If you spent any part of the 2010s glued to Lifetime, you remember the purse swings. You remember the "justice for Vivi" memes. Most of all, you remember the chaotic, campy, and undeniably sharp-tongued Cathy Nesbitt-Stein. She wasn't just a "dance mom"—she was the ultimate foil to Abby Lee Miller, the Ohio-based rival who could dismantle a reputation with a single smirk and a well-timed "Listen, disco ball."
But the cameras stopped rolling years ago. The glitter has settled. People are still asking: what is Cathy from Dance Moms now actually doing? Is the studio even real? Did Vivi-Anne finally get those tacos and quit dancing forever?
Honestly, the reality is way more grounded than the edited drama suggested.
The Candy Apples Legend Lives On in Ohio
Forget the idea that Candy Apple’s Dance Center was just a set for TV. While the show famously brought in "ringers" from all over the country to fill Cathy’s competition teams—think Hadley Walts or Jalen Testerman—the physical studio in Canton, Ohio, has been a staple since 1988.
Cathy didn't close up shop when the production trucks left. She’s still the boss. In 2026, Candy Apple’s remains a fully functioning, high-enrollment studio. It’s located on 20th and Whipple in Jackson Township, and it isn't just a shrine to reality TV. They teach the works: ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and even baton.
She's still winning, too. Away from the manufactured "losses" on Lifetime, Cathy’s actual studio teams have consistently picked up Grand National Top Honors at real-world competitions. She’s moved past the stage-managed rivalry and back into the life of a businesswoman who has to worry about floor wax and costume shipments.
Vivi-Anne Stein: The "Bored" Kid Who Actually Stuck With It
The biggest misconception from the show involves Cathy’s daughter, Vivi-Anne. Production loved to paint her as the kid who hated dancing and would rather be anywhere else. We all remember the "I'd rather sit on the couch and eat tacos" line.
Well, the joke is on the editors.
Vivi-Anne is now an adult, and she didn't run away from the stage. In fact, she leaned into it. She became a powerhouse in tap dancing. After years of training at her mom’s studio and with the Cleveland Tap Repertory, she pursued dance at the collegiate level.
- She graduated high school and stayed active in the dance community.
- She became a member of her college dance team.
- She’s currently a dance major, proving that the "forced to dance" narrative was mostly for the plot.
Vivi-Anne even helps out at Candy Apples now, teaching the next generation. She’s active on social media—mostly TikTok and Instagram—where she shows off her genuine skills. She’s also a lot more soft-spoken and sweet than the chaotic environment of the show might have suggested.
The Relationship With Abby Lee Miller (The Real Tea)
People always want to know if they still hate each other. The answer? It’s complicated.
Cathy has been vocal in interviews (like her appearance on The Jacob Buehrer Show) about how the show worked. Was the rivalry real? Sorta. They were real competitors in the same circuit before the show, but the "villain" edits were dialed up to eleven.
Cathy has admitted she has no interest in the toxic vibes that often surrounded Abby's teaching style. While they aren't exactly grabbing mimosas on the weekend, the vitriol has cooled into a mutual recognition of what they built together: one of the most successful reality franchises in history. Cathy has even said she’d do the show again—but only if they filmed in Ohio. She refused to move to LA because she actually cares about her local clientele. That says a lot about her priorities.
Life as a Digital Personality
Cathy hasn't stayed completely out of the spotlight. She’s a "pro" at the modern influencer game. You can find her:
- On Cameo: Sending sassy birthday shoutouts to fans who still miss the 2012 era of the show.
- On Instagram: Sharing "walk and talk" videos and behind-the-scenes clips of her students at competitions.
- On Podcasts: Popping up to give the "behind the scenes" truth about how much of the drama was producer-led.
She’s also a grandmother now! Her life in Ohio is full of family, local business management, and the occasional nod to her status as a reality TV icon.
Why Cathy Nesbitt-Stein Still Matters
We see a lot of reality stars flame out. They chase the fame until there's nothing left. Cathy did the opposite. She used the platform to boost her business, then went back to actually running that business.
She was the first person to stand up to the ALDC "monarchy," and in hindsight, many fans realized she was often the most logical person in the room (even when she was hitting people with purses). Her "now" is a testament to staying true to your roots. She’s still in Canton. She’s still wearing the fabulous outfits. She’s still the queen of the Candy Apples.
What You Can Do Next
If you're looking to keep up with the Stein family, don't look for them on a reboot. Follow Cathy’s official Instagram for the most authentic updates on the studio's competition season. If you're a dancer yourself, checking out Vivi-Anne’s tap choreography on TikTok is a great way to see how much she's actually improved since the "Bees" routine. Supporting local studios like theirs, rather than just the big TV names, is the best way to keep the real dance community thriving.