You remember the tiny six-year-old with the massive personality and even bigger acro skills? Peyton Evans was the baby of the bunch when Abby Lee Miller decided to introduce the "mini" team in Season 6. She was a powerhouse in a small package. Honestly, it’s hard to forget her mom, Kerri, standing up to Abby in a way most of the original moms were too scared to do.
But then, she just... disappeared.
If you've been scrolling through TikTok or Reddit lately, you've probably seen people asking where peyton from dance moms mini went and why she isn't in the spotlight like Maddie or JoJo. The truth is actually a lot more complicated than just "leaving the show." It involves a mix of health struggles, industry gatekeeping, and a mother who decided her kid's mental health was worth more than a Lifetime contract.
The Reality of Being the Youngest ALDC Mini
When Peyton joined the ALDC LA mini team, she was only six. Most kids that age are struggling to tie their shoes, but Peyton was hitting standing back tucks and holding headstands like it was nothing. She was biracial, from Utah, and didn't come from the same "dance royalty" background as some of the other girls.
Abby’s treatment of her was, frankly, bizarre.
One week Abby would praise her flexibility, and the next, she was handing her a solo called "I Love Trash" with actual garbage and a maxi pad glued to the costume. It was a blatant dig at Kerri’s financial status. People still talk about how Kerri told Abby where to shove that trash before walking out. That moment wasn't just reality TV drama; it was the beginning of the end for Peyton's time on the show.
Why Peyton Evans Left Dance Moms for Good
By the start of Season 7, the writing was on the wall. Kerri realized that Abby wasn't going to give Peyton a "clean slate." If a teacher thinks your mom is "trash," you aren't going to get the good choreography. Period.
They quit.
A lot of fans don't realize that Peyton actually wanted to come back later. Around Season 8, she even put in an application to return, but she wasn't invited to audition. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re a talented kid, but the producers were looking for specific types of drama that the Evans family just wasn't willing to provide anymore.
The Health Battles Nobody Saw Coming
Life after the cameras stopped rolling wasn't just about winning trophies back in Utah at The Company, SLC. Peyton has dealt with some seriously heavy medical issues that would sideline most professional athletes.
She was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, a condition where the hip socket doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone. For an acro dancer, that’s a nightmare. Doctors told her to stop the jumps and the hyperextensions—basically everything that made her famous on TV.
But it didn't stop there. More recently, she's been open about dealing with:
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- CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome): A form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg.
- POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): This affects blood flow and can cause lightheadedness or a rapid heart rate when you stand up.
Imagine trying to nail a lyrical routine when your blood pressure is tanking and your nerves are sending "fire" signals to your brain. It's intense.
Where is Peyton Evans in 2026?
Peyton is now 16 years old. She’s a junior in high school and, surprisingly, she’s back to dancing.
Despite the CRPS and the hip issues, she didn't quit. She recently shared that she was auditioning and returning to the studio. She’s grown into a 5'7" powerhouse—a far cry from the tiny kid who considered Mackenzie Ziegler her mentor.
She spends a lot of time with her brother, Jordan, and her family in Salt Lake City. She’s also active on TikTok and YouTube, though she doesn't post with the frantic energy of a "content creator" trying to stay relevant. She seems... normal. Which, for a former Dance Moms kid, is a massive achievement.
The "Middle Class" Struggle on Reality TV
One thing that often gets glossed over is the classism Kerri and Peyton faced. Most of the moms on that show were wealthy or at least very comfortable. Kerri was vocal about the fact that every penny she had went into Peyton’s training.
When the other moms—like Melissa Gisoni—reportedly made comments about their finances, it created a toxic environment that went beyond the usual "my daughter is a better turner" bickering. It’s a reminder that the "mini" era was particularly brutal because the kids were so young and the moms were so desperate to fill the shoes of the OGs.
What We Can Learn From Peyton’s Journey
Peyton’s story is a reality check for anyone who thinks reality TV is a golden ticket. It can be a ticket to burnout and physical injury if you aren't careful.
If you’re following her journey now, the best thing you can do is support her current projects rather than just asking for "tea" about Abby Lee Miller. She’s proven she’s more than just a kid in a trash-bag costume. She’s a resilient athlete who fought through chronic pain to get back on the stage.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Dancers:
- Watch for CRPS/POTS Symptoms: If you're a young athlete experiencing unexplained chronic pain or fainting spells, don't just "push through it" like the ALDC culture suggests. See a specialist.
- Follow the New Career: Check out Peyton’s YouTube (Peyton Kaye Evans) to see her actual growth as a dancer away from the reality TV edits.
- Value Longevity Over Fame: Peyton’s choice to leave the show likely saved her from the extreme psychological burnout seen in other cast members. Sometimes, quitting is the most "expert" move you can make for your career.