Posing in white as she anticipates her upcoming wedding, Kalani Hilliker gets candid.
"It's pretty crazy when you think about it," Kalani says, reflecting on her life at 24. "I've been doing this since I was about 10 years old. Cameras. Spotlight. Chaos. But I'm so blessed and grateful and happy to be where I'm at."
If you were a dance kid in the 2010s, you knew Kalani. She was a lyrical powerhouse. A TV regular. The calm in the chaos of Dance Moms. But before all that? She was just a girl from the Valley whose mom signed her up for dance class at age two.
"I started dancing when I was two. I did other sports—soccer, softball—but nothing stuck like dance. My teachers told my parents, 'She was made for this.'"
That natural talent, paired with relentless discipline, paved the way for a childhood steeped in training.
"Dancing was expensive, but my parents supported me. I worked hard my whole childhood. I’m known for jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. And I’m still in dance today... as a teacher."
By age 10, Kalani was already landing roles in major productions.
"For Shake It Up, I auditioned in a group and we ended up winning. I also auditioned for Bunheads. For Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, they reached out to top dancers. Abby loved me and wanted me on Dance Moms."
And just like that, her path accelerated.
"We filmed eight hours a day, six days a week. We were kids, but we weren’t dumb—we knew what was going on. Our parents tried to separate us from the drama, but I’m sure if I watched episodes, I’d see things I didn’t even know happened."
At 12, Kalani became a fixture on Dance Moms, filming more than 100 episodes over five intense years.
"We went to a dance competition every week. We had a crazy dance teacher and crazy moms, but my mom let me shine."
Her mom, Kira, was a constant.
"My mom wasn't crazy, but when she snapped, she snapped. She had me at 18, so we’re close in age. Being together 24/7 on the show led to banter and bratty moments, but it brought us closer. She was always there for me, not herself."
Despite her success, Kalani hasn’t felt the need to relive her reality TV days.
"Maybe I’ve watched one or two episodes, but not everything. It’s my childhood—I don’t need to remember everything."
Still, there were moments that stand out.
"My 16th birthday. I got my first car on the show and had a surprise party with all my friends. That was really exciting."
And though the show wrapped years ago, the cast remains connected.
"It’s a trauma bond. We may not talk every day, but we’re always connected. No one else will ever understand like we do. We worked so hard to get there. I learned that relationships are everything and never to burn bridges."
After the cameras stopped rolling, Kalani took a much-needed breather.
"Dance was my job from 12 to 17. I missed out on things. I loved it, but it was intense. I moved to LA at 18; Arizona didn’t offer as much for dancers. But with COVID, I ended up moving back to Arizona."
It was actually a tough time for the young woman to rediscover- or at least start discovering- her sense of self.
"I suppressed a lot of feelings growing up. After the show, I felt lost—no schedule, no direction. I had anxiety and depression. I didn’t ask for help right away. Eventually, therapy helped me heal. Now I’m in a better place, but it’s ongoing."
Kalani has become an advocate for mental health and authenticity—especially on social media.
"Social media is powerful but tough—it gives people a voice, but can be harsh. I use my platform to spread positivity, stay real, and remind people they’re not alone with things like depression or anxiety. Not everyone responds kindly, but I’ve learned to block, move on, and protect my space."
While she remains a force online, Kalani’s biggest support comes from someone far from the public eye—her fiancé.
"He’s very private—only had 50 followers when I met him. No TikTok. He’s chill. We’re opposites, but it works."
The proposal? Straight out of a fairytale.
"He popped the question at Lake Como, Italy. We’re getting married there, too."
With a wedding ahead and a new chapter beginning, Kalani is focused on what brings her joy.
"Teaching and hopefully opening a dance studio in the Valley. I want to teach all ages and share my love of dance. I know this is what I’m meant to do."
IG @kalanihilliker
Photo Shoot Credits:
Stylist: Julie Hurt, Modern Bride
Dress: DiKaSa Bridal Couture
Studio: By Refine Studio
PR: Blonde PR
"Hard work over talent. Authenticity is everything. I love being honest and sharing my story. I hope it helps others."
"After Dance Moms ended, I felt lost—no schedule, no direction. I had anxiety and depression. I was lonely. I didn’t ask for help right away. Eventually, therapy and time helped me heal."