The flagship Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) studio was historically located at 718 Penn Center Blvd in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. A second major location, ALDC LA, opened at 5161 W Pico Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Both physical locations have since closed and transitioned to new commercial owners.
Historical Overview of Abby Lee Dance Company Locations
The Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) became one of the most recognized brand names in competitive dance during the 2010s, largely propelled by the success of the Lifetime reality television series Dance Moms. Founded by dance instructor Abby Lee Miller, the company originated as an outgrowth of the Maryen Lorrain Dance Studio, which was established by Miller’s mother, Maryen Lorrain, in the mid-20th century.
Miller took over primary leadership of the studio operations around 1980, forming the Abby Lee Dance Company to focus specifically on high-level competitive dance training, choreography, and national title competitions. For decades, the studio operated quietly in suburban Pittsburgh as a regional training ground for young dancers pursuing commercial and classical careers.
When Dance Moms premiered in 2011, the studio’s physical infrastructure became an integral character in the show. Viewers around the world grew familiar with the blue-walled rehearsal spaces, the observation mezzanine, and the front lobby retail shop. As the series expanded, Miller opened a second permanent flagship studio on the West Coast to capitalize on entertainment opportunities in Los Angeles. Over time, shifts in production, real estate transactions, legal proceedings, and health challenges led to structural changes in how and where the company operates.
The Original Pittsburgh Studio: Penn Hills, Pennsylvania
The original brick-and-mortar headquarters for the Abby Lee Dance Company was situated in Penn Hills Township, an eastern suburb of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Precise Location and Setting
- Address: 718 Penn Center Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
- Municipality: Penn Hills Township, Allegheny County
- Property Type: Standalone commercial recreational/educational building
The Penn Hills facility was selected for its spacious floor plan and accessibility to major traffic corridors serving eastern Pittsburgh suburbs. The building sat slightly elevated off Penn Center Boulevard, surrounded by a dedicated parking lot that frequently appeared in television broadcasts during dramatic cast exits and confrontations.
Facility Layout and Architecture
The Penn Hills location was specifically customized for intensive dance training. The building housed multiple distinct spaces:
- Studio A (The Main Rehearsal Floor): The largest rehearsal space in the facility, featured prominently on television. It contained high ceilings, wall-to-wall mirrors, custom Marley dance flooring, and wooden ballet barres. This room hosted the weekly "pyramid" announcements and main group choreography rehearsals.
- Studio B and Auxiliary Rooms: Secondary rehearsal areas utilized for solo, duet, and small group practices, as well as private technique lessons.
- The Observation Mezzanine: An elevated, windowed viewing room located directly above Studio A. This space was designed for parents to observe ongoing classes without occupying floor space. On Dance Moms, this area became the central staging location for ongoing parent discussions and conflicts.
- Apparel and Storefront Area: A front-of-house retail space dedicated to selling official ALDC merchandise, dancewear, accessories, and fan apparel.
Sale and Transition of the Pittsburgh Property
After decades of operation and nearly a decade of heavy television production, Miller listed the Penn Hills property for sale. The real estate transaction was formally completed in late 2022, officially transferring ownership of the 718 Penn Center Blvd building to a third-party commercial buyer.
Following the sale, the ALDC ceased day-to-day studio operations at this location. The building was subsequently renovated and repurposed by its new owners to house non-dance commercial enterprises, including an educational and childcare facility. While the physical structure remains intact along Penn Center Boulevard, it no longer functions as a dance academy or ALDC headquarters.
The West Coast Flagship: ALDC LA (Los Angeles, California)
As Dance Moms progressed into its fifth season in 2015, production shifted heavily toward southern California to pursue audition opportunities, music videos, and talent agent showcases for the featured dancers. To support this transition, Miller established a permanent West Coast presence in Los Angeles.
Precise Location and Setting
- Address: 5161 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
- Neighborhood: Mid-City / Pico-Robertson area, Los Angeles
- Property Type: Urban commercial storefront building
The Los Angeles location was selected to place the studio within driving distance of major television networks, talent agencies, and casting offices across Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Studio City.
