Why Is ‘Dancing With The Stars: Juniors’ Ignoring Mackenzie Zeigler’s ‘Dance Moms’ Past?

There could be some controversy over one of the participants on the first-ever “Dancing With the Stars: Juniors,” and it won’t just be because of some prior dance experience, but also how the ABC show is handling it.

The new ABC series, a companion show to “Dancing With the Stars” which features kid dancers mentored by the original show’s pros, premiered Sunday Night and saw 12 teams hit the floor to perform Cha Cha, Salsa, Foxtrot and Jive routines before a double elimination, which saw Tripp Palin and “Masterchef Junior” champ Addison Osta Smith say goodbye after having the lowest combined scores from the judges and the studio audience.

However, one of the night’s top contenders, Mackenzie Ziegler, is likely going to raise some eyebrows over the season, as some fans may recognize her from another dance show she previously starred on—though “DWTS” seems to be ignoring that in how they’re describing her to those unfamiliar with her past.

Ziegler’s last name may sound familiar to fans because of her older sister, Maddie, who famously starred on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” from 2011-2016. She went on to also star in the music videos for Sia’s “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart,” model and write a book. However, she wasn’t the only member of her family to appear on “Dance Moms,” as Mackenzie was also featured on the show from 2011-2016, and has been dancing since she was young. Though she has had other experience with acting and singing, she is best known for the Lifetime series—and the competitions she won over the years.

In fact, her former dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller, even recently pointed out on Instagram just how much training Mackenzie had when she worked with her, including the number of routines she performed weekly.

"One of Mackenzie's solos early on in her 12 years of dance training, then after age 6 competing & appearing on a TV show learning & performing a new routine each week!" Miller captioned the Throwback Thursday video.

While it isn’t necessarily a secret that Mackenzie was on “Dance Moms,” “Dancing With the Stars: Juniors” hasn’t publicized the fact, instead focusing on her singing career when introducing her at the cast reveal. During her debut on the show's premiere, it was emphasized that she didn't have prior experience in ballroom dancing, but the extent of her other skills was also not directly addressed.

It’s unclear why “DWTS” is emphasizing her singing over her dance past, but it could be because she isn’t the only “Dance Moms” alum appearing on the show. Elliana Walmsley, who appeared on the series from 2016-2017, is also participating—but as a pro.

It is possible ABC wants to avoid critiques over Ziegler’s past from fans who think it’s unfair that someone with her level of experience would get to compete as a celebrity, while her former co-star works in a pro capacity. While the original series has never been a stranger to complaints of competitors who have prior dance experience, this time it’s a bit more unique since two people from the same show are involved, but with different distinctions. There may also be a desire to avoid the issues because this is the debut season of “Juniors.”

There is a chance Ziegler herself wants to shed her past as she continues pursuing a career in music as well, and may have requested to not have the show brought up.

Whatever the reason for the show’s decision not to acknowledge her past, Ziegler’s fans should expect to see her on the show for a while.

“Dancing With the Stars: Juniors” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.