Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, the sister duo that captivated audiences on Dance Moms, became household names during their time on the Lifetime reality show. From the show’s debut in 2011, season 1, they, along with their mother Melissa Gisoni, were central figures until their departure in season six. Since leaving, both Maddie and Mackenzie have openly discussed their experiences and the factors that led to their decision to step away from the intense world of Dance Moms.
The Impact on Maddie Ziegler’s Mental Health
For Maddie Ziegler, the primary reason for leaving Dance Moms was the toll it took on her mental well-being. The high-pressure environment and manufactured drama, often amplified for television, became overwhelming.
In a 2022 interview with Cosmopolitan, Maddie reflected on the stress she endured as a child star. “I had more stress at that age than I did once I left,” she admitted. The experience was so impactful that she confessed to dissociation, saying, “I have dissociated so much from that time. I’ll see fans post scenes from Dance Moms and I’m like, ‘I literally don’t even remember that happening.’”
Maddie articulated a clear need to prioritize her mental health by leaving the show. While acknowledging Abby Lee Miller’s role in her dance training, she emphasized the toxicity of the environment. “She trained me, she helped me, but also, I knew I would be OK without her and I was sick of being in a toxic environment. I was like, ‘This is not for me. I can’t do this.’ I haven’t spoken to her since,” Maddie stated. Now, she expresses a sense of relief and peace, “I feel at peace [now].”
Adding to the complexity, Maddie revealed that leaving Dance Moms wasn’t a sudden decision. “My family and I really tried to leave for the last three seasons,” Maddie explained. Contractual obligations made it difficult, but ultimately, they successfully exited the show in season 6.
Mackenzie Ziegler’s Shift in Priorities
Mackenzie Ziegler’s reasons for leaving Dance Moms differed slightly from Maddie’s, focusing more on her evolving perspective on dance and competition. As she matured, Mackenzie grew weary of the intense competitive nature that defined Dance Moms.
In a 2020 interview with BBC, Mackenzie shared her changing feelings towards the show’s central theme. “In the last few years I was on [Dance Moms], I just didn’t take crap from anyone. I was so bossy and I would talk back and I would get in so much trouble … but I wasn’t very competitive,” she recounted. Mackenzie’s desire shifted towards dancing for enjoyment rather than striving for constant victory. “I wanted to dance for fun, and everyone else wanted to compete, so I was just over it. I was like, ‘I’m just gonna dance and have fun and you can yell at me if you want.’”
Ultimately, both Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler’s departures from Dance Moms stemmed from a need to prioritize their well-being and personal growth. For Maddie, it was escaping a toxic environment detrimental to her mental health, while for Mackenzie, it was about rediscovering the joy of dance outside the pressures of intense competition. Their decisions marked a significant turning point in their young careers, allowing them to pursue paths more aligned with their evolving needs and aspirations.
