The Dance Awards NYC 2015 - Junior Top 4 Solos - Maddie Ziegler

[@alyssakaethe]

it’s a shame that maddie stayed with the aldc for as long as she did. imagine what she would have became if she switched to a studio such as club dance, ocppa, dance precisions, etc.

[@morgansmith4.45]

alyssa kaethe they had like a contract thing that they couldn’t leave or dance anywhere else until season 6 I think that’s the season they left and how chloe left and started dancing honestly Idk Christy must of signed something

[@elmamataki3662]

IKR!! She could have been in a way better studio with less drama but unfortunately the producers didn’t let that happen 😢

[@scarlett0340]

Morgan Smith Christ threatened to sue lifetime I’m pretty sure because chloe overheard Abby making fun of her eye and she also threatened to sue for other things

[@BoglimWrangler666]

not really...... she was not born to dance like these other girls. her natural talent was zero. bad feet, no turnout, no muscle or strength despite dancing like 35 hours weekly... shes lucky she got money for her face and acting in sias videos.

[@elmamataki3662]

faith all along I hope you know she won 22 REAL tap dances as she was a child. She was born a dancer. Believe it or not. We didn’t ask anyways do get your hating . Out here

[@jessielin3149]

I think Maddie is most certainly not the best dancer here, but rather the best entertainer. She's the one people would pay to see dance the most, despite being the least technically advanced.

[@Gloriakim01]

i think thats more of a personal preference whether you like showy facials or subtle emotion through your body. yes maddie was amazing to watch she's a great entertainer but i would definitely also pay to watch tate or brynn or even ellie and i am most definitely entertained by them sometimes more than maddie.

[@camilamoreno5773]

Gloria Kim Agree!!

[@Angel-xe2tl]

disagree, id rather all the other dancers over maddie.

[@abbythings]

She is technically advanced imo just not at the same level as the others

[@PKMTDo]

AwesomeGirl200512 that’s your opinion indeed. But I think everybody can see that Maddie had terrible technique. So nothing advanced about that. Advanced means really good and far ahead. Maddie wasn’t Edit: she used to have terrible technique, it got better, but in general still not great

[@javhorizon]

Tate deserved the win, she has the heart, the technique, the flexibility, emotion, the whole package. She is a lovely little girl and she just have this special charisma that makes you want to look at her all the time when she's dancing! I really hope that she wins Teen and Senior too hahahaha Congrats Tate for your win!!!

[@Wandering_soul111]

Teen down probably senior as well!!

[@jxl4262]

@@Wandering_soul111 i don't think she'll go for senior because she's focusing on her music, but i really hope she does !!

[@jessicajoerndt428]

There’s no way Maddie was going to beat the other girls control and technique, but she still proved everyone wrong with placing 4th out of hundreds of talented technical dancers. That’s truly amazing and she showed who she is- a true performer who can NAIL improv with unique choices and perfect musicality. She is a standout either way. But I’m so happy for Tate who truly deserved the win!

[@dancemomchloefanxo]

I know you are all saying that the others danced safe but you clearly don't know anything about dance. I know maddie's solo looks impressive to us, but honestly it isn't as impressive to judges. Like Emma has amazing releve, lily has amazing turnout and flexibility and Tate's control is insane. I'm not saying Maddie is bad, I'm just saying this solo didn't really show any special skills. It was pretty much just the same old aldc choreography.

[@MutetheCity]

Exactly. So many people think they know dance because they watch Dance Moms, but routines aren't supposed to be all about tricks, turns, and being filled with as many moves as possible. The ALDC choreography is subpar and the dancers are average. Maddie's solo was nothing special compared to Tate, Emma, and Lilly's.

[@tumblrx3161]

Thank you!

[@tumblrx3161]

I'm surprised she made the top 4 tbh

[@dancemomchloefanxo]

Tbh maddie is just as good as them, but the solos she does don't show off her skills

[@oliviacochrane4620]

dancemomchloefanxo completely agree maddie's dance was full of nothing but turns and jumps not dance. Tate had amazing lines and Emma's choroy was great. personally i reckon ALDC's 'dancing' is not up to scratch when if u watch club dance and prodigy they show ballet technique, lines, extensions, and amazing musicality.

[@haleytaylor4374]

Kalani should go back to club dance and take Maddie with her!

[@chimchim]

and brynn*

[@kodeispresser5307]

I don't think Brynn is that good anymore, and its not the ALDC's fault.

[@yuhyuh379]

+Kodei Spresser 1.shes just as good if not better than maddie 2.its probably the mothers tearing down every victory she gets

[@yarenciv1284]

+Kodei Spresser did you watch her F.O.R.E.V.E.R solo...probably not! You should watch. Yas she's still amazing

[@rajasen541]

I agree

[@alyssaswift8053]

I was there watching them all live. Maddie's lights up a screen, and I can see how you think the others are boring watching them on the computer. but during Tate's and Lilly's, you could hear a pin drop in that 800+ person audience. They were captivating. Every muscle, every movement was breathtaking. Emma came very close. Maddie's was too much to handle. She never stopped moving, she never paused, she looked immature, and everyone got bored. She tried to cover up her lack of technique with emotions. It was not a good situation. However, it's completely different watching it on a computer.

[@carla5525]

+Alyssa Swift Maybe you could hear a pin drop because the audince was falling asleep??? JK LOL

[@gabbygon4751]

Alyssa Swift “you could hear a pin drop in that 800+ person audience”. lol that just goes to show you don’t know anything about dance, being quiet is better than smashing you foot to the ground which shows you have little to no control

[@gabbygon4751]

SleeplessSleepyGirl oh ok I didn’t read the rest

[@GhettoMountainsJr]

I don't think anyone realizes how hard it is to control your movements like these girls when you're performing for not only judges but tons of people. Only true dancers know how nervous and shaky you can get on stage ! So people think it's boring and unimpressive but in reality it's actually a lot more difficult to execute these slow and controlled movements in comparison to the fast and abrupt moves

[@chevon1920]

It’s a bit like tai chi

[@YTAKORR]

Maddie still dances like a 12 years old girl which is great because she is 12 but that girl Tate danced like she was 20. Completely another level. Maddie seriously needs to understand that emotions and face were amazing when she was tiny and young but not anymore.

