‘Dance Moms’ Coach Calls Maddie Ziegler Her ‘Child’, Shares How ALDC Is Holding Up Without Her

The “Dance Moms” cast is doing just fine with Maddie Ziegler. That is according to Abby Lee Miller’s right-hand woman, ALDC (Abby Lee Dance Company) choreographer Gianna Martello.

During a recent morning talk show interview, Gianna, who has been with the Lifetime show since Season 1, sounded off on how the ALDC team is holding up one-year after losing Abby’s star pupil.

“Maddie was like my child. I feel like I partly raised her. She was a huge part of the team. She held that leadership role,” Gianna dished of the now 14-year-old who left the show in Season 6.

“Since she left the team has just grown so much and everyone else on the team has kind of found that leadership, found that Maddie role. I think it has really been a huge learning experience and huge change, but a good change, for the rest of the teammates.”

Gianna says she can “only hope” for more seasons of the show, which is currently filming the back half of Season 7. While she wouldn’t reveal which “past cast members” are returning, she said admit that production has been “really crazy” so far.

“I think we’re in a good place for viewers now. I think viewers are going to love what’s to come,” Gianna teased.

While Gianna did not discuss details about Season 7B, spoilers for the new episodes have already been leaked. Three weeks into the new season, Chloe Lukasiak returned on Feb. 25 to compete against the ALDC with Murrieta Dance Project. Find out how the two teams placed HERE.

Lifetime has not announced official premiere date for the return of “Dance Moms,” though we have some theories.