Chloe Lukasiak: Why Ex Dance Moms Star Is Glad New Film Next Level Shines A Light On Bullying

At 18, Chloe Lukasiak is all grown-up and striking out on her own as the co-star in a new teen movie, Next Level. Now, shes speaking out about bullying and her role.

Former Dance Moms star Chloe Lukasiak knows a thing or two about bullying. The 18-year-old – who grew up before our eyes as one of Abby Lee Millers gifted students – shed her fair share of tears during her three years on the show under the direction of the passionate teacher. Now, two years after leaving the Lifetime series for good, the blonde has struck out on her own as an actress and the co-star in the new movie, Next Level.

The film (about teens competing in the Next Level summer performing arts program) touches on subjects that Chloe is very familiar with – competing, dance and bullying. In the film Chloe plays Jasmine Joel a graduate of the program. While she isnt the victim of bullying, another character, Kelly (played by Lauren Orlando), is. HollywoodLife spoke to Chloe on the Next Level set last year and in this EXCLUSIVE interview the dancer and YouTube star dished on the film and why shes glad that it addresses the important issue of bullying.

HL: Tell us a bit about Jasmine.

Chloe: “Jasmine is very… confident. She won the competition at Next Level a few times and shes sort of become a mentor now, because shes off touring and shes a singer and dancer. But she comes back to mentor these girls so shes very wise. In that way, her [sic] and I are very, I like to think, similar… Shes super positive, but also not a pushover in any way.

HL: Where do you fit into the dynamic with the characters Cindy (played by Emily Skinner) and Kelly, whos being bullied?

Chloe: “Id say that I definitely notice it, but… I dont do much to intervene because that happens often and you kind of just have to let it sort of play out. But I do – I dont want to spoil anything – sort of have a talk with one of them and towards the end I hope kind of help one of them come to a realization. I definitely notice it. Personally, growing up, I dealt with that kind of stuff and Jasmine Im sure did. Its just kind of what happens.”

HL: Is that what drew you to the role? Youve spoken up before, about feeling that people have said horrible things to you and that youve been bullied.

Chloe: “A lot drew me to the role, the project itself… just the energy of the film I think was really great and how positive it was in the entertainment aspect. But yeah, I guess that definitely plays a role. Anything that discusses and brings bullying to light, Im always glad to be a part of it, because its always going on. Ive certainly dealt with it, not only on television, but personall