You might know Areana from the mini team on Dance Moms, but these days she’s channeling other talents and designing dancewear you know and love, Kandi Kouture Dancewear!

What was the audition process for Dance Moms like?
It was scary but fun. I went to ALDCLA to audition and it was a long process with a lot of dancing. I remember re-fueling by going out to eat afterwards with my best friend Elliana Walmsley.

How did you find out you’d be on Dance Moms?
I had tried out for Dance Moms and when I found out I was actually going to be on the show, my heart dropped and I started packing my bags. I was sooo excited!

What’s another TV show you’d love to be on?
I would love to be on a Disney show. In fact, I’d love to have my own Disney show!


What was your favorite memory from Dance Moms?
I loved meeting all of the other girls and dancing with them, especially the Bollywood dance.

What did you learn from being on Dance Moms?
I learned how to be a better dancer. I loved getting different advice from teachers other than my own, like Abby Lee.

Who did you look up to the most on Dance Moms?
I looked up to Maddie and Kalani a lot. They’re really amazing at dance but they’re also great role models.

What other dancers do you look up to?
I really look up to Christina Ricucci. She fought Lyme Disease and still kept dancing!

Your mom created Kandi Kouture Dancewear. What’s that like?
It is amazing because I have so much fun creating the dancewear and then I can model all of the designs we create!

What are your favorite elements to put into your designs?
I just love to be creative with them. I put a lot of love and fun into my designs.

Does being a dancer help when you work with your mom to design?
Absolutely! I like to wear my own designs to dance, so I make sure they’re not only cute but comfortable to stretch and dance in.

Would you like to continue designing in the future?
Yes! I’d love to become a designer.

Other than a designer, what do you want to be when you grow up?
I really want to be a plastic surgeon!

If you could give other dancers one piece of advice, what would it be?
Never give up. Always be kind, humble, and fun!

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Holly Childs is Showstopper's Editor in Chief. She is the mastermind behind Showstopper's fabulous magazine and a master of keeping up with all things dance. She and her furry assistant Cornelius are always up to something fabulous!