Photo Credit:Sarah Grossbart
A seat at the top of Abby Lee Miller's pyramid is lovely, but Dance Moms alum Nia Sioux might have been happier with the opportunity to expand her bank account.
Because when the elementary schooler and her mother, Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier, signed the first six-week contract to appear on the Lifetime series filming at her Pittsburgh dance studio, they were set to earn less than $1,000 per week for the both of us before taxes, the now-24-year-old detailed in her newly released memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid.
She added that their attorney did warn us that it was a bad contract. There was nothing in it to protect the skill. We have no rights over the content and might not use or say anything in correlation with the show without the network's approval.
Essentially, she summarized, We were not in the driver's seat, and it would be a while before we could amend the contract.Despite having only one day to check the paperwork and make some moves, the mother-daughter duo signed on the dotted line among the rest of the cast, which included Maddie Ziegler, Kenzie Ziegler, Chloé Lukasiak, Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Vivi-Anne Stein, and their mothers.
We thought we were signing a contract for a six-week documentary, Nia told me.What did we have to lose? Nia didn't realize at the time that the network would take use of the clause that extended the term to seven seasons—the longest time you can contract someone for work in this business—if the series was picked up.
Years after her time on Dance Moms, Nia Sioux disclosed the financial disparities between her and her co-stars, particularly Abby Lee Miller. Nia noted that Abby would often gloat about her earnings of $20,000 per episode, while Nia struggled to make ends meet, feeling it wasn't enough to cover her college tuition. Despite receiving a raise before the last season, Nia was still disappointed that her fellow cast members also received increments, emphasizing that as the only original member remaining, her seniority and dedication should have garnered more respect.
In an exclusive interview with E! News, Nia expressed that despite not reaching the premier status within Abby's pyramid system—which was notably time- consuming to film—she has no regrets about her experience on the show. She believes that every opportunity has shaped her current path, asserting, Honestly, I really don't. All of my experiences have led me to exactly where I am right now. I wouldn't change a thing.
Since her dance career, Nia has broadened her portfolio with significant accomplishments, including a six-week performance in an off Broadway production and a notable 59-episode role on The Bold and the Beautiful. She has also engaged actively in advocacy work while in college, experiencing opportunities such as interviewing Vice President Kamala Harris and receiving a tour of the Oval Office by then-President Joe Biden.
Nia conveyed a strong sense of confidence, stating, I have already lived so much life that I feel like I can take on anything, and with 5.8 million followers on Instagram, she is now focused on expansive storytelling across various platforms. She concluded by sharing her unwavering determination, saying, I have so much that I want to do and that I know I can do, and no one's holding me back.