YouTube streaming series Major Minors hits all the right notes: created by Australian performer BP Major, the musical episodes do not waste any time in fostering young stars. Throughout the show, viewers follow tweens Gia Pater and Danika Hemmer, who were hand-selected by Major as mentees. Each session features a different celebrity coach, including Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni (Dance Moms), Miss J Alexander (America’s Next Top Model), Brian Justin Crumm (America’s Got Talent), Brandi Glanville (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and more. Major and Ziegler, the series’ key players, sat down to discuss how the show came about and what it was like to witness the children’s journeys.

How did you come up with the concept for Major Minors?

Major: I've always entertained. The older I got, the more I realized that I wasn’t given any information about how to make it in showbiz. I thought, "Kids are coming into the business with no idea of what to expect or how to prepare." I wanted to create a way for kids to get into the biz without being tortured and abused, and I wanted them to be more inspired and informed.

Ziegler-Gisoni: We started talking, and we just had ideas together. 

Major: We’ve both been through it. Melissa raised her incredible daughters through Dance Moms. She‘s such a beacon and has so much information to give. We’ve really developed a friendship and have gotten to know each other.


What was it like mentoring the children?

Ziegler-Gisoni: When I first met Gia, she was really timid. I’d walk in, and her little shoulders and head would go down, but after a few sessions with BP, I thought, "Oh my gosh." I walked in, and she said hello. She was out of her little shell. Even if she doesn't do something in the industry, she'll be able to go in front of a classroom and give a speech, and she’ll be confident in speaking to adults.

Major: When I'm watching the footage back as we're editing, I see myself saying, "Put your shoulders down. Put your head up.” Melissa's the saint. But I think it's important for the kids to see both sides. We're the best balance.

Ziegler-Gisoni: I'm the nice one, and he's the mean one. I’m the good cop, and he’s the bad cop. He tells me that I have to be strict, and then I kiss and hug [the kids] and say, "Oh, you're wonderful." When Gia did her music video, I would fix her dress or hair. It’s the dance mom in me who wants to fix her up and make sure her hair isn’t flying on stage. [My daughter] Kenzie came to the shoot, too, and she’d whisper tips in her ear. 

How did you utilize your previous knowledge of the dance industry in helping them?

Major: I‘ve performed my whole life, so I understand what it takes to work. I understand how to put on a show, create a wardrobe or create harmonies. But the most beautiful dynamic is when Melissa comes in, who has supported her kids in the most successful careers. As professionals, we understand, respect and appreciate each other because we understand how much work goes into this stuff—so much love and dedication. It’s not just about being the best singer or dancer—this show teaches kids about every single aspect of the industry.

Ziegler-Gisoni: I'm enjoying it because I miss my kids being young. I went to a dance competition right before COVID because my friend’s daughter was competing for the first time, and it brought it all back to me. I was so happy. I love to see kids thrive. When they’re on stage, even if they're not good, they grow their confidence, which helps when they‘re older. I want to steer them in the right direction so that they’re not just on social media 24 hours a day. I want to help them learn something.


What was your favorite part of the experience?

Ziegler-Gisoni: In the beginning, it made me so happy to see kids had enough confidence to send their [audition] videos in. Even if they weren't perfect, I was really impressed.

Major: I wasn’t sure if anyone was going to enter, but we got flooded with beautiful videos from all around the world. It made me feel like what we‘re doing truly makes a difference in kids’ lives, inspires them and makes them feel brave enough to put themselves out there.

Ziegler-Gisoni: It's all about the kids. Especially in these times right now, they can learn something new. They can make a poem up, do magic, sing, anything. Everyone has a gift of some sort.

Major: We all have a talent, and that doesn't necessarily have to be singing, dancing or acting. It's about making kids feel comfortable enough to share what makes them feel special.

What was the most challenging part of the experience?

Ziegler-Gisoni: Picking the winner!

Major: There was one day where we had some great people, and I thought I knew who was going to win. I FaceTimed Melissa and said, "I really need you right now because I feel horrible." I was so proud of the kids for putting themselves out there, and it was challenging not to accept some of what was sent in.


What’s up next for Major Minors?

Major: I see it turning into more of a High School Musical meets Glee series, more structured, where it's all original music. I'm speaking with some producers in Norway and Australia. We've already got new songs ready to go. For Season 2, instead of just having Gia do covers, we can start working on original material and have the Major Minors Academy. The kids will learn real material that they’ll put out in the world.

Ziegler-Gisoni: We also wanted to do a camp this summer where kids could both learn and have fun. It was going to have acting and dance classes but also a fun class on competence, how to deal with social media and a craft class. We couldn't do it this year, but hopefully, next summer we’ll be able to.

Major: It’s about inspiration, support and teaching. You don't have to be the best at what you do. We just want to give you the tools to succeed in the business and in life.


What’s the most important thing parents can do to support children's show business aspirations?

Ziegler-Gisoni: I didn't push my girls. I didn't make them dance or practice. I didn't make them do anything they didn't want to do, but I always supported them. It's important to let your kids try whatever they want to try, but I also think school is important. Everybody needs to go to school. Some kids in this business don't think that's necessary, but at least finish high school before following your dreams.

Major: I second Melissa whole-heartedly. If a child doesn’t want to be there, or even if they do want to be there, don't give them everything. They need to prove themselves by showing up and doing the practice, doing the work. Support your children in everything they want to do, but don't do the work for them. If you're doing too much for them, they're not going to understand what they have and how much it's worth.

Watch Major Minors on the Major Creative YouTube channel.