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

Nia Sioux

Nov 2025 · Harper Horizon · Narrated by Nia Sioux and Chloé Lukasiak

About this audiobook

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.”

Ratings and reviews

I think chole and Nia are right abby is a jerk she is also dumb i am so happy 😊 for nia and chole , chole and Christy I am soo sorry for what abby did especially the duet and same to Holly and Nia good job girls

I literally stopped watching the show over the way Abby consistently treated Nia. Anyone denying the mistreatment are likely also ray-cist. The comment above shows the mindset of so many yt folks in this country. smdh Do better, Casey.

bitter dancer, looking to make a buck off her former dance teacher, pathetic

About the author

Nia Sioux is a dancer, singer, and actress who has performed on the small screen and in live performances, proving to be one of today’s most popular triple threats. Known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime’s hit series Dance Moms, Nia has since starred as a series regular on The Bold and The Beautiful. She has appeared in several movies, including Imperfect High, and two of her own digital series, one of which she served as an executive producer for. She was featured in Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood 2023 list. A graduate of UCLA with a degree American Literature and Culture, Nia continues to use her social media platforms to positively impact the lives of others. She highlights the accomplishments of inspiring others who have achieved extraordinary things in her Role Model Monday series. Nia is especially committed to encouraging voting, body positivity, and strengthening social justice.