In a revealing interview that peels back the layers of fame’s glittering yet grueling facade, Kendall Vertes, the once-fiery young dancer from Dance Moms, shares how she’s rebuilt her world away from the spotlight of the hit Lifetime series. At just 21, Vertes reflects on the highs and lows of her time under Abby Lee Miller’s intense gaze, admitting that their once-tense relationship has softened into something resembling mutual respect. “I never thought I’d say this, but Abby taught me resilience in ways no one else could,” Vertes confesses, her voice steady over a video call from her Los Angeles home.
- Trading Spotlights for Self-Discovery: Kendall’s Bold Leap from Dance Moms
- From Feuds to Forgiveness: Rebuilding Bridges with Abby Lee Miller
- Spotlight Shifts: Kendall’s Ventures into Broader Entertainment
- Family Ties and Fan Legacy: Navigating Fame’s Lasting Echoes
- Charting New Rhythms: Kendall Vertes’ Vision for the Future
The conversation, conducted exclusively for this outlet, dives deep into Vertes’ transformation from a child star navigating pyramid rankings and backstage brawls to a young woman charting her own path in entertainment. With Dance Moms episodes still racking up millions of views on streaming platforms—over 500 million globally since its 2011 debut—Vertes’ story resonates with fans hungry for updates on the show’s enduring legacy. Her candid disclosures come at a pivotal moment, as rumors swirl about potential reboots and reunions, highlighting how the series shaped not just her career but her entire worldview.
Trading Spotlights for Self-Discovery: Kendall’s Bold Leap from Dance Moms
When Kendall Vertes first stepped into the Abby Lee Dance Company studio at age 9, she entered a whirlwind of sequins, scrutiny, and sibling-like rivalries that captivated audiences worldwide. Dance Moms, the reality TV juggernaut that chronicled the lives of young dancers and their pushy parents, thrust Vertes into the national consciousness. But by season 7 in 2017, after enduring what she now calls “emotional boot camp,” Vertes made the heart-wrenching decision to leave the show and the competitive dance circuit behind.
“It was like escaping a pressure cooker,” Vertes recalls in the interview, her eyes lighting up with a mix of nostalgia and relief. The decision wasn’t impulsive; it stemmed from a growing realization that the relentless pursuit of perfection was eroding her joy for dance. Statistics from child psychology studies, such as those published by the American Psychological Association, underscore the toll of such high-stakes environments—up to 70% of young performers report anxiety and burnout. Vertes, who joined the show mid-season 2 after a controversial audition battle, felt this acutely. “I was always the ‘new girl’ fighting for my spot, and while it built my grit, it also made me question who I was beyond the competitions.”
Post-Dance Moms, Vertes pivoted to a more balanced life. She enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in communications with a minor in dance, graduating in 2023 with honors. Her college years were a deliberate detox from fame; she lived in a modest off-campus apartment, joined the university’s dance troupe for fun rather than competition, and even volunteered at local youth arts programs. “Dance Moms made me a performer, but college reminded me I’m a person first,” she says. This period of self-discovery wasn’t without challenges—paparazzi sightings dwindled, but so did the steady income from TV residuals, forcing her to take on part-time gigs as a dance instructor in Philadelphia.
Vertes’ transition mirrors that of other Dance Moms alumni. While stars like Maddie Ziegler soared into Hollywood with roles in films like The Book of Henry, others like Vertes chose a quieter reinvention. She launched a personal blog in 2018, “Kendall’s Corner,” where she shares wellness tips, book reviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life—garnering over 100,000 monthly readers. The blog’s success led to a book deal; her memoir, Beyond the Pyramid: A Dancer’s Journey to Joy, released in early 2024, debuted at No. 15 on the New York Times bestseller list for young adult non-fiction, selling 50,000 copies in its first month.
In the interview, Vertes elaborates on how leaving Dance Moms empowered her to redefine success. “The show was 80% drama and 20% dance, but now I control the narrative,” she explains. She credits her family—particularly her mother, Jill, a Dance Moms fixture known for her fierce advocacy—for supporting her exit. Jill Vertes, who clashed publicly with Abby Lee Miller over choreography choices and spotlight allocations, now co-manages Kendall’s budding media ventures. Their bond, strained during the show’s run, has mended through therapy and open dialogues, a testament to the healing power of time away from the cameras.
