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
UPDATED MAY 2, 2024
'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.

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