Since first airing in 2011, Dance Moms has become a pillar of the reality TV genre. Presented as an exploration into the world of show business, the series documented the inner workings of a Pennsylvanian dance company, focusing on the various conflicts between the students and their parents. Although the show is now remembered for its drama and controversy, it was also the vehicle that birthed celebrity personalities such as JoJo Siwa, Ava Michelle Cota and, of course, Maddie Ziegler.
Joining the show at the age of eight, Ziegler has since established a prolific and diverse career. From performing in music videos to writing her own series of children's books, Ziegler has done it all. And at only eighteen years old, there's still so much that the young dancer has yet to accomplish. Here's everything Maddie Ziegler has been up to since Dance Moms.
10 'Chandelier'
At the age of eleven, Ziegler was given the opportunity to star in the music video for the song 'Chandelier', written and performed by Australian music artist, Sia. Filmed while Ziegler was still a member of the Dance Moms cast, the video saw the young performer dance her way through the rooms of a decaying house, in a symbolic representation of addiction and madness. The music video was acclaimed upon its release, and is now considered to be a touchstone in the progression of Ziegler's independent career.
9 'Ballerina'
Following her successful partnership with Sia, Ziegler began to expand her career beyond the boundaries of the dance studio. And in 2016, the young dancer would lend her voice to the computer-animated movie Ballerina. Originally a French production, the film told the story of a poor orphan girl who dreams of becoming a successful ballet dancer. In the movie, Ziegler would play the character of Camille, a spoiled bully and the film's primary antagonist.
8 'Elastic Heart'
After the success of 'Chandelier, Sia would again ask Ziegler to collaborate with her on the music video for the song 'Elastic Heart'. Filmed when Ziegler was only twelve, the music video would pair the young performer with film actor Shia LaBeouf. Although the song was praised for its lyrics and score, the music video did receive some controversy upon its release, with many critics perceiving the choreography as having pedophilic undertones. Sia would later apologize for the video via her Twitter account.
7 'The Book Of Henry'
In 2017, Ziegler would join the star-studded cast of The Book Of Henry, a drama film directed by Colin Trevorrow. In the film, Ziegler would portray the character of Christina Sickleman, a young girl who the titular hero attempts to rescue from her abusive stepfather. The film would premier at the Los Angeles Film Festival, where it would receive primarily negative reviews from critics. However, the film's cast would receive some praise.
6 'Cheap Thrills'
Following the continued success of their creative relationship, Ziegler and Sia would again join forces on the music video for the song 'Cheap Thrills'. The video would mark the first time that Sia would appear in one of her own productions, alongside Ziegler and two supporting male dancers. The music video received critical acclaim upon its release, with the performances of Ziegler and Sia being singled out for particular praise.
5 'The Maddie Diaries'
Having established herself as an accomplished dancer and actress, Ziegler would also pursue other creative avenues. And in 2017, the young performer would release her first book, a memoir entitled The Maddie Diaries. Detailing the ups and downs of her career, the book went on to become a New York Times Bestseller. Following the commercial success of her literary debut, Ziegler would go on to pen a trilogy of popular children's books that tell the story of a young dancer searching for fame.
4 'The Greatest'
Following the tragic events of the Orlando Nightclub Shooting, Sia would release a new music video for her song 'The Greatest'. Once again starring Ziegler in the primary role, the video depicted the dancer painting rainbows on her cheeks before freeing a group of caged children. Although there was no official statement regarding the song's meaning, many critics have analysed the anthem as being a tribute to the forty-nine victims of the attack. The music video went on to receive critical acclaim, with particular praise being given to the song's message and Ziegler's performance.
3 'So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation'
At the age of thirteen, Ziegler would join the cast of So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, sitting on the judging panel alongside Jason Derulo and Paula Abdul. Ziegler's time on the show was marked by her creative criticism and positive feedback, with the dancer often displaying a maturity beyond her years. Ziegler would only appear on the show for a single season before moving on to other projects.
2 'Music'
In 2015, it was announced that Ziegler had joined the cast of Music, a musical-drama film written and directed by Sia. In the film, Ziegler would portray the character of Music, a young autistic girl who is placed in the care of her sister, an ex-drug addict played by Kate Hudson. The film would eventually be released in 2021, where it would receive overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences. With many citing the film's portrayal of autism and racial stereotypes as particularly problematic. Since then the film has been nominated for several Golden Raspberry Awards, with Ziegler being nominated for her performance.
1 'West Side Story'
In 2019, it was announced that Ziegler had been cast in Steven Spielberg's upcoming movie West Side Story, a musical-romance set in 1950's New York. In the film, Ziegler will play the role of Velma, a dedicated supporter of the Jets. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ziegler discussed her character and working on the high-profile film:
I'm one of the Jet girls [...] It was honestly one of the best experiences I've ever had. To work with Steven Spielberg was a pretty life-changing thing, so I'm really greatful for that.