Maddie Ziegler From Dance Moms Star to Actress and Creative Performer

Maddie Ziegler was born on September 30, 2002 , and 24 years old as 2026 . she was became famous as a young dancer, but her story did not stop when the cameras of Dance Moms moved on. From performing on a reality TV stage to appearing in major films, music videos, fashion campaigns, and new screen projects, Maddie Ziegler has built a career that reaches far beyond competitive dance. she is height (1.70 m) tall and weighs approximately 115 lbs (52 kg) .

Born Madison Nicole Ziegler on September 30, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she began dancing at a very young age. Her early training led to television, and television opened the door to a much larger audience. Her work with singer Sia brought another major turning point, with the “Chandelier” music video becoming one of the defining dance performances of the 2010s. she is net worth $5 million .

Today, Maddie Ziegler is known as a dancer and actress, with credits that include The Book of Henry, Music, The Fallout, West Side Story, Fitting In, My Old Ass, and more recent projects such as Pretty Lethal. Her current film listings also include Shiver, Girl, and In a Holidaze.

Her career offers an interesting example of how a young performer can move from one part of entertainment into another while building a public identity of her own.

Maddie Ziegler at a Glance

Source information is based on current entertainment databases, publisher information, and official film sources.

Who Is Maddie Ziegler?

Maddie Ziegler is an American dancer and actress who first became widely known through the Lifetime reality series Dance Moms. She joined the show as a child and became one of its most recognizable dancers.

Her early career was strongly connected to competitive dance. She trained at the Abby Lee Dance Company and appeared alongside other young dancers and their mothers on Dance Moms. The series premiered on Lifetime in July 2011 and followed young dancers as they trained and competed under Abby Lee Miller.

For many viewers, Maddie was memorable because of her stage presence and ability to communicate emotion through movement. Her performances helped make her one of the most recognizable young dancers associated with the series.

However, her public career changed considerably after her years on the show.

Instead of remaining known only as a reality TV dancer, Maddie began working in music videos, television, film, publishing, modeling, and other areas of entertainment.

That shift is one of the most important parts of her story.

Maddie Ziegler and Dance Moms

How Maddie Ziegler Became Famous

Maddie appeared on Dance Moms when she was eight years old. The program followed the young dancers of the Abby Lee Dance Company and their mothers as they prepared for competitions.

The show became a major part of her childhood. It also introduced her to a huge television audience.

Maddie appeared on the program for several seasons and left the show in 2016. Current cast records list her in more than 160 episodes of the series.

Her time on Dance Moms gave viewers an opportunity to watch her grow as a performer. It also exposed her to the pressures that can come with competitive dance and reality television.

The show itself continued until 2019, but Maddie’s own career had already moved in another direction by then.

Her Dance Training

Dance remained an important part of Maddie’s identity even after she left reality television.

Her early work involved competition styles such as contemporary and lyrical dance. These forms rely heavily on expression, musical timing, body control, and storytelling.

Those skills later became useful in other areas of her career.

A music video, for example, may have no spoken dialogue. The performer has to communicate through movement and facial expression. Maddie’s dance background gave her a strong foundation for that kind of work.

Her transition into acting also benefited from her experience performing in front of cameras.

Maddie Ziegler and Sia

One of the biggest turning points in Maddie Ziegler’s career came through her work with Australian singer and songwriter Sia.

Maddie became closely associated with Sia after appearing in the music video for “Chandelier.” She later appeared in other Sia videos, including “Elastic Heart” and “Big Girls Cry.”

The “Chandelier” Music Video

The “Chandelier” video was released in 2014 and featured Maddie performing an intense contemporary dance routine inside a house.

Her performance became widely discussed online and helped turn her from a well-known television dancer into a global internet performer.

The video became one of the most recognizable dance videos of its era. Publisher information from Simon & Schuster notes that the video has received nearly two billion views.

Maddie’s performance stood out because it was not simply a technical dance routine. It relied heavily on facial expression and physical storytelling.

She was able to show excitement, fear, confusion, frustration, and sadness without saying a word.

That ability became an important part of her public image.

“Elastic Heart”

Maddie also appeared in Sia’s “Elastic Heart” music video, where she performed alongside Shia LaBeouf.

The video used movement and a confined setting to tell a story through physical performance. Maddie’s work again showed how dance could be used as a form of visual acting.

The project also helped connect her name with Sia’s music beyond the original success of “Chandelier.”

“Big Girls Cry”

Maddie later appeared in Sia’s “Big Girls Cry” video.

Her work across these projects created a strong connection between her dancing and visual storytelling. Rather than simply performing steps, she became part of the storytelling structure of the videos.

