Former DCCs: Where They've Gone & What They're Doing

[DCC-UK]

1 hour ago, nittanyvolleyball said:

Lacey's instagram story had her showing all of the stuff she has to give back to Kelli and Judy. They don't even get to keep the practice outfits, that seems odd to me. She has no real souvenirs from her time as a DCC other than probably the group gifts and photos.

I was just thinking about that too. The practice gear I assume will get given to rookies that are now veterans but your uniform? Everyone gets a bespoke one! I think they should be allowed to keep it all personally or is the organisation a bit skint?

[dreamcatcher]

16 hours ago, UnicornKicksBack said:

Been gone a minute but back to comment on Milan.....

So, firsthand knowledge. That group was the girls I knew. Well I was never a DCC duh but straight from some mouths...

1) I get her being frustrated and having the guts to leave where she was miserable.

2) no doubt she’s hella ambitious, hardworking, talented. Not a lazy bone in her body and she is accomplished. 

3) She is legit telling the truth about being ignored unless you’re a pet, not daring to make casual convo or text Kelli and Judy, Kitty did call her out for not wanting to try for show group, then CMT spun to make it like they begged her. 

HOWEVER GET READY FOR SOME TRUTH

4) DCC was the first time Milan has ever been challenged or not the best dancer. She did not know how to handle being bottom rung in looks, dance, weight, priority to staff etc. She really did think she deserved triangle *falls over dead with laughter* over all the rock stars and beauty queens on the team with her. She was one of the four who sat out a performance bc she was one of the four weakest ok the team. Second year. Prob would’ve been cut next year or if all the drama hadn’t happened that summer.

5) she could not comprehend why she wasn’t the special snowflake anymore so she bailed. 

6) complaining about her hair - yeah sorry they were trying to save your plain Jane little girl face with hair etc and still weren’t happy with your look. Looking like Sam Finglasses twin Got you more on the team than you think. Also your weight may be fine for college but this is the big leagues. You were not fit or shaped like most DCC. Sorry but truth. 

7) they treated you like a PAID EMPLOYEE not a sorority sister. Blame it on being the youngest but there were other 18-19 year PCs and college freshman same age who didn’t blame being young on not being A list.

😎 they didn’t care when you left time of year  bc they had prettier and better dancers on reserve with all stars to fill in gaps. This is a job not a sorority.

9) you lost all credibility when you whined about not being able to drink and party UNDERAGE WHICH IS ILLEGAL so maybe you’re jealous Holly, etc got swag with it. PS you ain’t no Holly. Maybe they saw that coming and were like bye we don’t need this from a blender.

10)  Sorry DCC wasn’t what you wanted and glad you did well in school and made that priority. Glad you stood up for yourself and bailed before you went nuts. That’s very wise. Not sorry you sound entitled, spoiled, delusional about your dance talent and looks. It is what it is, and you ain’t it. 

I’ve never been a Milan fan, but all this sounds exactly like the brainwashed sh*t I would expect from a DCC or Kelli/Charlotte with the whole this is a privilege attitude. For one, I think she’s far prettier than Maddie and Gina but if they thought she was ugly fine, no one was forcing them to hire her. No reason to destroy her hair in the process. As for her dance skill, I agree she’s no rock star but she’s good enough. If they didn’t think she was good enough, why even cause a scene for her not wanting SG? Oh yes, because this is a privilege and they should be killing each other for this honor even if they don’t have the skills to get it anyway. Same thing with her shape, but you can’t convince me she was out of shape compared to VK or half of the vets they never said anything about.

She might be entitled and spoiled generally speaking. But for me, VK (for example) complaining about SG when 1.she wasn’t even officially on the team 2. Was gaining pounds like crazy 3. Is nowhere near the skill level she needs to be at, that’s entitlement. Someone who is good enough to make it on the team twice quitting because she wasn’t satisfied for whatever reason is fair enough. Just like DCC have the right to treat her in any way they want because they’re such an amazing organization, girls have the right to quit because they have better options. Or just because.

Edited May 30, 2019 by dreamcatcher

[bigskygirl]

4 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

I’ve never been a Milan fan, but all this sounds exactly like the brainwashed sh*t I would expect from a DCC or Kelli/Charlotte with the whole this is a privilege attitude. For one, I think she’s far prettier than Maddie and Gina but if they thought she was ugly fine, no one was forcing them to hire her. No reason to destroy her hair in the process. As for her dance skill, I agree she’s no rock star but she’s good enough. If they didn’t think she was good enough, why even cause a scene for her not wanting SG? Oh yes, because this is a privilege and they should be killing each other for this honor even if they don’t have the skills to get it anyway. Same thing with her shape, but you can’t convince me she was out of shape compared to VK or half of the vets they never said anything about.

She might be entitled and spoiled generally speaking. But for me, VK (for example) complaining about SG when 1.she wasn’t even officially on the team 2. Was gaining pounds like crazy 3. Is nowhere near the skill level she needs to be at, that’s entitlement. Someone who is good enough to make it on the team twice quitting because she wasn’t satisfied for whatever reason is fair enough. Just like DCC have the right to treat her in any way they want because they’re such an amazing organization, girls have the right to quit because they have better options. Or just because.

Not enough likes in the world for this one post.

And why the heck would you be jealous of a girl who was drinking underage and running around with a football player. That would be like being jealous of someone who was caught setting your next door neighbor's house on fire after you accidently set the smoke alarms in your own house off by burning your dinner.

[Kayce]

42 minutes ago, DCC-UK said:

I was just thinking about that too. The practice gear I assume will get given to rookies that are now veterans but your uniform? Everyone gets a bespoke one! I think they should be allowed to keep it all personally or is the organisation a bit skint?

