ABOUT BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID

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."

Nia provides a unique perspective on:

. Overcoming Adversity: From navigating the toxic environment of competitive dance and reality TV to her harrowing battle with Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy (RND).

. Confronting Racism & Body Shaming: Nia speaks candidly about being the only Black girl on the team, facing microaggressions, and the constant pressure that impacted her self-worth.

. Inspiring a Generation: The book is a powerful message for young people, especially young Black girls, about knowing your value, protecting your peace, and pursuing your dreams unapologetically.

ABOUT NIA SIOUX

' 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.

Get the book: https://a.co/d/c3ClzzV

 

ABOUT BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID
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."
Nia provides a unique perspective on:
. Overcoming Adversity: From navigating the toxic environment of competitive dance and reality TV to her harrowing battle with Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy (RND).
. Confronting Racism &amp; Body Shaming: Nia speaks candidly about being the only Black girl on the team, facing microaggressions, and the constant pressure that impacted her self-worth.
. Inspiring a Generation: The book is a powerful message for young people, especially young Black girls, about knowing your value, protecting your peace, and pursuing your dreams unapologetically.
ABOUT NIA SIOUX
' 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;series. Nia is especially committed to encouraging voting, body positivity, and strengthening social justice.
Get the book: <a href="https://a.co/d/c3ClzzV">https://a.co/d/c3ClzzV</a>
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"I Am Refocused Radio" is more than just a podcast—it's a movement of purpose-driven storytelling that inspires, uplifts, and empowers. Hosted by Shemaiah A. Reed, a calm and thoughtful creative with a background in media, music, and the arts, the show dives deep into conversations that resonate.

From a humble start in a San Antonio barbershop, Shemaiah’s journey has grown into a global platform featuring over 1,000 interviews with a diverse array of guests—celebrities, CEOs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. Each episode offers a blend of faith, personal growth, perseverance, and hope, fostering a space where listeners can find clarity and rediscover their purpose.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, innovative ideas, or a moment of peace in a busy world, "I Am Refocused Radio" invites you to refocus your mind and embrace a life aligned with meaning and authenticity. Tune in to join this global community and hear the stories that connect us all.

"I Am Refocused Radio" is more than just a podcast&mdash;it's a movement of purpose-driven storytelling that inspires, uplifts, and empowers. Hosted by Shemaiah A. Reed, a calm and thoughtful creative with a background in media, music, and the arts, the show dives deep into conversations that resonate.
From a humble start in a San Antonio barbershop, Shemaiah&rsquo;s journey has grown into a global platform featuring over 1,000 interviews with a diverse array of guests&mdash;celebrities, CEOs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. Each episode offers a blend of faith, personal growth, perseverance, and hope, fostering a space where listeners can find clarity and rediscover their purpose.
Whether you&rsquo;re seeking inspiration, innovative ideas, or a moment of peace in a busy world, "I Am Refocused Radio" invites you to refocus your mind and embrace a life aligned with meaning and authenticity. Tune in to join this global community and hear the stories that connect us all.

I Am Refocused Podcast

I Am Refocused Radio provides a space that welcomes people to speak freely about real life experiences through various platforms to engage and encourage those who are looking to find their purpose.