Kalani Dance Moms
Kalani Dance Moms - Her Journey Beyond the Studio
Kalani Hilliker, a person many came to know from the television program Dance Moms, has been quite busy with different kinds of work since her time on the show finished up. She still finds joy in dancing for personal satisfaction, gives acting a go, has a real affection for fashion, and, interestingly enough, shared her thoughts on public matters a few years ago in 2020. This young woman, now in her early twenties, has certainly grown and changed a great deal since her days on screen, which is pretty cool to see, honestly.
Her path into the public eye started, as you might recall, when she appeared on that Lifetime program, staying with it from 2014 through 2017. The show itself wrapped up a couple of years later, in 2019, after the main person in charge, Abby Lee Miller, who is 58, had some serious accusations made against her about how she treated people. It was a time of a lot of change and, you know, quite a bit of upset for everyone involved, especially for the young people who were part of it all. Kalani, then 23, even got very upset during the first part of one of the episodes, which shows just how much emotion was tied up in everything.
Looking back, Kalani Brooke Hilliker, who was born on September 23, 2000, is the oldest child of Kira Girard. Her early connection to the dance world was quite strong, and she certainly made an impression very quickly. This story, then, is about her experiences, how she grew up in the public eye, and what she has been doing since those days of intense competition and constant filming. It's a rather interesting look at how a young person handles fame and finds their own way.
Table of Contents
- A Look at Kalani Hilliker's Early Life
- How Did Kalani Become a Dance Moms Favorite?
- What Has Kalani Been Up to Since Dance Moms?
- What's Next for Kalani Hilliker?
- How Does Kalani Manage Life After Reality TV?
A Look at Kalani Hilliker's Early Life
Kalani Brooke Hilliker, born on September 23, 2000, is the first child of Kira Girard. She started dancing at a very early age, just two years old, which is pretty incredible when you think about it. Her early days were spent at the Club Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, where she began to show a real knack for movement and expression. It was clear even then that she had a natural gift for dance, something that would soon bring her into the public eye, you know, in a big way.
Her family background is pretty interesting too. Kira Girard, her mother, is the daughter of Joseph and her own mother. Kira herself was a familiar face to viewers of Dance Moms and Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. In fact, early on during the fourth season of Dance Moms, Kira, Kalani's mom, was, like, really wanting to get Kalani a spot. This kind of family involvement, with a mother who understood the competitive dance world, certainly played a part in Kalani's early experiences and her path onto television. It's almost as if her path was set from a very young age.
Here are some personal details about Kalani:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kalani Brooke Hilliker |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 2000 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 23 years old |
| Parent | Kira Girard (Mother) |
| Hometown (Original) | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Primary Activities | Dancer, Actress, Model, Fashion Designer, TV Personality, Producer, YouTuber, Content Creator |
| Engaged To | Nathan Goldman |
How Did Kalani Become a Dance Moms Favorite?
It's interesting to consider how some people really stand out on reality television, and Kalani was definitely one of those individuals. She first got a lot of notice when she took part in the second season of Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition back in 2013. During her time there, she very quickly became someone Abby Lee Miller, the show's main instructor, seemed to prefer. This sort of favoritism, you know, can make a big difference in a competitive setting, and it certainly put Kalani in a different spot from the other dancers, which was pretty clear to anyone watching.
Her skill and presence were hard to miss, and it was this early showing that paved the way for her later appearances. She was known for her performances on both Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition and then, of course, Dance Moms, starting in its fourth season. Her abilities on the dance floor were, quite frankly, very impressive, and she had a way of performing that just caught people's attention. This natural talent, combined with her calm way of being, helped her become a beloved figure among those who followed the shows, a kind of quiet strength, if you will, that resonated with many viewers.
Kalani Dance Moms - Her First Steps on the Show
Kalani Hilliker's very first appearance on Dance Moms was during what some might call one of the most difficult parts of the series. Abby Lee Miller, the instructor, really managed to stir up trouble among the mothers by putting Kalani into the group. This move, you know, created quite a bit of tension and, in a way, set the stage for Kalani's time on the show, making her entry memorable, if a little dramatic. It was a rather bumpy start, as she herself has mentioned when looking back at her experiences.
She joined the show in season 4 and then stayed on through season 7. This period saw her go from a new face to a regular part of the group. Her presence was something that viewers quickly got used to, and her dance performances became a highlight for many. It's almost like she was thrown into the deep end, but she managed to swim, and swim quite well, through all the ups and downs that came with being on a popular reality program. She was, in some respects, a steady presence amidst a lot of changing situations.
The Ups and Downs of Kalani Dance Moms Years
Being on a show like Dance Moms meant experiencing a wide range of emotions and situations. Kalani has spoken very openly about her time on the Lifetime show, sharing that she went through "lots of trauma" from being part of it all. This kind of honesty gives us a better sense of what it was really like for these young people behind the cameras, you know, beyond the dances and the arguments. It suggests that the pressures and the constant scrutiny took a real toll on her and, apparently, on others as well.
One particularly memorable and, frankly, quite upsetting moment came when the former reality star surprised her fellow cast members and the people watching by talking about having thoughts of ending her life and about calling crisis hotlines. She also shared how a dance piece, actually called "Suicide Hotline," had a strong impact on her and on others who saw it. This kind of personal sharing shows a very vulnerable side to her time on the show, and it highlights the intense emotional weight that was present for the young people involved. It's a stark reminder that what we see on screen is often just a small part of someone's actual experience.
