Meet Raquelle Ahrens | Professional Singer, Dancer, Choreographer, Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raquelle Ahrens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raquelle, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a young age I was enthralled with body movement and expression, particularly how my body responded to music. I was engaged by all things creative, musical, and imaginative. I started dance lessons when I was 5 years old and within a year I was competing. I couldn’t get enough of dancing and I learned that being able to captivate an audience fueled my flame even more. When I was 7 years old I discovered Britney Spears and my fate was sealed. I saw a mesmerizing young girl who was dancing with technique AND singing and I knew then I could not rest until I was doing that too. I was in training 5 nights a week and half days on Saturday until I was 15 years old studying Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Theater, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop and every other genre I could devour. I did a couple years of voice lessons, but the competition team took every minute of my time. In high school I took a step away from private competitive dance to focus on my high school Poms Dance Team, which would eventually open many doors for me and lead me to my first professional gigs when I was 18 years old, well technically 17. I lied about my age to perform in my first real production as a professional dancer (don’t tell).

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
First and foremost I am a dancer and my love and passion for dance evolved into what I am today— a performer and entertainer. After training and competing for years in private dance and then learning how to galvanize the spirit of a crowd in high school through Poms, I was accepted into the music program at the University of Colorado Denver where I majored in Music and Entertainment Industry Studies with an emphasis in Music Business. During my time in college I landed a job with leading global music conglomerate, Universal Music Group. My time with them was invaluable. I not only learned all the backend of the music business, but I was covering 4-5 concerts a week in the Denver market, in addition to concerts I was going to for my own pleasure. It was then that I got to observe and study all different kinds of musicians and entertainers and how their show was uniquely special to them. It really helped me in my personal performances to hone in on my artistry and what sets me apart from other talented performers. I won’t give away all my secret sauce, but where I thrive is making an audience feel as though I’m performing to each of them individually. I can tell an entire story in one song or dance, and evoke that emotion I’m conjuring into the audience themselves. It is not lost on me that I travel nationally and perform these stories and get paid to live my dream. I have performed and choreographed over 50 elaborate productions and I love what I do. However, I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons along the way. Not everyone wants you to succeed and not everyone is your friend. It’s a tough realization, but many times in this industry people will step on you to get to where they need to be. I also learned very harshly that it’s not always about the talent you posses. There are many other elements out of your control that may factor into whether you get the part or not, but you can’t let that determine your worth. That’s the most important lesson of all. There is room for all of us and for every person I’ve encountered that depleted me, three more have built me up in return. These days I lead with love and grace, not only for my fellow artist, but for everyone. We can all succeed. I operate first and foremost with a passion for music, dance, and expressive arts and the positive impact it inspires globally.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, but I have to say living in Vail for the last several years has opened a world and community that has impacted my life greatly. I love visitors, so come one and all! I prefer visitors in the summer because there’s so much more to do. The best unkept secret is that Vail is actually better in the summer. Rafting the Colorado river is a must. We can pack the cooler with treats and beers and spend the whole day floating the sparkly fresh snowmelt. Then we can hit our camp spot up at Piney and catch the Alpenglow before we build a well deserved fire (provided we aren’t in a drought). For lunch we can go to El Segundo and grab some tacos and a “Friend of the Devil” made by the finest bartenders in the valley, if I do say so myself. After we can catch the legendary après party at Red Lion, staffed by the greatest people you will ever meet. If we’re feeling fancy, we can go to Elways and visit our favorite bartenders Shane and Timmy for some craft cocktails they’ve designed before heading over to Russel’s for some escargot and scallops. Dream day. It’s a marathon, but it’s worth it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many individuals in the music industry I’d like to highlight, but first always I have to credit my family for nurturing my journey as a performer. My mom would drive multiple hours everyday taking me to dance, voice lessons, competitions, and conventions. My parents, brother, grandparents, and aunt have never missed a single performance and are always there to build my confidence and support me however they can, My friends will never know what their support has meant to me; the check-ins, the encouragement, the unwavering hype girls and guys they have all became. I will never forget my first performance at Red Rocks. They all bought expensive tickets and got there early to get as close to the front as they could. I was so nervous to play that venue and seeing their loving faces, hands in the air, just beaming with pride made the whole experience for me. My friends and family ROCK! I would also like to recognize my dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Emily Saunar. She truly has paved the way for women in the music industry. Through the years she has helped me find my voice, on and off stage, as well as my identity in an industry that is extremely cut throat and sexist. She is genuinely a champion of all women and a woman I revere for her talent, grit, and heart. Of course I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Moments Notice & Company family. Thank you genuinely to all of you for showing me I am worth it and I can be anything I want to be on stage. Lastly and most importantly, I have to honor my faith. It is my spirituality that continues to guide me in all of my creative endeavors and faith that allows me to believe in the impossible. My journey has been an incredible one, but it is truly just getting started and I have to thank my Creator for blessing me with these talents, opportunities, and the ability to love everyone in this life whole heartedly for who they are. Not to quote High School Musical, but we’re all in this together. Onward!

Instagram: @raqcity008

Other: Raquelleonstage@gmail.com

Image Credits
Shari Kimmey Katie Gifford