As of December 11, 2025, the dancer who captivated the world with her raw, emotionally charged performance in Sia's "Chandelier" music video has fully transitioned from child prodigy to a multifaceted young adult star. That dancer, Madison Nicole Ziegler, better known as Maddie Ziegler, has successfully navigated the challenging pivot from reality TV sensation and pop music muse to a respected actress and fashion icon, with her latest film roles and red carpet appearances dominating the headlines.
A decade after the "Chandelier" video became a cultural phenomenon—amassing over 2 billion views—Ziegler’s career trajectory is a masterclass in reinvention, proving she is far more than just "Sia's dancer." From attending major 2025 award shows to starring in critically acclaimed independent films, her ongoing evolution is the story of a generational talent taking complete control of her narrative.
Maddie Ziegler: The Complete Biography and Profile
Maddie Ziegler is an American dancer, actress, author, and model who rose to international fame at a young age through her work in reality television and music videos.
- Full Name: Madison Nicole Ziegler
- Born: September 30, 2002
- Age (as of 2025): 23
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Early Career: Gained initial prominence on the Lifetime reality show Dance Moms, appearing from 2011 (at age 8) until 2016.
- Breakthrough Role: Starring as the sole dancer in Sia's "Chandelier" music video in 2014.
- Key Collaborator: Sia (Singer-songwriter and Director)
- Choreographer: Ryan Heffington (for "Chandelier" and "Elastic Heart")
- Current Partner (as of late 2025): Music producer Kid Culture.
- Author: Published her memoir, The Maddie Diaries.
The 'Chandelier' Phenomenon and the Sia Muse Era
Maddie Ziegler's performance in the "Chandelier" music video is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential dance performances of the 21st century. At just 11 years old, she embodied the song's themes of alcoholism and emotional turmoil with a frenetic, exaggerated, and vulnerable style of contemporary dance.
The Unbreakable Bond with Sia
The collaboration between Sia and Maddie Ziegler began with a simple direct message from the singer. Sia, who typically hides her face from the public, chose Maddie to be her artistic "muse" and physical representation in her music videos and live performances.
The "Chandelier" video, directed by Sia and Daniel Askill, set the stage for a long-running partnership that included a trilogy of videos and numerous live performances, including a Grammy performance. The intense, often controversial, nature of their relationship has been a constant topic of discussion, with Sia openly expressing a highly protective stance over the young dancer.
Maddie's work with Sia extended beyond "Chandelier" to a series of other high-profile music videos, cementing her status as a global icon. These projects include:
- "Elastic Heart" (2015)
- "Big Girls Cry" (2015)
- "Cheap Thrills" (2016)
- "The Greatest" (2016)
- "Rainbow" (2017)
- "Thunderclouds" (2018)
The choreography for these videos, often created by Ryan Heffington, was a departure from traditional dance, focusing on raw, almost animalistic expression that perfectly mirrored Sia’s emotional lyrics.
From Dance Floor to Silver Screen: Maddie's 2025 Career Updates
Having left *Dance Moms* in 2016, Maddie Ziegler's primary focus has shifted from the competitive dance world to a serious acting career. Her recent activities in 2024 and 2025 highlight her successful transition into a mature, in-demand actress.
Major Film Roles and Critical Acclaim (2024–2025)
Ziegler has been praised for choosing complex, challenging roles that showcase her dramatic range, far beyond her initial fame.
- Fitting In (2023/2024): Maddie starred as Lindy, a teenager who receives a diagnosis of a reproductive condition. Reviewers praised her performance as "strong" and "natural," highlighting her dry wit and vulnerability.
- My Old Ass (2024): This film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, continued to showcase her acting chops in a leading role.
- Other Notable Films: Her filmography includes roles in Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021), the critically acclaimed drama *The Fallout* (2022), and *The Book of Henry* (2017).
Her ability to convey deep emotion, a skill honed during her years as Sia's muse, has translated seamlessly to the silver screen, allowing her to tackle heavy subjects with grace and maturity.
Fashion, Relationships, and Personal Life in 2025
Maddie Ziegler is also a prominent figure in the fashion world, regularly attending high-profile events. In April 2025, she was seen walking the carpet at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in Los Angeles, sporting a more mature and sophisticated look than her early career.
In her personal life, Ziegler has been open about her relationship with music producer Kid Culture (Markus Molinari), which has been a topic of public interest in late 2025.
The star has also been candid about her past, particularly her experience on *Dance Moms*. She has publicly stated that she is "no contact" with former figures from the show and was notably absent from the recent *Dance Moms* reunion, signaling a clear separation from that chapter of her life to focus on her current projects.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Generational Talent
Maddie Ziegler's journey from the tiny, blonde-bowed prodigy on *Dance Moms* to the globally recognized, wig-wearing dancer in "Chandelier," and now to a respected young actress, is a testament to her dedication and talent. Her work with Sia remains the foundation of her fame, but her current career in Hollywood proves her ability to evolve and thrive independently. As she continues to choose diverse and challenging roles in 2025, her legacy is shifting from merely being "Sia's dancer" to that of a formidable, independent artist whose influence spans dance, film, and fashion.
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