Bottom of the Pyramid: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life
4.4 | 1,134 ratings
Price: 19.68
Last update: 01-14-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- ZaraNia Sioux is phenomenalGlad to be the first review here. I cracked the book open as soon as it was delivered. There’s alot that can be said, but ultimately Nia is a shining star. I grew up watching the show and in a slightly parasocial way I feel like I grew up with her as well. Learning more about her life and experiences was a pleasure especially since our backgrounds and lives were very similar in many ways. Nia deserves this movement and deserved to tell her truth on her own terms.
Despite the unfair standards she’s been held to and still held to, she has taken control of her life and only risen higher. She is another beacon for black girls and women everywhere and I couldn’t be more proud to see what a dazzling and intelligent woman she’s become. Much like her mother. Growing up, we needed stories like this because we are overlooked and mistreated. Held to such impossible standards. It feels so good to know how connected we are even with the distance between our lives and locations. This book was riveting, entertaining, informative and powerful. It resonated so deeply with me. Nia has so much class and control. Lord knows I would not be nearly as forgiving, understanding, and kind as she has been. It shows how much light fills her character. This is an excellent read for all Dance Mom fans but all black girls as well. I wish Nia even more success. - EmmaNot a tell allBottom of the Pyramid isn’t a tell-all about Dance Moms — it’s Nia sharing her story, and that story happens to include some eye-opening perspectives from her time on the show. What really struck me while reading is how much of her childhood and development took place on a reality TV set. It made me respect the weight of that experience.
As viewers, we get caught up in the entertainment. We choose favorites, root for certain storylines, and forget that real people are living these moments behind the scenes. Even the “small inconveniences” we see on TV are still hurdles that these kids had to carry, and that’s only the surface of what Nia opens up about.
There is so much we were unaware of, and I really value her honesty. As I read, I found myself resonating with the themes of trauma she shares. No, our struggles may not involve dance, but most of us have our own versions of hardship. Seeing the lessons she learned allows the reader to find their own reflection in her journey.
One of the most beautiful things about this book is that it feels like a healing tool — not just for Nia, but for anyone who has experienced similar emotional challenges or is still in the process of finding their voice again.
My one critique is the recurring references to Beyoncé. It wasn’t many — maybe three mentions — but they stood out. She talks about being reshared on Beyoncé’s page as a milestone and compares her stage persona to Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce. For me, that created a slight disconnect.
The average reader isn’t going to be reshared by Beyoncé, and when you’re talking about healing and reclaiming your inner power, validation from a global superstar doesn’t quite align with that message. Beyoncé is also extremely private, so we don’t have access to her “underdog” story in the same way we do with Nia. Without that connection, the comparison feels a bit out of place.
On the other hand, Nia’s mentions of receiving letters from presidents and vice presidents made sense because they tie directly into her real work in voter registration — something she genuinely earned and grew within.
Aside from that small critique, Bottom of the Pyramid is an incredible read. It’s honest, relatable, and surprisingly healing.
Solid 4 out of 5 stars - Amazon CustomerInspiringFollowed this show from day 1 to the end and it was nice seeing it from her eyes. She was on point and I love that she was able to overcome the bullying, and hurt that this show brough to her. She was able to turn the negative into a positive and create a role model for others. Even though she went through so much heartache, she loved the show, the friendships and even her teachers, but knew her worth and never gave up.
She is definitely genuine and humble, and I enjoyed reading her book. Congratulations Nia and stay striving! Giving all the glory to the man above ???? - Megan MTop of OUR pyramidNina it was always you my girl ! Thank you for sharing your experience and shedding light on the things you endured during your time on the show. This was beautifully written and read! You have always been on the top of OUR pyramid! Continue to be authentically YOU in every way! The Dr. Holly mini me she did a wonderful job in protecting and raising! They could never dim a light that outshined the scope of their lens. And to Chloe we are ready for yours too whenever you are much ???????? to you! My forever 2 FAVS