Despite the difficult moments, Kalani was a popular figure for about two and a half seasons before she decided to leave to look for other dance opportunities. Her sheer talent solo performance from season 7, episode 10, called "Breathless in Denver," is one example of her skill that people can still watch. These performances, like her "Save Me" solo from season 7, episode 4, "Winner Takes All," really showed her abilities as a dancer. She was, you know, a very strong competitor, especially when she competed in the senior division for the first time with her solo "Say Something, Say Anything."
What Has Kalani Been Up to Since Dance Moms?
Since her time on the reality program finished, Kalani Hilliker has been busy with various things. She still enjoys dancing just for fun, which is pretty cool considering how much pressure she was under before. She also gives acting a try, which is a different kind of performance altogether. Her love for fashion is also clear, and she's been involved in that world, too. These different pursuits show that she's someone who likes to explore different creative avenues, you know, rather than sticking to just one thing.
She has also been seen on other television shows, like "Shake It Up" and the ABC Family original series "Bunheads," even before her main stint on Dance Moms ended. After the show, she really grew into being a social media personality, someone who works with fashion brands, and an actress on Brat TV and other platforms. This kind of shift from competitive dance to wider entertainment roles is pretty common for people who gain fame at a young age, and she's certainly made a place for herself in these new areas.
Kalani Dance Moms - Beyond the Dance Floor
Kalani, now 23, has openly discussed her early life, a portion of which was spent not just in the highly competitive dance world, but also being filmed for a reality television show. This dual experience, you know, of intense training and constant public exposure, shaped her in many ways. She has managed to balance her continued involvement with dance, which she still enjoys, with her work as a model. It's quite a lot to juggle, but she seems to have found a way to make it all work.
She's not just a dancer and a model, either. Kalani Hilliker is also a fashion designer, which shows her creative interests extend beyond performing. She's known for her appearances on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms, but she has also become a television personality, a producer, a YouTuber, and someone who creates content online. This list of titles really shows how much she has branched out and, you know, created a varied career for herself since her early days on television.
Finding Her Voice - Kalani Dance Moms and Personal Challenges
Kalani Hilliker has been very honest about her time on Lifetime's Dance Moms. In an interview with E! News, published on a Monday, the dancer, who was 22 at the time, spoke openly about her experiences. This willingness to share her true feelings about such a public part of her childhood is, you know, a very brave thing to do. It helps people understand the human side of reality television, which is often hidden from view.
She has also shared how she deals with feelings of worry and stress, which is something many people can relate to. Her ability to talk about these personal struggles while also managing a public life and multiple careers shows a lot of strength. It's clear that she has had to learn how to cope with the pressures that come from being in the public eye from such a young age, and she's doing it in a way that, you know, helps others feel less alone in their own struggles.
What's Next for Kalani Hilliker?
Big news came on August 18, when the former Dance Moms cast member shared that she was going to marry her boyfriend, Nathan Goldman. The dancer used Instagram to share the happy announcement, first showing a picture of her very sparkly ring. This is a pretty significant life event, and it shows that she's moving into a new personal phase, which is, you know, very exciting for her and her loved ones.
For those who have followed Kalani for a long time, her mother, Kira, doesn't really need an introduction. Kira also appeared on Dance Moms and Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. In a way, the family has always been quite public. Now, with Kalani getting ready to be a bride, it's another step in her personal story, and it's something many of her followers are very interested in. The "Swiped" actress has even talked about her plans for the wedding during a special conversation with OK! magazine, which gives a little peek into her personal preparations.
Kalani Dance Moms - A New Chapter
Kalani Hilliker, the star from Dance Moms, is indeed getting ready to walk down the aisle. Her engagement to Nathan Goldman came after they had been dating for a few months, and it was announced on a Saturday, August 17, when he asked her to marry him. This personal news, you know, marks a fresh beginning for her, moving beyond her past in reality television into a more settled personal life.
She has also continued to be active in the world of fashion, launching her own line called "Kare x Kalani." This venture shows her interest in creative business and her desire to make her mark in different areas. So, while she's known for her dancing, she's also someone who is building a brand and a business, which is pretty cool. It shows that she's not just relying on her past fame but is, you know, actively creating new things.
How Does Kalani Manage Life After Reality TV?
Managing life after being on a reality television show, especially one as intense as Dance Moms, can be quite a challenge. Kalani has found ways to balance her ongoing connection to dance, her modeling work, and her other pursuits. She looks back at her time on the show, from her somewhat difficult beginning in season 4 to even helping to create dances for "The Irreplaceables" group. This kind of reflection shows that she's processed her experiences and learned from them.
She has also used her platform to connect with people through her YouTube channel, where she shares videos about beauty, takes on challenges, and does collaborations with others. She describes herself as a dancer, actress, and entrepreneur. This combination of roles, you know, means she's constantly busy and finding new ways to express herself and engage with her audience. It's a way for her to keep growing and evolving as a person in the public eye.
In essence, Kalani Hilliker's story, from her early days as a talented dancer on Dance Moms to her current life as an engaged social media personality, actress, and entrepreneur, shows a person who has grown through public challenges and found her own path. She has been open about the difficulties she faced, including emotional struggles, but has also celebrated her successes and personal milestones. Her journey is a pretty interesting example of what life can be like after being a child star on a reality television program, you know, and how someone can build a varied life for themselves.
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