Maddie Ziegler, the celebrated dancer and actress, has recently opened up about her experiences on the reality TV phenomenon, Dance Moms, revealing a poignant conversation with her mother, Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni. In a candid discussion on Emily Ratajkowski’s podcast, High Low with EmRata, Ziegler shared that Melissa apologized for the pressures and environment surrounding the show and its impact on Maddie’s early life. This revelation provides a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics behind the scenes of the hit series and the emotional toll it took on its young stars, particularly Maddie and her relationship with her mother, Dance Moms Melissa.
Ziegler recounted a recent panic attack that triggered memories and emotions from her time on Dance Moms. During this vulnerable moment, she reached out to her mother, Dance Moms Melissa, leading to a heartfelt apology. “Last year, I was having a really bad panic attack and I called my mom and things were coming up from the past, and she apologized to me,” Ziegler explained. “She was like, ‘I’m so sorry I put you through that.’ It’s so sad because she would never want to hurt us, but none of us knew how crazy it would get.” This apology from Dance Moms Melissa highlights the unintended consequences of their participation in the show and her recognition of the stress Maddie endured.
Joining Dance Moms at just seven years old, Maddie quickly became a central figure, shouldering significant pressure from producers and the competitive dance environment fostered by the show. Ziegler reflected on the immense expectations placed upon her, particularly by former coach Abby Lee Miller. “Looking back — and a lot of people have started to say this — it’s like, ‘Wow, she actually had the most pressure on her,’ because she was like, ‘You’re my girl, so you have to lead everyone to victory every time,’ which is just not sustainable,” Ziegler stated. This intense focus on winning and the constant need to perform under pressure contributed to a stressful childhood for Maddie, a burden that Dance Moms Melissa now acknowledges with regret.
The demanding schedule and high-stakes atmosphere of Dance Moms led Ziegler to lose much of her childhood to the relentless demands of reality television. She revealed the extent of this impact, stating, “I’ve blocked out so much of my childhood that I actually don’t know what my life was like even just before working.” This memory loss underscores the profound effect the show had on her formative years, as her early experiences became intertwined with the pressures of fame and performance. The revelation that she rediscovers moments from her childhood through TikTok clips further emphasizes how disconnected she feels from that period of her life.
In previous interviews, Maddie Ziegler has been candid about her complex relationship with Dance Moms. In a 2022 Cosmopolitan interview, she described the environment as “toxic,” elaborating on the detrimental lessons taught by her dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. “My dance teacher taught that if you don’t get the trophy, if you don’t get the crown, you are less than, which is the worst way to train a kid. It carries into other life lessons,” she explained. She also noted the unhealthy competitive dynamics encouraged on the show, including being discouraged from befriending competitors. These past statements, combined with her recent discussion and Dance Moms Melissa’s apology, paint a comprehensive picture of Maddie Ziegler’s journey and the long-lasting impact of her Dance Moms experience. The apology from Dance Moms Melissa signifies a step towards healing and open communication between mother and daughter regarding this pivotal period in their lives.
