A controversial cable reality show appears to be on the verge of expanding into a franchise, with preproduction already under way on its first spinoff.

Lifetime has revealed plans to spin off the reality show "Dance Moms," because "Abby Lee Miller can berate only so many tiny dancers," reports Joe Adalian in New York Magazine’s Vulture blog.

The cable channel has greenlighted six episodes of "Dance Moms: Miami," with instructors Victor Smalley and Angel Armas taking on Miller’s role in the new show, the story says. There isn’t yet word on when the spinoff will debut.

The original "Dance Moms," which is set in Pittsburgh, "was Lifetime’s fastest-growing hit in 2011, with strong buzz for the show boosting ratings more than 70 percent from its premiere to its finale," Adalian notes.

Like the similarly themed “Toddlers & Tiaras” on TLC, “Dance Moms” has attracted criticism for putting children in high-pressure situations.