It's probably to keep them from selling it on EBAY 😉 to the highest bidder....(I'm saying that tongue in cheek).  But why on earth would they give USED athletic wear to the new girls? I don't want someone else's hoochie cooties near mine!!!  (even after cleaning lol) 

[BringItOn]

14 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

I’ve never been a Milan fan, but all this sounds exactly like the brainwashed sh*t I would expect from a DCC or Kelli/Charlotte with the whole this is a privilege attitude. For one, I think she’s far prettier than Maddie and Gina but if they thought she was ugly fine, no one was forcing them to hire her. No reason to destroy her hair in the process. As for her dance skill, I agree she’s no rock star but she’s good enough. If they didn’t think she was good enough, why even cause a scene for her not wanting SG? Oh yes, because this is a privilege and they should be killing each other for this honor even if they don’t have the skills to get it anyway. Same thing with her shape, but you can’t convince me she was out of shape compared to VK or half of the vets they never said anything about.

She might be entitled and spoiled generally speaking. But for me, VK (for example) complaining about SG when 1.she wasn’t even officially on the team 2. Was gaining pounds like crazy 3. Is nowhere near the skill level she needs to be at, that’s entitlement. Someone who is good enough to make it on the team twice quitting because she wasn’t satisfied for whatever reason is fair enough. Just like DCC have the right to treat her in any way they want because they’re such an amazing organization, girls have the right to quit because they have better options. Or just because.

Can I get an Hal·le·lu·jah!  

2 minutes ago, Kayce said:

It's probably to keep them from selling it on EBAY 😉 to the highest bidder....(I'm saying that tongue in cheek).  But why on earth would they give USED athletic wear to the new girls? I don't want someone else's hoochie cooties near mine!!!  (even after cleaning lol) 

If I got Jenna's I would have burn that shit. Yuck!

[nittanyvolleyball]

24 minutes ago, BringItOn said:

Can I get an Hal·le·lu·jah!  

If I got Jenna's I would have burn that shit. Yuck!

Is it because she was addicted to the abortion clinic? 

[BringItOn]

2 minutes ago, nittanyvolleyball said:

Is it because she was addicted to the abortion clinic? 

Sleeping with pro athletes is dang nasty, Community D to the left.

[pizzaandcatsrlife]

48 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

I’ve never been a Milan fan, but all this sounds exactly like the brainwashed sh*t I would expect from a DCC or Kelli/Charlotte with the whole this is a privilege attitude. For one, I think she’s far prettier than Maddie and Gina but if they thought she was ugly fine, no one was forcing them to hire her. No reason to destroy her hair in the process. As for her dance skill, I agree she’s no rock star but she’s good enough. If they didn’t think she was good enough, why even cause a scene for her not wanting SG? Oh yes, because this is a privilege and they should be killing each other for this honor even if they don’t have the skills to get it anyway. Same thing with her shape, but you can’t convince me she was out of shape compared to VK or half of the vets they never said anything about.

She might be entitled and spoiled generally speaking. But for me, VK (for example) complaining about SG when 1.she wasn’t even officially on the team 2. Was gaining pounds like crazy 3. Is nowhere near the skill level she needs to be at, that’s entitlement. Someone who is good enough to make it on the team twice quitting because she wasn’t satisfied for whatever reason is fair enough. Just like DCC have the right to treat her in any way they want because they’re such an amazing organization, girls have the right to quit because they have better options. Or just because.

Yaaas girl.  Agree.  DCC koolaid is potent.

and regarding giving back the practice outfits etc.  gross!  Sweaty crotch and boob sweat is all that comes to my head. 

[LadyMsJay]

4 minutes ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

Yaaas girl.  Agree.  DCC koolaid is potent.

and regarding giving back the practice outfits etc.  gross!  Sweaty crotch and boob sweat is all that comes to my head. 

Same. Plus sometimes they create new ones...so why would they want them back. Yuck.

[ExtremeFajitas]

17 hours ago, UnicornKicksBack said:

4) DCC was the first time Milan has ever been challenged or not the best dancer. She did not know how to handle being bottom rung in looks, dance, weight, priority to staff etc. She really did think she deserved triangle *falls over dead with laughter* over all the rock stars and beauty queens on the team with her. She was one of the four who sat out a performance bc she was one of the four weakest ok the team. Second year. Prob would’ve been cut next year or if all the drama hadn’t happened that summer.

This was exactly my impression as I was listening to the podcast, and I'm glad you've confirmed it.  It seemed like this was the first time Milan ever had to work at something, and she was shocked at the amount of effort she had to put in.  I rolled my eyes at parts of the podcast, especially when Milan talked about how much time she spent practicing and studying.  Oh noes, she couldn't go out anymore, you guys!  Welcome to the real world, honey.

[bigskygirl]

10 minutes ago, ExtremeFajitas said:

This was exactly my impression as I was listening to the podcast, and I'm glad you've confirmed it.  It seemed like this was the first time Milan ever had to work at something, and she was shocked at the amount of effort she had to put in.  I rolled my eyes at parts of the podcast, especially when Milan talked about how much time she spent practicing and studying.  Oh noes, she couldn't go out anymore, you guys!  Welcome to the real world, honey.

She was probably not the first or last girl who thought how great it would be to be point girl, group leaders, etc. etc. At least she did not turn into a Jenna who played the victim card and proclaimed how she was tested by TPTB in her last season, If Jenna would have tried out last year, she would have been cut so fast right in front of her eyes. Jenna, Erica, Kalyssa and Keyra all lied about why they left the team or were cut. At least Milan was honest and was willing to tell what is really going on behind closed doors. I think TPTB and certain people are too naïve to see what is really going on or do not give a rat's you know what because they are in deep denial and think their DCC crap does not stink.

