Totally Booked with Zibby — Episode Summary
Guest: Nia Sioux, author of Bottom of the Pyramid: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life
Host: Zibby Owens
Date: November 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this unique and heartwarming episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby," Zibby Owens welcomes multi-talented performer and author Nia Sioux. Nia discusses her memoir – which details her journey from "Dance Moms" child star to empowered young adult – alongside Zibby's two children and their friend, who enthusiastically participate in the interview. The conversation centers around perseverance, dealing with public scrutiny, family, and the realities of growing up in the spotlight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Living and Dancing on Camera (04:25–05:57)

• Constant Filming Pressure: Nia describes the heightened self-awareness that comes from always being recorded for TV, which made both everyday behavior and mistakes feel magnified.
  • Quote: “You’re always kind of being watched so you always kind of have to be on in a way. It can also be very stressful...making mistakes on television and having those mistakes broadcasted.” (Nia Sioux, 04:36)
• Staying True to Self: Nia emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance over external perceptions.
  • Quote: “The only vision of you that really matters is yourself...make sure that you like who you are, and no one can take that away from you.” (Nia Sioux, 05:26)

2. The "Dance Moms" Experience (06:04–08:17)

• Fun and Challenges: Reflecting on her time on "Dance Moms," Nia says it was both fun and chaotic, and relates to Zibby's kids by pointing out she started very young, just like them.
  • Quote: “I had a lot of fun, but it’s definitely a different experience...how you guys act now, that’s exactly how I was when I was 9.” (Nia Sioux, 06:20)
• Favorite Dances: Nia fondly recalls "Goodbye Maya," a stand-out solo routine, as her favorite performance.
  • Quote: “I won first place with it, and it was a beautiful dance routine...I felt like I was really pushed, I learned a lot from that week.” (Nia Sioux, 06:47)
• Abby Lee Miller's Reputation: On the infamous instructor Abby Lee, Nia is tactful yet candid about the show's portrayal:
  • Quote: “The show made her likable for TV. That’s the best way I can put it.” (Nia Sioux, 07:48)

3. Beginning Her Dance Journey (08:17–09:27)

• Early Start: Nia began dancing at age two, thanks to her mother's influence.
  • Quote: “My mom signed me up for dance lessons because she was like, every little girl should dance.” (Nia Sioux, 08:22)
• Transitioning to Competition: Her own ambition led her to join the competition team at age six to earn a solo, diverging from her mom’s recreational approach.

4. Friendships and the End of "Dance Moms" (09:33–10:07)

• Staying in Touch: Nia says she still keeps up with many of her "Dance Moms" peers.
  • Quote: “I’ve known a lot of them since I was, like, 3 years old. So I feel like we have that connection.” (Nia Sioux, 09:38)
• Bittersweet Farewell: The end of the show brought mixed emotions, blending relief and nostalgia.
  • Quote: “It was kind of bittersweet...I was ready for it to be done...but I also felt like my journey was over in that capacity.” (Nia Sioux, 10:07)

5. Advice for Kids on Conflict & Kindness (10:46–12:05)

• Coping with Meanness: Nia stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with good friends and family, and the value of giving grace (both to oneself and to others).
  • Quote: “Make sure you have good people around you...they help you keep your head on straight...be true to yourself, but also be kind to yourself and kind to others.” (Nia Sioux, 11:04)

6. Stage Fright and Performing (16:07–17:35)

• On Nerves and Excitement: Nia normalizes stage fright, reframing it as a sign of care and excitement.
  • Quote: “If you weren’t scared...it means that you don’t really care. So having that feeling also...is excitement.” (Nia Sioux, 16:19)
• Pre-Performance Rituals: She shares her strategy of “shaking everything out” and having routines to center herself before performances.

7. Family Dynamics & Sibling Jealousy (17:35–19:15)

• Navigating Jealousy: Nia discusses the natural ups and downs of sibling relationships, especially when parental attention is uneven, but returns to the theme of love and forgiveness.
  • Quote: “The people we love the most, you know, hurt each other, but it’s not coming from a place of actually wanting to hurt them...giving your siblings grace.” (Nia Sioux, 18:00)

8. Living with a Pain Disorder (19:30–20:19)

• Managing Health: Nia reports her pain has improved but acknowledges occasional flare-ups, which she now manages through calming routines.
  • Quote: “Every now and then, it’s not very often...but I have ways of coping with it and calming my nerves definitely helps.” (Nia Sioux, 19:41)

9. Kids & Social Media Stardom (20:19–23:02)

• Advice on Public Life: Nia encourages respecting every child’s interests and urges careful support structures – including on-set child therapists and parental involvement – for young people in entertainment.
  • Quote: “Kids shouldn’t have to be forced to do that because that’s a huge responsibility that’s being put on them.” (Nia Sioux, 22:55)

10. Memorable Moments & Tone

• The playful atmosphere, led by interview questions from Zibby’s kids, brings out Nia’s warm, relatable side.
• Touching, spontaneous exchanges—like giving a shout-out to a child’s friend at dance class and empathizing with sibling rivalry—make the episode charming and accessible for younger listeners and parents alike.

Memorable Quotes

• Nia Sioux, on pressure and self-image:
  “You have to make sure that you like who you are, and no one can take that away from you.” (05:26)
• Nia Sioux, on performance anxiety:
  “A lot of those nerves could also be excitement...they kind of go hand in hand.” (16:25)
• Nia Sioux, on life after ‘Dance Moms’:
  “I was ready for it to be done...but I also felt like my journey was over in that capacity.” (10:07)
• Nia Sioux, on childhood fame:
  “As long as you are in a safe environment...having a child therapist on set is very important...” (21:12)

Highlight Timestamps

• Constant filming & pressures: 04:36
• Favorite dance & studio memories: 06:47
• Abby Lee Miller’s on-screen persona: 07:48
• Maintaining friendships: 09:38
• Bittersweet show ending: 10:07
• Advice for kids facing mean behavior: 11:04
• Stage nerves & preparation: 16:19
• Sibling jealousy: 17:48
• Pain disorder management: 19:41
• Kids in the public eye: 20:42

Closing Thoughts

This episode offers a candid, family-friendly glimpse into the realities of child stardom and personal perseverance. Nia Sioux’s thoughtful responses and gentle wisdom provide valuable lessons for young dancers, aspiring performers, and parents alike. The inclusion of young interviewers brings a delightful energy, making this not just an author interview, but a heartening cross-generational conversation about growth, kindness, and following your own path.