Cheryl Baxter Rattliff

Cheryl Baxter Rattliff is an American choreographer and dance instructor who gained widespread recognition in the early 2020s for her viral social media presence alongside her friend Beth Bowles. Born in the United States in 1958, she built a career spanning over four decades on stage and in film before finding a second act as a digital creator. She is best known for performing tap routines that blend vintage styles with modern trends under the handle @dababyboomers, where she has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers.

Beyond her internet fame, Rattliff was a working professional in the entertainment industry long before TikTok existed. Her resume includes performances in major productions like Cats and the film Xanadu. She also established herself as a respected educator, teaching tap dance at UCLA and serving as a director for Universal Studios Japan. Her journey from Broadway stages to the Grammy Awards stage illustrates a unique path that defies ageist stereotypes in the dance world. [edit]

Before becoming a household name on social media, Cheryl Baxter spent decades honing her craft in the traditional entertainment industry. Born into a family with musical roots, she initially worked as a Doo Wop singer before shifting her focus entirely to dance. This early exposure to music laid the groundwork for her future success as a choreographer who understands rhythm and timing deeply.

Her professional training and experience led her to significant roles in theater and film during the 1980s. She began her career working on the 1980 film Xanadu, which marked her entry into the Hollywood spotlight. Following this, she secured a spot in the cast of the iconic Broadway musical Cats, performing for audiences in New York City. These experiences gave her a foundation in professional discipline and performance art that would later inform her teaching style.

Rattliff also expanded her horizons internationally, taking a position at Universal Studios Japan where she taught and performed. Back in the United States, she became a fixture in academic dance circles, serving as a tap teacher at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). There, she instructed students in courses such as THEATER 134C, passing down her knowledge to a new generation of dancers. By the time the pandemic hit, she had already founded her own production company, Baxter Ratliff Productions, and was well-established in the Los Angeles arts community. [edit]

The trajectory of Cheryl Baxter Rattliff's career shifted dramatically in 2021 when she partnered with Beth Bowles to create content for TikTok. The duo, who call themselves Dababyboomers, quickly went viral for their high-energy dance routines that combined classic tap techniques with current internet trends. Their chemistry and skill set them apart, attracting millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers within months.

This digital success opened doors to mainstream opportunities that had been unavailable to them previously. In February 2021, the pair was invited to perform at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Their appearance on one of the biggest nights in music history served as a validation of their work and introduced their message of joy and movement to a global audience. They have since continued to collaborate with other TikTok stars and lead workshops, proving that their influence extends beyond just online clips.

Rattliff remains active in the industry today. As of 2026, she continues to post content on Instagram under the handle @ratliffsmomr5, sharing dance reels and family moments. Her ability to adapt to new platforms while maintaining her core identity as a dancer has made her a role model for older adults entering the digital space. Her production company, Baxter Ratliff Productions, continues to operate, managing her creative projects and collaborations. [edit]

Rattliff projects an image of vibrant energy and timeless elegance. She challenges the stereotype that dance is solely for the young by showcasing precision and stamina in her routines. Her style blends the sophistication of classic tap with the spontaneity of modern social media trends. Media outlets often describe her as an inspiration for aging gracefully and staying active. She presents herself as approachable and joyful, emphasizing fun over perfection in her videos. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. She is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Her rise to prominence is driven almost entirely by her organic connection with fans on TikTok rather than traditional celebrity metrics.

Her fanbase consists of users who appreciate intergenerational humor and genuine dance talent. Followers of the @dababyboomers account celebrate her ability to master complex routines despite being in her sixties. Fans often share her videos to highlight the joy of dancing at any age. The community frequently engages with her content by leaving supportive comments and participating in challenges she initiates. There is no formal name for this group, but they are united by a love for her specific brand of vintage-meets-modern dance. [edit]

Cheryl started her career singing Doo Wop before switching to dance. She taught tap dance at UCLA, a university-level institution that requires high standards. Her son Ellington Ratliff is a drummer for the band R5. Despite her viral fame, she keeps her personal life relatively private on Instagram. The partnership with Beth Bowles began as a friendship before evolving into a professional collaboration. [edit]

Cheryl Baxter Rattliff lives in Los Angeles, California, where she maintains a home that serves as a hub for her creative work. She is the mother of Ellington Ratliff, a musician known for his drumming work with the pop-rock band R5. While details about her children are kept somewhat private, she occasionally shares photos of family life on her personal Instagram account. She does not appear to be married currently, though she celebrates many professional milestones with her producing partner Allen Walls, who is described as a close friend. [edit]

Beth Bowles, Ellington Ratliff, Allen Walls, Tricia Goldsmith[edit]

Public records regarding Cheryl Baxter Rattliff's romantic history are sparse. There is no documented evidence of a marriage or long-term engagement in credible sources. She is primarily known professionally through her partnership with Beth Bowles, which is widely described as a deep friendship and creative collaboration rather than a romantic relationship. Some reports mention Allen Walls as a producing partner and friend, with whom she celebrates professional milestones.

As of 2026, she is reported to be single. While she keeps her personal life relatively private, her focus appears to be on her career and her relationship with her son, Ellington Ratliff. No other public dating history or past spouses have been confirmed by reliable media outlets. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Cheryl Baxter Rattliff's fortune at around $1.2 million. This estimate reflects her diverse income streams accumulated over a forty-year career. Her wealth comes from a combination of teaching salaries at prestigious institutions like UCLA and AMDA, fees from her production company, and revenue generated through her viral social media presence.

Since going viral in 2021, her earning potential has expanded significantly. She likely earns substantial sums from brand partnerships, sponsored content on TikTok and Instagram, and performance fees for appearances. Her ownership of Baxter Ratliff Productions provides a steady base of income from choreography contracts. Unlike many influencers whose careers are short-lived, Rattliff benefits from a long history of stable employment in the arts, which has allowed her to build financial security gradually. [edit]