[hannahbanana]

12 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

She was probably not the first or last girl who thought how great it would be to be point girl, group leaders, etc. etc. At least she did not turn into a Jenna who played the victim card and proclaimed how she was tested by TPTB in her last season, If Jenna would have tried out last year, she would have been cut so fast right in front of her eyes. Jenna, Erica, Kalyssa and Keyra all lied about why they left the team or were cut. At least Milan was honest and was willing to tell what is really going on behind closed doors. I think TPTB and certain people are too naïve to see what is really going on or do not give a rat's you know what because they are in deep denial and think their DCC crap does not stink.

My impression is that Milan is playing the victim card -- they did not appreciate me, they were mean to me, there were mean girls, etc. etc.

[BringItOn]

16 minutes ago, hannahbanana said:

My impression is that Milan is playing the victim card -- they did not appreciate me, they were mean to me, there were mean girls, etc. etc.

There's a difference between being a victim and victimhood. Victims don't offer to help others in the middle of being victimized and usually don't acknowledged their abusers as understanding.

Milan offered to stay till the end of season despite her busy academic schedule and she also stated the K&J were understanding towards her reasons for departure.

Edited May 30, 2019 by BringItOn

[Jess14]

What do Kalyssa, Jenna, Erica, Holly, or Keyra even have to do with Milan choosing to do a podcast and airing her (mostly IMO) legitimate grievances? Seriously, it is possible to defend Milan (and anyone else) without trashing other girls who aren’t involved. 

[bigskygirl]

33 minutes ago, hannahbanana said:

My impression is that Milan is playing the victim card -- they did not appreciate me, they were mean to me, there were mean girls, etc. etc.

Hmmm...I do recall hearing more than once about Alexandria leaving and saying she left because she could not stand the toxic environment aka the mean girls especially Jenna. I believe it when it has been mentioned more than once on here about Jenna, Cersten, Keyra and Erica causing headaches and other problems for the squad and the other girls. Milan was probably sick and tired of certain girls getting away with things and getting tossed aside because of TPTB were letting certain girls get away with things for way too long. I think Milan has a lot more talent and class than Keyra, Jenna, Erica and Cersten combined.

And I can hear it at the DCC reunion meetings:

Why did you leave the squad?

Jenna: I left because I was a victim. I had to tell on my bestie friend Erica because she sent me a picture of herself breaking a rule while she was in Canton while I had to stay back and work with the TC Candidates. I was so tired of being "tested" by TPTB.

Keyra: I was late a couple of times and had a cocky attitude which was getting on the nerves of a couple of TPTB and a few of the girls. I mean what is the big deal. They should have known I was of the best rookie girls they had.

Cersten: I left because I was accepted by a medical school in Mexico. I think I had the best reason of all the girls who retired because I am so special because I am now a medical school student. They were darn lucky to have me on the team for two years.

Edited May 30, 2019 by bigskygirl

[bigskygirl]

2 minutes ago, Jess14 said:

What do Kalyssa, Jenna, Erica, Holly, or Keyra even have to do with Milan choosing to do a podcast and airing her (mostly IMO) legitimate grievances? Seriously, it is possible to defend Milan (and anyone else) without trashing other girls who aren’t involved. 

No offense, but I think we all will need to be totally naïve to think the mean girls did not play a role in Milan leaving. I heard from a few people Kalyssa was not being a perfect little DCC either and was getting away with things until Charlotte said enough.

[Jess14]

4 minutes ago, bigskygirl said:

No offense, but I think we all will need to be totally naïve to think the mean girls did not play a role in Milan leaving. I heard from a few people Kalyssa was not being a perfect little DCC either and was getting away with things until Charlotte said enough.

See, “naive” to me is believing every rumor that come through the grapevine from unidentified insiders. For all I know, some of these insiders, to the extent that actually exist, are themselves the “mean girls.” But certainly, everyone can believe what they want to. However, Milan obviously has no problem speaking for herself. If she felt all that strongly about any one teammate, she could’ve named them. She didn’t.

Regardless, I still don’t see how the other girls are relevant to whether ppl agree with Milan’s podcast. Saying that Erica sucks doesn’t somehow makes Milan look better (to those who didn’t care for her podcast). 

[dreamcatcher]

Well, I wouldn’t expect her or any other girl to air grievances with specific girls and I don’t think there is a need to. Melissa the mentor kinda did and I don’t think it helped anyone. But even with the cult like behavior we’ve gotten the same feedback about mean girls and team dynamics so there’s no reason to doubt it. I don’t think it makes that big of a difference though because no one thinks that 36 people would ever absolutely adore each other at all points. Especially with a team full of former local stars/pageant girls/captains/whatever who are all used to being no1.

[bigskygirl]

Just now, Jess14 said:

See, “naive” to me is believing every rumor that come through the grapevine from unidentified insiders. For all I know, some of these insiders, to the extent that actually exist, are themselves the “mean girls.” But certainly, everyone can believe what they want to. However, Milan obviously has no problem speaking for herself. If she felt all that strongly about any one teammate, she could’ve named them. She didn’t.

Regardless, I still don’t see how the other girls are relevant to whether ppl agree with Milan’s podcast. Saying that Erica sucks doesn’t somehow makes Milan look better (to those who didn’t care for her podcast). 

When the same information is being said more than once, I believe the rumors. Plus the fact why would the mean girls rat themselves out and share information that would make themselves look bad to someone who posts on here.

Plus the fact why would someone saying Milan had it out for some of the girls on the squad make their defense of the mean girls look better.

And lets face it, I am sure we all of dealt with the Jenna, Erica, Cersten, and Keyra types at work and other places. I cannot speak for Milan, but I can see her point of saying something is seriously wrong when certain girls can be bullies and get away with breaking the rules while she is being called out on the show because Kitty thinks she was too good for SG. I would like to know where Kitty got the idea in the first place because I think certain mean girls thought Milan might be a threat to them because she was a decent dancer who might take their spot on the team or on SG.

