- Words Aimee Phillips
- Photography Maddie Ziegler
With a combined social media following of over 35 million, aged just 16 and 17 respectively, Kenzie and Maddie Ziegler are multi-hyphenate sensations that seemingly never stop never stopping.
Reality TV fans may recognise the sister duo from Lifetime’s Dance Moms, but music fans will recognise Maddie as the dancing protegee in Sia’s iconic music videos for “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart.” The two videos have tallied up more than 5 billion views on YouTube.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maddie and Kenzie are part of a dynamic generation of teenagers who are leveraging the powers of social media to unlock the golden doors of success and celebrity.
Whilst dancing may have been the first tango of their careers, the Ziegler sisters have waltzed their way into many other industries since. For starters, both have modelled for brands such as Ralph Lauren and Fabletics, both have toured the world with Sia, and both have had gigs in TV and film. Maddie went on to judge the 2016 season of So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation and publish a bestselling memoir and a trio of novels. Kenzie, however, pursued a career in music, and has released two albums and a string of singles to date.
Now, Kenzie has shared her highly anticipated new single, “EXHALE,” a collaboration with Sia. The catchy pop track is accompanied by a quarantine music video, which was directed by Maddie and Lauren Einbinder – another string to add to the elder sister’s bow.
For this feature, we asked Maddie to shoot Kenzie at home where they’re in lockdown together. Kenzie gets candid about staying positive in tough times, what her fans mean to her, and secretly loving math below!
How have you been doing spiritually and mentally during lockdown?
It’s been hard not seeing anyone (thank god for FaceTime!), but it’s been a great time to be creative.
Have you discovered any tips on staying creative and positive throughout all of this?
Now more than ever is the time to try new things that you’ve never done before. That’s really been keeping me creatively motivated.
Has your creative process changed at all?
Not being able to go into the studio is super hard, but it pushes me to think differently while I’m at home.
What is something you would like to say to your fans/followers?
Thank you so much for supporting me! You guys mean the world to me and I love you all so much!
What is the main message you wanted to get across within your work?
That you can do anything if you work hard and put your mind to it.
What is something you would tell your younger self?
Don’t stress the little things. Life is a journey, lean in!
What is your star sign? Do you think you’re like your star sign?
I’m a Gemini! Some traits fit my personality, but others not so much.
What would the name of your autobiography be?
Do’s and Don’ts.
What are you most looking forward to right now?
Getting my music out. I’m so proud of it and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
What is something not many people know about you?
I love math!
What’s the best piece of advice you can give?
Never give up and have fun while doing it!
