Ep 28. Tap Versus Hip Hop

In season 3 episode 28 of Dance Moms, titled "Tap Versus Hip Hop", the ALDC (Abby Lee Dance Company) travels to Michigan to compete in a fierce competition against Cathy and her Candy Apples team. The episode starts with Abby assigning a hip-hop group dance to Brooke, Paige, Chloe, and Kendall, while giving a tap group dance to Maddie, Mackenzie, Nia, and Kelly. The pressure is on as they compete head-to-head against each other, with Abby noting that the losing team will have to sit out the next competition.

The hip-hop group starts rehearsals with guest teacher Anthony Burrell, who has previously worked with the likes of Beyonce and Mariah Carey. The girls struggle with the fast-paced choreography and synchronization, with Abby growing increasingly frustrated. Meanwhile, the tap group works with guest teacher Peter West who is impressed by Maddie's tap skills and strong work ethic. However, Mackenzie struggles to keep up with the rest of the group, and Kelly starts to worry about her daughter's ability to compete.

As the competition approaches, tension rises between the two groups as they trash-talk each other backstage. The hip-hop group takes the stage first, and despite a few mistakes, they deliver a high-energy performance with impressive flips and tricks. The judges are impressed, but the Candy Apples team follows with a strong contemporary routine, making the ALDC dancers nervous.

Next up is the tap group, whose performance impresses the audience with their synchronization, rhythm, and precision. However, the Candy Apples team also performs a tap routine with intricate footwork and complex rhythms, making the judges' decision even trickier.

After both rounds of competition, it's finally time for the awards ceremony. The hip-hop group places first in their category, followed closely by the Candy Apples team. The tap group also places first in their category, but Abby is shocked when the Candy Apples team takes the overall grand champion prize, leaving the ALDC team in second place.

Despite the disappointment, Abby is proud of the girls' performances and reminds them that they can't win every competition. However, tensions continue to rise between the ALDC and Candy Apples teams, setting up for an even more intense competition in the future.

Overall, this episode of Dance Moms showcases the girls' versatility in different dance styles and the pressure and drama that comes with competition. The guest teachers add an extra layer of challenge and excitement, and the final results leave the audience eager for more.