[raindancer]

I've got a lot of thoughts about the things Milan discussed in her interview, but nobody's here to read a book so I'll keep it to just a few 😂

Edit:  wrote a book anyways lol

I'm so glad for her sake she was able to make the decision that continuing DCC wasn't going to be good for her, and that she had the ability to follow through with that decision.  I really wish that she'd have made the choice to retire earlier, after her last season was over, so someone else who desperately wanted it could have had that spot, but sometimes it just happens that way and it was better for her to have left (and graciously so), than it would have been for her to continue on under the circumstances.  I'm glad she's doing well - it sounds as though she has a bright future, and I hope she does.

I'm also glad that once she did meet with TPTB, that they were also gracious and as kind as they could have been, particularly Kelli.....but this is where I get aggravated with Milan.  

I absolutely feel like Kelli genuinely empathized with Milan when she made the choice to leave, and for Milan to question her sincerity or contend that she somehow doesn't really care is just petty.  There is no reason why Kelli should have known how Milan was feeling about it, and no reason to fake that she was horrified about how she was feeling or that she was concerned for her welfare.  To assume that she somehow did know or should have known seems bizarre to me.  Kelli oversees the entirety of the business component of running DCC, which does not entail engaging in-depth personal relationships with the members of the squad.  Kelli was her director, not her best friend or sorority mother.  

I know others may feel differently, but I have never had the impression that MTT is trying to imply that Kelli and Judy are all somehow personally close to the girls.  I do get the impression that over the years they do come to know each other and that there is a strong bond there, but it's a team bond, and not necessarily specific to individuals.  It doesn't mean that it's not real, or powerful, but it's not necessarily an individual thing either.  I think that sometimes changes over time, and probably depends on the level of engagement they have with each girl (show group, extracurriculars, etc).

Kelli is the director for the team.  It is not her job to make specific or special allowances for Milan or for anyone else regarding their extracurriculars beyond DCC, no matter how important or consuming they are (or Milan or anyone else thinks they are), and ranking your own experience as somehow more important than that of others (like looking down on the girls going to community college) is hubris.  Not having special exceptions made for you doesn't mean you're somehow not valued or that you're being picked on.  It means that you are a part of something larger than your own experience, and you can either take part as a member of a team, or not.  

That doesn't mean that DCC is more important than school.  What is means is that you don't get credit for being a DCC (or for going to school) if you can't handle the onus of what you have taken on in full.  There is no shame in not being able to do that, and every reason to make a choice (as she did), but to just expect everyone around you to make exceptions for you when you haven't earned the credit or proved yourself in either capacity is foolish.

And finally (last chapter), there could have been a myriad of reasons why Milan was not moving up in the triangle, not the least of which is that since the triangle is composed of a team of dancers with multivariate skill sets, looks, and leadership abilities.  To proclaim yourself as one of the best dancers (truthfully or not) just seems arrogant to me and dismissive of her teammates, which I think is terribly sad.

[BringItOn]

4 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

Well, I wouldn’t expect her or any other girl to air grievances with specific girls and I don’t think there is a need to. Melissa the mentor kinda did and I don’t think it helped anyone. But even with the cult like behavior we’ve gotten the same feedback about mean girls and team dynamics so there’s no reason to doubt it. I don’t think it makes that big of a difference though because no one thinks that 36 people would ever absolutely adore each other at all points. Especially with a team full of former local stars/pageant girls/captains/whatever who are all used to being no1.

REALNESS.

[MrsEVH]

3 hours ago, nittanyvolleyball said:

I thought so too, but Lacey has a whole suitcase full of navy blue practice outfits and she said this is what she has to turn in

Maybe Kelli just doesn't want anything DCC related out there and falling into the wrong hands or on the internet. I thought retiring vets/rookies get to keep one boot. When Karissa Lynnae auditioned (2X) and didn't make it she must have kept her navy outfit. She later auditioned for the (now defunct) Spurs Silver dancers and had it on.

Edited May 30, 2019 by MrsEVH

[BringItOn]

6 minutes ago, raindancer said:

I've got a lot of thoughts about the things Milan discussed in her interview, but nobody's here to read a book so I'll keep it to just a few 😂

Edit:  wrote a book anyways lol

I'm so glad for her sake she was able to make the decision that continuing DCC wasn't going to be good for her, and that she had the ability to follow through with that decision.  I really wish that she'd have made the choice to retire earlier, after her last season was over, so someone else who desperately wanted it could have had that spot, but sometimes it just happens that way and it was better for her to have left (and graciously so), than it would have been for her to continue on under the circumstances.  I'm glad she's doing well - it sounds as though she has a bright future, and I hope she does.

I'm also glad that once she did meet with TPTB, that they were also gracious and as kind as they could have been, particularly Kelli.....but this is where I get aggravated with Milan.  

I absolutely feel like Kelli genuinely empathized with Milan when she made the choice to leave, and for Milan to question her sincerity or contend that she somehow doesn't really care is just petty.  There is no reason why Kelli should have known how Milan was feeling about it, and no reason to fake that she was horrified about how she was feeling or that she was concerned for her welfare.  To assume that she somehow did know or should have known seems bizarre to me.  Kelli oversees the entirety of the business component of running DCC, which does not entail engaging in-depth personal relationships with the members of the squad.  Kelli was her director, not her best friend or sorority mother.  

I know others may feel differently, but I have never had the impression that MTT is trying to imply that Kelli and Judy are all somehow personally close to the girls.  I do get the impression that over the years they do come to know each other and that there is a strong bond there, but it's a team bond, and not necessarily specific to individuals.  It doesn't mean that it's not real, or powerful, but it's not necessarily an individual thing either.  I think that sometimes changes over time, and probably depends on the level of engagement they have with each girl (show group, extracurriculars, etc).

