Abby Lee Miller launched the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh back in 1980, quickly gaining recognition as a talented choreographer, dance instructor, and media personality. She rose to fame with her prominent role on the hit reality show Dance Moms, where her dance company took center stage. In addition to her television career, Abby has judged on Dancing with the Stars and appeared on the Eric Andre Show during its fourth season. She’s also an author, having written Everything I Learned About Life, I Learned in Dance Class, sharing valuable life lessons through the lens of her dance experience.
Abby Lee Miller: A Glimpse into Her Early Life
Abby Lee Miller was born on September 21, 1965, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to George Lamar Miller and Mary Lorraine Miller. Her mother, Mary, was a dancer and ran her own studio in Penn Hills, where she passed on her love for dance to Abby. From a young age, Abby immersed herself in the world of dance, learning the ropes at her mother’s academy. Dance quickly became her outlet for self-expression, and she began participating in and competing in various competitions, experiences that played a pivotal role in shaping her passion and determination for the art form.
At the young age of 14, Abby Lee Miller began choreographing and coaching one of her mother’s competitive dance teams. As she honed her skills, her passion for dance deepened, and in 1995, she took over the family studio, renaming it Reign Dance Productions. She also pursued formal recognition of her expertise, earning a certification from Dance Masters of America to further enhance her credentials in the dance world.
Abby Lee Miller Personal Life and Relationships
Abby Lee Miller has chosen not to marry and does not have any children. In 2018, she received the heartbreaking news that she was battling Burkitt lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thankfully, after undergoing treatment, her cancer went into remission. However, the physical toll of the illness led her to a lengthy recovery process, including intense therapy to relearn how to walk. Today, she continues to use a wheelchair as she navigates daily life.
Abby Lee Miller Public Persona
Abby Lee Miller is known for her firm and sometimes stern demeanor with her students, a trait that has made her a polarizing figure, especially on the dance reality series Dance Moms. Her blunt and critical style has drawn its fair share of controversy, particularly due to incidents involving her weight, volatile behavior, and past insensitive comments. Despite these challenges, Abby has persevered, striving to uphold her professionalism. She remains a significant figure in the dance community, motivating and encouraging countless young dancers to chase their dreams, regardless of the obstacles she’s faced.
Abby Lee Miller became widely recognized for her role in the reality show Dance Moms, which aired from 2011 to 2017 for a total of seven seasons. The show focused on the rigorous dance rehearsals and fierce competitions of the talented young dancers at her studio, the Abby Lee Dance Company, with Abby leading them with her demanding yet motivational coaching style.
How Abby Lee Miller Rose to Fame as a Dance Instructor
Abby Lee Miller, despite her natural talent, never considered herself a standout performer, largely due to her struggles with body image. Growing up with a mother who was deeply involved in the dance world, Abby found her true calling in teaching rather than performing. At just 14, she took the bold step of opening her own dance studio in 1980, which she named after herself. Abby has often shared that she never felt completely confident in her appearance, which drove her to focus on nurturing and training young dancers, rather than continuing to perform herself.
Abby Lee Miller has had a profound impact on the lives of over 3,000 to 4,000 young dancers throughout her career. Many of her protégés went on to achieve notable success, making a name for themselves by competing in major TV shows and dance competitions. As her students gained fame, Abby’s own reputation grew, solidifying her status as one of the most respected and sought-after dance mentors in the nation.
Abby Lee Miller’s career soared to new heights when she became part of the Lifetime series Dance Moms. The show focused on Abby training her young dancers, along with their often overbearing mothers, as they competed in high-stakes dance battles. This platform catapulted Abby into fame, making her a recognizable figure in homes all across North America.
Abby Lee Miller’s Physical Stats: Height and Weight
Abby Lee Miller is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 83 kg (183 lbs). She has striking green eyes and dark brown hair.
Abby Lee Miller’s Controversial Moments
Abby Lee Miller faced backlash for hypocrisy after supporting anti-racism on social media but displaying discriminatory behavior on Dance Moms. In 2020, she posted a blackout square for Blackout Tuesday in support of Black Lives Matter. However, during season 8, Adriana Smith accused Miller of exploiting her daughter, Kamryn, leading Smith to pull her from the show.
On October 13, 2015, Abby Lee Miller faced legal charges from the U.S. Department of Justice for fraud. The case centered on her allegedly hiding income from various sources, including dance classes, merchandise, and TV appearances, by setting up a secret bank account between 2012 and 2013. She also neglected to submit required monthly income reports to the court for over a year. As a result, Miller was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.
Abby Lee Miller Net Worth
Abby Lee Miller’s net worth is estimated to be around $17 million.
