If you spent any time glued to the TV during the peak of reality dance competitions, you definitely remember the kid with the incredible lines and the high-pressure solos at Candy Apples. Back then, the world knew them as Zack. Today, things look a whole lot different. Honestly, the transformation of Zack from Dance Moms—now known as Lennon Torres—is probably one of the most significant and moving stories to come out of that entire chaotic era of Lifetime television.
It wasn't just about the trophies or the rivalry between Abby Lee Miller and Cathy Nesbitt-Stein. For Lennon, those years under the spotlight were complicated. Like, really complicated. Imagine being a child and having famous choreographers tell you on national television that you’re "too feminine" or that you need to "dance like a man." That kind of stuff sticks. It doesn't just disappear when the cameras stop rolling or the season ends.
The Reality of Reality TV: What Zack From Dance Moms Faced
Lennon Torres first hit our screens on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition (AUDC). She was actually the first male-born contestant on that show, which was a huge deal at the time. She eventually moved over to the Candy Apple’s team on Dance Moms, becoming a staple of the "replacement" era where Cathy was constantly trying to find dancers who could actually beat the ALDC.
But behind the scenes? It wasn't all glitter and jazz hands.
Lennon has been very open lately about how the environment of the show pigeonholed her. She’s talked about how those "man up" critiques basically paused her personal growth. It’s wild to think about. We were all sitting on our couches watching a kid try to win a plastic trophy, while that same kid was struggling with the fact that the adults in the room were trying to force them into a box that didn't fit.
She eventually left the show at 15. That’s a weird age for anyone, let alone someone who just finished a stint on one of the most scrutinized shows on cable.
Moving From the Screen to the Classroom
After the show, Lennon didn't just fade into the background. She doubled down on her craft but on her own terms. She headed to the University of Southern California (USC). Specifically, she attended the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.
If you know anything about the dance world, you know USC Kaufman is a big deal. It’s elite.
It was during her time in college—far away from the manufactured drama of Pittsburgh or Ohio—that she started to really deconstruct her identity. She first came out as non-binary during her sophomore year. Then, in May 2021, she dropped the big news on TikTok. She was transitioning. She updated her name to Lennon and her pronouns to they/she.
Life After the Candy Apple Red Jacket
A lot of fans ask what happened after the show. Did she keep dancing? Is she still in touch with the cast?
Lennon didn't just keep dancing; she excelled. She’s performed with huge names like Justin Timberlake and JoJo Siwa. She even worked with luxury brands like Gucci and Louboutin. It’s pretty ironic when you think about it—the industry that once told her she was "too much" of one thing or "not enough" of another eventually hired her for her unique, authentic style.
But she’s also become an author and an advocate. She wrote a book called An Evolving Conversation on Gender: Dance Edition.
Making the Dance World Better
One of the coolest things about Lennon’s journey is that she’s actively trying to fix the problems she faced as a kid. She founded a company called Continuum Community. Basically, it’s a resource for gender inclusion in the arts.
She’s pointed out that while the arts claim to be inclusive, the reality on the ground—in the studios and at the competitions—is often very binary and very rigid. Her work is about changing that language so the next kid who walks into a studio doesn't have to "shove down" who they are just to get a good score from a judge.
Where Is She Now?
As of 2026, Lennon is firmly established as a multifaceted artist. She didn't just stop at a bachelor's degree; she pursued a Master’s in public relations and advertising at USC too. She’s smart, she’s vocal, and she’s actually happy.
She has mentioned in interviews that for a long time, she thought she had to "hate" her old self to love her new self. But she realized that wasn't true. She doesn't look back at her time as "Zack" with total bitterness, even if it was hard. It was just a chapter.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Dancers
If you’re a fan of the show or a dancer yourself, there's a lot to learn from how Lennon handled her transition into the spotlight:
- Identity is a journey, not a destination. Lennon came out as gay at 15, non-binary at 19, and trans at 22. It’s okay to evolve. You don't have to have all the answers when you're a teenager.
- Support systems matter. Lennon has consistently praised her mom for being a "fighter" for her. Having even one person in your corner makes a massive difference.
- Use your voice. Even if it shakes. Lennon’s advocacy work shows that you can take a negative experience (like being bullied on TV) and turn it into a resource that helps thousands of other people.
- Follow the actual people. If you want the real story, stop looking at old Dance Moms reruns and follow Lennon's current social media. That's where the truth is.
Lennon Torres is no longer the kid in the shadow of Cathy or Abby. She’s her own person, and honestly? She’s a much more interesting story than any "rivalry" the producers could have ever scripted.
To stay updated on her latest projects or advocacy work, the best move is to follow her directly on TikTok and Instagram. She’s incredibly transparent about her journey, and seeing her thrive in the professional dance world is a great reminder that there is life—and a very good one—after reality TV.