This experience helped prepare her for later work in movies.

Maddie Ziegler’s Acting Career

Moving from dance to acting can be difficult. Dance teaches timing and physical expression, but acting requires dialogue, character development, scene work, and interaction with other performers.

Maddie gradually took on acting roles and began building a film career.

Her film credits now include both family-oriented productions and more serious coming-of-age stories.

The Book of Henry

One of Maddie’s early film roles came in The Book of Henry, a 2017 drama directed by Colin Trevorrow.

The movie gave her an opportunity to work within a traditional feature-film production rather than a dance competition or music video.

This was an important step because film acting requires a different rhythm from stage performance.

Instead of performing an entire scene in one continuous take, actors often repeat small parts of a scene from different camera angles.

For a performer who started in dance, learning this process can be a major change.

Ballerina

Maddie also lent her voice to the animated film Ballerina, released in the United States as Leap!.

The movie centered on a young orphan who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Maddie’s connection to the subject made the project a natural fit with her background.

Her involvement also allowed her to combine her dance identity with voice performance.

Music

In 2021, Maddie starred in Sia’s film Music.

She played the title character, a teenager on the autism spectrum.

The film attracted substantial discussion about representation and casting. The subject was sensitive, and the film received criticism from disability advocates and others who questioned its portrayal and casting choices.

For Maddie, the role represented a significant acting challenge because it required her to build a character through movement, expression, and physical behavior.

The film also reunited her professionally with Sia.

The Fallout

Another important acting credit came with The Fallout, a 2021 drama starring Jenna Ortega.

Maddie played Mia Reed.

The story focuses on teenagers dealing with the emotional effects of a school shooting. It is a serious subject, and the film centers on grief, friendship, trauma, and attempts to return to normal life.

The project allowed Maddie to work in a more grounded dramatic setting.

Her performance showed a different side of her work compared with the highly physical roles associated with her earlier dance career.

West Side Story

Maddie also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story.

She played Velma, a member of the Jets.

The official film cast listing identifies Maddie Ziegler as Velma and credits Steven Spielberg as director.

The movie was a major production with a large cast and extensive choreography.

For Maddie, this project connected several parts of her career. It required acting, dancing, musical timing, and ensemble performance.

Working on a film directed by Spielberg also placed her in a production with a long-established filmmaker and experienced cast.

Maddie Ziegler Filmography

Maddie’s acting career includes a range of projects rather than one single type of role.

Current entertainment listings show several 2026 projects in production or post-production, so release details can change.

Fitting In and a More Mature Role

In 2023, Maddie starred in Fitting In, a coming-of-age film directed and written by Molly McGlynn.

She played Lindy, a teenager dealing with a reproductive health condition.

The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later received a theatrical release in Canada and the United States.

The role gave Maddie a chance to work with more mature subject matter.

Unlike her early work as a young dancer, Fitting In centers on personal identity, friendship, family, and the changes that can come during adolescence.

The film also allowed her to play a character whose story was not based around dance.

That distinction matters when looking at her career.

Maddie’s acting work has increasingly moved away from the image of the child dance star she had during the Dance Moms years.

My Old Ass

Maddie appeared in the 2024 coming-of-age film My Old Ass, directed by Megan Park.

The movie stars Maisy Stella as Elliott and Aubrey Plaza as Elliott’s older self. Maddie plays Ruthie.

The film combines comedy, drama, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes.

Its story focuses on a young woman preparing to leave home while receiving unexpected advice from her future self.

Maddie’s role was part of an ensemble cast that included Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Percy Hynes White, Kerrice Brooks, and Maria Dizzia.

The film gave her another chance to work in a contemporary movie that was not centered on her history as a dancer.

Maddie Ziegler in Pretty Lethal

One of the more recent titles associated with Maddie is Pretty Lethal.

Current IMDb listings identify Maddie among the cast of the 2026 movie, with the character listed as Bones. The cast also includes Uma Thurman, Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Avantika, and Millicent Simmonds.

The project represents another stage in Maddie’s screen career.

Her growing filmography shows a move toward a wider range of roles rather than relying only on her dance background.

As with any film still close to release or production, audiences should check current distributor and theater information for final release details.

Shiver and Future Projects

Another project listed for Maddie is Shiver, based on Maggie Stiefvater’s bestselling novel.

Current listings identify Maddie as Grace Brisbane and show the film in post-production.

The project also has a strong connection to the young-adult fantasy audience that followed Maddie’s earlier work.

Her involvement shows that her career is continuing to expand into different movie genres.

