Former Dance Moms star Nia Sioux has opened up about her decision to skip the recent reunion of the hit Lifetime reality show. In an exclusive interview with E! News, the 24-year-old UCLA graduate revealed which former co-stars she remains close with and reflected on the lasting emotional impact of her years on the program. Sioux also discussed her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid, which explores both the challenges and growth that came from her early experiences in reality television.
What Happened and Why
In her latest interview, Nia Sioux explained that she chose not to attend the Dance Moms reunion to protect her mental peace and focus on her upcoming book tour. She confirmed that she continues to maintain a strong friendship with Chloe Lukasiak, adding that the two plan to reconnect during her promotional events. Sioux said her years on the original Abby Lee Dance Company team were filled with valuable lessons but also difficult dynamics often driven by adult conflicts.
The dancer described feeling excluded during filming, suggesting that much of the tension among the young cast stemmed from adult influence—particularly Abby Lee Miller’s favoritism toward Maddie Ziegler, which Sioux said “created an unfair environment for the rest of us.”
Quotes from Nia Sioux
Speaking about her former coach, Nia Sioux said Miller’s behavior often crossed a line:
“It went beyond tough love. It became a narrative that I was the little Black girl who couldn’t keep up,” she shared.
Despite the hardships, Sioux expressed no regrets, saying that her experiences taught her resilience and helped her become a stronger performer and advocate. She also revealed she once reached out to Miller after the dance instructor’s cancer diagnosis, but Miller declined to meet. Sioux said that moment gave her “the closure I didn’t know I needed.”
Life After Dance Moms
Nia Sioux’s decision to speak publicly about her experiences sheds new light on the long-term effects of reality TV fame on child performers. Her story echoes those of several Dance Moms alumni who have discussed the emotional challenges of the show’s high-pressure environment. Sioux, now focused on acting, advocacy, and music, says her new memoir aims to help young readers navigate ambition, identity, and perseverance.
Her insights also come at a time when many former reality stars are reevaluating how such programs portrayed children for entertainment value. Sioux’s candor may inspire a broader conversation about ethical storytelling in unscripted television.
What’s Next for Nia Sioux
Nia Sioux’s memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid, is set to release later this year, followed by a U.S. book tour where she will reunite with Chloe Lukasiak. She plans to continue expanding her acting career and remain active in social advocacy projects aimed at empowering young women in the arts.
Sources
E! News — Exclusive Interview with Nia Sioux
Lifetime Network Archives
IMDb: Dance Moms (2011–2019)
UCLA Alumni Network
