'Dance Moms' news 2016: Maddie Ziegler gets candid about exit from show, future plans

Leaving "Dance Moms" was a life-changing decision for Maddie Ziegler, who starting in "Dance Moms" season 7 and for the first time since the show began, won't be appearing on the reality series.

Speaking to Seventeen, Ziegler admitted that "Now, I feel like I'm so free" after quitting "Dance Moms" prior to season 7.

"It was getting too stressful," Ziegler explained why she ultimately gave up "Dance Moms," where she starred since its debut in 2010.

"I feel like I had so much more pressure on me to be the best in the room," she added. Despite this, Ziegler admits it was still a "hard decision" for her.

Ziegler has been everywhere following her "Dance Moms" exit. She remains in the small screen as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generations."

She also hopes to capture the big screen in her upcoming drama film "The Book Henry," where she stars alongside Naomi Watts. Colin Trevorrow directed the movie, which will be out Sept. 16 in the United States.

Ziegler is also expected to be the lead star in "Sister," an upcoming film by singer-songwriter Sia, who is also a frequent collaborator of the "Dance Moms" alum.

The dancer's acting chops will definitely be put to the test in Sia's film, which follows the story of "a sober drug dealer and his autistic sister," as Sia described to Philippine Daily Inquirer last year.

Although Ziegler will no longer be on "Dance Moms," she will still be part of the Dance to the Music 2016 concert led by the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC).

Dance coach Abby Lee Miller shared a video of Ziegler rehearsing with her friends for the event. Miller expects to work with Ziegler again soon since she still rehearses in her studio.

"Dance Moms" season 7, expected sometime next year, will be the first season of the Lifetime series without Ziegler.