Kelly Hyland - Reality Star
Age: 54
Country: United States Occupations:
Reality Star
Kelly Hyland is an American reality television personality and former dancer, most widely recognized as one of the original cast members of the Lifetime series Dance Moms.
Quick Facts
Born: May 16, 1971 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Children: Brooke, Josh, and Paige Hyland
Claim to Fame: Starring in the first four seasons of Dance Moms
Professional Background
Kelly’s history with the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) predates the show by decades. She began dancing under Abby Lee Miller’s mother, Maryen Lorrain Miller, at age two and later became one of Abby’s original students. Though she quit at 14 to pursue cheerleading, she returned to the studio years later when her daughters, Brooke and Paige, began their own dance careers.
On the show, Kelly was often portrayed as a protective mother who prioritized her children’s happiness and mental health over competitive success. This frequently put her at odds with Abby Lee Miller’s demanding teaching style. Her time on the series ended abruptly in Season 4 following a highly publicized physical altercation with Abby in New York City, which led to legal battles and the Hyland family's permanent departure from the show.
Current Endeavors
Since leaving reality TV, Kelly has transitioned into digital media and podcasting. She currently co-hosts:
Back to the Barre: A re-watch podcast with fellow "Dance Mom" Christi Lukasiak where they share behind-the-scenes secrets.
Dear Dance Mom: A podcast featuring several original cast members offering advice and sharing stories.
In recent years, she has also been open with fans about her personal life, including her move to Florida and her 2024 health journey involving a breast cancer diagnosis, for which she has received widespread support from the Dance Moms community.
