Abby Lee Miller runs the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh, which she started when she was 14. Miller is a notoriously demanding and passionate instructor. But she has competition in the area of being demanding - from her students' mothers, as featured in this programme, which highlights the highs and lows of the competitive dance season as the dancers pursue the ultimate National Dance title. Miller instructs her students while dealing with the over-the-top mothers who go to great lengths to help their children's dreams (or are they the mothers' dreams?) come true. The show captures the dynamic interplay between parent, teacher and student as Miller tries to bring out the best in her students.
The girls - minus their moms - sit down together and look ahead to the fifth series - Heated confrontations
The new season starts badly, with one dancer missing and Abby facing a lawsuit - Heated confrontations
The big LA move is looming. But Abby's preoccupied with multiple lawsuits... - Heated confrontations
With Maddie in LA, Abby drafts in sub dancer JoJo, whose star quality ruffles feathers - Heated confrontations
Before the team heads to LA, bratty JoJo is back to fight for a spot on the team - Heated confrontations
The ALDC finally hit Hollywood. And Abby's managed to make a new enemy within days. - Heated confrontations
The chaos in LA continues, leading to a gigantic bust-up between Abby and Holly - Heated confrontations
As the LA trip draws to a close, the moms' patience with Abby is wearing thin - Heated confrontations
Abby's secured a major video shoot for the girls. But then her ego gets in the way... - Heated confrontations
After a lacklustre showing in LA, the ALDC set out to prove themselves back in Pittsburgh - Heated confrontations
The moms aren't happy when Abby proclaims new dancer Brynn to be the next Maddie - Heated confrontations
Nia's happy to receive a solo. But then she gets an alarming ultimatum from Abby. - Heated confrontations
Cathy assembles a new team full of Abby's old dancers. And they're out for revenge. - Heated confrontations
Mackenzie is given a huge chance to prove herself when her big sister Maddie is absent - Heated confrontations
The ALDC head back to LA to try to actually win a competition this time - Heated confrontations
Abby pits her two best dancers against each other in the hope of beating her LA rivals - Heated confrontations
Abby takes charge when Kendall shoots her first music video. But Holly isn't happy... - Heated confrontations
Back in Pittsburgh for the final time, the ALDC face off against their oldest rivals - Heated confrontations
Tempers flare when only two girls turn up for the final competition before the LA move - Heated confrontations
Ahead of their trip to Australia, the girls, moms and Abby chat about the season so far - Heated confrontations
The ALDC are in Australia for a big performance. But Abby's not with them... - Heated confrontations
Abby's made it down under - and she's brought some very contentious ideas with her - Heated confrontations
Will the pressure get to Kendall when she makes her debut as a pop star in LA? - Heated confrontations
Sisters Maddie and Mackenzie go head-to-head with solos in the same age category - Heated confrontations
The ALDC compete again against their biggest LA rivals. Mackenzie gets a big opportunity. - Heated confrontations
When Abby refuses to put on more dance classes, Kira takes matters into her own hands - Heated confrontations
After a humungous fight between her and Kira last time out, Abby is nowhere to be seen - Heated confrontations
With four weeks to go until Nationals, Abby reappears. And so does her grudge with Kira... - Heated confrontations
Kendall and JoJo go head-to-head to determine who'll get a solo at Nationals - Heated confrontations
Kira's got some huge news. The ALDC's new studio in LA is finally ready. - Heated confrontations
Nia goes up against Kalani for the right to perform a solo at Nationals - Heated confrontations
The season draws to a close at a fraught Nationals, where things get out of control... - Heated confrontations
In a special episode, Abby and the moms hash out what went wrong this season - Heated confrontations
Nia and Holly chat about Holly's many clashes with Abby - Heated confrontations
Maddie and her mom Melissa reminisce about how Maddie became Abby's star pupil - Heated confrontations
Kendall and Jill chat about Kendall's relationship with her teammates and her new career - Heated confrontations
Mackenzie and Melissa chat about Mackenzie's time as the baby of the ALDC - Heated confrontations
The newest members of the ALDC chat about their time on the show - Heated confrontations