Get to know the other Abby Leigh of the Abby Lee Dance Company!
Abby is a 16-year-old dancer who hails from Pittsburgh, PA. She spent part of her dance career at the Abby Lee Dance Company, the studio famous from Lifetime’s Dance Moms. The reality series helped launch the career of countless teen stars, among them Maddie Ziegler, Mackenzie Ziegler, Nia Sioux Frazier, and Chloe Lukasiak.
Everly Mag talked to Abby Leigh about dance, social media, and positivity!
Everly Mag: How did you get started dancing and discover your passion?
Abby: When I was younger, I loved going to dance class. I soon quit to try out competitive cheerleading. After [cheerleading] for two years, I realized how much I missed dance. I would always stretch every day and dance around my living room, making up my own combos, and it always made me happy.
I finally started [dancing again] in seventh grade. I attended a local studio for a year, and after that year is when I started with Abby Lee [Dance Company]. That’s when I realized how passionate I was about dancing. All of my teachers pushed me to do my very best. All of the dancers at the studio were like one big family! I created friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m so grateful for my experiences.
Everly Mag: What are your favorite and least favorite styles of dance?
Abby: My favorite style of dance would have to be contemporary. I love being able to tell stories through my movement, and I feel contemporary lets me do that the most. Dancing at a slower pace and moving through [my] body to portray a storyline is the best way to express [myself], in my own opinion.
My least favorite style of dance would have to be tap. Although I enjoy learning tap steps, I don’t enjoy actually learning and performing whole tap dances.
Everly Mag: What are the best and most difficult parts of being a teen dancer?
Abby: The easiest part is of being a teen dancer is using dance as a way [to] express [myself]. Being a teen, you go through a lot. As you’re getting older, you’re maturing into who you will be for the rest of your life, and feeling many emotions.
There’s lots of ups and downs with being a teen dancer. A down is being judged, or feeling like you’re being judged. There is so much competition within the dance world that makes it hard sometimes to let go and do your thing in front of people. But, once you let go and [stop caring] what people think, the possibilities are endless.
Everly Mag: What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
Abby: Never give up. Determination, dedication, and strength mean so much. If you want something, go out there and get it! If you want to become a dancer, go do it! It’s never too late to chase your dreams. You can do it!
Everly Mag: What makes you feel confident on social media? What makes you feel insecure? How can teens make social media a better place?
Abby: I feel confident on social media whenever I’m being myself. When I post my pictures and feel good about them because I love myself. Sometimes, I feel bad or insecure on social media when I receive bad comments. Some people can be so mean, but they’re only like that because of what they are going through themselves.
I think teens could help make social media a more positive place by being kind. Leaving nice comments, complimenting each other, and spreading only love could make not only social media, but the whole world, a more positive place.
You are so beautiful inside and out, no matter what, and you need to realize that!
You can find Abby Leigh on Instagram.
Feature Image Credit: Abby Leigh