Kelli is the director for the team.  It is not her job to make specific or special allowances for Milan or for anyone else regarding their extracurriculars beyond DCC, no matter how important or consuming they are (or Milan or anyone else thinks they are), and ranking your own experience as somehow more important than that of others (like looking down on the girls going to community college) is hubris.  Not having special exceptions made for you doesn't mean you're somehow not valued or that you're being picked on.  It means that you are a part of something larger than your own experience, and you can either take part as a member of a team, or not.  

That doesn't mean that DCC is more important than school.  What is means is that you don't get credit for being a DCC (or for going to school) if you can't handle the onus of what you have taken on in full.  There is no shame in not being able to do that, and every reason to make a choice (as she did), but to just expect everyone around you to make exceptions for you when you haven't earned the credit or proved yourself in either capacity is foolish.

And finally (last chapter), there could have been a myriad of reasons why Milan was not moving up in the triangle, not the least of which is that since the triangle is composed of a team of dancers with multivariate skill sets, looks, and leadership abilities.  To proclaim yourself as one of the best dancers (truthfully or not) just seems arrogant to me and dismissive of her teammates, which I think is terribly sad.

ROTFL!

[Jess14]

9 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

Well, I wouldn’t expect her or any other girl to air grievances with specific girls and I don’t think there is a need to. Melissa the mentor kinda did and I don’t think it helped anyone. But even with the cult like behavior we’ve gotten the same feedback about mean girls and team dynamics so there’s no reason to doubt it. I don’t think it makes that big of a difference though because no one thinks that 36 people would ever absolutely adore each other at all points. Especially with a team full of former local stars/pageant girls/captains/whatever who are all used to being no1.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that they all get along. They clearly don’t. I’m just saying that if Milan is not herself willing to put someone out there, I’m not going to just up and blame Kalyssa for Milan leaving bc her name pops up on a message board. That’s just me though. I’m a “who is the source, where’s the evidence” type of person. Ppl can certainly believe whatever they want however.

[bigskygirl]

20 minutes ago, raindancer said:

I've got a lot of thoughts about the things Milan discussed in her interview, but nobody's here to read a book so I'll keep it to just a few 😂

Edit:  wrote a book anyways lol

I'm so glad for her sake she was able to make the decision that continuing DCC wasn't going to be good for her, and that she had the ability to follow through with that decision.  I really wish that she'd have made the choice to retire earlier, after her last season was over, so someone else who desperately wanted it could have had that spot, but sometimes it just happens that way and it was better for her to have left (and graciously so), than it would have been for her to continue on under the circumstances.  I'm glad she's doing well - it sounds as though she has a bright future, and I hope she does.

I'm also glad that once she did meet with TPTB, that they were also gracious and as kind as they could have been, particularly Kelli.....but this is where I get aggravated with Milan.  

I absolutely feel like Kelli genuinely empathized with Milan when she made the choice to leave, and for Milan to question her sincerity or contend that she somehow doesn't really care is just petty.  There is no reason why Kelli should have known how Milan was feeling about it, and no reason to fake that she was horrified about how she was feeling or that she was concerned for her welfare.  To assume that she somehow did know or should have known seems bizarre to me.  Kelli oversees the entirety of the business component of running DCC, which does not entail engaging in-depth personal relationships with the members of the squad.  Kelli was her director, not her best friend or sorority mother.  

I know others may feel differently, but I have never had the impression that MTT is trying to imply that Kelli and Judy are all somehow personally close to the girls.  I do get the impression that over the years they do come to know each other and that there is a strong bond there, but it's a team bond, and not necessarily specific to individuals.  It doesn't mean that it's not real, or powerful, but it's not necessarily an individual thing either.  I think that sometimes changes over time, and probably depends on the level of engagement they have with each girl (show group, extracurriculars, etc).

Kelli is the director for the team.  It is not her job to make specific or special allowances for Milan or for anyone else regarding their extracurriculars beyond DCC, no matter how important or consuming they are (or Milan or anyone else thinks they are), and ranking your own experience as somehow more important than that of others (like looking down on the girls going to community college) is hubris.  Not having special exceptions made for you doesn't mean you're somehow not valued or that you're being picked on.  It means that you are a part of something larger than your own experience, and you can either take part as a member of a team, or not.  

That doesn't mean that DCC is more important than school.  What is means is that you don't get credit for being a DCC (or for going to school) if you can't handle the onus of what you have taken on in full.  There is no shame in not being able to do that, and every reason to make a choice (as she did), but to just expect everyone around you to make exceptions for you when you haven't earned the credit or proved yourself in either capacity is foolish.

And finally (last chapter), there could have been a myriad of reasons why Milan was not moving up in the triangle, not the least of which is that since the triangle is composed of a team of dancers with multivariate skill sets, looks, and leadership abilities.  To proclaim yourself as one of the best dancers (truthfully or not) just seems arrogant to me and dismissive of her teammates, which I think is terribly sad.

Just like it is to be called out on a national television show because someone thought you were too good for SG. Like I said I would love to know why Kitty got that idea from. There have been other girls who think they were the DCC cat's meow and deserve to be at the top of the triangle, group leader, on SG, VOTY, ROTY and Pro-Bowl Representative.

11 minutes ago, Jess14 said:

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that they all get along. They clearly don’t. I’m just saying that if Milan is not herself willing to put someone out there, I’m not going to just up and blame Kalyssa for Milan leaving bc her name pops up on a message board. That’s just me though. I’m a “who is the source, where’s the evidence” type of person. Ppl can certainly believe whatever they want however.

Every person with inside information could come on here with their source, and they will always be someone who would doubt them. Every mean girl can come on here and confess they were not the best behave girl on the team, and someone could doubt what they post. Kelli, Judy and Charlotte can post what they have done, and someone on here will not believe them. Sorry for beating a dead horse, but I think a few of the mean girls had it in for Milan aka the she thinks she is too good for SG which lead Kitty to call her out on it for television ratings.

