Melissa Gisoni

"Because Mom Said So"

Words by Bec Doyle | March 16 2021

Melissa could never have imagined where her journey would lead after being approached by producer John Corella to audition for a show called “Just Dance”, which would go on to air as “Dance Moms”, on the Lifetime network 10 years ago. And what a journey it’s been! Now residing predominantly in LA, getting back to Pittsburgh for Christmas or summer vacation (prior to the pandemic), the self-professed once “clueless” dance mom has successfully navigated the industry for her daughters; rising stars Maddie and Kenzie Zeigler, using her motherly instinct and genuinely kind heart to guide them through.

Melissa wears White tank top by Top Shop, denim jacket by AG, White jeans by Paige.

Photo by Glenn Nutley, Makeup by Mina Abramovic, Styled by Linda Medvene

When first approached Melissa exclaims “We were Pittsburgh moms that were so clueless”. Production had originally planned on casting moms from around the country, but after seeing their audition tapes, they loved the group of Pittsburgh moms so much that they decided to focus the show around them. “They had us filming saying ‘my daughter’s the best’, you know all that fake stuff.” Admitting some naivety when it came to the entertainment industry, Melissa recalls “They kind of forced us into signing a contract, and we were like, wait what? But we never thought it was going to amount to anything.” They filmed 6 episodes of what was slated to be “Just Dance”, Melissa adds, “They told us what to do and what to say.. and we just did it.” Melissa explains aside from the premier episode that the whole cast watched together in Pittsburgh, she chose not to watch the show. “I could see on twitter how people thought I was like this woman who would do anything for my daughter to get a private… the editing was so bad.. we used to get so mad at the producers because they were like evil.. evil reality producers.” The show went on to air as ‘Dance Moms’, and quickly garnered a cult following, propelling the moms and the young dancers to stardom, and scrutiny, growing up in the public eye.

Melissa wears Dress by Karina Grimaldi, Bracelets by Cartier. Whisper is wearing Hermes scarf.

Photo by Glenn Nutley, Makeup by Mina Abramovic, Styled by Linda Medvene

Despite the somewhat overwhelming entrance into the entertainment industry for herself and her girls, Melissa admits she wouldn’t change a thing.

If I could rewind time I would still do it, because the girls wouldn’t be where they are today without the show.

Maddie, 18, has appeared in numerous music videos for Sia, including the infamous video for “Elastic Heart” alongside Shia Labeouf. She is a New York Times Best Seller; and recently landed a role as one of “The Jets” in the upcoming Steven Spielberg screen adaptation of the classic broadway musical “West Side Story”, slated for release later this year. Kenzie, who graced the cover of our Winter Issue, has been forging her own identity in the industry at only 16 years old; launching a music career with the release of a slew of original tracks - each garnering over 20 million views online; launching “Bubble” a skincare line developed by teens for teens; and recently appearing on FOX’s “The Masked Dancer” as ‘Tulip’.

Melissa credits their time on the show as the groundwork in preparing the girls for the demanding realities of life in the entertainment industry. “Those kids worked their butts off, and I think that is why they have such a good work ethic.” The girls were just 6 and 8 when they began filming Dance Moms and Melissa explains it was hard work, filming year round with barely any time off. “It was hard, these kids work so hard. The moms would take turns driving all the kids to school. They’d go to school from 8:30am - 12:30pm, then they would have lunch, then walk across the street to the studio, and us moms would meet them there. Then we would film till 4:30pm. Then the girls had to do dance till like 9:30pm or 10pm.” After 6 seasons working on Dance Moms, including a move out to LA, where production began filming in 2015, the girls expressed a desire to move on from the show.

My kids just one day said to me - I don’t want to do this anymore - and I said ok.. They just were not happy anymore - and they wanted to pursue other things.

The ‘Dance Moms’ Cast forged lifelong friendships. Melissa laughs about a text she received from Brooke (Hyland) this morning, “We’re all like family” she says. And it’s no surprise given they embarked on this journey all together. “We’re really lucky to have one another - and so are the kids.” Melissa and the “moms” Jill Vertes, Holly Frazier and Kelly Hyland, are so close they started their own podcast series “Because Mom Said So”, where they focus on various “light subjects” such as cooking and cleaning hacks, beauty secrets and episodes dedicated to answering fan questions. “It’s a lot more work than you think it is, but I enjoy the work.” With plans to take the podcast series on the road later this year, fans of the moms and their podcast will get a chance to participate in the live audience shows.

Melissa has also begun filming with best friend BP Major in the Youtube series ‘Major Minors’, showcasing BP as he mentors the budding careers of Gia Pater and Danika Hemmer along with a growing cast of young talented performers. When it came to her involvement Melissa remarks “It just kind of happened.. BP is sooo incredible with the kids,” Melissa explains the different roles they take on as mentors, BP trains the young performers in acting, singing and dancing, while Melissa brings more of the business side of the industry, teaching them responsibility and scheduling, as well as an important focus on themes like body positivity. Melissa adds future plans could include a summer camp and performing arts academy.

Beyond the entertainment industry and life in the public eye Melissa is a passionate humanitarian and animal advocate. “The organization that I’m really involved with is ‘My Friends Place”, it’s for the homeless youth in LA.” After Maddie and Kenzie presented Marne Levine (former COO of instagram), with an award at the “My Friends Place 30th Anniversary Gala”, Melissa and her girls got involved with the organization and began volunteering; serving meals every 3 weeksat their Hollywood location. “My Friend’s Place helps homeless youth have an address, so they can get a job, they also do job training, they teach them skills, they have counselling, showers and a store in the back so they can get clothing,” Melissa explains.

I love to do service work, it’s kind of my passion.

Melissa wears White top by O’Neill Blue Jeans by Frame, Bracelets by Cartier, Necklace by Adina jewels

Photo by Glenn Nutley, Makeup by Mina Abramovic, Styled by Linda Medvene

When you see Melissa interacting with all her animals, including Kenzie’s new rescue puppy Ivy, from the 'Labelle Foundation', and rescue bunnies, from ‘Little Horse on the Prairie’, you get a sense of just how big her heart is. With the pandemic bringing in-person volunteering to a halt at “My Friends Place”, Melissa began helping to feed the homeless every Sunday, with a group of other passionate individuals, by making hot meals and delivering them to people in need, “We’re feeding 125 people spaghetti tomorrow” she cheerfully adds.

With all the years Melissa dedicated to her children and developing their careers, it’s certainly time for this altruistic, fun-loving mom to enjoy all the opportunities on the horizon, as she and the other moms embark on the exciting new journey ahead. “You know we’ve been taking care of the kids and going to dance competitions for all these years, it’s time for the moms to do something too,” Melissa concludes affectionately.

Melissa wears White tank top by Top Shop, denim jacket by AG, White jeans by Paige.

Photo by Glenn Nutley, Makeup by Mina Abramovic, Styled by Linda Medvene