Following the huge success of the first series, Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison is returning to Lifetime, with new additions, new drama and of course, new dance routines.
We caught up with Jennifer Ellison to chat about the new batch of episodes, the team's first male addition and much more - find out what she had to say below.
Dance Mums is back for a second series, what made you want to do this all over again?
The kids and the talent that they're capable of. When they win and they do well, that far outweighs any of the turmoil and the kicking off with their mothers.
How have the girls found the exposure they've gained through the show?
Yeah, the girls absolutely love it, they've become little dance celebrities overnight. They're getting all these followers on social media and all these job offers, they're absolutely loving it.
How did you find the reception and public response to the show during its first series?
Amazing. You know after going in after Abby Lee Miller had done the American series, I automatically expected it to get slated. But people have loved it, it's completely different and with it being British it's very funny, so I think it's just got a totally different stamp on it which works really well.
We've got some mums and their kids returning for the second series, are the parents still causing you trouble?
Yes, they are. That's the easiest question I've been asked all day! (laughs)
We've got some new additions to the team this year including male dancer Harry, what made you want to include him this year?
I just think there's so many really good boys out there, talented boys and there's always that stigma against boys that dance. I think now with all these dance shows and musicals being made and stuff, I think that's changing and I just thought it'd be a lovely addition and great for people to see a boy there as well.
How did the other mums and kids react to his addition to the team?
They were all really supportive because they know him from the studios, they love him, so they were all really excited, which was great.
His mum Claire is new to the show as well as new dancer Leah Rose and her mum Leah, what do they bring to Dance Mums?
They bring a sense of normality. (laughs) They're really nice mums, they're funny, Leah Rose is a little character and it's really nice to have that other side. They're very refreshing to have around and fun. It's not all confrontations and kick offs, so it's nice to show that, you know?
You've got a brand new dance school this series so how much is on the line for you?
Oh my goodness, everything. Everything that I've worked for, for all these years I've put into the school. It's a family business run with my husband, it means everything to us. The ante and the consequences have just automatically been lifted, they're much higher than they were last season and there's a lot more riding on it really.
There's so much expectation of the girls, and since people have seen series one, everyone wants to speak to them so, they've got a lot to live up to.
Why should people tune into this new series of Dance Mums?
I just think it's got everything. It's extremely funny, it's fantastic to support British dance. The conflict, it's much better than the American one. There's all the talent that overrides everything, so people should support it. It's very rare that we have something that's so good and British-made, it's gone worldwide as well so it's something to be very proud of.
Finally, what's next for you?
Next for me is obviously Dance Mums launching. My college has also started, so I'm a very, very, very busy bee!
Dance Mums With Jennifer Ellison returns to Lifetime tonight, Monday 12 October at 9pm
Check out our exclusive clip from the show below.
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