Conversations with Raquelle Ahrens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquelle Ahrens.

Hi Raquelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I entered this world with an affinity for music and body movement/expression. The only thing better than music was being able to interpret that music through my body and convey a story untold to an audience. I grew up training rigorously in competitive private dance, attending countless competitions, workshops, conventions, and classes.

After I solidified my technique and foundation, I wanted a new challenge that was more largely community-oriented. I joined my high school dance team which would eventually open the doors to my first professional hires and provide me with more of an understanding of who I was as a performer. I landed my first professional gig right before I graduated high school with one of Denver’s leading entertainment and production companies where I would eventually work my way up to Dance Company Director and lead female vocalist.

During my years at the University of Colorado Denver where I graduated with a BS in Music and Entertainment Industry Studies with an emphasis in Music Business via the performance track, I began to realize I had yet another passion…singing! I trained in school as well as outside in private vocal lessons to hone my craft and fulfill my ultimate dream of singing and dancing on stage because why can’t we have it all?

To date, I have performed and choreographed more than 100 elaborate productions at various galas, award shows, charities, and benefits, in addition to musical artists, bands, and high school, and collegiate teams.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No artist can truly create without some “character building” along the way, right? I practically live in my metaphorical hard hat at this point between loss, failed relationships, a whole year of canceled performances due to a global pandemic, and a pretty serious health challenge that I’m caring for privately for now (bonus points if all these rockets launch during the same year, like me).

In addition to personal struggles, there’s also just trying to exist and succeed as a woman in the music and entertainment industry. Good luck. However, this adversity has truly defined who I am as an artist, and more importantly, as a fellow human being sharing this same experience with my neighbor.

These challenging chapters have shaped my artistry in a way that enables me to tell my story more authentically and hopefully do more justice when sharing other’s stories. Carrie Fisher once said, “Take your broken heart and make it into art.” And hand to God, if I’m not trying!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Singer, dancer, choreographer, creative, and all things razzmatazz—in no particular order. I have been performing with Moments Notice & Company for 14 years as a lead female vocalist and Dance Company Director. My most recent project is Yachty Got Back produced by Luxe Llama Productions. Exploring the genre of Yacht Rock and putting our flare on it has been one of the highlights of my career.

It is a high-energy production that boasts Broadway and theatrical elements creating a Yacht Rock show unlike any other—come see us on December 16th at The Oriental Theater! You can find me wearing all of the hats at LLP including Vocalist, Dancer, Choreographer, Assistant Creative Director, and Marketing. I worked with Universal Music Group among other labels, booking agencies, and festivals in the backend of the music industry for years, so I love still being able to flex that muscle.

I am most proud of my ability to enrapture an audience whether it be through song or movement, or both à la the Princess of Pop, Britney Spears. People know me best for this combination of high-energy dancing with the vocals to match. Performing is who I am and what I’m fortunate enough to pursue as a career. Of course, as all creatives can attest to, we are not just one thing and our creative branches extend long into many different—if you’re lucky, lucrative—directions. As of late, I’ve been utilizing my love of words and my imaginative style to arrange them in various forms of song, poetry, website building, brand refreshing and relaunching, and marketing. Being a working musician or entertainer of any sort is a choice you have to make daily. It is not lost on me how difficult it is to put your creative passions over security and stability.

However, we need entertainers to tell these stories of the human condition and these shared experiences that define our lives. That is the impact I believe I have when I take the stage or even pen something down. Whether it be a song the client requests or a song of my choosing, it’s still a character I can empathize with and convey to affect someone in the crowd long after the show has concluded. That is what expressive art is for and that’s the positive impact I hope to inspire globally.

What matters most to you? Why?
Above all, we’re here to uplift and exalt one another. What good is my success if not shared? There’s enough space for all of us and honestly, we need each other. I’ve heard many variations of this quote but it’s always been imprinted on my heart, “You’re never taller than when you bend down to help someone in need.” I have been this person in need more times than I can count and I have been so fortunate to have someone in a better position than me, help me back up and back on my path.

Not their path, my path, because they believed in me and understood that we can all journey together. This is the leadership and legacy I hope to carry on in my career, in my relationships, and my everyday life. I especially aspire to encourage other young women that it is possible to be respected for your talent, intellect, and grit in any industry…against any man *wink wink*

Contact Info:

• Website: Yachtygotback.com
• Instagram: @raqcity008
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelle-ahrens
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yachtygotback
• Other: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/419571?tc=theorientaltheater&_ga=2.38243491.1004379282.1694114782-141568079.1694114782

Image Credits
David Henning, Shari Kimmey, and Katie Gifford