If you spent any part of the 2010s glued to Lifetime, you remember the blonde girl with the permanent "deer in headlights" look whenever Abby Lee Miller started screaming. That was Paige Hyland. She was the one who always seemed like she’d rather be literally anywhere else—maybe at a mall or just hanging out in Murrysville—than in a pyramid lineup.
For years, people wondered if she’d actually make it in Hollywood.
She didn't. Not in the way Maddie or JoJo did, anyway. But that’s kinda the point. Paige of Dance Moms has carved out a life that looks remarkably "normal" compared to her former teammates, and honestly, it seems like that was the plan all along.
The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
We have to talk about the exit. It wasn't just a "we’re leaving for better opportunities" kind of thing. It was a full-blown legal war. In 2014, the Hyland family didn't just walk out of the ALDC; they walked into a courtroom.
Paige actually filed a lawsuit against Abby Lee Miller and the producers of Dance Moms for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
She was only 13.
The legal filings claimed that Abby would often pinch the kids until they bled and threw chairs (which we saw on TV, let’s be real). While the judge eventually tossed the lawsuit, the damage was done. Paige basically vanished from the professional dance world. She didn't want the spotlight if it meant being poked and prodded for ratings.
Life After the Pyramid
Most of the ALDC girls moved to Los Angeles. Paige stayed in Pennsylvania.
She went to high school. She went to prom. She lived a life that wasn't edited into 42-minute chunks of drama.
College and Career
Paige headed to West Virginia University (WVU), following her sister Brooke’s footsteps into a more academic path. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Event Planning.
It’s interesting, right?
You have someone with millions of followers who actually bothered to finish a four-year degree. She even did a marketing internship for FlexScreen, a company that appeared on Shark Tank. She wasn't just coasting on her reality TV fame; she was actually building a resume.
Health and Family in 2026
Lately, things haven't been all sunshine and Instagram filters. The Hyland family has been through the wringer. In 2024, Kelly Hyland was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Paige has been a massive pillar for her.
More recently, Paige herself had a health scare.
In late 2024/early 2025, she shared that she’d found a lump in her breast and was getting it checked out. Given her mom’s history, it was terrifying for fans. Thankfully, she’s been proactive about her health, using her platform to remind girls her age that "young" doesn't mean "invincible."
Is She Still Dancing?
The short answer? No.
Not professionally.
She’s mentioned in interviews that after the show, she sort of lost her "spark" for competitive dance. Can you blame her? When your childhood hobby becomes the source of a national legal battle, you’re probably going to want to hang up the lyrical shoes.
She still posts the occasional TikTok dance, and she’s still got the rhythm, but the days of "City of Love" solos are long gone. She’s more of a lifestyle influencer now. She works with brands like Sherri Hill (she’s been their go-to girl for years) and focuses on beauty and fashion.
The Relationship Everyone Asks About
If you follow her on social media, you’ve seen Jayvon Thrift. They’ve been together for what feels like forever—since 2019, actually.
While her sister Brooke got engaged in 2024 (and is planning a 2026 wedding), Paige and Jayvon seem perfectly happy just living their lives. They moved into an apartment together a couple of years ago and share a dog. Fans are constantly looking for a ring, but Paige has always been the more laid-back of the Hyland sisters. She isn't in a rush to meet anyone else's timeline.
Why People Still Care About Paige
There’s something relatable about her.
In a world where every reality star is trying to sell you a "masterclass" or a crypto-scam, Paige is just... living. She’s the girl who got out of a toxic environment and chose peace over a paycheck.
- Authenticity: She doesn't pretend the show was a "great learning experience." She’s been honest about the trauma.
- Relatability: She’s dealing with real-world stuff—graduating, job hunting, and supporting a sick parent.
- The Glow-up: Let’s be honest, she’s become a total fashion icon for the Gen Z crowd who grew up watching her cry on a bench.
Moving Forward: What to Expect
Paige Hyland isn't looking for a comeback. You won't see her on Dancing with the Stars or trying to launch a singing career.
If you want to keep up with her, your best bet is following her on Instagram or TikTok, where she’s most active. She’s currently focused on her career in marketing and supporting her mom through her ongoing recovery.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of the original cast, don't expect a full-blown Hyland return to TV. Instead, look for Paige to continue her work in the fashion and beauty space, likely expanding her "lifestyle" brand as she moves further into her mid-20s.
Keep an eye on the Because Mom Said So podcast (featuring Kelly and the other moms) for the most candid updates on how Paige is doing behind the scenes. She occasionally pops up there, and it’s where you get the real, unedited version of her life today.