Why did Kalani Hilliker abruptly leave the 'Dance Moms: The Reunion'? Lifetime show star tearfully recalls 'darker' routine

The 'darker' dance routine had a huge impact on 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' star Kalani Hilliker
'Dance Moms: The Reunion' star Kalani Hilliker was in Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition before she was invited to 'Dance Moms' (@lifetime)
'Dance Moms: The Reunion' star Kalani Hilliker was in Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition before she was invited to 'Dance Moms' (@lifetime)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kalani Hilliker had an emotional meltdown during 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' after she had to relive the toughest throwback moment. During the episode, the producers played a clip from her 'darker' routine about the suicide hotline. Kalani recognized the number at first look and abruptly left the room.

Kalani broke down in tears and locked herself in the washroom. She let her friend Jojo Siwa and mother, Kira Girard, in and admitted that she never talked about it before. The Lifetime show alum admitted, "I've had suicidal thoughts. I've called suicide hotlines before." She added, "And that's the dance we're about to talk about."

Kalani returned to the room and admitted that she personally had self-harm thoughts and watching the dance triggered her emotions. She shared, "It is one of my favourite dances and I love it but I think I connect to it more than I ever had before. The Lifetime show alum also admitted that it was important to discuss and she had also dialled the 988 to seek help.

Kalani received support from her co-stars and her mother. The Lifetime show alums also shared a group hug as Kalani broke down in tears.

Kalani Hilliker abruptly leaves the 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' (@lifetime)
Kalani Hilliker abruptly leaves the 'Dance Moms: The Reunion' (@lifetime)

Chloe Lukasiak claims 'darker' dance hugely impacted Kalani Hilliker

'Dance Moms' alum Chloe Lukasiak reflected on the 'darker' dance which has a huge impact on her co-star Kalani Hilliker. She was with Kalani in the routine. Chloe revealed during the reunion, "We did a dance called 'Suicide Hotline' and obviously this was one of our darker dances."

Chloe recalled about the dance, "We had people come in from a hotline service and they came in and talked to us and gave us a lot of information on what they do and how it works." She added, "Maybe a few days after the episode aired, they called and said we've never gotten so many calls and that's why this dance has a huge impact on not only Kalani but all of us."

'Dance Moms: The Reunion' star Chloe Lukasiak was not sure about appearing on two-hour reunion special (Lifetime)
'Dance Moms: The Reunion' star Chloe Lukasiak claims 'darker' dance hugely impacted Kalani Hilliker (@Lifetime)

Where is Kalani Hilliker now?

'Dance Moms' alum Kalani Hilliker joined the Lifetime show in Season 4 and stayed until Season 7. She was in Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition before she was invited to 'Dance Moms'. However, after Kalani left the Lifetime show, she continued to dance and act. She has also appeared on 'Shake It Up', 'Bunheads' and 'America's Got Talent'.

Lifetime show alum is also a dance instructor and an entrepreneur. She recently reflected during the reunion that she always wanted to be a 'mental health advocate' and that's why she launched her skincare and wellness brand, Kare by Kalani. She also quipped about her future plan saying, "Hopefully in 10 years I'm married to Jojo. I just wanna be rich."

Kalani Hilliker is now a dance instructor (@lifetime)
Kalani Hilliker is now a dance instructor (@lifetime)

'Dance Moms: The Reunion' is available to stream on the Lifetime app.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Jeff Probst shares that ‘Survivor 50’ will abide by the wishes of fans, but will add its own twist to it.
4 hours ago
During the mixer, Bri reflected on how DeMari ended things with her in the past after her grandmother’s passing.
5 hours ago
‘In the City’ Episode 1 saw Kyle and Amanda meet a few months after their split and reflect on their relationship
9 hours ago
Jenny Slatten and Sumit Singh are facing a heartbreaking new chapter after a frightening health scare led to her life-changing ALS diagnosis.
10 hours ago
After fellow cast members confronted Amanda about her and West’s relationship, she got emotional and left the stage.
10 hours ago
After the group enjoyed their final Hamptons party, Amanda and Kyle had a one-on-one conversation that left their relationship's future uncertain.
12 hours ago
Cooke and Batula were first reported to be living separately in November, 2025 and confirmed their separation in a joint statement two months later.
22 hours ago
The star denied ‘RHOBH’ pause rumors, but the conversation around the show's future and her relationship with Mauricio Umansky remains heated.
1 day ago
Five-time player Rob Mariano reflected on the CBS show’s current season and who he has been rooting for to win.
1 day ago
Captain Jason made a major decision after learning about Jenna's behavior involving Eddy and Ben
1 day ago