Gianna Martello has been a part of Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh since she was 6 years old, according to Parade. She and her mom went to visit the studio before committing to classes.
"We saw her teach an acrobatics class," Martello told the publication. "And within the first five minutes my mom, who is also a dancer said, 'she knows what she's doing. This is where you have to go'."
From there, Martello would rise from dance class participant to choreographer to faculty member. She has helped many of the young stars on Dance Moms perform to their fullest potential, including Maddie Ziegler and Nia Sioux Frazier.
"I feel like Nia has grown tremendously and is still on the show today. The funny thing is — and what people don't actually know is — I actually taught her and had her in class before the TV show," Martello told Sweety High. "She was one of the first kids I ever taught in my life, so to see what she is doing now is amazing."
Martello exited Dance Moms following the seventh season's first half when Dancing with the Stars' Cheryl Burke took over the lead. Martello, who still considers Abby Lee Miller a mentor and friend, blamed producers' changes to the show for her departure. Miller also left the show for a period, serving time in prison for fraud charges and dealing with a Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis.
"The show is going in a bunch of different directions that weren't associated with Abby Lee Dance Company," Martello told Dance Dish with KB. "From my point of view, it was time to say goodbye."
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7XCpKCsr5mbwW%2BvzqZma2thaYBye9ahmK1ll56ur7rAZqSaqqSaua27jKGYrGWSmrKvedSpZK2nXai2r6%2FEZpuappOaeq67zKxm