Tanja Rosner is a German-born Canadian dance instructor, entrepreneur, and studio founder best known as the founder and CEO of YYC Dance Project in Calgary, Alberta. She is also widely recognized as the mother of singer, songwriter, and dancer Tatum Rosner McRae, also known as Tate McRae, whose early training in dance was shaped directly by Rosner’s teaching philosophy and studio leadership.
While her daughter’s career has unfolded on global stages, Rosner has remained intentionally private, focusing her work on dance education, mentorship, and long-term dancer development rather than public visibility.
Tanja Rosner Biography
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanja Rosner |
| Birthplace | Germany |
| Nationality | German-born Canadian |
| Residence | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Occupation | Dance instructor, studio founder, entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder/CEO of YYC Dance Project; mother of Tate McRae |
| Spouse | Todd McRae |
| Children | Tucker Rosner McRae (b. 2001), Tate Rosner McRae (b. 2003) |
| Public Profile | Low; focused on family and professional dance work |
Early Life and Heritage
Public information about Tanja Rosner’s early life is limited by design. She was born in Germany and later immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Calgary, which became both her family’s home and the base of her professional work.
Her background suggests strong European dance foundations, reflected in her emphasis on discipline, precision, and long-term technical development. Rather than pursuing performance in the public eye, Rosner chose a path centered on teaching, structure, and mentorship, shaping dancers from behind the scenes.
Family Life: A Supportive, Low-Profile Household
Rosner and her husband, Todd McRae, have raised a small, close-knit family rooted in Calgary. Public descriptions of Todd McRae’s professional background vary across sources, but what remains consistent is the couple’s shared preference for privacy and a strong emphasis on stability and support.
Children
- Tucker Rosner McRae (born April 11, 2001): A Canadian ice hockey player and student-athlete who joined Dartmouth College men’s ice hockey after playing junior hockey in the AJHL.
- Tate Rosner McRae (born July 1, 2003): An internationally recognized singer, songwriter, and dancer whose performance foundation was built through years of intensive dance training under her mother’s guidance.
The household reflects a balance of art and athletics, with equal respect for discipline, repetition, and personal growth.
Building YYC Dance Project: Career and Philosophy
Rosner’s most significant professional contribution is YYC Dance Project, founded around 2015–2016 in Calgary.
The studio was created with a clear philosophy:
- Elite technical training
- High expectations paired with dancer well-being
- Long-term sustainability over short-term success
At its peak, elite dancers trained up to 30 hours per week, combining classical technique, contemporary movement, and performance readiness. Rosner emphasized health, mentorship, and resilience, a model that stood apart from more aggressive competitive studio cultures.
YYC Dance Project became known locally and nationally as a serious training environment with a dancer-first ethos.
Influence on Tate McRae’s Development
Tate McRae’s early recognition as a dancer before her transition into music is closely tied to her training environment. Rosner’s influence is visible in:
- Technical control
- Stamina and performance endurance
- Professional discipline from a young age
Tate has publicly credited her early dance foundation as essential to her later success on stage, where choreography, breath control, and physical awareness remain central to her performances.
Entrepreneurial Work Beyond Dance
In addition to YYC Dance Project, public business listings have associated Rosner with Schatzi Inc., a Calgary-based enterprise. Details remain limited, consistent with her broader approach of letting work exist without promotion.
Public Presence and Privacy
Despite her proximity to public figures, Tanja Rosner maintains a minimal digital footprint:
- An Instagram account exists, but with limited activity
- No regular interviews or media appearances
- No known controversies or public disputes
Her visibility tends to surface only in connection with dance education or her children’s milestones, reinforcing a pattern of deliberate restraint.
What Sets Tanja Rosner Apart
Two defining qualities stand out:
- Discipline with Compassion: She balances rigor with care, prioritizing longevity and mental health in an industry known for burnout.
- Quiet Leadership: Rosner builds systems and then steps back, allowing dancers to succeed without centering herself in the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tanja Rosner?
Tanja Rosner is a German-born Canadian dance instructor and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of YYC Dance Project and the mother of Tate McRae.
Where does Tanja Rosner live?
She resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
How old is Tanja Rosner?
Her exact age is not publicly documented; estimates place her in her 40s or 50s as of 2025.
What is YYC Dance Project?
YYC Dance Project is an elite Calgary-based dance training program founded by Rosner, known for combining rigorous technique with dancer well-being.
Who is Tanja Rosner married to?
She is married to Todd McRae, who maintains a private professional life.
Who are her children?
Her children are Tucker McRae, a collegiate hockey player, and Tate McRae, an internationally known singer and dancer.
