April 2021 Covergirl: Childhood Star & Dancer, Nia Sioux
Introduce yourself. Tell us how you got started.
I started working in the entertainment industry at age nine when I was cast as an original member of “Dance Moms” in 2011. After seven seasons, I was fortunate to transition to scripted television as a series regular on The Bold and the Beautiful.
Over the years, I have worked on several movies and shows, released my own music, written a children’s book, and have advocated for a variety of issues related to voting and social justice. I started my career as a dancer and I am proud to say that I still dance in addition to my work in singing, acting, advocacy, and content creation.
What are your personal goals for this year?
Releasing music this year is a huge goal of mine; I have been working on new music and I am so excited to share it with others. In addition to music, I love to learn, so finishing up my second year at UCLA is a big focus for me as well. I will turn twenty-one in June, so I want to celebrate that with those who are closest to me. I love to work, so my ultimate personal goal would be to find a balance between work, love, and play. Another great achievement would be allowing myself to take time to travel and relax.
How do you pick yourself up after a difficult day?
Difficult days are never any fun, but they are a part of life. My response varies, but talking to my family and friends is a vital part of picking myself up. Sometimes, I am looking for advice from others; oftentimes, I just need to vent in a safe space. Working out or doing some type of physical activity helps me relieve stress. I also like to listen to upbeat music while surrounded by some of my favorite candle scents. One of my favorite things to do is to pamper myself by buying flowers. There is something about fresh flowers that perks me up and makes me happy. Self-care is vital to overcoming challenging days.
What was the biggest lesson that you got out of 2021?
One of the greatest lessons I learned in 2021 was how to be open to new opportunities. Sometimes, life takes you on paths you never expected, but those journeys can reveal incredible things about your character and can lead to new friendships. Trying something new can be scary, but with faith and a good attitude, it can be remarkably rewarding.
If you got to choose a song that would play every time you entered a room, what song would you pick and why?
“Run The World” by Beyoncé would be my ultimate hype song when entering a room. Hearing “Run The World” would set the tone for my energy; it makes me feel confident in achieving any goals that I set. I also love that the song is not just about me, but those surrounding me, too. We are lifting each other up for success.
Who is your muse and how do they inspire you?
I get my greatest inspiration from the women who have paved the way for me to have these fabulous opportunities. As a dancer, Misty Copeland set the gold standard for me when it comes to technical excellence, grace, and beauty. I believed that I could be a dancer because of Misty Copeland. Since I also see myself as a performer, Beyoncé is probably one of my greatest inspirations. She does it all... and she always looks great doing it. Her creativity and strong work ethic are inspirational. □
