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Talented and creative, Nia Frazier is now one of today’s hottest triple threats. She has wowed audiences as a dancer, singer and actor on the small screen and in live performances. Currently, Nia can be seen on Lifetime’s hit, Dance Moms, now in it’s 5th season and airs on Tuesday nights at 9PM. This season audiences have seen Nia take on the world of music as she released her first single “Star In Your Own Life” which quickly got over 4.2 million views on YouTube in its first month. Her social media following is huge with over 2.1 million followers on Instagram and over 370,000 followers on Twitter and 130k on Facebook and growing fast.
The newest venture is her app, Nia’s Nation, that allows her fans behind-the-scene access to Nia’s life with exclusive photos and videos. Insiders will travel with Nia around the country and discover more about the girl behind the dance. The app is available on iTunes.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Nia developed her love for the arts and began training in dancing, singing, music, acrobatics and acting when she was just three years old. This dynamo doesn’t limit herself to dance, Nia loves to sing and write music, mostly pop with a modern contemporary sound. She played the drums for 2 years and the piano for over 5 years. Both took a back seat to dance, but after starting lessons again, she has rediscovered her love for the piano. She loves to sculpt and loves the way Chihuly sculptures glass art. She attributes her love of the arts to her 4th grade teacher who made it sound fun and interesting.
Best known as the friendly and hard working team member on the runaway hit, Dance Moms, Nia is making her mark in the competition world. Her growth as a dancer has made her a fan favorite and her fun style and polished technique has proven her spot on the team. She loves the way that dance energizes her and it’s a great form of exercise.
Being a good role model is important to Nia, so what better way than to dive into charity work. Nia often performs at many charity events and speaks to kids about how they can “star” in their own lives, a message dear to her. She is passionate about raising support and awareness of reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND), pediatric cancer and animal rights.
Nia also values education and homeschooling has given her the flexibility to stay on top of her schoolwork while she works on the show and on her craft. Her strong work ethic has allowed her to set high standards for her academic goals. She has been accepted into the Dance Theater of Harlem Summer Intensive program starting in June and would love to attend NYU or Columbia and would major in physical therapy, voice, theater, or medicine.
In her free time, Nia loves to cook and volunteers at the dance studio to help demonstrate. She keeps up on fashion by exploring the Internet for new trends and incorporating them into her life. She also participated in karate and competitive chess. Nia enjoys taking pictures and has discovered a passion for photography in addition to her love of arts & crafts. Nia is strongest in the freestyle and backstroke on the swim team. People would be surprised to know that she collects American Girl dolls and enjoys playing cards with her brother.
Nia appears on Dance Moms with her mom, Holly Frazier. She lives with her parents, two brothers, Evan & William and dogs Henry Rhinestone & Olive.
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When did you start dancing?
As soon as I could walk I was dancing. I have been dancing as early as I can remember so I my earliest memories always involve dance. My parents took me to a preschool dance class at two because they knew I loved to dance.
Did you take dancing classes?
I started as a recreation dance student at Abby’s studio around 3 years old. My formal dance training started a few years later after I joined the Abby Lee Dance Company. I had to convince my mom to let me join the dance company. I remember I really wanted a solo and you could only have a solo if you were a member of the company. Abby warned my mom that joining the dance company would mean dance would become my life and my mom thought that comment was hilarious. Who knew then that Abby would be right.
What’s it like being on Lifetime’s Dance Moms?
Being an original cast member of Dance Moms is a lot of fun but it is challenging at the same time. I have been on the show since I was 9 years old and people have watched me grow up on television. The good and bad moments and memories are there for everyone to see. It is a little weird that people know so much about me and I have never met them before. But it is also cool knowing that I have so many people cheering me on- especially when times get tough.
How did you get on the show?
There was a casting call for the show held at the dance studio. I auditioned for the show with my mom. Part of the audition process included a series of interviews in addition to a tape of me dancing. I had to convince my mom to audition. Initially my mom said I could not audition because she did not think the television show was really going to happen. When I finally convinced her to at least let me audition she said we would never be picked because we were too boring and we were not what the producers were looking for.
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
I am still looking for advice too! What I can offer is to stay focused on your dreams and believe that your dreams can come true. Always do your best and practice, practice, practice.
What type of dance do you like best?
It is hard to pick a favorite style of dance because I like all styles of dance. If forced to pick I would say my favorites are contemporary and musical theater. I love Broadway and the theater so musical theater is a lot of fun. It allows me to blend my skills as a triple threat and blend my talents.
What has been the best thing that has happened to you since being on the show?
No question_ My music video was the most memorable and awesome experience. From that experience I grew as a performer and an artist. Making the music video was the beginning of redefining me so it was a critical turning point. The entire process of making the music video was incredible because I was able to combine all of my interests, singing, dancing and entertaining. It was truly a transformation process and I began to see my self as a true star. I was living the message of my song.
Best advice ever given?
STAR IN YOUR OWN LIFE!
What are the five things you can’t live without?
THERE ARE SIX…MY MOM, MY DAD, MY TWO BROTHERS, AND MY TWO DOGS!
What is you favorite song? Why?
May favorite song is always changing. My current favorite song is Bad Blood by Taylor Swift. It is on repeat right now… it is so catchy!!
Who is your role model?
MY MOM, DOCTOR HOLLY!
Name one your strengths?
Getting along with people is one of my greatest strengths. Over the years I have had a lot of practice working with a wide variety of people and personalities. I learned how to adapt when I need to and how to express my feelings with honesty and respect.
How do you spend your spare time?
I do not have much spare time, but when I do have spare time I love to be still. No plans, just relax and breathe. It is a real treat if I can be in my bedroom because that is my ultimate sanctuary. I might write, read, watch television, do Pilates or just play with my dogs.
