Bottom of the Pyramid: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life

by Nia Sioux

For my incredible mom. Forever living on the dance floor with you.

already crying

The spring before Dance Moms started filming, right before school let out, Granddad picked me up from school, got me my McDonald’s, and dropped me off at dance, as was our normal routine.

me and meme

Dancers are often susceptible to body dysmorphia because they are constantly holding themselves to such strict standards. I mean, you’re always looking in the mirror.

Almost cried in the car listening to this

And what the mirror showed me was that I had hips, a butt, and breasts, no matter how much I worked out or trained. Then I was forced to put that body into super-skimpy costumes, which were another point of contention.

There is nothing wrong with failure. That is how you grow. How you respond to failure is what matters. What are you learning? What do you do so you are not making the same mistakes? How do you showcase growth?

One of my biggest accomplishments during season 4—that, unfortunately, wasn’t shown on Dance Moms—was receiving that crown I had dreamed about as a kid. In 2014, I won my first national title. It was a big deal at the dance studio, and all the students at the studio were so happy for me. I was crying onstage as they crowned me.

ughh i’m so sad for her

The message Abby ingrained in us that I wasn’t a good dancer created even more of a barrier. Sometimes I sensed that the girls thought they were better than me, and it tainted our interactions.

ouch, felt this on a deep level

But I guess that when you’re a Black kid, there’s a limit to how much of a good time you’re allowed to have.

Many people know what it’s like to be the underdog—it’s relatable. I share that same grit, passion, and determination with others in the world.

And to my fans and the people who have followed my life for years, I can’t thank you enough for the support. You all are the reason I get to finally share my story, because I know you guys truly care about what I have to say.