Nia Sioux, ‘Dance Moms’ star, chats with Kidsday

We met Nia Sioux who has starred on “Dance Moms” since 2011. She was in Manhattan in the Off-Broadway show, “Trip of Love.”

Everyone knows you’re an amazing dancer. When did you get into dancing and singing?

I got into acting and singing a few years ago. Whenever I saw the other girls doing things, I was like “I would love to do that.” And actually Aubrey O’Day saw that I wanted to appear in music [videos] so she kind of took me under her wing and [connected] me with Mikey Minden, who choreographed and directed video. So I’m very blessed and I’m very thankful for everyone.

Besides singing, dancing and acting, what are some of your other activities?

I love to cook. I also like to hang out with my family. I enjoy spending time with them and playing with my dog. I love to just watch TV and relax. That’s what I really like to do in the downtime that I have, which is very little.

What age were you when you started dancing?

I was 2 1⁄2 when I started dancing.

Do you prefer dancing on TV or on the live stage?

I love both. Dancing live is totally different from dancing on TV because even though we have time to perfect it you don’t really have time to perfect it here. I like both because they’re both performing and that’s what I love to do.

What is your favorite style of dance?

I would have to say musical theater and contemporary.

What made you go to the Abby Lee Dance Company instead of other dance studios?

Actually, it was just because she was really close to my house. I started dancing with her when I was 3. My mom saw her studio in the newspaper and she was like, “You know what? It’s like 5 minutes away from our house, just put her in dancing school.”

What is your favorite type of music?

I would have to say pop, also R&B, kind of dance music. I love up-tempo songs, but I also like ballads too. I like a variety.

If you ever got an opportunity to star in a movie, who would you want to be your guest star?

Probably Misty Copeland, she’s really cool. She’s an amazing dancer.

What is your favorite song that you have recorded?

I don’t have a favorite song. I love all of them so much, but I do have to say I have songs that are going to come out soon that are also going to be on the show that I really love. I think people will be really surprised.

Do you like being recognized on the street or does it get kind of annoying?

It’s actually really, really cool. I love it whenever people come and ask for pictures. I usually always take a picture with someone. I try to take as many pictures as I can with people because they’re the reason why the show is still going on and why I have this. So I have to thank the fans.

Do any of your siblings like to sing or dance?

No. I have an older brother and a younger brother. They’re into sports like football and lacrosse and soccer. They’re not in the performing arts kind of thing.

Do you like it when people do your hair and makeup?

Oh my goodness, it’s so much fun. Whenever you sit in the chair and they’re getting all your hair and makeup done, you feel awesome. It’s a nice feeling. It’s like, “Oh, I’m kind of getting pampered.”

Do you ever get nervous while filming or practicing?

All the time. I would have to say if you’re not nervous that’s kind of weird because I feel like if you’re nervous you really love to do it and it makes you get in the moment.