[@YTAKORR]

Yes is a good point, the choreo is the most important thing but I also think that Maddie doesn't have a really strong technique. Just look how she needs to use her hand to keep her leg up or how she runs to do every movement. Nobody presents those lyrical contemporary routines anymore by the way. I completely understand the "emotional execution" but you seriously need to mix that with control and technique like Tate does. And finally my point is that Maddie understood or someone told her that "the emotional face" is her xfactor as a dancer and she tends to exaggerate that to impress.

[@affectivity9346]

***** agree. "There can be technique without artistry, but there can be no artistry without technique."

[@affectivity9346]

This is what comes of staying in Abby's studio. The TV show made her famous, but she is still dancing the way she did 2 years ago.

[@cice0143]

***** Dance is not about how many tricks you can do. And you need faces no matter how old you are to help portray the story. Besides, She is a performer not a technician. Nothing wrong with that. Everyone can't be the same and dance the same way.

[@jeffersonalcala8776]

***** You´re right! She has to improve a lot! She is pretty and her emotional face are good points in her solos, but it is time to get another lever. I see comments about her videos with Sia and her fame but, Was not Miller who used to be mean with Chloe because she wanted to be famous and a dancer needs to improve her technique first? Come on! Now Chloe is a better dancer, she is amazing. Maddie is stuck, she needs to find another things. That is my oipinion! Fame is one thing, but being such a good dancer is another one.

[@jessieb5572]

Tate is absolutely my favorite, her control is so powerful

[@xolilash14xo]

Ugh Tate and Lily are so amazing, their strength, control and artistry is insane and Emma reminds me of Mia Diaz when she was younger, can't wait to see what incredible artists these three turn into when by the time they are seniors.

[@michelacarlotto3246]

As much as I love this type of dance, leg extensions and control aren't the only way of dancing. I personally enjoy watching tate's solo and maddie's solo as well. Maddie's solo was more dynamic, powerful, emotional and it was based on turns, jumps, ariels; the other tree solos were more graceful, based on amazing control and flexibility. They're different dancers with different types of dances. If I go to Broadway I prefer to watch a dance like maddie because it's more entertaining; if I go to the theatre to see a ballet dance I prefer to see tate or Emma or Lily. You have to judge also hiphop dancers because they haven't Tate's technique?! Lol There are a lot of dance styles. Also, if the judges picked maddie it's becasue they thought she was great. It's an important competition with the greatest judges, so calm down, they obviously can judge better than you. Tate deserved to win, but Maddie also deserved 4th place.

[@kennedyjohnson3986]

everyone is saying "oh maddie has so much emotion and stage presence" but would you all be saying that if she wasn't portrayed that way on dance moms?

[@kamypark7346]

kennedy johnson I would’ve still liked Maddie but have you thought about if everyone was the same way but Chloe was the favorite then Chloe would’ve gotten all the hate from the fans

[@belindabeker9545]

kennedy johnson yes

[@hayleymarse2853]

Yes. I’ve never actually watched dance moms and I still like Maddie’s emotion/facial expressions/ability to tell a story. I prefer dancers with higher technical ability but Maddie is quite good at using her face

[@parismahone8631]

@@kamypark7346 chloe does get hate from the fans you can't say that she doesn't get hate because she is the fan favorite apparently you haven't seen the rude and mean comments about chloe or you just didn't care

[@parismahone8631]

@@kamypark7346 and people love chloe because she is more likeable and especially in real life there is no comparison when it comes to maddie and chloe

[@PrincessErykah1]

Omg they were all so outstanding. I really hope Tate or Lily win. But Maddie and Emma were amazing as well.

[@carrrich6193]

Please remember, that the solos are not the only criteria to determine who is going to be the best dancer. Next to solo and improv they have to showcase their technique in a ballet and jazz audition. During those audtions the girls all perform the same choreography. Please excuse my mistakes, I just started to learn english...

[@chevon1920]

Ahh man, really, I wish they could’ve posted that, I’d like to see it

[@lindseyb59]

Maddie's costume is ridiculous. Looks great on TV but for competitions such as this, she needs to wear something simpler. She is such a great dancer and her costume is distracting from it.

[@invisibleworlds11]

Lindsey Scott Yeah, it looked super sloppy

[@affectivity9346]

It was unsightly. What was Abby thinking?

[@tfeild101]

It was supposed to look like she was homeless

[@cice0143]

Lindsey Scott The costume tied in with the story. She couldn't go up there dancing in a sequined leotard that would look ridiculous for this number.

[@lindseyb59]

She could have worn a simple black or maroon leotard. You don't need a flashy costume to tell a story, Maddie's dancing does that for her.

[@Hi23797]

wow tates dance made me almost cry it was so beautiful

[@emoryalvarez3673]

Oh my gosh Tate is just so captivating. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her it’s truly insane how she made a instrumental song so suspenseful and ugh it’s just amazing

[@srithadirisala290]

Maddie Getting 4th with that solo is an achievement

[@janelledeloatch8355]

Seriously. She’s talented but I doubt she’d have even qualified for the dance awards had she not been on dance moms. Those other girls were on a completely different level

[@izzymarie5]

@@janelledeloatch8355agreed

[@christinabrooks5236]

You Dance Moms fans are such a joke. Let's face it: Maddie is a brilliant performer but she would never be able to execute the other three girls' dances with the same precision, technique, and musicality that they had. Maddie is a gorgeous dancer, just not as mature as the other girls.

[@victorhugocortezfranco1613]

Trueee 👏🏻👏🏻😍😍😍

[@mariafotiadou5806]

+Christina Brooks Well that' s the point..She doesn't have to be like other girls to be a great dancer.Everybody is unique and everybody has his strength, Maddie' s strength is her expression...

[@snowfall221]

+marilia fotiadou Only theatrically through a character, but not as a dancer.