Just like Victoria told on Brennan because Brennan said one day she does not think all the stress she felt was worth being a DCC. An innocent little comment gets her an office visit because *gasp* she is acting like she does not have all the right reasons to be a DCC.

Edited May 30, 2019 by bigskygirl

[dreamcatcher]

36 minutes ago, Jess14 said:

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that they all get along. They clearly don’t. I’m just saying that if Milan is not herself willing to put someone out there, I’m not going to just up and blame Kalyssa for Milan leaving bc her name pops up on a message board. That’s just me though. I’m a “who is the source, where’s the evidence” type of person. Ppl can certainly believe whatever they want however.

I completely agree with this and that’s why i don’t care about getting names. We can all see that certain girls get a free pass and others get punished for less, so i tend to believe Milan. But I don’t think it would make a difference to me if Milan specifically said she couldn’t get along with Erica or Kalyssa and couldn’t stand being in the same team anymore.

[bigskygirl]

6 minutes ago, dreamcatcher said:

I completely agree with this and that’s why i don’t care about getting names. We can all see that certain girls get a free pass and others get punished for less, so i tend to believe Milan. But I don’t think it would make a difference to me if Milan specifically said she couldn’t get along with Erica or Kalyssa and couldn’t stand being in the same team anymore.

Does not matter if she said it or not because I think the mean girls played a role in why she left. Part of the reason Alexandria left was due to the mean girls. Someone said Keyra (who was not on the team yet,) Cersten and Erica egged Jenna to ask Shelly about getting her point girl spot back because Jenna thought she was being "tested" and "punished" by TPTB. I could not imagine the stress and toxicity floating around. I do not think Milan leaving was a bad thing. I personally think Erica, Holly and Jenna should have  been shown the door once Kelli and Charlotte found out they were breaking the rules.

My husband had to deal with some mean girls at work who were accusing him of something that could have lead to him being fired and possible charges brought against him. Just like Kelli, the group home manager went along with what the girls did, and my husband was transferred to another group home. The three girls got away with pulling their crap, and in one case, they could have charges filed against them for posting something about a fellow coworker on social media. Other people left, and they had a hard time keeping people.

[5678Pixie]

Wishing you the best!

Edited May 30, 2019 by 5678Pixie

[raindancer]

3 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

Just like Victoria told on Brennan because Brennan said one day she does not think all the stress she felt was worth being a DCC. An innocent little comment gets her an office visit because *gasp* she is acting like she does not have all the right reasons to be a DCC.

Oh I don't disagree with you at all that there is an element of toxic that is (an unacceptable) part of DCC (I just don't think it characterizes either the individuals or the organization for the most part).

That particular scene I remember differently than it's reading here though....the scene where Brennan was brought into the office was where Kelli was specifically saying "I think some people aren't here for the right reasons, but I do think you are."  It was a compliment to Brennan, not a calling-out....which could have interesting implications if the meeting was spurred by something Victoria said....it could mean that Kelli wanted to make sure Brennan knew that she was in her corner and believed in her integrity, in spite of what was being said (and I know nothing of what was said or wasn't said - I am in no way an insider).

4 hours ago, BringItOn said:

ROTFL!

yeah, I know 😞  it's not the way it always is, but it's the way it should be....and I think it's far easier to carry through with when it's a girl you don't perhaps know very well, or whose dedication to the team you don't completely trust, versus a girl you've known from a baby, and who is like a surrogate daughter to you.  Completely agree it's still not fair, but I can understand the reasoning.

[sleepyjean]

9 hours ago, DCC-UK said:

I was just thinking about that too. The practice gear I assume will get given to rookies that are now veterans but your uniform? Everyone gets a bespoke one! I think they should be allowed to keep it all personally or is the organisation a bit skint?

The DCC uniform is a  trademarked piece of property that is associated with a billion dollar brand. Those outfits are very valuable, and I'm not just talking monetarily. They would be fools to let the uniforms go out of their control and risk something happening like the photo below, especially in the case of DCC who get cut, have an axe to grind with the organization, and don't much care about being invited to the reunion. (Yes, I know that's not a real DCC that's an obvious fake uniform, though casual fans would not know that. My point is that this kind of thing could happen with the real thing.)

6 hours ago, MrsEVH said:

Maybe Kelli just doesn't want anything DCC related out there and falling into the wrong hands or on the internet. I thought retiring vets/rookies get to keep one boot. When Karissa Lynnae auditioned (2X) and didn't make it she must have kept her navy outfit. She later auditioned for the (now defunct) Spurs Silver dancers and had it on.

It's been confirmed that all the finalists get to keep the finals audition outfit.

Edited May 31, 2019 by sleepyjean

[pizzaandcatsrlife]

I think it’s ludicrous they have to give back their moldy practice outfits.  I get the uniform itself being given back, but come the hell on. Charlotte, K&J etc take themselves way too seriously.  This is a dance squad.  It’s so insane.  Even Sarah Jessica Parker got to keep her entire sac wardrobe and that show 1000 times more iconic than DCC. 

Edited May 31, 2019 by pizzaandcatsrlife
I can keep ranting. I grow tired of the insanity

[BringItOn]

13 minutes ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

I think it’s ludicrous they have to give back their moldy practice outfits.  I get the uniform itself being given back, but come the hell on. Charlotte, K&J etc take themselves way too seriously.  This is a dance squad.  It’s so insane.  Even Sarah Jessica Parker got to keep her entire sac wardrobe and that show 1000 times more iconic than DCC. 

There goes my porn idea for Cowboy Fist Fit.

