The hit American reality TV show Dance Moms has made superstars out of its talented teenage subjects, like Jojo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler, but it’s also earned a terrible reputation over the aggressive bullying tactics of head dance coach Abby Lee Miller.
So when Nikki Webster this week revealed she was bringing the show down under – yep, Dance Moms Australia is officially happening – not everyone was jumping for joy over the news.
Nikki was a guest on former I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Ash Pollard’s Hit 101.3 Central Coast radio show on Thursday, but during an interview to promote her new project, the 32-year-old was grilled by Ash, 33, about the controversial show.
Ash slammed the American version of the show and questioned whether it was appropriate to be putting on an Australian version too.
“I’m shook to my core, I don’t know what to believe, because I’m not a fan of this show because I don’t like what it does to the children,” Ash said.
Ash first graced our screens as a contestant on My Kitchen Rules.
(Credit: Instagram)But Nikki hit back, arguing Dance Moms Australia will be tasteful and respectful.
“Sure, I guess the most important thing is that it’s giving a platform for Australian dancers to be showcased,” Nikki responded.
“And I’ve been working with young talent for over 12 years in this country and we have incredible dancers and incredible talent that should have a platform to dance and follow their dreams.”
Ash followed up, asking if the Australian version will be “way less bitchy” than the American version.
Nikki replied diplomatically, saying the show will “need a bit of everything.”
Nikki is going to be the new host of Dance Moms Australia.
(Credit: Getty)Nikki, who most recently graced our screens as the Alien on Channel Ten’s hit reality show The Masked Singer, is urging dancers aged between eight and 16 (and their stage mums) to submit two 60-second videos to YouTube as their official application. (FYI, you can enter via this link here).
The first video must showcase the young dancer performing one of their favourite routines and the second should show the dancer and their parent or caregiver taking part in a little bit of banter.
WATCH BELOW: Nikki Webster performs on The Masked Singer. Story continues after video.
“I’ve been involved with competitive dance as a child performer, an instructor and a mother. It is an exhilarating, entertaining and at times, emotional ride,” says Nikki.
“I’ve got no doubt Australians will be compelled by what Dance Moms Australia will bring to their homes: the drama of competition and conflict where the lines of allegiance aren’t always what you’d expect.”
To apply for Dance Moms Australia, visit dancenikkiwebster.com.au
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