[@youthought1343]

I agree with everything you said, and when people say that if she left and went to another studio, they don't realize she doesn't have A LOT of talent as in what is considered the top tear level of dacing, as in flexibility, control, technique. She has AMAZING showmanship and expressions, and that is a talent all in its own, but she wouldn't be able to do what other girls do at other studios, like Club dance and YYC.

[@maddiezieg9661]

Christina Brooks but maddie has trained in such poor dance studio and still can dance amazing imagine maddie if she had trained in club dance she would have been out of this world

[@iamisabellam8340]

Lily and Tate both looked absolutely stunning! They definitely deserved to place in the top 2

[@stephaniegonzalez76]

I agree with the results and so it was pretty amazing to see Maddie placing in the top 4 the reason why she didn't win was of course her technique and her control, The reason why she placed I think was her performance she actually had a pretty strong musicality and fluidity but slacks control, if this was the entertaining awards then she would be the winner but although she did it amazing

[@JosephTobinDance]

Am I the only one who enjoyed Maddie's solo the most? Sure technique wise she isn't up there with the others, but her routine was different towards the others! I love the other routines and they are so difficult to do, but it does get boring see leg lift, a balance, maybe a jump or turn here and there and then another leg lift... Sure it is amazing and I am so envious of that, but dance is more than just flexibility and control. Maddie sure did amazing and no one should say she isn't talented! She may not be technical like the others, but damn can she emote a storyline and make you feel something!!!

[@occasionalgoth4318]

Joseph Tobin This isn’t the theatre awards. The other girls were absolutely brilliant. Their control and technique was exquisite. Maddie doesn’t hold a candle to these girls. Also, as for calling the other routines boring, I think that’s up to personal opinion (which you are entitled to have). In dance, emotion isn’t just about having an amazing face because your body should do most of the telling

[@badbada3003]

@@occasionalgoth4318 well maddie also used her body to tell story tho

[@peytongrayless7876]

Aye I love Emma York, her performance with Sia on Dancing with the Star is AMAZING!!!!

[@dia1016]

Wow, these 4 solos really helped me understand how long legs really make a difference in your movement and how you look whilst moving (in my opinion).

[@realbath]

4 great young dancers. Congratulations Maddie Ziegler.

[@miamorlock9840]

ik ur all talking abt how maddies choreography didn’t show enough of her skill, which i totally agree with, but lily’s dance literally looked like she was improving and ran out of ideas, even though she was still gorgeous!

[@AidenJones]

still much better than flop ziegler

[@mercifal]

My faves were Tate and lilly. They both showed their control, flexibility, great technique and emotions the best. I really enjoyed and got caught up in their solos. I also enjoyed Maddies solo. I just think its her lack of control and that shes a little behind in technique compared to the others. But Her emotions were on point her solos was really entertaining and her flexibility wasn't bad either. Emma was solo i couldn't really get into She shoed better control and technique than Maddie but not emotion. And she wasn't as good as tate and lilly with the control, flexibility, and emotions.

[@victorhugocortezfranco1613]

Same😍

[@KeKe4Christ]

It’s crazy just how transparent it is how weak Abby’s training is when put up against the other dancers. Maddie could’ve been even more amazing had she trained with the likes of Molly Long or Alexa Moffett. I could imagine her at Club Dance or Dance Precisions or OCPAA. Abby not only burnt her out, she shortened her dance abilities technique wise

[@trip7002]

I don’t think this is a great example of that, considering how many of their students Maddie beat lol. But yea she would have been much better at those studios.

[@janelledeloatch8355]

@@trip7002 Beat where? The majority of the ALDC competitions were fake and the ones that were real were mainly competed on the east coast. Maddie rarely went up against west coast dancers like she is here. Abby would never let her compete consistently against club dance. That’s feeding her to the sharks.

[@Dancemoms208]

​@@janelledeloatch8355 beat at this competition you idiot and that whole thing about comps being fake has been confirmed false for the first 4 seasons and even into seasons 5/6 maddie was beating almost everyone every single time she competed at comps before and outside the show

[@DillonHall-jz6bj]

@@janelledeloatch8355 she meant at the dance awards

[@DillonHall-jz6bj]

this is not true some of the club dancers do not place at tda

[@TheLildebbs]

Tate really reminds me of Sophia Lucia here. Particularly the older Sophia with the still of dance, her technique, and her grace.

[@youthought1343]

Maddie has AMAZING showmanship and expressions, but she just shouldn't be considered a top dancer. When people say that if she left Aldc and went to another studio she would be at the other kids level, they don't realize she doesn't have A LOT of talent as in what is considered the top tear level of dancing as in flexibility, control, technique. She has AMAZING show man ship and expressions and that is a talent all its own, but she wouldn't be able to do what other people do at other studios, like Club dance and YYC, even if she went to those great studios.

[@maramar8810]

she did not go to another studio

[@youthought1343]

Alex Morgan I didn't say she did

[@notyourtypicalgranny]

watch some of the current work she is doing

[@abcdefghijklmnop9294]

You Thought I prefer Maddies type of dancer, most club dance dancers are just all legs and only do lyrical maddie is very diverse. I think maddie not being the best technique wise is always hidden by her amazing performance whereas the others are just blank like it's boring to watch.

[@sexybutterfly1004]

Maddie learns the dances with ALDC in a week, most of these other girls perfect their dances in a year or so. So yeah, I think Maddie is a top dancer

[@xxJodelleFerlandxx]

Maddie's solo was her downfall in this competition. Bad costume, simplistic choreography, messy - it looks impressive for non-dancers, but it doesn't show off the same amount of technique or emotion of the other dances.

[@rhythmdancecenter4370]

+xxJodelleFerlandxx Couldnt agree more

[@janelleblack6053]

I agree (I am a very competitive dancer btw) it doesn't show off her best moves and her expressions were a little less than usual but it was still amazing.

[@emillyzalayet6353]

I really couldn't agree more. Especially with the costume - it was horrible! I don't know how could she dance with it.

[@carla5525]

+xxJodelleFerlandxx If it was so horrible how did it make the top 4???

