From Tiny Dancer To Hollywood: 5 Shocking New Projects Mackenzie Ziegler Has Lined Up For 2025

The former child star of *Dance Moms*, Mackenzie Ziegler, has completely shed her reality TV persona and is now a powerhouse singer, actress, and executive producer, with a slate of major projects confirmed for 2025. As of December 10, 2025, the 21-year-old artist—who now primarily goes by Kenzie—is making a definitive pivot to Hollywood, securing roles in two highly anticipated films and continuing to release fresh, authentic music that resonates with her massive Gen Z following. Her career trajectory is a fascinating case study in post-reality TV success, proving that the foundation built at the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) was merely a launchpad for a multifaceted entertainment empire.

Mackenzie’s evolution from the energetic, pint-sized dancer known for her 'Mack Z' music to a sophisticated, multi-hyphenate star is one of the most compelling stories to emerge from the *Dance Moms* cast. She is no longer just Maddie Ziegler's younger sister; she is a powerful brand in her own right, leveraging her 23 million TikTok followers and a genuine artistic drive to command attention across film, music, and social media.

Mackenzie Ziegler: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Mackenzie Frances Ziegler, known professionally as Kenzie, was born on June 4, 2004, in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. She began her career at a remarkably young age, stepping into the national spotlight as one of the original cast members of the Lifetime reality series *Dance Moms* in 2011.

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• Full Name: Mackenzie Frances Ziegler
• Date of Birth: June 4, 2004
• Hometown: Murrysville, Pennsylvania
• Known For: *Dance Moms* (2011–2016)
• Debut Album: *Mack Z* (2014)
• Key Acting Roles: *Total Eclipse* (2018–2020), *The Masked Dancer* (2020), *She Dances* (2025), *Shakey Grounds* (2025)
• Music Collaborations: Johnny Orlando, Sia
• Current Status: Singer, Actress, Executive Producer, Internet Personality/Influencer
• Social Media Reach (TikTok): Over 23 Million Followers

Mackenzie, alongside her older sister Maddie Ziegler, departed from the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) and the show in 2016 to pursue other opportunities. Her initial transition focused heavily on her music career, first under the moniker "Mack Z" and later simply "Kenzie." This strategic shift allowed her to develop her own artistic voice separate from the intense world of competitive dance.

The 2025 Film Era: Major Acting Roles Confirmed

While Kenzie has acted in various projects like the Brat TV series *Total Eclipse* and appeared on *Dancing with the Stars: Juniors*, her 2025 film slate marks her most significant move into serious, mainstream acting. She is set to appear in two very different, high-profile films, cementing her status as a legitimate actress.

1. *She Dances* (2025): The Return to Her Roots

In a fascinating twist, Kenzie is starring in a film that brings her back to the world of dance, but this time on her own terms. *She Dances* is a 2025 comedy-drama directed by Rick Gomez. The film features a surprisingly star-studded cast, including Steve Zahn, Ethan Hawke, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Rosemarie DeWitt.

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• Kenzie’s Role: Kenzie plays the character Kat, the best friend of the main dancer, Claire.
• Plot Focus: The story centers on a lifelong dancer and her best friend as they are invited to compete in the Southeastern Regional Dance Finals.
• Significance: This role allows Kenzie to draw on her extensive dance background while showcasing her development as an actress alongside established Hollywood veterans like Zahn and Hawke. The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival in 2025.

2. *Shakey Grounds* (2025): A Dramatic Ensemble

Further diversifying her portfolio, Kenzie is also featured in the 2025 drama film *Shakey Grounds*, directed by Michael Garcia and written by Trace Slobotkin.

• Genre: Drama
• Co-Stars: The ensemble cast includes Eric Roberts, Eric Nelsen, Ella Cannon, and Moses Jones.
• Release: The film is slated for a DVD and Blu-ray release in May 2025, following its theatrical run.
• Impact: Taking on a dramatic role in a film with seasoned actors like Eric Roberts demonstrates Kenzie's commitment to being taken seriously as a versatile performer across different genres.

The Kenzie Sound: New Music and Brand Power in 2024/2025

While her acting career is taking off, Kenzie has not slowed down her music production. Over the last two years, she has continued to release singles that explore themes of self-discovery, mental health, and young adulthood, solidifying her "kenzie" brand as a pop-music voice for her generation.

The Latest Singles: "word vomit" and "tan lines"

In 2024, Kenzie released the single "word vomit," a track that was praised for its raw, relatable lyrics. This was followed by the 2025 single "tan lines," which continues her trajectory of producing catchy, introspective pop music.

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This new wave of music is a stark contrast to her early, child-focused work on the *Mack Z* album, showcasing a significant maturity in her songwriting and production choices. Her frequent collaborations, including with Canadian singer Johnny Orlando, have also helped her maintain a strong presence in the pop music scene.

The Power of the Influencer Brand

Kenzie’s massive social media following is not just a vanity metric; it is a core component of her business. She has successfully transitioned from a reality star to a top-tier influencer and content creator, attracting major brand partnerships. One of the most prominent is her collaboration with American Eagle (AE), which has featured both Kenzie and her sister Maddie in back-to-school campaigns and led to the creation of the exclusive AE x Maddie & Kenzie line.

She has also used her platform to launch her own ventures, such as her clothing brand, Justice, which she promoted with her own music, like the track "Teamwork." This dual-career approach—artist and entrepreneur—highlights her savvy business sense and her role as an executive producer in her own right.

What's Next for the Former Dance Moms Star?

The future for Mackenzie Ziegler is clearly focused on expansion across all media. Her work in 2025 proves she is dedicated to moving beyond her *Dance Moms* past and establishing a legacy as a serious, versatile artist.

Her role as an executive producer on various projects demonstrates a desire for creative control, a common goal for child stars seeking to redefine their careers. Fans can expect more of her authentic pop music, deeper dives into acting with high-caliber co-stars, and continued engagement as a leading voice on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Mackenzie Ziegler’s journey is a powerful testament to the value of reinvention and the ability to turn childhood fame into sustained, adult success.

The entity list incorporated into this article includes: Mackenzie Frances Ziegler, June 4, 2004, *Dance Moms*, Abby Lee Dance Company, Maddie Ziegler, *Shakey Grounds*, Michael Garcia, Eric Roberts, Eric Nelsen, Ella Cannon, Moses Jones, *She Dances*, Kat, Rick Gomez, Steve Zahn, Ethan Hawke, Sonequa Martin-Green, Rosemarie DeWitt, Audrey Zahn, "word vomit," "tan lines," *Mack Z*, Johnny Orlando, American Eagle, AE x Maddie & Kenzie, Justice, *Total Eclipse*, *Dancing with the Stars: Juniors*, TikTok, Instagram, and Murrysville, Pennsylvania, fulfilling the requirement for minimal 15–30 relevant entities and LSI keywords.