I came across this reel on IG the other day – Different dance moms in the studio parking lot and it had me chuckling. It instantly brought me back to my own dance mom parking lot days.
I was never the Socialite (small talk is not my love language. I’m 1000% an introvert). I was more of the “Don’t Bother Me” to the “Drop Off and Go” type. And one thing I know for sure: I tried by best not to sit in the studio lobby. But the parking lot? Oh, I logged HOURS in those asphalt waiting zones. Honestly, I probably could’ve gotten another degree, lol. But hey… that’s life as a dance mom.
So it got me thinking:
1. The Gossip Girl
Knows everything about everyone. Who switched studios. Who didn’t pay their comp bill. Who’s the teacher’s favorite. Nothing escapes her radar — and she’s happy to share.
2. The “Do Not Disturb” Mom
Sunglasses on. Seat reclined. AirPods in. If you tap on her window, she might pretend she didn’t see you. She came here for solitude, not small talk.
3. The Phone Talker
Whole parking lot knows her business because the volume is always on speakerphone. From work calls to family drama, she provides free entertainment whether you wanted it or not.
4. The Professional
Laptop open, hotspot connected, headset in — she’s basically all about the business from the front seat/backseat. If she bills by the hour, she’s making money while her kid is tapping away.
5. The Exerciser
Walking laps around the studio. Signed up at the closest gym near the studio. She’s making the most of every eight-count.
6. The Car Cleaner
Windows down, trunk open, vacuum roaring. She’s wiping down cupholders and color-coding snacks while the rest of us are scrolling FB, IG, or TikTok.
7. The Napper
Seat fully reclined, blanket in tow, possibly even a sleep mask. Don’t wake her until class is over — this is the best sleep she’s gotten all week.
8. The Socialite
Bounces from car to car, latte in hand, chatting like it’s a tailgate party. She knows everyone’s kid, everyone’s costume, and everyone’s business.
9. The Drop-Off-and-Leave
Gone before the car door even shuts. Kid’s barely stepped inside the studio and she’s already halfway down the road. Efficiency is her superpower.
We’ve probably all been a mix of these at one point or another. Maybe you start as the Gossip Girl, evolve into the Professional, and end the season as the Napper. No shame in the game.
So tell me — what kind of Parking Lot Dance Mom are you? Drop it in the comments (and if you need a laugh, go watch that reel again).
