Ep 28. Solo Battle: Round 1

In the Dance Moms season 5 episode 28, titled "Solo Battle: Round 1," tensions are high as the ALDC prepares for their first ever solo battle against the Candy Apple's Dance Center. The girls are determined to showcase their skills and prove that they are the best dancers in the competition.

The episode opens with Abby Lee Miller announcing that the ALDC will be going head-to-head with Cathy Nesbitt-Stein's Candy Apple's Dance Center in a solo battle. Each team will select their top five dancers to compete in three different rounds of solos. The team with the most wins will be declared the winner.

The girls are thrilled at the prospect of showcasing their skills in solo performances, but the pressure is also mounting. Abby reminds the girls that they are not only representing themselves but the entire ALDC, and they cannot afford to lose.

The first round of solos sees five of the ALDC's top dancers taking the stage. Kalani performs a contemporary piece and impresses the judges with her intricate footwork and emotional performance. Mackenzie's upbeat and upbeat hip hop routine also receives high praise, as does Nia's powerful jazz number.

Meanwhile, the Candy Apples' dancers also impress with their solos, making it clear that they are not to be underestimated. However, some of the ALDC moms start to worry that the Candy Apples may have an advantage, as they are performing in their home town with the support of their friends and family.

Round two sees the remaining five dancers from both teams taking the stage. Maddie once again stuns with her technical excellence and emotional performance, while JoJo's energetic hip hop routine also impresses the judges.

As the competition heats up, tensions between the moms mount. Holly and Jill get into a heated argument over Nia's solo and whether she should have been given a different piece to perform. Meanwhile, Christi voices her concerns about Abby's coaching methods, which she feels are putting unnecessary pressure on the girls.

As the final round approaches, the girls are feeling the pressure more than ever. They understand that the fate of the ALDC rests on their shoulders, and they must put in their best efforts to win. The top five dancers from both teams take the stage for the final round of solos, with each dancer giving it their all.

The judges deliberate on their scores, leaving both the ALDC and the Candy Apples on tenterhooks. Finally, the scores are announced, and it's a narrow victory for the ALDC. The girls burst into tears and hug each other, relieved and grateful to have come out on top.

Despite the victory, tensions still linger between the moms, with some feeling that the competition has taken its toll on the team. However, Abby reminds them that they are a family, and they need to stick together through both the highs and the lows.

In conclusion, the Dance Moms season 5 episode 28 is a thrilling, high-energy competition between the ALDC and the Candy Apples, featuring some of the best solo performances of the season. With tense moments, emotional drama, and a nail-biting finale, this episode is a must-watch for fans of dance and reality TV alike.