Kalani Hilliker
| Kalani Hilliker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Scottsdale, Arizona, United States |
| Residence | Gilbert, Arizona, United States |
| Occupation | |
| Years active | 2013–Present |
Kalani Hilliker is an American dancer, model, and television personality. In 2013, she rose to fame competing in the Lifetime reality series, Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. She is currently starring in Lifetime series Dance Moms. She is the oldest in the group.
Career
In 2011, Hilliker was part of the dance group, "AKsquared," Disney's first Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off - Shake It Up Edition winners. She and the group appeared on Disney's Shake It Up for winning the contest.
In early 2013, Hilliker had a small role in one episode of the short-lived ABC Family television series Bunheads.
In late 2013, Hilliker competed in the second season of AUDC. She starred on the show alongside her mother, Kira. Hilliker quickly became Abby's favorite for her flexibility, technique, and natural look of a dancer. Kalani was originally eliminated in the Vegas week for a weak Hip-Hop performance, but Abby brought her back using her Call-Back Card. She made it to the final four but was eliminated during the group challenge on the final week.
Hilliker began performing for the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) in the Dance Moms fourth season episode "Big Trouble in the Big Apple," continuing on the show until the season's midseason finale, after which Kalani and her mother left the program. Kira emphasized on Twitter that she had a little boy and man at home, and chose family over fame.[1] Kira also spoke to the International Business Times, which reported that she pulled Kalani from the show in response "to a request to sign a seven-year contract in order to stay on Season 4."[2] Kalani has since returned to the ALDC as a member of their Junior Elite Competition Team for a number of competitions filmed for the fifth season.
Filmography
As herself
| Year | Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition | Fourth Overall |
| 2014–Present | Dance Moms | Lead |
Acting credits
| Year | Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Shake It Up | Kalani Hilliker (Member of AK Squad) | Guest, Episode "Camp It Up" |
| 2013 | Bunheads | Ballet Dancer | Uncredited |
Music videos
| Year | Song | Artist | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "It's A Girl Party" | Mack Z (Mackenzie Ziegler) | Dancer |
| 2015 | "Turn Up The Track" | MattyB | Dancer / Waitress |
| "Wear 'Em Out" | Kendall K (Kendall Vertes) | Dancer / Soldier |
References
- ↑ Schumann, Rebecka. (2015-06-03) ‘Dance Moms’ Star Kira Girard Engaged; Kalani Hilliker’s Mom Accepts Marriage Proposal At Reunion Show Taping. Ibtimes.com. Retrieved on 2016-01-21.
- ↑ Schumann, Rebecka (2014-0-05) Why Did Kalani Hilliker Leave ‘Dance Moms’? Mom Kira Girard Speaks Out. Ibtimes.com. Retrieved on 2016-01-21.