[@ADCdancr123]

+xxJodelleFerlandxx Technique as in ticks like kick, turn, jump, kick? Or technique as in execution? I agree that Maddie's solo was not good but I just want to point out that technique and tricks are not the same. Maddie executed her dance in an "ok" fashion. She was turned in, had bent knees but in general, she was ok. (she has gorgeous feet and a stunning port de bras) No she did not do, tilt, jump, flip, trick like the other dances which is what "dance" competitions are looking for: tricks. (honestly it should just be called dancy gymnastics now because the dance aspect is completely gone) But tricks are the flips and things while technique is how you execute it: is your stomach in, shoulders down, toes pointed, legs straight, hips under, etc. But yeah, her solo showcased her amazing ability to act and emote, it's just not what competitions are looking for, it was messy (especially her jetés and entrechat trois at the end) and it was short compared to the others.

[@AaliyahBRoach]

As they say, the person who wins all the time, isn't going to end up a big success. They're just going to play it safe and live as another worker in a big company, their whole life. It's the ones that keep pushing and trying that OWN the companies. Love u MadDog.

[@AidenJones]

no

[@elise8392]

this is so funny because now Tate is a very famous singer

[@tatouu31]

I'm shocked when I read some comments saying Maddie was the best. Are you blind ? This competition is made for dancers who have ballet technique. Maddie isn't at Lily, Emma or Tate's level. I'm literally laughing when you are saying you would only pay to see Maddie perform. Come on, I would definitely not pay for something I can do by my own. The "Maddie Face" doesn't work in the real life, you need to understand what is a good dancer. A good dancer is someone who has amazing technique, control, someone who is graceful and elegant, who can finish her movements because she doesn't lack of control like Maddie. I couldn't take my eyes off Tate when she was dancing, it was like amazing. When I was watching Emma, I saw a great dancer who was definitely not born with the dancer feet or legs but the work paid and she was amazing. I knew she was going to win one day and so she did the year after. Lily was gorgeous but I really didn't like the choreography, however, she showcased all her abilities. Tate totally deserved that (second !) win for me. Remember she started dancing at the age of 8 !! Stop thinking you know something about what a great dancer is just because Maddie was the best on Dance Moms or because "she was different" All these girls were differents except Maddie who looks like just another dancer.

[@kawaikitty6161]

T A T yeah as if you could do what maddie does 🙄

[@tatouu31]

Sam Serlier Of course, it’s your opinion. And I think I was rude when I wrote this. Maddie is sure a great dancer, but I prefer watching someone like Tate 😊

[@parismahone2145]

Maddie wasn't the best dancer on dance moms

[@abnerdiaz3691]

Nielle 22 you did say Maddie wouldn't have made it to the top 4 or the top 10 if it wasn't for the fact that she has Sias name on her back... You are clearly stating that the judges are giving her advantage or favoritism for being on a Music video. Insinuating the competition has no credibility, Only because Maddie made it to the top 4.

[@melodramatic7904]

abner diaz I think some people are really jealous of Maddie and just like to gate on her. They don't know that Maddie used to win 1st most of the time before the Sia videos and the fame and she is actually placing much worse now that all of these other activities are taking away from her practice time.

[@tumblrx3161]

Sweety, you forgot to add she won 1st place in fake rigged lifetime competitions

[@abnerdiaz3691]

Same with Chloe and Kalani, and Kenzi and the others contestants that have being on the show and i don't see you ever complaining about it... The fact is that it doesn't bothers you if the competitions are fix what bothers you its Maddie winning or you would bring out the other dancers as well.

[@tumblrx3161]

abner diaz​ I'm sorry who are you talking to?

[@emilyjulie6421]

abner diaz you know what..normally it's just top 3..why did they add the 4th place??think about this(and if you dont believe me go and look at the official website( After the Top 3 perform their solo, the judging panel will then rank the dancers 1, 2, 3

[@hannabz10]

TATEEEEEEE. SHE IS THE BESTTTT YASSS!

[@bostynrumfallo7739]

Tate and Lily gave very similar performances to me: lots of legs and contemporary expressive stuff, but nothing much more. Meanwhile Emma and Maddie drew me in more, not with their legs but with the way they took over the stage and danced from their hearts.

[@darionnasampson-gilbert8365]

I feel like Maddie’s dance was more based off of tricks and turns then the artistry of dance

[@satanstrilogy2288]

Maddie looked great!

[@stephmig1729]

Alright the real reason why Maddie didn't place over the other girls was the maturity. Maddie still dances like a child. There is NOTHING wrong with that at all but in comparison to the others, it just didn't match. Story telling doesn't make or break a dance & you don't need harsh facial to portray a story either. Movements should speak for themselves. These control movements are so much more difficult than Maddie's choreo too. I'm not insulting Maddie but you guys are like mind blown that she didn't win. Her technical errors also could've caused her the place 4th (excessive arm wind ups which translates to lack of core/shoulder strength, lazy releve, subpar turnout). Unfortunately the most entertaining piece or most moving piece doesn't win if the actual foundation of dance is neglected.

[@DillonHall-jz6bj]

Emma dances like a child and maddie is a child shes12

[@Desmondleewx]

Maddie all the way! #support

[@cutiepie2180]

My opinions: Maddie was absolutely stunning-powerful, graceful, elegant, dynamic. Her stage presence is mind blowing. She owned that stage and showed us all what she had in her. I had no idea she could dance like that since ALDC's competition routines aren't THAT great compared to other studios like MDP. I liked the choreography and that she told a story which is something that the others didn't Lily was good, her lines and flexibility are amazing and she is a beautiful dancer but I just found the dance boring and undynamic. There were too many leg lifts, extensions, holds and all that. I know it's hard and demands/shows control but it was way overused. That was basically all her dance was made up of. She also never connected with the audience the way Maddie did Emma was good. Her movement is really smooth and pretty, but strong. I feel like she'd be better doing a faster piece like Maddie's but she was still very good. The dance and music didn't exactly go well together but the power of her movements matched it up better. I will say that she is proof that dynamite comes in small packages and I was impressed. Tate's technique is impeccable. It's honestly flawless. Her feet are amazing and her legs are wow. She definitely wins for technique by far in my eyes. She did have a lot of leg extensions but it worked because there were also other elements. She had more emotion than Lily and Emma, but not as much as Maddie. Tate's movements are flowing and graceful which makes the whole dance look really good. She transitions really well, and those in-between steps are often overlooked so it was refreshing to not se that here. Her dance was unique and showcases utmost talent. You could tell she really felt the music. She definitely demanded the stage and captured people's attention. It's hard to believe that she's only just turned 12 last week. You have to remember that Maddie is almost 13. Overall, if I was judging I'd say it's between Tate and Maddie. All the girls were brilliant though and the talent in that 13 minutes is insane

