Age and Role of Maddie Ziegler in the 'Chandelier' Music Video
At the time the 'Chandelier' music video premiered in 2014, Maddie Ziegler was 11 years old. She was not Sia's daughter but was instead a dancer selected through casting by production company Oddfellows and choreographer Ryan Heffington. The video was directed by Sia and Daniel Askill and filmed in a single continuous take, with Maddie as the central performer in a New York apartment. This profile clarifies her age during the shoot and her professional role in one of the 2010s' most iconic music videos.
Key Facts and Timeline
Below are the verified details about the video, casting, Maddie’s age, and her subsequent visibility. These points align with production records, press materials, and reputable outlets that covered the video’s impact.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | May 19, 2014 (music video) | Official release |
| Maddie Ziegler’s Age at Filming | 11 years old | Production and profile records |
| Her Relationship to Sia | Not related; professional casting | Interviews and casting reports |
| Choreographer | Ryan Heffington | Credits and press |
| Director(s) | Sia and Daniel Askill | Official credits |
| Filming Approach | Single continuous take | Production notes |
Background on the ‘Chandelier’ Video
Released as the lead visual for Sia’s 2014 album 1000 Forms of Fear, the 'Chandelier' video features a single, unbroken shot of a childlike performer dancing through an empty apartment. The casting call sought a young dancer comfortable with intense rehearsal and long filming hours. Maddie Ziegler, already known from reality television, was cast and rehearsed intensively under Ryan Heffington’s direction prior to the shoot. Her selection was based on expressive movement qualities rather than any personal connection to Sia.
Maddie Ziegler’s Age at the Time
Maddie Ziegner was born on September 30, 2002, which made her 11 years old for most of 2014, including the May release of the video. Her exact age at the time of filming aligned with the director’s vision for a youthful yet emotionally expressive presence. Industry reporting from that period noted her preparation routine, which included daily rehearsals over several weeks leading up to the shoot.
Her Relationship to Sia
A persistent point of clarification, Maddie Ziegler is not Sia’s daughter. She was cast as the principal dancer through a professional process managed by Oddfellows and the choreographer. Sia has consistently emphasized in interviews that the collaboration was a performance role, not a familial one. This professional relationship has remained stable, with both parties acknowledging the artistic context in which the video was created.
Career Impact and Public Recognition
Appearing in 'Chandelier' significantly raised Maddie Ziegler's public profile, leading to features in fashion, dance, and mainstream media. She continued to work as a dancer and model, appearing in other music videos and campaigns. The video's success did not redefine her age or biography but added a prominent milestone to her existing performing arts background, which she had begun developing through training and earlier televised appearances.
Comparison to Other Notable Childhood Performances
Placing her role in 'Chandelier' alongside other young performers can help contextualize her contribution without overstating its uniqueness. The following comparison highlights distinct paths and professional circumstances for child performers in music visuals:
- Young Dancer in 'Chandelier' (2014): Age 11, cast through open auditions for a single-take music video, role was central but non-narrative.
- Child Actor in Feature Films: Often undergoes scripted coaching and collaborates with on-set directors; may involve long-term character development.
- Junior Contestant on TV Talent Shows: Typically ages 8–16; involves judged performances, public voting, and season-long timelines.