Former competitive dancers Maddie Ziegler and Tate McRae have come a long way since their early days in the dance world, marked by a notable rivalry. The two have moved past their competitive streaks and into a supportive friendship, revealing insights into their journeys during a recent conversation.
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In 2016, Ziegler served as a judge on the television programme ‘So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation’, whilst McRae, then only 13 years old, was a keen contestant. Ziegler reminisced about that era during an interview with Jake Shane on the podcast ‘Therapuss’, reflecting on the sometimes odd dynamics of their former competition and the emotions tied to it.
Ziegler, now 23, first found fame as a standout dancer on ‘Dance Moms’, where she caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike. Her rise continued through collaboration with singer Sia, particularly with her appearance in the acclaimed music video for “Chandelier”. However, Ziegler’s roots lie deeply embedded in competitive dance, where she frequently encountered emerging talent like McRae.
In their earlier years, both Ziegler and McRae trained rigorously in dance, frequently competing in various prestigious events. During their competition at the 2015 Dance Awards, McRae triumphed, taking home the title of Junior Female Best Dancer, while Ziegler finished in fourth place. Ziegler candidly admitted her frustrations at losing, describing herself as “a sore loser” during those times. “If I didn’t win, I was really upset,” she shared on the podcast.
Interestingly, the paths of these two dancers crossed again when they appeared on ‘So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation’. Ziegler was in the position of a judge, tasked with evaluating performances while McRae competed, adding a layer of complexity to their history. Ziegler recalled that it felt “so weird” to be judging her former rival and noted that during the competition, they weren’t permitted to foster a friendship. “We had to wait until after we wrapped,” Ziegler explained.
McRae eventually finished in third place on the show, marking an impressive highlight in her career. She became the highest-placing Canadian contestant in the programme’s history. Following this, she began to carve her niche in the music industry, gradually moving beyond her dance roots. McRae has successfully built a substantial following on platforms such as YouTube and released original songs, signing with RCA Records in 2019.
As for Ziegler, her career has also flourished, with her transitioning from dance into acting. Recently, she took on the challenging role of a ballerina in the film ‘Pretty Lethal’. To prepare for this role, Ziegler underwent extensive training with her co-stars, an experience she described as intense but rewarding. “We were all living in the same hotel and we were immediately immersed into three weeks of boot camp,” she explained, highlighting the dedication required for her preparation.
Over the years, Ziegler and McRae’s relationship has changed significantly from their competitive beginnings to one built on mutual respect and support. “I feel like when I was around 16, 17, we got close again and started hanging out in L.A.,” Ziegler stated. She expressed admiration for McRae, noting, “I love her so much, and she’s killing it.”
Both women are strong representatives of their craft, having expertly navigated intense competition environments during their formative years. Their journey from rivalry to camaraderie exemplifies the potential for growth and understanding in the entertainment industry. As they continue to pursue their respective artistic paths, Ziegler and McRae stand as inspirational figures to many aspiring dancers and musicians.