Kalani Hilliker captured the attention of “Dance Moms” viewers right from her first appearance on “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition” in 2013. Her undeniable charisma, confident attitude, and impressive dance technique made the then-12-year-old ballerina an instant standout. Abby Lee Miller, the renowned host of both shows, recognized Kalani’s potential immediately, saving her from elimination and inviting her to dance alongside Maddie Ziegler in Season 4 of “Dance Moms.”
“I was never supposed to be on ‘Dance Moms’ beyond that one performance,” Kalani revealed, now at the age of 16 during the original interview, yet she became a staple on the show for four seasons. “It was my first experience with drama, and also when I first met the other dancers who have become like sisters.”
Kalani Hilliker from Dance Moms looking elegant in a dance pose
Erin Bainao
Since Kalani joined “Dance Moms,” the landscape of the show has evolved significantly. Long-time cast members moved on, the show’s location shifted from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles, and Abby Lee Miller faced legal challenges and left. However, Kalani remained a constant presence, seemingly unfazed by the surrounding chaos. She distinguished herself as a leader both on stage and in the studio, consistently delivering exceptional performances and serving as a role model for aspiring dancers watching the show. While “Dance Moms” has concluded, Kalani’s talent and impact are undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on the dance world.
From Soccer Fields to Center Stage: Kalani’s Early Dance Beginnings
With her incredible flexibility and naturally arched feet, it seems Kalani was destined to be a dancer. However, there was a time when young Kalani considered pursuing soccer alongside dance. Balancing soccer practice and dance rehearsals daily, she found herself torn between the two passions. The pivotal moment came when, at age 9, she was caught performing grand jetés on the soccer field instead of focusing on the game. It was then her mother recognized Kalani’s true calling lay in dance, leading to a full commitment to her artistic path.
Kalani honed her skills at Club Dance Studio in Mesa, Arizona, and soon after signed with an agent in Los Angeles. Her first taste of television came at age 10 when she and friends won an appearance on Disney’s “Shake It Up.” This early success led to regular commutes to Los Angeles for roles on “Bunheads” on ABC Family (now Freeform), further establishing her path in the entertainment industry.
Young Kalani Hilliker in a ballet pose, showcasing her early dance talent
Erin Bainao
After “Bunheads” concluded, Kalani looked forward to a more typical life, competing with her local studio. Therefore, the invitation to join “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition” initially brought hesitation. “I didn’t want to miss two months of training,” she explained. “But they called repeatedly to ask me to participate, and I eventually agreed. That decision truly shaped the course of my life.”
Growing Up on Television: Kalani’s “Dance Moms” Experience
For several years, Kalani grew up in the public eye, experiencing significant life moments – from the news of her baby brother’s birth to getting her first car – all while being filmed. Even with the original interview noting her age as 16, today, Kalani Hilliker’s age is a frequent search for fans curious about her journey since Dance Moms. Currently, her schedule remains packed with rehearsals, filming, competitions, photoshoots, meetings for her three fashion lines, and auditions for new projects. Balancing her professional life with her junior year of high school meant dedicating at least three hours daily to schoolwork at home.
Kalani Hilliker in a glamorous setting, reflecting her life in the spotlight
Erin Bainao
“Being in front of cameras brings a lot of pressure, which can be stressful,” Kalani admitted. “I have to be mindful of everything I do, but I also realize I can’t please everyone. Part of being on reality TV is learning to live without regrets.” Since “Dance Moms” only presented a fraction of Kalani’s life (“Usually when we’re upset or crying,” she noted), she decided to showcase her personality on her YouTube channel. There, she shares makeup tutorials, cooking demonstrations, and glimpses of her life with her brothers, Jax and Jett.
Ultimately, Kalani embraces her life in the spotlight, especially the opportunity to be a role model for her fans. “Hearing ‘I started dancing because of you’ is incredibly rewarding,” says Kalani, who is often surrounded by admirers at competitions. “Many of my competition friends knew me before all of this, and while they might joke about taking photos with fans for me, they know I haven’t really changed. I’m still just Kalani.”
Maintaining Focus and Achieving Excellence
Despite her fame, Kalani’s competitive spirit remains strong. She makes it a priority to participate in dance competitions, both with and without the “Dance Moms” team. Her most significant achievements have been at The Dance Awards, where she consistently placed in the top three for six consecutive years. In 2013, she won Junior Female Best Dancer, and in 2016, she secured 3rd place in the Teen Female Best Dancer category.
Her demanding schedule makes maintaining her dance technique challenging. “Regular classes aren’t always possible, so I’ve had to develop strong self-discipline,” she explained. “I practice barre whenever I can and constantly remind myself to straighten my legs and point my feet. I’m grateful for my early ballet training, as it’s incredibly beneficial now.”
Kalani Hilliker in a dynamic dance pose at a competition
Erin Bainao
Looking Towards the Future: Kalani’s Aspirations Beyond Dance Moms
With “Dance Moms” Season 7 filming concluded and uncertainty about Season 8 at the time of the interview, Kalani was actively considering her next steps, which she anticipated would involve more television work. “I want to pursue more acting roles, and my dream is to be on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” Kalani shared, expressing her excitement about Cheryl Burke, a “DWTS” veteran, joining “Dance Moms” as Abby Lee Miller’s replacement.
Cheryl Burke also recognized Kalani’s immense potential. “It’s inspiring to see a dancer who is both a hard worker and enjoys the process,” Burke commented. “She possesses excellent technique and immense passion. Among all the girls, she’s the one I truly see becoming a professional dancer.”
Currently, Kalani Hilliker’s age places her in a dynamic phase of her career, exploring various opportunities while remaining deeply connected to dance. “All I know is I want to continue dancing,” she affirmed. “When I was younger, I never imagined being on TV or moving to Los Angeles, but now I’m living my dream – and I’m not even an adult yet! I’m excited to see where dance takes me next.”
To learn more about Kalani’s journey, Click here!
This article is inspired by a feature in the September 2017 issue of Dance Spirit magazine, titled “I’m Still Kalani.”
