The Stunning Transformation Of Kalani Hilliker From Dance Moms

When Kalani Hilliker joined the Dance Moms cast in Season 4, she was already well-acquainted with Abby Lee Miller and her antics. Hilliker (along with fellow cast member JoJo Siwa) competed on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition and, although she didn't take home the top prize, Miller was clearly impressed by Hilliker's beautiful technique, stunning lines, and natural flexibility.

Hilliker was 13 years old when she headed from Arizona to Pittsburgh and then Los Angeles to be on Dance Moms — but she already had over ten years of training under her belt by then (via TV Over Mind). Hilliker previously trained at Club Dance in Mesa, Ariz., and in 2013, she won the coveted "Junior Female Best Dancer" title at the prestigious Dance Awards, per Dance Spirit.

During her four seasons on Dance Moms, Hilliker, who was the oldest cast member, kept calm and carried on despite the nonstop drama. She had a strong ballet background when she began the show and, because ballet wasn't a specialty at the ALDC, Hilliker took it upon herself to maintain her technique. "I've needed a lot of self-discipline," Hilliker told Dance Spirit in 2017. "I'll give myself a barre when I can, and I'm constantly reminding myself to straighten my legs and point my feet. I'm so happy I did a lot of ballet when I was younger, because it comes in handy now."

Along with fellow Dance Moms alumni Chloe Lukasiak, Nia Sioux Frazier, Maddie Ziegler, and Brooke Hyland, Hilliker currently lives in Los Angeles. In October 2019, she gave fans a look at her new digs on her YouTube channel. "I can't believe I finally moved to LA! This has been a dream of mine ever since I was little and I am excited to start my next chapter of life!" Hilliker captioned the video. "I promise to take you guys along the way and enjoy this new and exciting chapter!"

Hilliker has dabbled in acting, with a leading role on the web series Dirt. She has also taken her love of fashion to the next level, designing a sock line called "Pretty Feet by Kalani" and collaborating with PromGirl to create a prom dress collection (via Woman's Day).

A prominent social media influencer, Hilliker has six million followers on Instagram and nearly one million subscribers to her YouTube channel. She uses her social media presence to share everything from her favorite fashion and beauty products to more serious topics like her ongoing struggle with anxiety. Hilliker recently shared that, after two years of stepping back from dance, she's rediscovered her passion. Hilliker said she danced as much as possible throughout quarantine and she looks forward to returning to studio classes once it's safe. She has recently begun to share videos of herself dancing on Instagram, and it's great to see Hilliker back in her element.