[@ReneeTopanga]

Kira Couture Maddie got fourth. And I almost feel like if Maddie and Tate could like be one dancer then that dancer would literally be amazing bc Tate is obviously amazing when it comes to technique and it seems like she's mainly all about leg work whereas Maddie loves turning and is great with telling stories and I feel as though they would complement each other well. I just kind of think they both seem to be stuck doing the same things over and over if that makes sense. Tate with the focus on her legs and kicks and extensions and Maddie with the focus on her turns and facial expressions.

[@AddictedFandoms1]

Kira Couture i completely agree, but no Maddie isn't 13 for a while, well, 2 months but still haha :)

[@affectivity9346]

The words "Maddie" and "powerful" don't belong in the same sentence. Maddie has no strength to do the slow, precise choreography that Tate did. Maddie is like a jumping flea who tries to cram in as many tricks as possible. That is not art; it's show biz.

[@affectivity9346]

This WAS an ALDC competition routine, and not a very good one at that.

[@cutiepie2180]

affectivity I mean powerful as in she got her emotion and message across ;) But still 4th is good and also I think this was one of ALDC's better competition routines

[@rj2boo87]

I loved Lily’s technique and flexibility. Choreography was very clean and controlled.

[@jiminy_jamans]

All of these dancers are great. I can't do anythang like that

[@hannagomez3948]

I wonder who would've won if all these solos were competed at the Las Vegas awards. It's hard to say whether Jaycee or Tate would've come out on top because both their solos were amazing!

[@lindseycowan5983]

i didn't watch it all but every time she gets better and better and madie remember you are always loved and cared for don't put to much prettier on your self when your dancing just let all your feelings out thats what i tell my praticly sister madie to do then i tell her just to think everyone is a teddy bear or your mom anything because you are great love olivia case

[@holliepidwell2576]

Please god get maddie ziegler to another dance studio😂🙌🏼 I love maddie and I think she is amazing with what she is given but she is capable of so much more than this. That girl would be untouchable if she went to a studio where she was trained properly and her technique was actually focused on

[@AnonymousC-lm6tc]

The comments being biased towards Maddie are pathetic. The people who are saying She was the best and should have won are clearly ignorant. Maddie's performance was lackluster, Her emotion was stale and rehearsed, it wasn't genuine nor did it come from the heart. Her technique was mediocre, every other dancer destroyed Her in this area, besides this She rushes Her movements and doesn't ever come to a complete pause to let You soak in what She is doing, She rushed from one move to another. She only dances with Her face, not Her entire body, She doesn't make Her whole body as an instrument, Her body is actual very stiff. I don't feel anything when She dances, I don't feel the energy or the passion radiating off of Her, just this same "Maddie" face. Her costume unlike the others didn't show off Her body physic, and was a bit over the top for the dance awards. The fluidity wasn't there at all, all Her movements didn't flow...............................other than this I would have to say She simply isn't versatile or being properly trained at Her current studio. Tate deserved Her win, so people shouldn't try to downgrade it by making sad excuses as to why Maddie should have won.

[@chloewells4385]

Ok, you have the freedom to say all that, but can you really do what any of these girls were doing? At their ages? You're judging one of them pretty harshly, so maybe you could just take a step back and realize the hard, hard work each girl put into this, Maddie included. She has flaws, but that's why there are judges there to critique her. There's no need to insult her fans, who are mostly children, or to be so negative about this kid when the solo did so many things right.

[@leval1000]

Thank you. Been saying this for years! She’s improved since leaving ALDC though especially in the hip hop genre.

[@leval1000]

Chloe Wells She’s being critical which she is allowed to be. The judges probably think the same thing. Maddie was part of a competition where people can JUDGE her by her performance.

[@Sunflower_vally]

Agreed!

[@MutetheCity]

Totally unfair that there was a top 4 in just this category because of Maddie. All of the other categories have top 3, but because this competition's main sponsor is Capezio and Maddie is one of their new spokesmodels, they threw her bone and stuck her in fourth. It's pathetic.

[@chloeread5163]

MutetheCity It's because Maddie was tied with the person in 3rd place...

[@MutetheCity]

chloe read I've looked but haven't seen the scores anywhere. And the judges would've specified a tie if there was one.

[@chloeread5163]

MutetheCity Well it's not like it's the first time someone has been announced 4th...

[@MutetheCity]

John Smith They do that when there are a lot of dancers in a division. There weren't nearly as many dancers in Maddie's division this year.

[@jacobboarnet1336]

the way the dance awards works is there is a jazz audition class, ballet auction, and solo. they put the scores together, and choose a top 20. then they choose the top 10 from those 20 to do an improv contest. then they add the improv score into the combined score and choose a top 3. this was top 4 cuz there was a tie after all the scores were combined between the 3rd and 4th. after they choose top 3 (or 4) they re-compete their solos and the new score (whether lower or higher) replaces the first solo score. and this year there was a top 4 in Vegas . it happens a lot. it's not based off the amount of dancers, and it's not to publicize anyone they aren't that political

[@loranaashworth2993]

Go Maddie!!! Lily had some amazing lines but I feel sometimes routines like that one are a catch 22 because they lack showing movement and musicality and is mainly showing skill and technique. Tate's showed much more transitions and choreography. I think Maddie or Tate will take it but I'm totally #TeamMaddie.

[@ReneeTopanga]

The Curvy Coach Maddie got fourth.

