Our exclusive interview with talented dancer, entrepreneur and Lifetime reality series “Dance Moms” gorgeous star Kalani Hilliker.
Hilliker first appeared on the network in “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition,” where she quickly became Abby’s favorite for her flexibility, technique, and natural look of a dancer. Following her top four finish, Hilliker and her mom Kira Girard, were invited by Abby Lee Miller to join the cast of “Dance Moms.”
Last year, Hilliker launched a premium sock line called “KH by Kalani,” making her the youngest influencer ever to create, design and launch her own sock line. Hilliker came up with the idea as a result of her love of fun socks. She wanted to “make crazy awesome socks that you can’t really lose cause they are so colorful and fun!”
Hilliker has also expanded her role as a dancer off the dance floor as well, creating a dancewear line, called Kalani Collection in association with Purple Pixies, which launched in 2015 and her own collection for clothing label Mod Angel.
Expanding on her passion for fashion, Hilliker has teamed up with Alyce Paris to create a ready-to-wear collection drawn from own personal style.
Hi Kalani please tell us a little about you?
My name is Kalani Brooke Hilliker I am 17 years old from Arizona. I am a dancer and you may know me from “Dance Moms”. I am a funny caring person who likes to hangout with my best friends and family!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny, outgoing, caring.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family and my best friends are my biggest supporters.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I usually wake up make breakfast and my tutor comes over and I do school, then I go over auditions or answer emails and get ready for dance. Then head to dance for the rest of the night. This is if I am home in Arizona.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing at 2!
Did you take dancing classes?
Yes I started taking dance classes at 2.
What’s it like being on Lifetime’s Dance Moms?
Being on Dance Moms has been a crazy experience that I am so grateful for because I met my best friends and created a platform for myself that I never expected to have at such a young age.
How did you get on the show?
I got onto the show by being on Abby’s spin off show Audc.
Who’s your best friend in the show?
I don’t have a best friend on the show I think we are all super close.
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
Always work hard no matter what and have fun with dance. Because you have to enjoy what you are doing to grow as a dancer.
What do you love most about dancing?
What I love most about dancing is I can express my emotions through dancing.
What type of dance do you like best?
My favorite styles of dance are contemporary and jazz funk.
What has been the best thing that has happened to you since being on the show?
It’s so hard to choose because so many amazing things have come along with being on this show!
How does it feel to be really famous and be recognized on the streets?
It’s crazy to think when I go in public people recognize me, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a role model to people and to inspire other people.
Now tell us about your Fashion line “KH by Kalani?”
KH by Kalani is my awesome sock line that is super crazy and outgoing. What I love most about it is you can express yourself through socks with all the super fun designs.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I like to describe my style as trendy. I feel that I usually hope on trends when they come out!
Favorite designer?
So hard to choose my favorite designer because I love fashion so much so I can’t just choose one.
Do you have a favorite actress or actor that inspires you?
I really love Blake Lively and Jennifer Aniston. I think they are both wonderful actresses.
Best advice ever given?
To focus on yourself and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing and has to say about what you do.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
My phone, my computer, my car, ice cream and sweatpants.
What is you favorite song? Why?
Favorite song right now is “Sorry not Sorry” because it is super fun and always puts me in a good mood.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“Stay” by Rihanna me and my friends always belt that song in the car!
Who is you’re role model?
I have so many different Role models for different reasons in my life so it’s hard to choose one.
Name one your strengths?
A strength I have is my honesty I will always be honest with you.
How do you spend your spare time?
I usually like to spend my spare time with family and friends either hanging out or doing fun activities.
What kind of music do you listen to today?
I like to listen to top hits.
What hidden talents do you have?
I sadly don’t have any hidden talents.
Where would you like your career to be in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years I would like to keep dancing but also pursue acting and creating more for my different fashion lines.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
A perfect Sunday for me is laying low by getting breakfast in the am and just watching Netflix and laying in bed haha I don’t get a lot of days off so Sunday’s I like to chill.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media can be used as a great platform for people to be positive but it also has its negatives because some people like to say unnecessary mean things that hurts people’s feelings, and I believe that’s how it shouldn’t be used.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube – kalanihilliker
Snapchat: kalaniibrookee
Book: Paper Princess
Movie: Super Women
Tv Series: Gossip Girl
Restaurant: Canes
Favorite Food: All food!
Travel Destination: Paris
