“Dance Moms” Star’s Mother Responds to Criticism Over Daughter’s Memoir
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Holly Frazier, known for her presence on the reality show “Dance Moms,” has spoken out against fellow moms Christi and Kelly, who criticised her daughter Nia’s newly released memoir. The controversy arose after Christi Lukasiak and Kelly Hyland expressed their disapproval on their podcast, “Back to the Barre.” Nia Sioux’s memoir, “Bottom of the Pyramid: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life,” delves into her experiences on the show, including instances of alleged racism and mistreatment by their former dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. The book was officially launched on November 4.

Sioux, now 24, reflects on her time on the show spanning seven seasons from 2011 to 2017, highlighting the challenges she faced as a young dancer. In a recent TikTok video, Frazier defended her daughter against accusations that she allowed her to endure inappropriate treatment on the show. Frazier firmly addressed critics, emphasising that her daughter’s story should not be undermined or overshadowed by misplaced blame. She categorically called out attempts to shift blame onto her as “manipulative” and “ignorant.”

The video response from Frazier came in the wake of Lukasiak and Hyland expressing their surprise over not being informed about the memoir’s content prior to its release. They questioned why they were not given a heads-up about the contents of the book that involves details about their children as well. Frazier’s impassioned defence in the video underscored that both she and Nia have the autonomy to share their story without seeking approval from others. She reiterated their right to narrate their experiences without distortion or manipulation.
While acknowledging the critiques, Frazier maintained that the narrative presented in the book is a testament to Nia’s personal journey, resonating with many who have faced similar challenges. She called out the lack of support from critics who had not even read the memoir, urging them to refrain from forming opinions without understanding the full context. Frazier’s unwavering support for her daughter was evident as she dismissed unfounded criticisms and emphasised the importance of embracing diverse voices in storytelling, particularly regarding issues of racism.
Sioux’s memoir sheds light on her encounters with racism on the show, detailing incidents where she was subjected to discriminatory remarks and racial stereotypes. Despite the adversity she faced, Sioux’s resilience and determination to excel in dance remained unwavering. The memoir also addresses a pivotal moment where Abby Lee Miller reportedly attempted to hinder Sioux’s music career by offering a substantial sum to another artist to avoid collaborating with her.
Frazier’s statement in the TikTok video resonated with supporters who echoed her sentiments of standing by Nia’s side through challenges and triumphs. The ongoing debate surrounding Nia’s memoir exemplifies the complexities of sharing personal narratives in a public domain, especially when addressing sensitive issues such as racism and mistreatment.
As Bottom of the Pyramid continues to spark conversations within the “Dance Moms” community and beyond, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of amplifying diverse voices and advocating for inclusivity in storytelling. Nia Sioux’s courageous decision to speak out through her memoir highlights the power of narrative in shedding light on experiences that resonate with many others who have faced similar struggles.