[@victorhugocortezfranco1613]

+Renee S 😂😂👏🏻

[@katemosshpit1]

@@ReneeTopanga rankings don't define everything, and maddie only got fourth bcuz of the immature choreography. her emotions and expressions are on a completely diff level from tate and the others.

[@BoglimWrangler666]

The brainwashed maddie comments pretending she was even close to the other girls especially Tate lmao humanity is so sad.

[@pric4799]

Do you make it your life’s mission to bash everything about this child? Very few Maddie fans are claiming that Maddie has better technique or deserved to win - they’re simply claiming that considering she came from a mediocre studio and placed top 4 in the most prestigious dance competition in the country, that she’d talented. And it’s true - she is talented. Every single one of those girls are.

[@Aa-ru3jb]

@@pric4799 stfu

[@Dancemoms208]

​@@Aa-ru3jbgirl you stfu ignorant and rude af

[@dancerarinz556]

I can see why Tate won. However, in my opinion, if Emma competed her solo "The Artist" for Best Dancer, and "Departure" for the finals competition, she could've easily won. She competed "Departure" at Nuvo regionals, so she could've competed it in the finals, since you have to have competed your finals solo at Jump, Nuvo, or 24seven competitions. I feel that her solo for Best Dancer didn't capture how good Emma actually is, but "The Artist" does. That dance was fast, it had some turns and leaps in it, and it would've stood out from the other dances that people claim to be "boring", which in my opinion, they are not. But Maddie's solo and Emma's solos stood out to me in a good way. However, I wasn't surprised Maddie got 4th, but I am surprised Emma got 3rd. Lily and Tate must have done better in their jazz and ballet auditions. But I feel that the top 4 was pretty fair, and Maddie's improv, I think put her at the top.

[@alyssaswift8053]

+Dancer the Math Geek It's definitely between emma and tate. While I think Tate is slightly stronger, She's already won before, and it would be nice to give Emma a chance.

[@AidenJones]

not a chance in hell

[@laurenhurley2909]

Maddie is a great dancer with great emotion but her dancing is just not to the level of these other girls. She rushes to much and never finishes something properly because she doesn’t have the control these other girls have. It’s 100x harder to do a slow controlled tilt then to whack up your leg and not even hold it for a second before jumping into the next thing. Tate is a whole new level and as great as Maddie is she looked childish with the costume and song aswell as her flopping all over the place. If u notice she had to hold her leg up with her hand or take huge runs before leaps whereas the other girls have the skill to control everything. I’m not trying to hate on Maddie she’s a great dancer but the judges definitely made the right call on this one

[@xxoariaaxo1178]

People say maddie solo doesn't compare but maddies solo was entertaining. Maddies the one getting jobs because she's entertaining and that is who gets employed in the dance industru

[@charringtone]

it’s totally disheartening to read these comments. you guys can’t stop for one second and think about how much backlash and hate maddie gets already before adding to it by comparing her to other dancers who have had better training than her. you guys need to stop tearing these girls down, without thinking about everything they have been out through and how they were treated.

[@Bibiinaz_]

Maddie gets all of the love and praise, watch any dance moms clips. She simply isn't as good as people say she is and this is proof of that.

[@parismahone2145]

The zieglers are not the most hated ones and maddie does not get hate and backlash and she barely gets any she gets the most praise and love even more than kalani, brynn, and sophia and they are better than her all three of them are.

[@CosmicGeorgye]

everyone is saying Maddie does the same old choreography but this might be something new to these judges and something a bit different because the judges always see the same similar choreography from club dance. I love club dance but i think the judges might get a little bored of seeing something similar from each of the dancers from club dance and other dance companies.

[@Aa-ru3jb]

Obviously it wasn’t new or different to those judges if she got fourth💀

[@CosmicGeorgye]

@@Aa-ru3jb they still have to judge on technique and the other dancers in this competition have stronger technique compared to Madrid

[@michelacarlotto3246]

Tate's solo and Jaycee's solo look a lot alike!!

[@AidenJones]

not at all

[@vanessayeung661]

I know everyone's talking about Tate, I mean, why wouldn't we? She has gorgeous movements and stage presence, but everyone's talking about her like she's the best dancer in the world. She's great, and I hate to be the snobby dancer, but her legs aren't always straight on her leg lifts and her feet don't stretch as soon as they leave the floor. Her choreography is lovely though. It really accentuates her legs.

[@Sunflower_vally]

Have you Mabey considered that that is apart of the choreography?

[@maddiezieglercombos4316]

Ugh maddie could have done soo much more then what she's given,that's what only TRUE maddie fans would know,maddie is already good enough,I mean she's only been training in a poor studio ever since she was 8!! Imagine if maddie had been trading with club dance!!she would have been out of this world!!

[@ggsooyoun]

Maddie, Mackenzie, *Kalani, *Brynn, *Elliana, *Brady, Savannah, *Sophia, *Gavin, Kaeli, These are 10 dancers that have been on Dance Moms and competed in TDA How would you place them 1-10?? (asterisks by those who have won before- did you know so many dance moms alums were winners!)

[@janetd7446]

At their peaks - 1. Kaeli, 2. Brady 3.Kaylee Quinn(she was on one episode) 4. Sophia 5. Elliana 6. Savannah 7. Kalani 8. Gavin 9. Brynn 10. Maddie 11. Kenzie.

[@Sunflower_vally]

Tbh brynn, Kalani, Brady, Savannah, Lillie and Ellie won because they weren't trained by Abby their hole lives and when leading up to the tda was trained by their studio teachers not abby, that's why they did so well.

[@lol-uz7bl]

i feel like Tate and Lily were scored correctly but Maddie should have been 3rd and Emma 4th!

[@audioswapsuniverse]

Emma and Maddie tied for solo scores apparently so they broke the tie using the conventions and classes they attended

[@smody1041]

Sorry if I sound kinda dumb who won?

[@dancerarinz556]

Tate

[@annamariatassone7904]

2019 anyone?

[@WeShareTheSameAffliction]

Maddie or Lily deserved 1st place. All the others danced safe and boring. Maddie had the best stage presence and she actually danced!!!

