Rachael McLaren facts for kids

Rachael McLaren is a talented Canadian dancer. She is well-known for her performances with the famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Rachael McLaren grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was the youngest of four children in her family. Rachael started learning ballet when she was just five years old. She joined the recreational program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Even though she loved to dance, she was not accepted into their professional program. They told her she was "not a fit" for it.

A Career on Stage

Starting in Musicals

When Rachael was 17, she got a big break! She was chosen to be part of the musical Mamma Mia! in Toronto. She was an ensemble member and also an understudy for the character Ali. This was a great achievement, especially since she had not had much singing training before.

Joining Alvin Ailey

Two years later, in 2006, Rachael moved to New York City. She joined Ailey II, which is the second company of the famous Alvin Ailey dance group. Her talent shone brightly, and in 2008, she joined the main company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

With the Alvin Ailey company, Rachael performed many different styles of dance. She danced both modern dance and contemporary ballet. These are two exciting and expressive forms of dance.

Performing Chroma in London

In 2016, Rachael had a special opportunity. She performed a ballet called Chroma in London, England. This was to celebrate the ballet's 10th anniversary. Rachael and four other dancers from Alvin Ailey performed with dancers from The Royal Ballet. They danced together at the Royal Opera House, which is a very famous theater.

As of June 2019, Rachael McLaren is no longer performing with the Ailey company.

Life After Ailey

Returning to Winnipeg

In November 2020, Rachael shared some exciting news in a video interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She talked about moving back to Winnipeg, her hometown. She returned to marry her high-school sweetheart. They had been in a long-distance relationship for a while.

Family and New Roles

At the time of that interview, Rachael and her husband had one daughter. They were also expecting another child. As of December 2022, Rachael is a mother of two young daughters.

Rachael continues to be involved in the world of dance. She works as a Guest Choreographer at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance in Winnipeg. She also teaches dance, fitness, and mindfulness meditation. On top of that, she does acting and stunt performing for television and film!