The seventh season of Dance Moms is wrapping up tonight and to celebrate that we caught up with the ALDC fan-favorite Kalani Hilliker. In our Q&A session, we asked Kalani about all-things Dance Moms, her future, and (of course) dancing.
You have sort of become the “leader” of the ALDC Elite Team. How have you grown into that position?
“I am the oldest of the team so I feel it’s my responsibility to be a good role model and be a leader.”
You’ve proved to be an amazing choreographer as well. Do you prefer dancing your own choreography or a dance someone else has done for you?
“I don’t really ever do my own choreography on the show and I’ve only choreographed a few times but I would love to keep choreographing!”
Do you have a favorite dance you have done on Dance Moms? Both a solo and group dance.
“It’s so hard to pick my favorites but Teen Hotline would have to be one of my favorite group numbers and my nationals solo in season seven would have to be my favorite solo!”
Are there any dancers you look up to?
“I look up to many dancers and choreographers it’s so hard to just pick a few or one.”
As a dancer, what would be your dream job?
“As a dancer, my dream job would be to be on Dancing With the Stars or have my own dance show!”
You recently announced the KH By Kalani Sock Line! What gave you the inspiration to create it?
“Socks are something you wear every day so I thought why not make them super fashionable and fun! I love them so much and they are so soft!”
You started out on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition when you were 12 years old. You’re 16 now, how have you evolved as a dancer since then?
“I have learned and grown as a dancer so much since I was 12 years old. I have really started using my emotions and just grown as an all rounded dancer.”
You were quite close with Abby (Lee Miller) when you were on AUDC. How is your relationship now?
“Abby has been a big part of my life ever since I met her. She has taught me a lot! We have always been close since the first day we met.”
Your mother, Kira, has stated several times that she’s only on Dance Moms because you want to be there. What is it about being on the Elite Team that you love so much?
“What I love about the elite competition team is that we are family; we are all a big group of sisters and I can’t imagine my life without them!”
A lot has changed on Dance Moms. Last year, Maddie, Mackenzie, and JoJo all left the team. Are you still close with them?
“The team evolves all the time. People come and go but no matter what we always try to keep in contact and stay close because we have gone through so much together.”
Most of the other girls on the Elite Team have branched out into singing and acting. Do you have any other career goals than dance?
“I would love to start acting. It is something that I have ventured out into this past year and I hope to keep it up and start a career in it.”
What do you have planned for this year?
“There are so many exciting things going on this year I can’t wait to show you and I can’t wait for what’s to come!”