In a Holidaze

Maddie is also part of the cast of In a Holidaze, a romantic comedy based on the novel by Christina Lauren.

The project includes Rob Lowe and other established actors. IMDb lists the movie as a 2026 release, with December 2, 2026 shown as its release date.

The authors Christina Lauren also confirmed Maddie’s casting and reported that filming was scheduled to begin in January 2026.

This project gives Maddie another opportunity to work in a lighter film genre.

Maddie Ziegler’s Work Beyond Acting

Acting and dance are not the only parts of Maddie’s career.

She has also worked as a model, author, television personality, and performer.

Her publishing work began while she was still very young.

The Maddie Diaries

Maddie released The Maddie Diaries: A Memoir in 2017.

The book was published by Gallery Books and became a New York Times bestseller, according to her publisher biography.

The memoir covers her childhood, dance experiences, television career, and life in the public eye.

For fans who first knew her from Dance Moms, the book offered a more personal account of her early years.

It also showed that her career had reached a point where her own story could support a book-length project.

Dance Your Heart Out

Maddie has also been connected with the Dance Your Heart Out collection, a middle-grade book series published by Simon & Schuster.

The publisher describes the collection as a series for young readers and lists Maddie as an author.

Books added another dimension to her relationship with young fans.

Instead of simply appearing on television, she could share stories and lessons connected to dance and performance.

Maddie Ziegler and Her Sister Mackenzie

Maddie’s younger sister, Mackenzie Ziegler, also became well known through Dance Moms.

The sisters appeared together on the show and later pursued separate entertainment careers.

Mackenzie has worked in music, acting, and social media, while Maddie has focused heavily on dance and acting.

They have also worked together after their Dance Moms years.

Their shared history gives fans a connection between the early reality-TV era and their later careers.

In recent years, the sisters have continued to appear together in interviews and entertainment projects.

Their relationship is also part of why Maddie’s early career remains closely connected to the Ziegler family story.

Maddie Ziegler and Sia’s Influence on Her Career

Sia’s role in Maddie’s career is difficult to separate from her development as a performer.

Their collaboration began when Maddie was still a child, and the “Chandelier” video introduced her to an audience far larger than the Dance Moms fan base.

Sia also provided opportunities for Maddie to perform on television and at major events.

Their collaboration included appearances connected to songs such as “Chandelier,” “Elastic Heart,” and “Big Girls Cry.”

The experience also taught Maddie how to perform for a camera in a way that differs from competitive dance.

In a competition, a dancer performs for judges and a live audience.

In a music video, the camera can move close to the performer and capture tiny facial expressions.

That skill became useful later in film acting.

Maddie Ziegler’s Performance Style

Maddie’s dance style became known for strong emotional expression.

Technical dance skills matter, but her performances often placed strong attention on storytelling.

Her facial expressions were part of the performance rather than an extra feature.

This quality was highly visible in her Sia music videos.

It also helped her transition into acting.

Dance as a Foundation for Acting

Dance can teach performers several skills that also matter in acting.

These include:

• Understanding rhythm
• Memorizing movement
• Working with directors and choreographers
• Repeating scenes or routines
• Controlling body language
• Performing under pressure
• Communicating emotion without words

Maddie’s career demonstrates how those skills can transfer into film and television.

Her path does not mean every dancer will become an actor, but it shows how one performance skill can support another.

Maddie Ziegler’s Career Timeline

The timeline shows a gradual move from competition dance toward broader entertainment work.

Maddie Ziegler as a Television Judge

Maddie also became a judge on So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation in 2016.

At the time, she was one of the youngest people to take on a judging role on the franchise.

The position was notable because she moved from being judged in dance competitions to giving feedback to other young dancers.

That change reflected how quickly her career had developed.

She was no longer only a competitor.

She had become someone whose experience could be used to evaluate performance.

Maddie Ziegler’s Fashion and Modeling Career

Maddie’s career has also included modeling and fashion work.

Her public image made her a natural fit for campaigns aimed at younger audiences and fashion consumers.

She has appeared in magazine features and brand campaigns and has worked with major fashion names.

Her work in fashion also helped her develop a professional identity outside dance.

This matters because modern entertainment careers often cross several areas at once. An actor may also model, appear in campaigns, write books, produce content, or work in music.

Maddie’s career reflects that wider entertainment model.

How Maddie Ziegler Changed After Dance Moms

When audiences first met Maddie, she was a young competitive dancer.

Today, she is an adult performer with a growing acting résumé.

That change is visible in the types of projects she chooses.

Her early public image centered on dance competitions.

