Nia Sioux Says ‘Dance Moms’ Wasn’t ‘Fake’ In Emotional Video

Like other reality shows, “Dance Moms” has long been accused of not being entirely real, but star Nia Sioux wants fans to know a lot of the program wasn’t fake to her.

Following the show’s emotional season -- reportedly not series -- finale on Tuesday, the original “Dance Moms” cast member opened up about her final episode of the Lifetime program on her YouTube channel.

In a six-minute video, Nia, 16, got emotional while dishing about the show which brought her to fame.

“The girls, they’re my family,” Nia said with tears in her eyes while talking about her co-stars. “The OGs who started out this show, we all came from the same place. It wasn’t fake. The show was built on real stuff that happened at the studio.”

Nia added that the original cast, which included her Season 7 team member Chloe Lukasiak, were friends long before the show started filming in 2011, which added to its authenticity. “We were all best friends before the show even started so we all go way back to like 3, 4 years old,” she shared. “It’s just amazing to see how much has changed and what everyone’s doing now.”

During her emotional post, Nia thanked all of those who helped her during her stint on the show, including her dance teachers and family. She also gave credit to fans for sticking by her season after season.

“I wasn’t the one who always won -- I was kind of the underdog. It was still just an experience of a lifetime. I just couldn’t be more grateful for this experience,” she stated. “We’ve all just come such a long way and I just want to say that I love you guys. I can’t wait to see what happens next for all the girls and moms and just see what happens. I know everyone is gonna do great things, I just know it.”

While Nia enjoyed seven seasons on the show (she is the only cast member to stick it out from beginning to end), she confirmed she will not be returning should the series make a comeback.

“It was a good show but it is definitely time to move on,” Nia explained. “Believe me, the show was very stressful most of the time and I was always kind of like on edge, but I made friendships that will last forever from the show. I learned how to work with different people from the show. I learned how to pick up choreography and I met so many different people on the show. There’s nothing much more to say then goodbye to the show.”

While Nia says she will no longer be on the program, she will continue to talk about the series because she says it’s a “part” of her. “I’m still going to do ‘Dance Moms’ videos with all the girls,” she teased.

“The show was something that was very special to me and I hope that you guys will stay connected with us and continue to grow up with us because we still have a lot of growing up to do.”