Some kids are just born with natural talent.
Parents around the world push their children to be the best that they can be. A lot of the times, they forget that their kids are just that, kids.
With the rising number of competition shows (many of them geared towards children), the passion to compete is at an all-time high.
What once was an arena for adults, is now fair game for young dreamers. For example, there are cooking competition shows that feature and cater to children. These kids aren’t just grilling hot dogs, they’re making quality, advanced dishes that even some adults wouldn’t dare to make.
Dance competition shows aren’t any different. The stakes are raised when contestants come from all over the country and sometimes the world to compete for the top prize. When you add the words, “televised” and “live” to the title, things can get a little… dramatic.
That’s what this clip featuring young dancer, Lilly, is all about.
I don’t mean drama as in conflict but as in this little girl is a jaw-dropping, dramatic performer.
She is that good.
In season 8 of the popular television show, Dance Moms, Lilly performs a routine that is bound to leave the viewer stunned. It’s easy to forget that the dancer you’re watching is only 11 years old!
She has amazing technique and her movements are flawless and precise. What makes the performance even more exciting is her knack for the dramatic.
Her facial expressions throughout reveal a natural performer who isn’t afraid of taking risks. She is able to get into character and stay there as if she was born to win an Oscar.
The video begins with Lilly revealing to the camera how nervous she is.
Did I mention she does her routine in a straitjacket? I mean, the entire routine.
“I’m very very very very very nervous because I don’t have arms. There’s like a lot more things that Elli can do that I can’t do with no arms.”
Elli is her competition. Lilly must defeat Elli!
Though, Lilly says she’s nervous, it doesn’t show. Not in the least bit.
She performs to “Strait Escape” for her solo performance and is performing in the acrobatic dance category.
The judges watch Lilly intensely as she begins on the floor. Their faces are full of curiosity and you guessed it, judgment.
I would be nervous too!
The music is a sinister, creepy slow-tempoed song. Lilly is perfectly in character for it. In addition to the straitjacket, she has her hair in disarray and wears messy makeup to add to her character.
Immediately, Lilly begins “ticking” her body in intricate and precise motions with the rhythm of the song. Before you realize it, she’s rolling around on the floor in a sort of chaotic state, in stark contrast to the precise, choreographed movements just moments before.
When she stops, she brings one leg over her head and points her toes stage right, ironically where her competitors are sitting. Is this a coincidence? Her face says otherwise as she appears to scowl at her competition.
The routine continues with much of these unpredictable and exciting movements. Lilly never breaks character as she makes disturbing faces at the audience, kin to someone who belongs in a straitjacket.
One of the best parts of the performance has to be when the music speeds up and Lilly sits up and moves her head in almost inhuman, restless ways. She then starts to spin around while attempting to keep her eyes on the audience.
It’s fascinating and cryptic.
Viewers who commented seem to agree:
“lily has some of the best facial expressions i’ve ever seen on this show”
“Freaky beautiful. Amazing performance. I’m awed that one so young can achieve what this tiny girl has done.”
Way to go, Lilly! She definitely deserved the PERFECT score that she received.
Check out her “freaky beautiful” performance below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
