Tate McRae: The Significance of Performance & Image in Music
Image Courtesy: Audacy
Tate McRae, Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer, has quickly gained recognition in the pop world, but her journey started on the dance floor rather than behind a microphone. The pop star grew up immersed in dance with her mother as one of her primary teachers. From an early age, she began to take classes, eventually joining the prestigious School of Alberta Ballet. Soon, she captured the attention of the masses.
McRae’s foundation in dance has been pivotal to her stage presence and ability to express herself creatively as a singer and dancer. She has a wide array of accolades, which involves being a part of the Calgary leg of Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour as a background dancer. Additionally, McRae was recognized with the Best Female Dancer award three times throughout her childhood at the prestigious NYC Dance Awards. She competed in the mini and teen categories, which is extremely difficult to accomplish. Finally, she appeared on the 13th season of the American reality show So You Think You Can Dance. McRae won third place by dancing a mix of ballet and contemporary styles.
As Tate McRae’s dance career took off, so did her visibility as an artist. She started sharing dance videos online, and soon after, implemented singing into the mix. Although her first upload was an original song, her covers of popular hits captured the public’s attention. Gradually, this positioned her as more than just a dancer. Her dual talents became clear to anyone following her.
In 2017, McRae took her first step into the music industry with the release of her debut single, “One Day.” However, it wasn't until 2020 that McRae’s music gained international acclaim with the release of "You Broke Me First." The song soared to #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying her place in the global pop music scene.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
McRae’s dance background makes her multifaceted-ness distinguishable. Unlike many pop stars, who rely on their vocal abilities and collaborations with other artists, McRae is able to dominate the crowd as a triple threat. In her recent worldwide tour, Think Later, videos of her stage presence were captivating. Her versatility in incorporating choreography for each of her songs while singing is commendable because multitasking singing and dancing is no easy feat. Mcrae doesn’t just perform—she commands the stage, blending emotive movement with powerful vocals, creating an almost theatrical experience. Now she is being recognized for her dynamic and expressive stage presence, continuing to elevate each performance from a standard pop concert into an immersive experience, where each song tells a story through sound and movement. Her ability to engage audiences visually, not just sonically, sets her apart as an artist who pushes the boundaries of traditional live performance.
Aside from her ability to provide an essence of storytelling during concerts, McRae is admired for her sense of style, blending a sporty, casual vibe with high-fashion elements. Her fashion choices on stage often reflect her performance style—comfortable but bold. Whether she rocks oversized jackets and baggy pants or sleek, form-fitting outfits, McRae is proving to be as much of a trendsetter as she is a musical sensation. This attention to her image is crucial today in the pop landscape, where visual identity is as important as musical talent. Her typical looks mirror the authentic vibe of her music—confident, cool, and effortlessly chic, helping her craft an unwavering personal brand that resonates with fans. In pop music, where image plays a pivotal role in shaping artists' careers, McRae's unique style only solidifies her status as a rising icon.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Ultimately, Tate McRae would not be who she is without dance. Her childhood passion is woven into every aspect of her artistry, shaping her performance and how she connects with her music and audience. What's most appreciable about McRae is her ability to seamlessly blend her undeniable talents for dance and music, never sacrificing one for the other. As she evolves, it has become clear that Tate McRae is carving out a path for herself autonomously. If her latest performances are any indication, she’s just getting started. Don’t miss out—stream her new single, It's ok I’m ok now.
Strike Out,
Writer: Maria Carrillo
Editor: Dani Hernandez
Graphic Designer: Alyssa Gonzalez
Tallahassee