What music we can find on your iPod?
You never know what you will find on my iPod. I am always looking for new music and I am having fun exploring SoundCloud and Spotify. As a dancer you are always listening for new sounds and music. I love a variety of music but you can be sure you will always find David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Adele, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and tons more.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I am super excited about my new single and video, “Slay”, that was just released in August. I love this song because it sends the message of courage. The idea is that people no matter who they are can be bold, own who they are in their individuality and “Slay” is empowering. The song encourages people to conquer negativity and dismiss the haters in their lives. Do not listen to those who tell you are not pretty enough or good enough. Defeat obstacles being the best you that you can be. The Slay video takes the song’s message one step further in an urban musical setting that focuses on beauty coming in many shapes, sizes and colors. There are a lot of colorful characters in the video and everyone is included. I am what I like to consider “Urban Malibu Barbie meets Jem” in the video. No one is left out because they do not fit in or they are too different. There is strength in being secure in who you are.
What kind of music do you listen to today?
People may be surprised to know that I like a variety of music. I listen to all types of music- urban, pop, dance, and R&B are among my favorites. As a dancer I have developed a huge appreciation for all types of music. If I can dance to it I will probably like it. I also love songs with positive messages.
What hidden talents do you have?
Cooking! I am not sure it is exactly hidden but it is a passion. I am a total foodie!! Cooking is a great way for me to relax and I enjoy cooking for my family. I started out baking during holidays with my aunt. I have always enjoyed watching cooking shows and some of my favorite celebrities are chefs. I see myself as a future chef. I love to experiment in the kitchen. I collect cookbooks and I read them to get recipe ideas. Right now I am fascinated with salad dressing recipes. Anyone who really knows me knows that I like to cook.
How would you describe your style?
My style is evolving. I enjoy playing around with style. I like to take risks and have fun with fashion. I see fashion as art and I have always had a deep appreciation for art. Although you can often find me in comfortable dance clothes, I love to use my clothing to express my feelings or mood. Fashion can definitely make a statement.
Favorite designer?
I don’t have a favorite designer yet but I do have a few favorite stores where I like to shop. Forever 21, Anthropologie, and Lulu Lemmon are among some of my favorite stores where I like to shop. I am developing my personal style and I enjoy finding outfits that set me apart from other people. Since fashion trends are constantly changing I like to have flexibility in my wardrobe but I also have to stick to a budget. I love to read fashion magazines and blogs to look at the latest trends. I also enjoy looking at posts on Pinterest for style ideas.
Where would you like your career to be in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I will be headed to college. Education comes first in my family so I will be thinking about my future major. Other than that it is hard to imagine what I will be doing in 5 years. Hopefully I will be doing things that I love- singing, acting and dancing.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is a great way for people to connect. I use social media to interact with fans and friends. I am on the road a lot and it is great that I can access a network of people supporting me form around the road. I love to see what people are up to when I am not there. I have discovered that social media I is very powerful. Overall social media can be incredibly positive. I have encouraged fans to change their social media avatars to their own photos instead of their favorite celebrities. I thought it was important to empower people to not hide behind the face of others. I have also taken a stand against spam on social media. I noticed that a lot of spam encourages hate and promotes lies. I wanted my Instagram page to be a fun and positive experience for my fans and I noticed that it was being taken over by spam. I decided to take on the people who spam and block them. My fans loved the bold move. It has not been a easy battle but cyber bullying should not be tolerated by anyone.
Where we can follow you?
YouTube.com/NiaSiouxFrazier
Instagram.com/nia_sioux5
Twitter.com/RealNiaSioux
Facebook.com/NiaSiouxFrazier
MY APP (NIA NATION)
Book: LIFE IN MOTION, MISTY COPELAND’S MEMOIR
Life In Motion by Misty Copeland has to be one of my favorite books. Misty’s memoir. I can relate to her story and her journey through the world of dance. In many ways it felt like Misty was talking directly to me. Her story was inspiring. I actually write her a letter after I read her book.
Quote: “STAR IN YOUR OWN LIFE”
Of course my favorite quote is Star In Your Own Life!! No one gets to star in your life but you. There is only one you! My mom has given me this advice since I was really little and it has stuck. Remembering this quote pushes me to try my best and never settle.
Movie: THE WIZ
My favorite movie is “The Wiz”. I love the music and the choreography. “Home” is one of my favorite songs- it is so inspiring and I love the message. I never get tired of watching this movie.
Tv Series: SAY YES TO THE DRESS AND MANY OTHERS!
One of my favorite Friday night rituals is watching Say Yes to the Dress with my mom. I do not have a chance to watch a lot of television because I normally rehearse most evenings so Friday nights are very special to me. There is something about this show that makes me smile. This show tells stories about family, fashion and love. What a fun combination!
Restaurant: IT DEPENDS ON MY MOOD.
I am a foodie and I LOVE to go out to eat. It is hard to select a favorite restaurant because my mood influences what I want to eat and when. I have a soft spot for Mexican and Italian but I love a good steak and grilled seafood.
Favorite Food: ICE CREAM!
I have a weak spot for ice cream. Ice cream is my absolute favorite food and I think it should be its own food group. My favorite ice cream flavor is cotton candy.
Travel Destination: PARIS
Paris is my ideal travel destination. It was my dream to go to Paris when I became a teenager. I was fortunate to go to Paris for a couple of days last year. Visiting art museums was one of the trip highlights. I can’t wait to go again but I hope I have a longer visit next time.
Sports Team: STEELERS…I’M A PITTSBURGH GIRL!
The Steelers!!! Don’t forget I am a Pittsburgh girl. I am proud to wear our team colors- black and gold. I am not very athletic and I really do not know much about football but I have a lot of team spirit.
Actor/Actress: ADAM SANDLER
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