Ep 24. An Apple a Day Keeps Abby Away

In Dance Moms season 3 episode 24, titled "An Apple a Day Keeps Abby Away," tensions rise as the ALDC prepares to take on their biggest competition yet: Nationals. With Abby Lee Miller absent from rehearsals due to her court case, chaos ensues as the moms struggle to keep the girls on track without their notoriously strict coach. The episode kicks off with the group dance, "The Seven Dancers," which focuses on the girls' abilities to connect with each other and showcase their best qualities as a team.

As the competition approaches, the girls must also prepare for their individual solos. Mackenzie's solo, "Superstar," causes some drama among the moms, as they question whether or not she's ready to perform such a challenging routine. Meanwhile, Nia's solo, "Goodbye Maya," strikes an emotional chord with the group, as the dance is a tribute to her late grandmother.

The pressure is on for the girls as they compete against some of the best dance teams in the country. The ALDC's contemporary routine, "Twilight," stuns the judges with its emotional intensity and powerful choreography. However, the moms worry that their lack of control over the girls' rehearsals may have had a negative impact on their performance.

The episode also delves into the personal lives of the moms, as tensions between Christi and Kelly come to a head. The two women have been at odds for weeks, with Christi accusing Kelly of not taking the competition seriously enough. The conflict between the two reaches a breaking point during the competition, as their arguing takes focus away from the girls' performances.

Overall, "An Apple a Day Keeps Abby Away" is a high-stakes episode that highlights the girls' abilities as dancers and the challenges they face without their coach's guidance. The episode provides a glimpse into the world of competitive dance and the pressures faced by both the girls and their mothers. Through it all, the ALDC proves that they can rise to the occasion, even in the face of adversity.