wholeheartedly immersing herself in what she refers to as “the phase of my health and wellness.” In 2023, she plans to introduce her personal beauty line, Kare.

She shared with TopMob News her source of motivation, which stemmed from battling anxiety. Her ambition was to establish a brand that would welcome all, offering a tranquil space where one could unwind, prioritize personal care, and develop a consistent self-care routine to navigate daily challenges more effectively.

Indeed, the newcomer who debuted in season 4 and initially rose to fame on “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition” continues to excel gracefully with every pirouette. She has returned to her dance roots and teaching, stating, “I have a distinct approach to teaching compared to Abby, or most of my other dance teachers. Frankly, I aim to be kind but also challenge them to reach their full potential.”

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

As someone who grew up immersed in the vibrant culture of Asia, I can confidently say that my journey in the world of dance and television has been enriching, to say the least. Though the glare of the cameras faded from my life at the tender age of nine—after a season each on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Dance Moms, and my very own series, Raising Asia—I can assure you that I had an exceptional time during this chapter.

Completing her high school journey as valedictorian in June 2023, she expressed great pride in meeting her personal milestone on Instagram, adding that she’s eagerly looking forward to uncovering the future.

Due to numerous business partnerships, invitations to all the latest events and the recent launch of her catchy dance track “Oh Boys”, her future looks promising.

Regarding her experience as a reality TV star, she shared with TopMob that she truly appreciated the time spent in that realm and growing up on camera. Although it may appear overwhelming, it was an opportunity that significantly shaped her life, which she is grateful for and would never undervalue.

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

Ever since he joined the team in season 7, the St. Louis native has been gracefully moving on significantly bigger dance floors.

In February 2023, she performed alongside Missy Elliott at the Grammys. This was a remarkable experience for her as she had been busy touring with Kendrick Lamar, performing in Usher’s Las Vegas residency, and participating in the Super Bowl halftime show prior to this. Overjoyed by this opportunity, she expressed her gratitude by saying, “Beyond blessed!!!”

Following performances dancing for The Lion King’s 30th anniversary at the Hollywood Bowl and sharing the stage with Chloe Bailey at the BET Awards, she intends to continue scaling her personal mountain. In a December 2022 Instagram post wrapping up her 76-show run with Lamar, she expressed, “I know this is just the start.”

JoJo Siwa Shares Her Advice for the Cast of Dance Moms: A New Era

As a lifestyle expert looking back on my own journey, I can’t help but reflect on the time when I stepped away from the limelight following three seasons spent attempting to fill the dance shoes of a beloved character like Maddie. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Phoenix, I yearned for the simplicity and normality that high school offered – the camaraderie with old friends that I had missed so dearly.

For the graduates of 2021, it was about initiating the Out of Line podcast along with Millar and sharing their journeys to Coachella and Stagecoach with a whopping three million Instagram followers. Add to that, numerous encounters with fans while accompanying her dance students to competitions.

Brynn, who is friendly with Kenzie, commented that the experience was adorable. “You know me, Miss Brynn? I’m famous?” they seemed to ask in response.

Read More

2024-08-02 13:19