These days, Nia Sioux 's pillowcases are feeling awfully dry.

Years removed from her time under Abby Lee Miller 's tutelange, the Dance Moms alum has learned it's not necessary to save her tears for anything .

"It's OK for people to see your emotions," she acknowledged in an exclusive interview with E! News. "It doesn't mean that you're any less strong."

And while she now has a few less things to cry about, she admitted it's taken a bit of work to replace Abby's voice in her head.

As Nia detailed in her newly released memoir Bottom of the Pyramid , her former dance teacher "frequently called me fat, pointing out my big butt and hips. Her harsh criticism was then broadcast on the show for the world to see." (E! News has reached out to Abby for comment but has not yet h

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