Some Kind Of Wonderful

Amid the rolling hills of California on Prospector Ranch, creative power couple, dancer and actor Maddie Ziegler and musician Eddie Benjamin, speak about growing up in all ways: From their artistry, romance, mentors and social responsibility to carving out their individual identities through expression, all while in the glare of the public and social media spotlight.

- Chloé Brinklow.

Maddie Ziegler (18) and Eddie Benjamin (19) practise laser focus, M work ethic and gratitude at every opportunity (I tallied their use of the word “grateful”, which came up no less than 30 times in our hour-long interview), and not in the woo-woo tonality often linked to Californians and Instagram stars. They share a thoughtfulness in their choice of vernacular, their mutual appreciation of each other’s work and the pursuit of their wildest dreams—though they make a point of not forgetting to do “kid stuff” along the way.

“It’s a thing, because we’re always working. We’re like, let’s go and do some kid sh*t today! I bought this electric bike and we’ve been riding around the neighbourhood—in a safe manner!” he says with his signature gap-tooth grin, which makes me question his assessment of “safe”.