Bottom of the Pyramid

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

De: Nia Sioux

Narrado por: Nia Sioux, Chloé Lukasiak

Read by the author.

"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.”

©2025 Nia Sioux (P)2025 Harper Horizon

Unfiltered Truth

I loved how she unfiltered-ly, but respectfully, told her story and held others accountable.

Excellent book

I’ve been waiting so long for Nia to tell her story and she did such a good job. I knew there were some racist undertones in Abby’s behavior from watching the show but I had no idea what went on behind the scenes. Well written and beautifully narrated. I really appreciated how she told her story in a way that wasn’t directly attacking anyone even though some people, in my opinion, deserved it. At the same time Nia managed to tell what happened and how it affected her. I’m so glad I bought this.

Well Told Story

Great job to Nia for telling her story. I knew Abby was horrible but I didn’t know how horrible she was. Well told story about her life as a dancer.

Great Memoir

The memoir is directed so well and very emotional , I feel like it’s hard to interpret real emotions sometimes but she did a great job , her feelings being put into words makes me feel what she feels absolutely love this memoir !

Black girl magic!!

This was an amazing and vulnerable look into Nia’s life. She is so brave to have shared this with us. Thank you for showing the world your black girl experience!