[@kate4horses]

The placements aren't just based on your solo though. They have to do improv, jazz audition and ballet audition as well and the scores are added up. Maddie's did really well with her solo and improv but I thought Tate out danced her in both. No hate to Maddie, she did really well and top 4 at TDA is amazing! But she didn't deserve 1st to be honest because Tate , in my opinion, did wonderfully in her solo& improv and obviously must have done well in her auditions.

[@joshpop1able]

yanarlee Did you just say TATES was boring. I'm sry but what were you watching. Her lines, the smooth transitions, she captured the stage and the feel of the music, she showed emotion, control, beauty. How on earth...

[@affectivity9346]

ImaLoveYouAll Tate was beautiful. I think she won Mini 1st place 2 years ago at TDA.

[@018michi]

yanarlee finally someone with a little sense in their mind!!

[@018michi]

ImaLoveYouAll yes beautiful lines.... i'm sure maddie can do that but instead she actually told a story and made me feel something. with Tate it was just 'how nice', with Maddie she almost made me cry. dance is about conveing a story through movement and tate just had lines.

[@ГабриелаЗамфирова-з4о]

I think for this competition is better to do Vertigo but still she did a fabulous job

[@JoshuaEliLewis]

I love that solo intact that's my favorite from her but wouldn't it be smarter to do a solo that wasn't on the show.

[@clairetrembath2323]

I think all the solos were flawless, and their control is beautiful! But Tate won with a solo that had no "Choreography". She can obviously dance and is good at it, but every step was a leg extension, don't get me wrong they are beautiful, but by the third leg extension, the judges know she is flexible and got a strong core. I felt like her dance was just, walk walk leg extension, roll stand up leg extension, walk lay leg extension, and to me thats not choreography, thats tricks. Maddie really out did herself this time. She had a variety of steps from her tricks like leg extensions and holds, to jumps and turns, but then had great big chunks of deep choreography where she is actually moving. But at the end of the day the dancers performed beautifully!

[@AidenJones]

maddie’s dance is the worst solo that’s ever stepped foot on that stage pls never speak on tate

[@clairetrembath2323]

@@AidenJones relax the comment was 6yrs old. Tate is a great dancer, as is Maddie. Very different strengths.

[@annieday2920]

Maddie wasn't the best one, but she was the best entertainer

[@kawaikitty6161]

For any of you who don’t know Tate came 1st (congrats Tate!) lily was 1st runner up (yay lily!) Emma was 2nd runner up (well done Emma!) and then finally maddie was 3rd runner up (go maddie!) personally maddie was my favourite because he was very interesting to watch which made her different from the others which I love! But no, she doesn’t have the best technique which is a shame because if she went to a better school then aldc she would definitely mastered her technique. It’s sad that Abby led maddie to believe that face was everything :( so I do think maddie deserved 3rd runner up but she is still an incredible dancer and will get into broadway One day because she has something that those other girls don’t have, stage presence, star quality and most of all emotion and faces.

[@angelicam7179]

BEFORE U READ THIS COMMENT KNOW THAT: I very vaguely knew who Maddie Ziegler was before watching this, I never watch dance moms and only have seen her in chandelier. I am not at all biased when I say Maddie's improv and solo were the only dances I didn't skip through. The other girls may have impressive technique but Maddie is a performer, she can entertain an audience that knows little about dance and that's important. Although the other girls had incredible control, flexibility, and turn out, Maddie gives a show that someone would pay to watch and I honestly think that's why she made the top 4:) congrats to all dancers!! You each have something special

[@kate-davisheatherly1114]

Maddie to me wasn’t the best dancer technique wise but she was the most entertaining to watch. Her dancing told a story and left you remembering her. Great job to all of the girls though.

[@smitesalots]

I feel like Maddie took a risk by doing a solo that relied more on telling a story and expressing emotion while the other girls' had great solos that showed off their amazing technique. On one hand I found Maddie's solo more entertaining to watch and it stood out to me but i guess it didn't really work in her favor since she only place forth.

[@Will-Ch]

para mi el mas hermoso baile fue de Lily Gentile

[@KLB410]

I'm sick of people saying "so and so's" technique is better than Maddie's and that any of them could've had that break with Sia blah blah.. The reason Maddie is becoming more successful in the industry and not winning as many competitions is that she has WAY MORE than just the skill. She brings the face, the drama, acting skills, and everything else. Sure, Tate might have flawless technique which is great if you want to be a competition kid but when it comes to booking jobs Maddie is the more comercial dancer because of what else she can bring to a set.

[@AnonymousC-lm6tc]

+Avery McFarlane I'm sick of people like You, Maddie isn't that good get over it.

[@KLB410]

Never said she was the best dancer in the world, she's not even my fave on DM I just mean that with the exposure and fanbase she has from DM/Sia's videos and her face/emotion mean she's more likely to book a job over someone like Tate who obviously has way better technique/dance skills!!

[@thehills907]

Avery McFarlane I know I'm a year late but this is The Dance Awards, not a movie audition. This competition requires technique, flexibility, precision, artistry and musicality, Maddie did have a lot of acting skills and dramatic sequences but that isn't everything you need to win.

[@parismahone2145]

@@KLB410 her faces and emotions are not that good and it is the same thing over and over again

[@parismahone-pg5zg]

actually jojo is the most successful

[@ahjayahharris7584]

Madrid was really good

[@Jk_hbngfvg]

Rewatching this again, Lily and Tate easily have Maddie beat. But Emma must’ve been killing it in the other aspects because her solo is like a Walmart version of the top 2. It could be the fact she has super short legs and is pretty short in general. Her lines weren’t nearly as good.

[@thetwinnies5970]

If you look at the contents of Maddie solo it's amazing and I think if she was choreographed a better solo she could have done better even though too 4 is really good!!!!

[@lindz2222]

poor emma, they started playing the wrong music for her TWICE at tda that year lmao

[@Katelynk-qv4vi]

I think lily will win

[@rajahpound5124]

What if Maddie's solo went against Bostyn's Le Vent solo? would people still say the same thing? that Maddie should've won?

