*Disclaimer: This interview was completed prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
After dancing backup for Justin Bieber at only nine years old, Pressley Hosbach appeared on Dance Moms and was immediately launched into the spotlight. Today, Hosbach is a social media sensation with over nine million collective followers across her Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts. At only 16 years old, she’s already accomplished more than many can hope for in a lifetime, and she’s only just beginning.
The Untitled Magazine caught up with Hosbach to talk about everything she’s been up to since Dance Moms, her inspirations as a content creator, and her latest ventures into acting and music. Read our interview with Pressley Hosbach below.
We understand you were born in Manhattan but grew up in New Jersey. What was life like at home growing up?
Growing up in New Jersey was amazing! I lived in a super small town, which I loved, but my favorite part was that my whole family was only 20 minutes away. I got to see my grandparents and cousins almost every day growing up. This gave me a super close relationship with them, so I will cherish those memories forever.
Your mom owned a dance studio, and you started dancing when you were only two years old. What are some of your favorite memories of dancing when you were younger?
Some of my most memorable moments from dance growing up were definitely from competition weekends. I loved getting to perform onstage, so competitions and recitals were my favorite. But above all, dancing for Justin Bieber at Madison Square Garden at only nine years old was and is still one of my most memorable moments.
You got your start in the media industry on Dance Moms. Tell us about your experience on the show – did you face any challenges? Do you feel like it prepared you for life in front of the camera and onstage?
For me, Dance Moms was a dream come true. Growing up as a dancer, Dance Moms was my favorite show, and I had always dreamt of being part of it. Even though it was hard at times, I was just grateful to have been given the opportunity to live out my dreams! I do think it prepared me for this industry – I learned how to have thick skin and to keep pushing through when it gets hard.
You’ve since gained millions of followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. What inspires your posts? Any advice for your fans on how to build their own following?
Honestly, my posts are just inspired by my life. My social platforms are basically a digital diary. I love to take videos and photos of my everyday life, and I just share them on my accounts. My biggest piece of advice for anyone who wants to build a platform is to just be yourself. The most successful content is genuine content. You can tell when someone is being authentic or not, even through a screen.
You’ve also recently started acting. How did that transition happen for you?
It’s honestly been a super natural transition for me. Being a dancer, you are acting and telling a story when you are performing, so when I started acting classes it immediately felt right, and I knew I wanted to pursue it. I am studying hard in classes and privates and hope to do more acting work in the future!
Did you find your first acting project, Stage Fright, intimidating? How did you prepare for the role of Roxie?
Obviously, starting something new can be scary, so when I first started filming Stage Fright, I was a little nervous. The whole cast and crew were amazing and made everything a lot easier.
We hear you’re planning to launch a solo music project later this year. What can you tell us about it?
I can’t share too much just yet, but I can say I think everyone is going to love it. I can’t wait for you all to hear it very soon!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have so many, but two of my biggest influences are Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. I just love how they have modeled their careers and are the definition of boss women in the music industry.
How would you describe your sound in your own words?
I would describe it how I would describe myself – fun, positive, upbeat, and always full of surprises!
How has becoming an actress and recording music influenced the social media content you’re making these days?
Like I said earlier, my content is really just me sharing my life, so transitioning into acting and singing has just been another thing that I get to make my audience a part of.
You were a Nickelodeon Kindness Crew Ambassador for Abercrombie in 2021. Can you tell us about that experience?
Nickelodeon’s Kindness Crew was such an amazing and inspiring experience. I loved getting to team up with other kids who have the same passions as me. We reminded kids that their voices matter and that we can make a difference in this world.
How do you hope to spread positivity and empower the voices of kids? What inspires that mission?
Spreading positivity and making the world a better place is my biggest goal in life. I hope to do that in everything I do, whether that’s through my music, acting, dancing, or my content. If I can make one person smile, it’s a small step in the right direction.
You recently turned 16 – how did you celebrate your Sweet Sixteen?
I spent my 16th with my family. We took a trip to North Carolina and spent a week together making the best memories. I decided I didn’t want to do anything crazy. I just wanted to spend quality time with the people who mean the most to me.
How was the transition from the East Coast to Los Angeles for you? Any favorite spots in LA you can share with us?
Making the official move to Los Angeles from New Jersey was honestly not too difficult for me. My parents and I had been bi-coastal for five years before we actually moved, spending months at a time in LA and then back to Jersey. So by the time I moved, most of my friends and everything were on the West Coast. But the hardest thing about leaving Jersey was having to leave my grandparents and cousins and everyone else. As I mentioned earlier, I saw them almost every day growing up. Going from that to only seeing them a couple weeks a year was definitely hard and doesn’t really get easier.
What’s next for you? Do you have any other exciting projects or summer plans coming up that you can share with us?
There are so many things I am looking forward to. I’m working on a few things I can’t share just yet, but I can say I am launching a super exciting clothing collaboration at the end of summer. Make sure you watch out for that, and of course, my very exciting music project that’s coming soon!
What advice do you have for other girls who want to pursue a career in entertainment?
My advice for any young girl, but especially ones who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, is to never let anyone make you feel less-than or like you need to change. There is only one of you, and what makes you different is so special. Don’t change for anyone, and embrace what makes you unique!
For more from Pressley, follow her socials: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
