Abby Lee Miller's controversial approach

Abby Lee Miller isn't just the host and star of Abby' Ultimate Dance Competition, she's also an increasingly controversial public figure. I think even Miller herself would agree that she frequently goes beyond "outspoken" to downright "brutal." Whether she's fat-shaming Honey Boo Boo or yelling at one of her preteen dancers, Miller is calling the shots and she often calls them pretty harshly.

Miller has frequently been the target of criticism, both inside and outside the dance world. She recently came under fire from Derek Hough and Mark Ballas from Dancing With the Stars. Last summer, Hough Tweeted that Miller was "straight up abusive" and urged kids to "Run!!!" adding that "Child abuse isn't right." Ballas added that "I don't want young children being afraid to take up dance because of this lady."

Miller has repeatedly gone on record to say that she's actually doing her dancers a favor by being so tough on them. Miller's theory is that she is basically battle-hardening her recruits. If her dancers can learn to weather Miller's yelling and cutting criticisms, then they will be less likely to crack under the pressure of casting calls and difficult performances in the future.

It's an interesting theory, and it's one that has proven extremely effective in the military. But it should be noted that the military deploys its tough-talking abusive drill sergeants against full-grown men and women, not kids as young as seven. It's one thing to shout at an 18 year-old woman; quite another to yell at a 7 year-old girl until she bursts into tears.

What Miller doesn't mention is that her tough attitude also makes for great television. Nothing spices up a competitive reality show like cruel behavior.

I can see where Miller's coming from, but I think she's on the wrong foot. But it certainly gives me a greater appreciation for the dancers who make it through Miller's treatment alive. Personally, I would be a sobbing wreck after five minutes with the woman!

Image courtesy Flickr/Sarah_Ackerman