Bottom of the Pyramid by Nia Sioux Published by Harper Horizon on July 7, 2026
Genres: Biography & Autobiography / African American & Black, Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts, Biography & Autobiography / Memoirs, Performing Arts / Dance / Choreography & Dance Notation, Performing Arts / Dance / Modern, Self-Help / Personal Growth / Success
Pages: 256
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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."
When I stumbled across this book on Libby, absolutely on accident, I was immediately transported back in time. Dance Moms was not a show that showed up on my personal radar back in the day. But my bestie, Amanda, it absolutely did, which means I get had to watch it too. In our binges off the DVR back in the day, Nia quickly stood out as my favorite. I never understood why her parents let her continue on the show with all that was heaped onto her and why Nia always wanted to stay, and stay to the bitter end. Of all the parents, Holly was also my favorite. Level-headed and logical while still stepping up to defend and protect her daughter. I never understood why they stayed.
There is something special in hearing someone’s memoir in their own words. You can tell a lot about their voice as they read their own words. Nia is no different, and I felt such calm listening to her tell her story. It wasn’t a trauma dump, but it also wasn’t all sunshine and roses. It was narrative, like she’s sitting around with friends telling stories about her life and not on a therapist’s couch. There was some name-dropping that felt a little off-putting in listing the names that she had worked with and who they had worked with. Maybe because this is not my area of interest, I didn’t know a lot of the names, but also really didn’t care.
I still don’t understand why she stayed. More, I don’t understand how her parents let her call the shots in the beginning. I mean, her parents are educated, seemingly solid folks, and she drove this bus. She wanted this, and while her parents tried to talk her out of it, they let her, as a child, make the decision. I hear the difficulties and some background, but dang girl, sometimes your mental health is more important than finishing what you started. I’ve love a book from Holly about this time, if I’m being honest. Nia has a maturity to her voice, to her story, that even in the younger time stories is present. I saw it on the show, and this book really brings me hope and joy that she was able to find her way through that show, work on healing the detriment that came with it, and has a bright future at still, what I consider, a young age.
About Nia Sioux
Nia Sioux, best known as a child star on Dance Moms, is now a thriving adult entertainer, UCLA graduate, and author. She has successfully transitioned from reality television into acting, directing, and advocating for mental health, while openly reclaiming her narrative and healing from childhood trauma.
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