[sleepyjean]

22 minutes ago, pizzaandcatsrlife said:

I think it’s ludicrous they have to give back their moldy practice outfits.  I get the uniform itself being given back, but come the hell on. Charlotte, K&J etc take themselves way too seriously.  This is a dance squad.  It’s so insane.  Even Sarah Jessica Parker got to keep her entire sac wardrobe and that show 1000 times more iconic than DCC. 

That's a false equivalency. It's not about how iconic you are, it's about how much power you have. Sarah Jessica Parker had a lot of power on her show and no doubt had keeping the clothing written into her contract. The DCC as individuals have no power or influence to speak of, no agents, and nothing to negotiate with.

[hannahbanana]

9 hours ago, 5678Pixie said:

Wishing you the best!

NO! 😥 She's one of my faves. Completely understand moving on, just not ready for it yet.

[hannahbanana]

15 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

And I can hear it at the DCC reunion meetings:

Why did you leave the squad?

Jenna: I left because I was a victim. I had to tell on my bestie friend Erica because she sent me a picture of herself breaking a rule while she was in Canton while I had to stay back and work with the TC Candidates. I was so tired of being "tested" by TPTB.

Keyra: I was late a couple of times and had a cocky attitude which was getting on the nerves of a couple of TPTB and a few of the girls. I mean what is the big deal. They should have known I was of the best rookie girls they had.

Cersten: I left because I was accepted by a medical school in Mexico. I think I had the best reason of all the girls who retired because I am so special because I am now a medical school student. They were darn lucky to have me on the team for two years.

And Milan: I had to leave because I was one of the best dancers, but they couldn't appreciate me and wouldn't put me in the top half of the triangle because of my 4.0 . . .

Edited May 31, 2019 by hannahbanana

[hannahbanana]

13 hours ago, BringItOn said:

There's a difference between being a victim and victimhood. Victims don't offer to help others in the middle of being victimized and usually don't acknowledged their abusers as understanding.

Milan offered to stay till the end of season despite her busy academic schedule and she also stated the K&J were understanding towards her reasons for departure.

Victims make excuses/say nice things about their abusers all the time (and absolutely due offer to help out). But the big difference, Milan was not a victim, just playing the victim card after leaving. Pointing out that you were (supposedly) willing to sacrifice yourself by offering to stay through the home games and those mean, misunderstanding PTB (supposedly) turned you down and told you to just go now, just makes you look better (and feel better about yourself).

I don't know what really happened, but I'm still side-eyeing her extremely one-sided account.

Edited May 31, 2019 by hannahbanana

[PrincessLeia]

21 hours ago, LadyMsJay said:

I'm neither and I have a difficult time finding 10 days off lol

Seriously. My husband is gets 3 weeks vacation and will get 4 weeks in a few years, and I don’t think he could take off ten straight days. Too much going on....

[BringItOn]

5 hours ago, hannahbanana said:

Victims make excuses/say nice things about their abusers all the time (and absolutely due offer to help out). But the big difference, Milan was not a victim, just playing the victim cIard after leaving. Pointing out that you were (supposedly) willing to sacrifice yourself by offering to stay through the home games and those mean, misunderstanding PTB (supposedly) turned you down and told you to just go now, just makes you look better (and feel better about yourself).

I don't know what really happened, but I'm still side-eyeing her extremely one-sided account.

I really don't like to drag other girls to cross reference by point but seeing how Dafne has an obvious eating disorder and girls being cut and demoted without explanation gives proof that something is dysfunction about the DCC org. 

My interpretation of Milan's testimony was that she was spilling tea, not playing a victim.

[bigskygirl]

2 minutes ago, BringItOn said:

I really don't like to drag other girls to cross reference by point but seeing how Dafne has an obvious eating disorder and girls being cut and demoted without explanation gives proof that something is dysfunction about the DCC org. 

My interpretation of Milan's testimony was that she was spilling tea, not playing a victim.

And I remember Jenna and Keyra playing the victim card also. I do not see how Milan is playing the victim card. I applaud her for telling the real story of what goes on behind closed doors instead of the bull crap they try to shove on the show and even on here. I still believe someone (and we all know who the troublemakers were at the time) went to Kelli and Judy and told them Milan was not being a team player leading to the scene where she was called out by Kitty for thinking she was too good for SG. Just like the scene where Taylor was called out in Season 6 for saying she did not have to practice. Hmmm... Lets blow up something that is not all that serious or was misunderstood by a few vets especially one who already got one girl cut because she had the darn nerve to stand up to her because the vet was whining about the rookies getting more chances in front of the camera during the calendar shoot.

And if Milan was playing the victim card. she would not have offered to stay on longer for the last few home games because she did not want to mess up the formation for Judy. She did not go running to a staff member and ask her about her spot on the team and then cry fowl aka the victim card and say she was constantly "tested" by TPTB and willing to tell on the other girls to save her spot.

[Tulip86]

2 hours ago, PrincessLeia said:

Seriously. My husband is gets 3 weeks vacation and will get 4 weeks in a few years, and I don’t think he could take off ten straight days. Too much going on....

That's what I love so much about working in Western Europe... most companies expect you to take at least 2 consecutive weeks of paid leave off each year. They think that's the only way to keep everyone sane and sharp the rest of the year

[Jess14]

2 hours ago, PrincessLeia said:

Seriously. My husband is gets 3 weeks vacation and will get 4 weeks in a few years, and I don’t think he could take off ten straight days. Too much going on....

Yep. My job is very reasonable about vacation, but taking ten straight days would present so many issues with catching up with all that work that I prefer to avoid it. It’s the one reason why I typically avoid long vacations and would be annoyed if I was forced to go on one (without my family or friends at that - thanks for my taking all of my days!). Coming back to hundreds of unread emails is not fun lol! 

