Dance Moms Season 8
Why did the coach of “Dance Moms” share an emotional post about her students (clockwise) Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker and Nia Sioux, pictured at the iHeartRadioAwards in Los Angeles on Sunday? Getty Images

Abby Lee Miller is missing her “Dance Moms” students despite the show being in production on new episodes. The Lifetime star posted a telling Instagram photo on Monday, hinting it may be the end of an era for her on the hit series.

“Missing my beautiful girls,” Abby wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of her choreographer Gianna Martello and dancers Kendall Vertes, Nia Sioux and Kalani Hilliker at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 5. “You all looked fab!” she continued, including a sad emoji. “I’m sure you rocked the carpet with your interview skills!”

Abby’s post comes after two back-to-back missed weeks of filming for the back half of “Dance Moms” Season 7. One “Dance Moms” spoiler site has revealed Abby did not attend the cast’s appearance at Fierce NDC in Panorama City, California, on Feb. 25. The elite team had a guest choreographer for the week in light of her absence. An Instagram post from Ashlee Allen, mom to dancer Brynn Rumfallo, added fuel to the rumors.

 

Amazing week with @boomkack and @meagannugent1 thank you for being so invested in our kids!! #dancemoms #season7b

A post shared by Ashlee Allen (@ashleedancemoms) on

Abby was missing in action again on March 4 at Fierce NDC in Fresno, California. This time around, Laurieann Gibson filled in for Abby to choreograph for the elites. It’s unclear if Abby will return for the group’s scheduled appearance at Sheer Talent in Las Vegas on Saturday.

While Abby has made a few tour stops lately for fan Q&A sessions -- her most recent being in Cancun on March 5 -- it’s unclear what the future holds for her on “Dance Moms.” The coach has a big court battle ahead of her. Abby’s sentencing in her bankruptcy fraud case is set for May 8. She faces up to 2.5 years behind bars.

Lifetime has not yet announced a midseason premiere date for “Dance Moms” Season 7B.