Abby Lee Miller Claims Tate McRae Snubbed Her at a West Hollywood Restaurant
In a recent episode of Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast, Abby Lee Miller, the famously blunt and fiery dance coach from Dance Moms, shared a surprising anecdote about a run-in with pop star Tate McRae. Miller, who has been a prominent figure in the dance world for years, claimed that McRae, a former competitive dancer turned singer, gave her the cold shoulder at Craig’s, a trendy restaurant in West Hollywood. “I don’t know her that well, I just know her [enough] to say ‘hello,’” Miller explained. She noticed McRae dining there a few weeks prior but said McRae didn’t acknowledge her, seemingly snubbing her. “She had her nose in the air,” Miller added, expressing her disappointment at the interaction.
For those unfamiliar, Tate McRae first gained fame as a competitive dancer before transitioning to music. She competed in the same circuits as Miller’s students from Dance Moms, and in 2016, she became the first Canadian finalist on So You Think You Can Dance. While McRae has since carved out a successful career as a pop star, her roots in dance run deep, and her connection to the dance community—especially figures like Miller—adds another layer to this story. A representative for McRae did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment on the alleged snub.
Miller also addressed a viral TikTok video that has resurfaced, showing McRae winning first place at a dance competition back in 2015. At the time, McRae’s victory came at the expense of some of Miller’s star students, including Maddie Ziegler, who many fans of Dance Moms will recognize as one of the show’s most talented performers. Miller defended her team, explaining, “We did dances in two days, and the kids weren’t in class properly,” implying that her students were at a disadvantage due to their demanding schedule. She also noted that McRae likely worked on her winning routine for six months, while Miller’s dancers were tasked with learning and performing new routines every week.
The choreographer made it clear that her students were held to a much higher standard, often performing 637 different numbers throughout their time on the show. “Nobody ever did what we did,” she said with pride, emphasizing the uniqueness and difficulty of the routines her dancers mastered. While McRae’s early success in dance was undoubtedly impressive, Miller wants to ensure her own students receive the credit they deserve for their hard work and versatility.
Despite the apparent tension with McRae, Miller didn’t entirely dismiss her. In fact, she commended the singer for her ability to combine dancing and singing, calling her a “triple threat.” “I think that it’s great that she can whack her leg up there while she’s [singing],” Miller said, referencing McRae’s signature high-energy performances. She even joked that McRae will probably venture into acting next, given her well-rounded talent. While the snub at the restaurant may have left a sour taste, Miller seems to genuinely admire McRae’s success and recognizes her place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
As for Miller herself, she continues to stay busy. Fans of the fiery dance coach can catch her on Season 2 of Mad House on Brandon TV, where she no doubt brings her signature intensity and passion for dance. Additionally, she recently launched a new podcast called Leave It On The Dance Floor, available on Spotify. In the podcast, Miller dives into the world of dance, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and offers advice to aspiring performers—proving that even after all these years, she remains a central figure in the dance community.
In the end, this story highlights the interconnectedness of the entertainment industry, where dance and music often collide, and where past rivalries and personal encounters can resurface in unexpected ways. Whether or not McRae intended to snub Miller, the incident serves as a reminder of the high-pressure world these performers inhabit, where talent, hard work, and a little bit of drama often go hand in hand.
