Nia Sioux Frazier was a prominent figure on Dance Moms for many seasons, becoming a fan favorite. For viewers who followed her journey, a common question arises: when did Nia leave Dance Moms? Understanding her departure involves looking at the timeline of her time on the show and the reasons behind her exit.
Nia was the longest-lasting original cast member on Dance Moms. Her journey with Abby Lee Dance Company and the reality show spanned seven seasons. Nia officially left Dance Moms after the seventh season concluded in October 2017. During this final season, in a significant plot development, Nia, along with other veteran dancers, made a powerful move. They departed from Abby Lee Dance Company to form a new dance team known as “The Irreplaceables.” This move marked a turning point in the show’s dynamics and signaled a shift for Nia’s career path.
Image: Nia Sioux at the Dance Moms Season 5 premiere, showcasing her early presence on the show.
The eighth season of Dance Moms did not feature Nia or most of the original, long-time cast members. This season was filmed after Abby Lee Miller’s legal issues and health challenges, leading to a significant cast overhaul. Instead of bringing back the familiar faces, Abby Lee Miller opted to build a new team with younger dancers. Unlike some of her fellow original cast members whose departures were fueled by conflicts with Abby Lee Miller or the pursuit of different career avenues, Nia’s exit was part of a larger shift. The core group of older dancers, who had grown up on the show, collectively moved on to new chapters.
In a September 2017 interview with Teen Vogue, Nia shed light on her decision to leave. She stated that she was “the only remaining original cast member who didn’t break her contract early,” emphasizing her commitment throughout her time on the show. Nia explained her reasoning for leaving, saying, “I was just like, I’m 16 now, I’m growing up, the show has been a great platform, but it’s time to move on. During the show, I couldn’t take all the opportunities that I wanted to, and now since I’m off the show I’m getting to do what I want to do.” This quote highlights Nia’s maturity and her desire to explore new opportunities beyond the confines of Dance Moms.
Image: Nia Sioux post-Dance Moms, illustrating her continued presence in dance and entertainment.
Despite the well-documented controversies and demanding environment of Dance Moms, the show undeniably provided a platform for Nia to grow and gain recognition. It served as a launchpad for her to pursue various opportunities in dance, acting, music, and beyond. Nia’s departure from Dance Moms marked not an end, but a transition into a new phase of her burgeoning career, allowing her to take control and explore her full potential. Her time on the show concluded at the end of Season 7, but her journey in the entertainment world was just beginning.