[bigskygirl]

I work at one place where someone would ask for at least a week off within a month of starting the job. Seriously... I had to beg to get any time off. My primary care provider told me I needed time off, and I told him the only way I would get time off if I became ill, or had to leave early for doctor appointments. I ended taking time off because of a work related back and neck injury, and the doctor worker's comp sent me to said I should not go back to the job because my neck and back could go out, and it would not be pleasant.

This is why I think Lauren leaving is the best thing for her. She was risking making her injury much worse to the point of permanent damage if she tried out again. I speak from experience because I injured my back a long time ago, and my injury was not caught in time and not treated properly. I now deal with constant back and neck pain.

[hannahbanana]

3 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

And if Milan was playing the victim card. she would not have offered to stay on longer for the last few home games because she did not want to mess up the formation for Judy. She did not go running to a staff member and ask her about her spot on the team and then cry fowl aka the victim card and say she was constantly "tested" by TPTB and willing to tell on the other girls to save her spot.

Milan was not playing the victim card then, she's playing it now. I was the best dancer, but they couldn't see it/appreciate it and stuck me in the back of the triangle because I put school first and wouldn't try out for show group. It's already been shown that she wasn't the best dancer, what else isn't exactly as she described?

We only have her word for it that she told them she would stay but they told her to go. That is not the full story. Something else happened where they told her to go ahead and leave.

Yes, the DCC is a crappy organization, but Milan's bad experience was not all their fault. She has to take ownership for her part in it.

I find it amazing that because Milan puts out an interview highlighting how bad the DCC is, many people are willing to jump on the bandwagon and say, "yes, she's 100% telling it how it is, #teamMilan." Whereas if she had said K&J are nice, being a DCC was a great  experience, etc., the response would more likely have been, "Milan drank the DCC koolaid." There is a lot wrong/bad with the DCC and definitely needs a drastic overhaul, but nothing is all good or all bad.

Edited May 31, 2019 by hannahbanana

[bigskygirl]

4 minutes ago, hannahbanana said:

Milan was not playing the victim card then, she's playing it now. I was the best dancer, but they couldn't see it/appreciate it and stuck me in the back of the triangle because I put school first and wouldn't try out for show group. It's already been shown that she wasn't the best dancer, what else isn't exactly as she described?

We only have her word for it that she told them she would stay but they told her to go. That is not the full story. Something else happened where they told her to go ahead and leave.

Yes, the DCC is a crappy organization, but Milan's bad experience was not all their fault. She has to take ownership for her part in it.

I find it amazing that because Milan puts out an interview highlighting how bad the DCC is, many people are willing to jump on the bandwagon and say, "yes, she's 100% telling it how it is, #teamMilan." Whereas if she had said K&J are nice, being a DCC was a great  experience, etc., the response would more likely have been, "Milan drank the DCC koolaid." There is a lot wrong/bad with the DCC and definitely needs a drastic overhaul, but nothing is all good or all bad.

Meanwhile back at the DCC Ranch, Aunt Martha is laying in the ditch after falling off her horse.

[Opine]

16 hours ago, sleepyjean said:

The DCC uniform is a  trademarked piece of property that is associated with a billion dollar brand. Those outfits are very valuable, and I'm not just talking monetarily. They would be fools to let the uniforms go out of their control and risk something happening like the photo below, especially in the case of DCC who get cut, have an axe to grind with the organization, and don't much care about being invited to the reunion. (Yes, I know that's not a real DCC that's an obvious fake uniform, though casual fans would not know that. My point is that this kind of thing could happen with the real thing.)

It's been confirmed that all the finalists get to keep the finals audition outfit.

And if anyone has it in for K/C, they should just get Kalyssa to post like this.  What's that?  Oh yeah, the sirens from the ambulance when K/C have their respective strokes :).  No disrespect meant to K/C.......all about Kalyssa's "modeling" career.

[Laurendcc]

On 5/30/2019 at 1:42 PM, ExtremeFajitas said:

This was exactly my impression as I was listening to the podcast, and I'm glad you've confirmed it.  It seemed like this was the first time Milan ever had to work at something, and she was shocked at the amount of effort she had to put in.  I rolled my eyes at parts of the podcast, especially when Milan talked about how much time she spent practicing and studying.  Oh noes, she couldn't go out anymore, you guys!  Welcome to the real world, honey.

What podcast ? Where did she say the reason she left the team?

[scorpio1031]

1 hour ago, Lmr29 said:

What podcast ? Where did she say the reason she left the team?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-want-the-real/id1460166106?i=1000439168200

She talks about towards the end

[ByTor]

9 hours ago, Tulip86 said:

That's what I love so much about working in Western Europe... most companies expect you to take at least 2 consecutive weeks of paid leave off each year. They think that's the only way to keep everyone sane and sharp the rest of the year

I gave you the sad face reaction because there is no envious one! 🙂

[MrsEVH]

20 hours ago, sleepyjean said:

The DCC uniform is a  trademarked piece of property that is associated with a billion dollar brand. Those outfits are very valuable, and I'm not just talking monetarily. They would be fools to let the uniforms go out of their control and risk something happening like the photo below, especially in the case of DCC who get cut, have an axe to grind with the organization, and don't much care about being invited to the reunion. (Yes, I know that's not a real DCC that's an obvious fake uniform, though casual fans would not know that. My point is that this kind of thing could happen with the real thing.)

It's been confirmed that all the finalists get to keep the finals audition outfit.

Remember the African American lady who won the GMA contest and danced with the DCC? She wore one of these knockoffs.  Now when they had Ali Wentworth dancing with them on Oprah she got to wear a real one.

[scorpio1031]

3 minutes ago, MrsEVH said:

Remember the African American lady who won the GMA contest and danced with the DCC? She wore one of these knockoffs.  Now when they had Ali Wentworth dancing with them on Oprah she got to wear a real one.

That was hysterical:)  That look on her face when she saw how small the uniforms were.