Her later career includes:

• Drama films
• Coming-of-age movies
• Musical films
• Animated projects
• Romantic comedies
• Music videos
• Fashion campaigns
• Books
• Television appearances

The shift has allowed audiences to see different sides of her talents.

Why Maddie Ziegler Remains Relevant

Maddie’s continued relevance comes from more than her early fame.

Her career has lasted across several stages of the entertainment industry.

She first became famous through reality television, then gained a global audience through music videos, and later moved into film.

That progression is unusual for a performer who became famous so young.

Her career also benefits from the lasting popularity of Dance Moms.

The show continues to attract new viewers through streaming, clips, social media discussions, reunion programs, and renewed interest in its former cast.

As a result, younger viewers can discover Maddie’s early work while also finding her more recent films.

Maddie Ziegler’s Current Career in 2026

As of September 2026, Maddie continues to have multiple film projects associated with her name.

Current IMDb listings include Pretty Lethal as a 2026 title, while Shiver and Girl are listed among projects in post-production. In a Holidaze is also listed as a 2026 project.

Entertainment listings also show her continuing to appear in interviews and podcasts.

Apple’s current profile for Maddie lists 2026 podcast appearances, including Therapuss with Jake Shane and In Your Dreams with Owen Thiele.

These appearances suggest that her public work is not limited to acting.

She continues to take part in conversations about entertainment, creativity, and her life in the public eye.

What Makes Maddie Ziegler’s Story Interesting?

Maddie’s story is interesting because it covers several different forms of performance.

She did not simply move from one successful television show to another.

Instead, she built a career through different skills.

Dance gave her a foundation.

Dance Moms gave her television exposure.

Sia’s videos gave her a global audience.

Film gave her a new creative challenge.

Publishing allowed her to tell her story in another format.

Fashion and interviews expanded her public presence.

Each stage added something different to her career.

From Child Performer to Adult Actress

One of the biggest challenges for performers who become famous as children is creating an adult career.

Maddie’s film work shows an effort to build an identity separate from her childhood television image.

Projects such as The Fallout, Fitting In, and My Old Ass gave her roles in stories aimed at older audiences.

More recent projects such as Pretty Lethal and Shiver continue that process.

Her filmography therefore offers a useful record of her transition from child performer to adult actress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maddie Ziegler

Who is Maddie Ziegler?

Maddie Ziegler is an American dancer and actress born September 30, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She became famous through Dance Moms and later gained worldwide attention through Sia’s music videos. She has since built a film career.

How did Maddie Ziegler become famous?

Maddie became widely known after appearing on Lifetime’s Dance Moms. Her fame grew further when she starred in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video and later appeared in “Elastic Heart” and “Big Girls Cry.”

What movies has Maddie Ziegler been in?

Maddie’s movie credits include The Book of Henry, Music, The Fallout, West Side Story, Fitting In, and My Old Ass. Current 2026 listings also include Pretty Lethal, while Shiver, Girl, and In a Holidaze are among her current or upcoming projects.

Is Maddie Ziegler still a dancer?

Yes. Although acting has become a major part of her career, dance remains an important part of her professional background. Her work in music videos, live performances, film, and other entertainment projects has continued to draw on her dance training.

What is Maddie Ziegler doing in 2026?

In 2026, Maddie is continuing her acting career. Current listings include Pretty Lethal and several other projects in production or post-production, including Shiver, Girl, and In a Holidaze.

Conclusion

Maddie Ziegler’s career is much larger than the Dance Moms performances that first made her famous.

She started as a young competitive dancer in Pittsburgh and became a television personality through Dance Moms. Her work with Sia then introduced her dancing to a worldwide audience, with “Chandelier” becoming one of the most recognized dance-focused music videos of its time.

From there, Maddie moved into acting.

Her film work includes The Book of Henry, Music, The Fallout, West Side Story, Fitting In, and My Old Ass. These projects allowed her to take on different characters and work with filmmakers and actors across several genres.

Her recent career continues in the same direction. Current listings for 2026 include Pretty Lethal, while Shiver, Girl, and In a Holidaze add more projects to her growing screen résumé.

Maddie has also worked in publishing, modeling, television, music videos, and other forms of entertainment. Her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, became a New York Times bestseller, adding another part to her professional story.

What makes her career stand out is the gradual change from child dance star to adult performer. Dance remains the foundation of her story, but acting has become a major part of her professional identity.

For longtime fans, Maddie Ziegler represents a familiar face from Dance Moms. For newer audiences, she is increasingly known through movies, fashion, interviews, and new creative projects.

Her career is still developing, and her 2026 film slate suggests that audiences can expect to see more of her on screen in the years ahead.

Muhammad Farhan Hussain