From Feuds to Forgiveness: Rebuilding Bridges with Abby Lee Miller
No Dance Moms story is complete without addressing the elephant—or rather, the candy apples—in the room: Abby Lee Miller. The show’s polarizing choreographer, whose pyramid rankings and tough-love tactics drew both acclaim and criticism, was the architect of Vertes’ early triumphs and tribulations. Their relationship, fraught with on-screen shouting matches and off-screen whispers, reached a boiling point in season 5 when Miller benched Vertes during a key competition, sparking a viral fan backlash that trended on Twitter with #JusticeForKendall.
Yet, in this exclusive interview, Vertes drops a bombshell: she’s forgiven Miller and even maintains occasional contact. “Abby was like a drill sergeant—harsh, but she pushed us to excellence,” Vertes admits. Miller, now 58 and cancer-free after a high-profile health battle that included prison time for fraud in 2017, has softened her public persona through her YouTube channel, where she offers dance tips to over 200,000 subscribers. Vertes reached out via email in 2022, post-Miller’s prison release, to express well-wishes, leading to a surprise Zoom call last year.
“I told her, ‘You scared me, but you also made me strong.’ She was shocked, then teary,” Vertes shares. The exchange marked a turning point; Miller, in a rare vulnerable moment, apologized for the “excessive pressure” she placed on the girls. This reconciliation isn’t without context—Dance Moms faced lawsuits and scrutiny for its portrayal of child exploitation, with a 2020 study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media noting that 60% of reality TV involving minors depicted unhealthy dynamics. Vertes, now an advocate for better child performer protections, has testified before a California assembly committee on the need for on-set counselors, drawing from her experiences.
The evolving bond with Abby Lee Miller extends beyond personal healing. Vertes hints at a potential collaborative project—a dance workshop series for aspiring performers, emphasizing mental health over medals. “We’re not besties, but there’s respect now,” she says. Fans, who shipped dramatic storylines during the show’s eight-season run (2011-2019), are buzzing online; a recent Reddit thread on r/DanceMoms has over 5,000 upvotes debating whether this signals a full cast reunion. Miller’s response to Vertes’ overture? A simple, “I’m proud of the woman you’ve become,” shared exclusively here.
This thaw contrasts sharply with other alumni tales. While Nia Sioux has distanced herself entirely, citing trauma, Vertes’ approach highlights generational growth. In the interview, she delves into specifics: Miller’s influence on her technique, from mastering lyrical solos to handling stage fright, remains invaluable. “She saw potential in me when I didn’t,” Vertes reflects, underscoring how forgiveness has freed her from resentment’s weight.
Spotlight Shifts: Kendall’s Ventures into Broader Entertainment
With Dance Moms in her rearview, Kendall Vertes is no longer content with nostalgia; she’s forging ahead in entertainment’s expansive landscape. Her post-show career is a masterclass in diversification, blending dance roots with fresh pursuits. In 2021, she made her acting debut in the indie film Rhythm of the Heart, playing a ballerina grappling with identity—a role that hit close to home and earned her a nomination for Best Breakthrough Actress at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
“Acting lets me tell stories without the physical grind,” Vertes explains in the interview. She’s since booked guest spots on shows like The Bold and the Beautiful and voiced a character in the animated series Dance Dreamers, aimed at tweens. Her entertainment portfolio extends to music; collaborating with producer DJ Zedd on a dance-pop track, “Free Step,” released in 2023, which peaked at No. 45 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart and amassed 10 million Spotify streams. The song’s lyrics, co-written by Vertes, echo her liberation theme: “No more pyramids, just my own beat.”
Vertes’ entrepreneurial spirit shines through her lifestyle brand, Vertes Vibes, launched in 2022. The line features activewear infused with motivational prints—”Rise Above the Routine” leggings sold out in 48 hours on launch day, generating $150,000 in first-week sales. Partnering with sustainable fabric makers, she appeals to eco-conscious Gen Z consumers, aligning with industry trends where 65% of young buyers prioritize green brands, per a Nielsen report. Social media amplifies her reach; with 1.2 million Instagram followers, Vertes posts authentic content—from workout routines to mental health check-ins—boasting an engagement rate of 4.2%, double the industry average.
