Tate McRae is currently dominating TikTok and music charts, but many fans are discovering her early roots in competitive dance, sparking questions about her connection to the hit reality TV show Dance Moms. Before her viral hits and global tours, McRae’s journey began on stage, and yes, it does intertwine with the Dance Moms world, though not in the way you might expect.
Tate McRae’s Dance Moms Era: The Dance Awards Showdown
While Tate McRae wasn’t a cast member of Abby Lee Dance Company on Dance Moms, she was very much a part of the competitive dance scene that the show spotlighted. During Season 5 of Dance Moms in 2015, the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) participated in The Dance Awards, a prestigious national competition. This event became a significant moment for McRae and Dance Moms fans alike.
For years, Dance Moms viewers witnessed Maddie Ziegler as the undisputed star of ALDC, consistently winning top placements. However, The Dance Awards saw a surprising twist. In the Junior Best Dancer category, Tate McRae, competing with YYC Dance Project, outperformed Maddie Ziegler. Tate clinched the first-place title, while Maddie finished in third place.
This victory, though not televised on Dance Moms itself, highlighted Tate McRae’s exceptional talent within the same competitive circuit. It demonstrated that even outside the Dance Moms spotlight, there were incredibly talented dancers like Tate making waves in the dance world. Her participation and win at The Dance Awards during the Dance Moms era cemented her presence in the competitive dance landscape of that time.
From Dance Competition to Pop Charts: Tate McRae’s Rise to Fame
Tate McRae’s dance background extends beyond competitive circuits. Before her pop music breakthrough, she gained national recognition on So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation at just 13 years old. Representing Canada, she showcased her contemporary and ballet skills, captivating audiences and judges alike. Tate advanced to the finals, ultimately securing third place in the competition.
Her So You Think You Can Dance experience opened doors to further opportunities. She shared stages with major artists like Justin Bieber on his Purpose Tour and performed alongside Demi Lovato at the American Music Awards, showcasing her dance prowess to massive audiences.
Parallel to her dance career, Tate began building her music career online. Her YouTube series, “Create with Tate,” featured the song “One Day,” which went viral, amassing over 40 million views by 2017. This online success paved the way for her music career.
In 2019, Tate signed with RCA Records and quickly transitioned into a successful pop artist. By January 2020, she embarked on her first sold-out headlining tour across Europe and North America. From her early dance competition days, including her notable win during the Dance Moms season, to her current pop stardom, Tate McRae’s journey is a testament to her multifaceted talent and relentless drive. Her connection to the Dance Moms world, though indirect, highlights the competitive dance environment that shaped her early career and contributed to her current success.
