Bottom of the Pyramid

A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life

By: Nia Sioux

Narrated by: Nia Sioux, Chloé Lukasiak

Read by the author.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Sioux’s harrowing reality TV ordeal cuts deep, and her subsequent self-assurance is endearing and infectious. It adds up to an inspiring account of reclaiming artistic agency.” - Publisher’s Weekly

When you’ve been told over and over that you belong at the bottom, how do you come out on top? Dance Moms star and triple threat Nia Sioux shows the way via her story of resilience, triumph, and defining success for herself.

Young dancer Nia Sioux was only nine years old when she stepped into stardom as one of the original cast members of Lifetime’s reality TV show Dance Moms. Nia learned new choreography week after week and competed against dancers from across the country as well as at her own studio. Perhaps her greatest obstacle was suffering through her dance teacher’s ranking of the girls against each other in her infamous pyramid, where Nia spent the majority of her time on the bottom—all in front of an audience of millions.

But there was much that viewers didn’t see. How her experiences in the studio went far beyond what made it into the show. How she was ostracized for not fitting into an aesthetic that wasn’t designed for girls like her. How her friendships and her mental health crumbled under the strain of the show. How she lost control of her story and her voice.

But don’t be fooled—this is a story about resilience. Nia is not looking for pity, sympathy, or validation as she reflects on her experiences. Instead, she is choosing to use her story as a celebration of triumph. Nia finally gets to tell her story in her own way and in her own words. In this captivating memoir, Nia reclaims both the spotlight and her narrative.

In addition to going behind the scenes of the seven seasons of Dance Moms, she shows how she fought against the negative perceptions that dominated her tween and teen years and emerged as a confident young woman secure in her talents and her direction. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or stuck at the bottom of the pyramid will be inspired by Nia’s story of overcoming. “Despite barriers and constant naysayers, assumptions and criticisms, only you know who you are inside and out,” Nia says. “And you have the power to create your own narrative, your own level of success.”

You go girl!

I’ve watched Nia and her mother on my screen since Dance Moms premiered and has been an avid follower since. What a journey! To say I’ve been rooting for Nia would be an understatement. She has always been my favorite. This story is not only the unique story of a woman who was perceived to be at the bottom and is now a star in her own life, but it’s a story that many African American girls/women can resonate with being in “white” spaces or spaces that are just not welcoming. It’s not an easy story for others to hear, and quite frankly, it won’t be a story to understand unless you open your heart/mind to understanding the black experience. This book was beautifully written and I was excited to have Nia read it to her fans through audible :-). I personally share a similar journey and I was truly touched by finally hearing Nia’s voice and her story. This story is going to help a mass of women, nationally and internationally, trying to find their voice in a world that tries to shut it down time and time again! To God be the Glory! Congratulations Nia!

Honest, eye opening, and worth the listen

“Bottom of the Pyramid” completely changed the way I see Nia Sioux. I expected a personal look into her perspective of "Dance Moms", but the way she shares her story goes so much deeper than that. Hearing her narrate it herself brings a calm, thoughtful tone that makes everything land differently. You can tell she took her time to really understand her own experiences before speaking on them, and I appreciate that more than anything.

This audiobook gave me a whole new respect for her. The honesty, the maturity, and the perspective she brings to moments we all thought we knew is eye opening and genuinely meaningful. It made me rethink so much of that time and see her strength in a new light.

If you’re curious about her journey or want a sincere and beautifully told story from someone who lived through a complicated spotlight, this is one hundred percent worth listening to.

And Nia, if you’re reading this somehow, we love you and support you. ❤️

I didn’t realize she was so broken after the show

I loved learning more about Nia’s life and happy to hear that she came out okay.

Must Read

For dedicated Dance Moms fans wondering why Nia stayed so long or how she kept going, this book will answer those questions and more.

PHENOMENAL!!!

I remember watching Dance Moms years ago and being so frustrated at how Nia was being treated. I had no idea how much she has accomplished since then! What an amazing young woman you are, Nia!!! Keep shining!!!