[@eller3794]

So who won?

[@julianaburner]

Maddie’s technique is STILL amazing!

[@arminedancer]

isnt tate mcrae from club dance studio? their technique is legit good

[@ThePerksofBeingSveva]

+arminedancer She's actually from Canada (I'm not sure what studio) but she sometimes stops by Club and trains there

[@lucymorris2838]

IM probably the only one who didnt like tates solo, it looked to me the=at she cant do much because all she did was lift her leg

[@mahamunir2235]

What are the age boundaries for juniors? :)

[@ranjanasen3794]

Was Abby drunk when she decided yo enter Maddie in TDA with this dance. LIKE C'MON SHE IS CAPABLE OF SSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH MORE 😡😡😡😡

[@katies.3884]

maddie should of definitely won! the other girls were so boring and people say maddie should get more technique while i felt like i watched the same solo 3 times and 0 was enough

[@Lysss1919]

The only reason maddie wins most of the time anymore is because of the publicity. Dont get me wrong shes amazing but there are people better then her with way better technique and control and emotions and the ability to tell a story. Watching all the other girls after her just makes it really obvious.

[@rachelcriss32]

what i like about Maddie is that she was original in this - not just a instrumental song wearing a leotard. All of the other girls were great and Tate definitely desrved her win i just liked maddie being different. Dont start fighting with me in the comments lol

[@manatthehorseclub2948]

I gotta say it, when I sat and watched maddie dance I was like wow! Very entertaining and she tells the story and shes amazing.... then when the next girl started dancing I was like ”ehhh” And then it was just boring.

[@adinab478]

You know NOTHING about dance. Maddie's dance was a joke compared to the others, especially being performed on TDA.

[@pric4799]

I agree. I wouldn’t say that the other dancers are boring, but I also thought that Maddie’s was more entertaining. I think that dancers like Tate, Emma, and Lilly are stronger technical dancers, but that Maddie is a stronger performer and storyteller. Tate, Emma, and Lilly are trained to be successful in the dance world while Maddie would thrive in a place like Broadway, where performance is key 😄

[@manatthehorseclub2948]

Adina B umm No, I can Have my own opinion and I love maddie dance and her costume, And she had a sad story with her dance too. People can Have different opinions :)

[@manatthehorseclub2948]

Priyanka C yessss ur so right, Maddie just has something in her, she can tell the story so well, She has good technice, but its not perfect but she just had that story and she just pulled my eye, like I could watch her for hours, And she had a special costume that also made the dance EVEN more entertaining. And her facial expressions! Wooww. And yes maddie is Broadway material, and she was questioned to be on Broadway but she did not go. IM a big fan Of maddie and whenever I watch her I feel something, She is someone special.

[@pric4799]

Man at the horse Club Totally agree! These strong technical dancers deserved to beat Maddie in this competition, but there is no doubt that Maddie has something in her that is entertaining to watch. I’ve always wanted to see Maddie on Broadway. Her brilliant emotions and storytelling abilities would allow her to thrive there. I wish she focused more on that rather than the TDAs. I’m happy that she got this chance and proved that she is a strong technical dancer, but I wish her she’d gone into show business instead.

[@silkthesheik2864]

Besides this is kind of sketchy all other divisions only had top three and because shes Maddie she makes it into the top four. This same division last year only had "top three" smh she only made it because she's famous but in the end they are only hurting Maddie because she's getting through life so easily as a child sheltering her but when she gets older she'll really see how the competition world is. Now watch the Maddie fans try to brutalize me when I'm only stating FACTS!

[@kldancer23]

Sheikca Platt i don't think it's that sketchy that there was a top 4 because in Vegas there was a top 4 for teens.

[@CC-Paradigm]

It's a year by, but I just watched another video, and the Teen Best Dancer at Vegas for 2015 also had a top four.

[@donovan3353]

slick the SheiK' She tied with another girl in the improv category

[@ludovicabittolo]

was Maddie first or fourth?

[@yarenciv1284]

Fourth

[@openwatersaldc3584]

To be honest I love the first all God’s creatures but this one....... she definitely rushes not her best

[@lucygeorge4270]

Is it maddie zeegler or maddie zigler?

[@xoramaxo]

Maddie Ziegler 😊

[@suzannahe.h6596]

I really don't think that Maddie chose the right dance fro this competition. it didn't have any contrast and although it was very dynamic it didn't hold a candle to those other dances. All gods creatures was not the type of Polo the judges were looking for. The dance didn't show off her best technique or performance.

[@samuelparker1094]

why did the judge tell Emma to go off the stage?

[@Kevin59834]

Maddie is a genius and is gifted as an entertainer, that's what makes her successful. The other girls were powerful, had great extensions and amazing flexibility. But quite frankly they fell flat compared to Maddie, in the competition world they are from , this may work for them. But in the entertainment world of dance, Maddie is gifted above all them.

[@AidenJones]

she’s a flop

[@parismahone-pg5zg]

None of what you said was true but okay

[@bellafahey1375]

Thoughts: Maddie is an amazing dancer but the solo and costume were terrible. The choreo sucked. Despite that I enjoyed watching her. Tate is just incredible and definitely deserved the win. She's a huge inspiration to me. That being said I don't really like the type of choreo typically seen at The Dance Awards, quite slow with a leg every five seconds. I know it requires a lot of talent and I'm not hating on the dancers, I just find it boring to watch. A little off topic but I personally hate that in the TDA improvs the girls who win do nothing but leg extensions and sometimes aerials. Once again I'm not hating on them, it's just sad that it's getting rewarded because to me improv is about feeling the music and including a variety of steps. If you read everything, you're awesome lol 😉

[@bellafahey1375]

krissyyy I love Simrin and Bostyn too!

[@lucygeorge4270]

Just me or did maddie only really use the right side of the stage?

[@morganjaggerss]

TATE

[@isabellesaunders5784]

Who came first second and third

[@audioswapsuniverse]

Tate was first, Lily was second, Emma was 3rd, Maddie was 4th