Dance Moms Star, Nia Sioux, Releases New Memoir

Courtesy: The DiamondBack

By: Vashti Smith

Former “Dance Moms” star Nia Sioux is leaping into her truth in her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid. 

Released on November 7th, the new book goes deep into Sioux’s pain and triumph in her experience during her time on the hit show “Dance Moms”. She goes specifically into the racism and bullying she experienced at the hands of her dance instructor, Abby Lee Miller.

Sioux starred in “Dance Moms” from the first season in 2011 to the seventh season in 2017. Sioux, who first appeared on the show at 9, immediately stood out from the rest of the main cast because she was the only African American dancer.

Sioux faced rude remarks from Miller and often cried due to the bullying she endured. 

Every week, Miller would rate how each dancer performed at their competitions. The farther a dancer would be at the top of the pyramid, the happier Abby Lee Miller was with their performance. The lower they were, the more displeased she was. Sioux would be at the bottom of the pyramid frequently. When a dancer would be placed at the bottom of the pyramid, Miller would ridicule them the most.

Sioux transformed the negative phrase “bottom of the pyramid” into a phrase that represents growth.

“I’ve always known one important reality: When you’re at the bottom, the only place you can go is up,” wrote Sioux.

Sioux’s story touched the lives of many girls who watched her grow up. 

“I really like how she turned something that could be so negative into something positive,” said 2nd-year computer engineering major Lailah Outsey. “Growing up watching 'Dance Moms, I hate how she was treated, but I’m sure she used her pain for a purpose. A lot of people, including Abby Lee Miller, could learn from her.”