Interview With ‘Dance Moms’ Star Lilliana Ketchman! (@LillyKetchman1)
PC: Katie Andelman & Peach and Penny
- When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
I think the first time I hit a stage, I was hooked! I knew that I wanted to dance and perform forever and a career in the entertainment industry is the way to do it! This was solidified when I started filming Dance Moms and I got to experience what it’s like to be in front of a camera and work on a set. I started homeschooling and life quickly changed!
- What was your first big project?
My first big project was definitely Dance Moms. I was only 7 years old when I started the show. To be honest, even though I wanted to go, my mom didn’t bring me to the auditions when they were scouting dancers for the new “mini” team. My mom was like “A TV show? What” No way! That’s crazy” So even though I didn’t go, Abby Lee Miller started following me on Instagram and was hinting about needed new minis. The team was already made, but she still eventually asked me to send in some videos of myself doing some pretty hard moves! We quickly moved furniture around in my living room, made the video and sent it in! When the producers eventually called, my Mom had a change of heart! LA, Here we come!
- What is it like getting to work on “Dance Moms?” I
t was very exciting to be on a show that I had watched for a long time on TV. It didn’t feel real at first at all! Being on a reality show can be pretty challenging though. There were definitely ups and downs as a big part of the show, other than dancing, is “mama drama!” Sometimes it was hard, but most of the time us kids were able to laugh it off.
- What was your favorite part about working on the show?
My favorite part about working on the show was definitely the challenges we faced as dancers. On the show, people see us learn choreography and compete that very same week, with the expectation to win. In reality, we didn’t even have a whole week. If you add up the time spent on each dance, we probably had around 2 hours. It was crazy but having to learn and perform so quickly really taught me lot and will continue to help me in the future.
- Do you have a most memorable moment or episode that you filmed so far?
By far, my favorite episode is the one that we were competing at Nationals. It turns out that my Dad and Abby got together and surprised me with a totally original song for my Nationals solo. My Dad wrote and recorded a song-he played the piano and sang- specifically for me to use for that competition. I thought things couldn’t be better but then when I got on stage to compete, the first thing I see was my Dad and brother in the front row of the audience! I hadn’t seen them in months and was so surprised! I can’t believe I was able to keep dancing! To top off the day, I had the highest score at the competition. It was just a perfect week!
- Why do you think fans enjoy the show so much?
I think people love to watch the paths of all the girls on the show. Everyone loves to pick their favorites and root for them, just like watching team sports. Most people say they “hate” the drama, but I don’t believe it! I think that’s a part of the thrill as well!
- What are your favorite kinds of dance styles?
Honestly, I love it all, but my all-time favorites are ballet and contemporary. A lot of dancers only take ballet because they feel like they have to, but I really love it. I currently attend a ballet school for just about all of my training.
- Who are your inspirations within the entertainment industry?
I look up to a lot of people for different reasons! In ballet, I love Dusty Button. When I watch her dance I almost feel like she is so perfect that she must have actually figured out ballet like it was a science or something (lol). She is perfection and has such a great attitude. In terms of acting, I’m a huge fan girl for Millie Bobby Brown. She is the first actress that I have really idolized. I used to watch Stranger Things over and over, just studying her acting. She is simply amazing and I would die if I got to meet her!
- Are you currently working on any projects you’d like to share with us?
I have two short films that I have worked as a principal role in, called “Game of Me” and “The Waiting Room.” I can’t wait to be able to share them!
- What are your social media accounts?
IG: @lillykofficial
YouTube: Lilliana Ketchman
Twitter: @LillyKetchman1
Snapchat: Dance.Lilliana
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