In the cutthroat world of competitive dance, where every pirouette could be your last, Killing the Competition delivers a deliciously dark thriller about ambition, jealousy, and the lengths people will go to win. Starring Melissa Joan Hart as Elizabeth, a former dance prodigy turned ruthless coach, and Lily Brooks O’Briant as Grace, her star pupil with a dangerous secret, this Lifetime Original is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and toe shoes. When a rival dancer is found dead just days before the national championships, Grace becomes the prime suspect—and Elizabeth must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her protégé… and her own reputation.
Directed by Lifetime veteran Christie Will (My Daughter’s Kidnapping), the film blends high-stakes drama with the glamour and grit of the dance world. From glittery costumes to backstage betrayals, Killing the Competition is a guilty pleasure that will keep you guessing until the final curtain call.
Killing the Competition Cast: Get to Know Them
1. Melissa Joan Hart as Elizabeth
Melissa Joan Hart (born April 18, 1976), the beloved star of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Melissa & Joey, takes on a darker role as Elizabeth, a coach with a haunted past and a hunger for victory. Hart’s ability to balance charm and menace, seen in Holiday in Handcuffs (2007) and The Watcher in the Woods (2017), makes Elizabeth a complex and compelling antihero.
Hart trained with professional dancers to embody Elizabeth’s commanding presence. “Elizabeth’s not just a coach—she’s a puppeteer,” Hart says. Off-screen, she’s a mom of three and an advocate for children’s charities, adding depth to her portrayal of a fiercely protective mentor.
2. Lily Brooks O’Briant as Grace
Lily Brooks O’Briant (born June 12, 2008), the breakout star of The Big Show Show and Young Sheldon, dazzles as Grace, a prodigy with a troubled past and a killer instinct. O’Briant’s natural charisma and dramatic chops, honed in The Big Leap (2021), make Grace’s journey from underdog to suspect utterly gripping.
O’Briant, a trained dancer, performed all her own routines. “Grace’s dancing is her escape—until it becomes her prison,” she says. A Gen-Z icon, O’Briant brings authenticity to Grace’s struggles with fame and identity.
3. Valerie Loo as Hannah
Valerie Loo (The Bold and the Beautiful), a rising star in daytime TV, plays Hannah, Grace’s jealous rival and the victim at the center of the mystery. Loo’s ability to balance vulnerability and venom makes Hannah a character you love to hate.
“Hannah’s not just a mean girl—she’s a product of the pressure cooker,” Loo explains. A former dancer, she drew on her own experiences to portray Hannah’s desperation.
4. Eddie Mills as Steve
Eddie Mills (General Hospital), a veteran of soap operas, portrays Steve, Elizabeth’s ex-husband and Grace’s estranged father. Mills’ ability to convey quiet strength and regret adds layers to Steve’s attempts to reconnect with his daughter.
“Steve’s trying to make amends, but the past keeps getting in the way,” Mills says. Off-screen, he’s a father of two, bringing personal insight to the role.
5. Anzu Lawson as Nicole
Anzu Lawson (Grey’s Anatomy), a versatile character actor, plays Nicole, the ambitious choreographer with a hidden agenda. Lawson’s knack for playing morally ambiguous characters (Bosch) makes Nicole a wildcard in the drama.
“Nicole’s not just stirring the pot—she’s boiling it,” Lawson says. A former dancer, she choreographed several routines for the film.
6. Cynthia Dallas as Officer Lee
Cynthia Dallas (Chicago P.D.), a rising star in crime dramas, portrays Officer Lee, the no-nonsense detective determined to uncover the truth. Dallas’s ability to balance toughness and empathy makes Lee a standout.
“Officer Lee’s not just solving a case—she’s unraveling a web of lies,” Dallas says. A martial artist, she performed her own stunts.
7. Olivia Gill as Brit
Olivia Gill (The Fosters), a breakout star of teen dramas, plays Brit, Grace’s loyal best friend and fellow dancer. Gill’s natural chemistry with O’Briant adds heart to the film’s darker moments.
Detail: Killing the Competition Cast, Release Date, Story, Trailer & Everything We Know
“Brit’s the glue holding Grace together,” Gill says. A dancer and singer, she brings authenticity to Brit’s passion for the arts.
8. Davis Aguila as Lead Officer
Davis Aguila (SWAT), a veteran of action dramas, plays the lead officer assisting Detective Lee. Aguila’s commanding presence and attention to detail make him a formidable force in the investigation.
“The lead officer’s not just following orders—he’s chasing justice,” Aguila says. A former Marine, he brings real-world experience to the role.
9. Cindy Lowther as Prisoner
Cindy Lowther (Orange Is the New Black), a character actor known for her gritty roles, plays a prisoner with ties to the case. Lowther’s ability to convey menace and vulnerability in equal measure adds tension to the film’s climax.
“The prisoner’s not just a criminal—she’s a pawn in a bigger game,” Lowther says.
10. Anmalya Delva as Kath
Anmalya Delva (All American), a rising star in teen dramas, plays Kath, a dancer with a secret that could change everything. Delva’s ability to balance innocence and cunning makes Kath a fan favorite.
“Kath’s not just a dancer—she’s a survivor,” Delva says. A dancer and activist, she brings authenticity to Kath’s struggles.
11. Lola Raie as Bekka
Lola Raie (The Wilds), a breakout star of YA dramas, plays Bekka, Grace’s fiercest rival and Hannah’s best friend. Raie’s ability to convey jealousy and ambition makes Bekka a compelling antagonist.
“Bekka’s not just a mean girl—she’s a girl who’s been hurt,” Raie says.
12. Lucas Randazzo as Tyler
Lucas Randazzo (Stranger Things), a rising star in sci-fi dramas, plays Tyler, Grace’s supportive boyfriend. Randazzo’s natural charm and chemistry with O’Briant make Tyler a grounding presence.
“Tyler’s not just a love interest—he’s Grace’s rock,” Randazzo says.
13. Dominick Marrone as Sunglasses Clerk
Dominick Marrone (The Sopranos), a character actor known for his comedic timing, plays the sunglasses clerk who becomes an unlikely ally. Marrone’s ability to deliver laughs in tense moments adds levity to the film.
“The clerk’s not just a side character—he’s a scene-stealer,” Marrone says.
Why Killing the Competition Will Keep You Hooked
With its mix of high-stakes drama, jaw-dropping twists, and a stellar cast, Killing the Competition is Lifetime at its best. Don’t miss the premiere on March 1, 2025—where every step could be your last.