Facility Design and Amenities
Unlike the suburban, standalone nature of the Penn Hills building, ALDC LA was constructed inside an urban commercial space along a bustling West Coast avenue. The interior was decorated in a striking black, red, and white color scheme:
- Main Dance Studio: Equipped with professional sprung wood flooring overlaid with Marley, full mirrors, and high-tech sound systems tailored for commercial dance masterclasses.
- ALDC Retail Boutique: Positioned right at the main entrance, this area served as a dedicated retail store selling ALDC-branded streetwear, athletic apparel, and souvenirs to visiting fans and local students.
- Administrative Loft and Offices: Second-floor office space used for talent management, scheduling, and production logistics.
Closure of the Los Angeles Location
ALDC LA served as a primary filming site for Dance Moms Seasons 5 through 7. However, maintaining a large brick-and-mortar footprint in Los Angeles incurred substantial overhead costs. Following Miller's medical treatments for Burkitt lymphoma in 2018 and shifts in television production schedules, regular open studio classes at the Pico Boulevard facility were discontinued.
The lease on the 5161 W Pico Blvd property eventually expired, and the space was vacated. The exterior ALDC branding and logos were removed, and the property was placed back on the Los Angeles commercial real estate market for new retail and service tenants.
Comparison of Physical ALDC Locations
The two physical studios operated by Abby Lee Miller differed significantly in geographic setting, architecture, and primary operational purpose.
| Location Feature | Penn Hills (Pittsburgh Studio) | ALDC LA (Los Angeles Studio) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Street Address | 718 Penn Center Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 | 5161 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 |
| Year Opened | Circa 1980 (Rebranded/Expanded) | 2015 |
| Primary Architectural Style | Suburban standalone multi-room facility | Urban street-level commercial storefront |
| Featured TV Seasons | Dance Moms Seasons 1–4, 8 | Dance Moms Seasons 5–7 |
| Key Structural Highlight | Famous elevated glass observation mezzanine | Streetfront retail shop & modern sprung floor |
| Current Ownership Status | Sold (Late 2022) | Vacated / Lease Expired |
| Current Property Use | Repurposed commercial facility / Daycare | Commercial retail/service space |
Visiting the Former Studio Locations: Guidelines for Fans
Many enthusiasts of dance history and fans of reality television express interest in visiting the physical locations associated with the show. Because neither facility currently operates as an active ALDC dance studio, prospective visitors must understand current property boundaries and legal guidelines.
ALDC Historical Locations Summary:
- Penn Hills, PA (718 Penn Center Blvd)
- Operational: ~1980 – 2022
- Current Status: Sold; operated by private commercial business
- Visitor Guidance: Exterior viewing only from public areas
- Los Angeles, CA (5161 W Pico Blvd)
- Operational: 2015 – ~2018
- Current Status: Lease expired; occupied by new tenants
- Visitor Guidance: Exterior streetfront location on public avenue
Visiting 718 Penn Center Blvd (Penn Hills, PA)
- Private Property Status: The building is owned by a private commercial entity operating an active business. The interior is strictly closed to the general public and tourists.
- Exterior Viewing: Fans may view the exterior of the building from public rights-of-way, such as public sidewalks.
- Parking and Business Operations: Do not park in active business parking spaces reserved for the current tenants, and refrain from loitering around private entryways or disturbing staff and patrons.
Visiting 5161 W Pico Blvd (Los Angeles, CA)
- Commercial Storefront: The building on Pico Boulevard is located in a walkable commercial corridor. The iconic ALDC signage, window graphics, and logos have been completely removed.
- Current Occupants: The interior space is occupied by unrelated commercial tenants. Entering the business to request tours or ask about the studio's history is discouraged out of respect for current business operators.
Current Operational Model of the Abby Lee Dance Company
Although the brick-and-mortar facilities in Penn Hills and Los Angeles no longer offer daily drop-in dance classes, the Abby Lee Dance Company brand remains active through non-traditional instructional models.
