15 Minutes With Chloe Lukasiak from "Dance Moms"

Fans of "Dance Moms" know Chloe Lukasiak as the elegant dancer with a special talent for ballet and a close relationship with her funny and outspoken mom, Christi. I had the opportunity to ask Chloe some questions about how she stays focused, motivates herself to excel, and performs under pressure.

Q: From what I have seen on "Dance Moms", you are able to motivate yourself to work hard and succeed. How do you motivate yourself to constantly improve?

A: I just really always try to do my best. Back when I was little and I started competing, my mom would keep track of my scores and I always tried to do better than the last competition. I think I just try to still do the same.

Q: I imagine that between the cameramen and the added drama on the show and even just the usual things that come with growing up (friends, parties), there is plenty to draw your attention away from dancing. What are some of your biggest potential distractions and how do you concentrate and ignore those distractions?

A: Sometimes I really wish that I had more free time, but the nice part about being on the show is that I spend all this time with my best friends. We were all really best friends before the show and I think we will still be best friends after. So it's nice, after competitions, that our moms usually let us swim at the hotel or have group sleepovers, so it makes up for the stuff we might miss.

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Q: Do you have any time to do anything "just for fun"? What do you do during your down time?

A: I love to read and shop! Also, since we travel to new places so much, I like to learn about the places we go. When I am home, I like to play outside, watch movies with my dad, ride my bike and play with my little sister, Clara.
 

Q: How do you handle the pressure that others put on you and you put on yourself?

A: I just have to block it out and remember that I dance because I love it. When I do that, the pressure goes away.

Q: Are you still in school or do you have a tutor at this point? How much time per week do you spend on dancing and how do you balance that with your school work?

A: I go to regular, public school full time. If we have to travel during the week for the show, we do have a tutor, but I am responsible for keeping up with all of my school work. I've always had a busy dance and school schedule, so I think I'm just used to balancing.

Q: What advice do you have for other young dancers or even just other super-talented pre-teens/teens?

A: Just do YOUR best, believe in yourself and never let anyone squash your dreams!

Q: Which was your favorite performance that we have seen on "Dance Moms", and why?

A: I really love my solo "Silence". I had to work hard to even get the chance to compete a solo that week and I wanted to prove to everyone and myself that I could do it. Plus, I really wanted to dance for Nia, Kendall and Paige because they didn't have a chance to do a solo at nationals and I wanted to make them proud, too.

Q: What's next for you?

A: I'm not sure. Probably more dancing, but I would love to give acting a try!