And the Winner of ‘Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition’ Is…

Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition
Brianna, Elisabeth and Amanda wait for the judge’s critiques in the Lifetime series 'Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition' - Photo by Adam Taylor

Spoiler Alert! We’re about to reveal the winner of the first season of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. The spin-off…sort of…from the hugely successful <em>Dance Moms series featured Abby Lee Miller as the lead judge and Robin Antin (Pussycat Dolls founder) and dancer/choreographer Richard Jackson as her co-judges. And after a short 10-episode session of watching 12 young dancers compete to be named the best of the bunch, the winner is…

You’ve been warned – here it comes:

Brianna Haire was named the first winner of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. According to the official announcement, “Brianna proved to be a leap above the rest, beating out outstanding fellow dancers Madison O’Conner and Asia Monet Ray.” The judges admired her “versatile technique and ability to rise up and use her personal stories to channel emotions into her polished and entertaining performances.” As the winner, Brianna will receive a $100,000 cash prize as well as a scholarship to the Young Dancer Program at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York.

Details on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition

Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition followed a dozen aspiring dancers — ages six through 13 – who learned new routines and competed in a number of challenges designed to test their skills before performing before Miller, Antin and Jackson, as well as a live audience, at the historic Los Angeles Theatre. Along the way, each competitor was accompanied and coached by his or her own mother, who made critical training, costume, music, and choreographic decisions for their child while also navigating the precarious waters of the other highly competitive parents.

Miller, Antin, and Jackson made the sometimes easy and other times difficult decision to eliminate one dancer each week, the intense on-stage competition and stakes between dancers and mothers increased throughout the season – culminating with a finale performance that assuredly will change the winning dancer’s life forever.