Touring Masterclasses and Conventions
Rather than requiring students to travel to a single physical building, Miller conducts roving masterclasses and technique workshops across the United States and internationally. These events are held at rented convention spaces, hotel ballrooms, or host studios. Classes focus on:
- Classical dance technique and flexibility training
- Legs and feet alignment workshops
- Audition preparation and commercial dance execution
- Choreography intensives
Digital Instruction and Virtual Coaching
In response to modern instruction trends, the ALDC shifted significant resources toward digital training platforms. Dancers can participate in virtual private lessons, online group technique clinics, and direct Q&A sessions managed through official online portals.
E-Commerce and Official Merchandise
The official ALDC merchandise store operates online. Fans and dancers seeking official apparel, dance gear, signed memorabilia, and accessories purchase items directly through the official website rather than a physical storefront.
Architectural Influence on Reality Television Production
The layout of dance studios heavily influences both instructional pedagogy and television production logistics. The physical structures chosen by Miller played a major role in shaping the format of non-scripted television in the 2010s.
The Dynamics of the Observation Mezzanine
In standard dance studio architecture, parent viewing areas are often minimized to reduce student distraction. The Penn Hills studio featured an unusually prominent observation mezzanine situated directly above the main rehearsal floor.
From a production standpoint, this layout offered distinct visual advantages:
- Separation of Audio: Microphones could capture parent discussions without interfering with the music and instruction occurring on the rehearsal floor below.
- Sightlines: Camera operators could film downward angles onto the dancers while capturing reactions from parents looking through the glass windows above.
- Pacing and Transitions: Movement between the mezzanine and the studio floor created natural dramatic beats for television episodes.
West Coast Commercial Layout Challenges
When production moved to the Los Angeles facility on Pico Boulevard, camera crews adapted to a flatter, single-story urban layout. Without the physical height separation of the Penn Hills mezzanine, production utilized glass-walled holding areas and front lobby spaces to maintain visual contact between instructors, parents, and students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of the original Abby Lee Dance Studio?
The original Abby Lee Dance Company studio was located at 718 Penn Center Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, in Penn Hills Township.
Does Abby Lee Miller still own the Pittsburgh dance studio building?
No. Abby Lee Miller sold the Penn Hills building in late 2022. The property is now owned by a commercial entity and is used for non-ALDC business operations, including childcare and educational services.
Is the ALDC studio in Los Angeles still open for classes?
No. The ALDC LA studio located at 5161 W Pico Blvd in Los Angeles is permanently closed. The lease was surrendered, the original branding was removed, and the space has been leased to other commercial tenants.
Where was Dance Moms filmed?
Seasons 1 through 4 and Season 8 were primarily filmed at the original studio at 718 Penn Center Blvd in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. Seasons 5 through 7 were primarily filmed at the ALDC LA location at 5161 W Pico Blvd in Los Angeles, California, along with various competition venues across the United States.
Can you take in-person dance classes with Abby Lee Miller today?
Yes, but not at a permanent physical studio building. Dancers can attend in-person masterclasses during national and international tour dates, or schedule virtual private instruction through official ALDC online booking platforms.
Summary and Next Actions
For fans, dancers, and researchers tracing the history of the Abby Lee Dance Company, the physical buildings at 718 Penn Center Blvd in Penn Hills, PA and 5161 W Pico Blvd in Los Angeles, CA mark key locations in modern dance television history. Neither location operates as a dance studio today, as both properties have transitioned to new commercial uses.
Practical Next Steps
- To Book Training: Dancers seeking technique training or masterclasses with Abby Lee Miller should consult her official verified website and social media channels for announced masterclass tour schedules and virtual lesson sign-ups.
- To Buy Merchandise: Official ALDC dancewear and branded apparel can be ordered directly through the company’s official e-commerce site.
- If Visiting the Historic Sites: Respect current property owners by remaining on public sidewalks, avoiding entry into non-public business spaces, and obeying local parking regulations in Penn Hills and Los Angeles.