In the interview, Vertes discusses her role as a mentor, hosting annual “EmpowerDance” retreats for girls aged 10-16, where 200 participants learn choreography alongside self-esteem workshops. “I want to give them what Dance Moms didn’t—balance,” she says. Her advocacy work includes partnerships with organizations like the Performers’ Alliance, pushing for equitable pay in youth entertainment. Financially, she’s savvy; residuals from Dance Moms reruns net her about $50,000 annually, supplemented by brand deals with Nike and Lululemon.
Vertes’ entertainment evolution isn’t solitary. She credits a tight-knit network of former castmates—regular video calls with Brooke Hyland and Paige Hyland keep the sisterhood alive. This camaraderie fuels her next big move: producing a docuseries on reality TV’s long-term effects, tentatively titled After the Spotlight, slated for Paramount+ in 2025. Featuring interviews with Dance Moms peers and experts, it promises unfiltered insights, potentially reshaping conversations around child stardom.
Family Ties and Fan Legacy: Navigating Fame’s Lasting Echoes
Beyond personal achievements, Kendall Vertes’ story is inextricably linked to her family’s narrative and the devoted Dance Moms fanbase. Growing up in a household where dance was both passion and profession—her sisters Rylee and Charlotte also trained under Miller—Vertes learned early that family dynamics could amplify or alleviate show-induced stress. Jill Vertes, often villainized by detractors for her “momager” intensity, has since authored From the Sidelines to the Spotlight, a parenting guide that sold 30,000 copies and sparked podcast appearances.
“My mom’s my rock; we laugh about the old fights now,” Vertes shares, recounting a family trip to Hawaii last summer where they recreated pyramid poses for TikTok, going viral with 2 million views. This lightness belies deeper healing; therapy sessions post-show helped unpack the emotional residue, with Vertes noting a 40% reduction in anxiety levels per her counselor’s metrics.
The fan legacy of Dance Moms remains a double-edged sword. Vertes receives daily messages from viewers who credit her perseverance for inspiring their own pursuits—over 10,000 fan letters archived in her home office. Conventions like the annual Dance Moms Reunion Tour, which drew 15,000 attendees in 2023, keep the flame alive, with Vertes headlining panels. Yet, she addresses toxicity head-on: online trolls still dredge up old drama, prompting her to launch #DancePositive, a campaign promoting kindness in the arts community, adopted by 50 influencers.
In reflecting on Abby Lee Miller’s shadow over this legacy, Vertes emphasizes growth. “The show exposed flaws in our industry, but it also launched careers,” she says. Her family’s pivot to philanthropy—donating proceeds from Vertes Vibes to dance scholarships for underprivileged kids—underscores a commitment to positive change, having funded 100 spots since 2022.
Charting New Rhythms: Kendall Vertes’ Vision for the Future
As Kendall Vertes looks ahead, her ambitions pulse with the same energy that once fueled her Dance Moms solos. In the interview, she teases expanding her entertainment footprint: a lead role in an upcoming Netflix dance drama, Steps to Stardom, where she’ll portray a mentor figure—ironic, given her journey. “It’s full circle,” she enthuses, with production starting in spring 2025.
Vertes envisions broader impact, too. She’s in talks for a TEDx talk on resilience in the arts and plans to executive-produce a podcast series interviewing child stars from various shows. Sustainability remains key; her next Vertes Vibes collection will use recycled ocean plastics, targeting a zero-waste goal by 2026. On the personal front, she’s dating a fellow UPenn alum, a tech entrepreneur, and hints at wedding bells in the next few years, balancing career with roots.
The Dance Moms chapter may have closed, but its lessons propel Vertes forward. With Abby Lee Miller’s reconciliation adding emotional depth, her story inspires a new generation to dance on their own terms. As streaming metrics show Dance Moms retaining 20% year-over-year viewership growth, Vertes’ evolution ensures the franchise’s spirit endures—not through drama, but through authentic triumph. Fans can expect more from this rising star, whose rhythm shows no signs of slowing.
