In the late 1930s, she was described as "a small edition of Sonja Henie" and "closer to being 'another Shirley Temple' than anybody in recent years.
[5] Before she began working in films, Dare performed in ice shows—17 by the time she was 6 years old --[6] and skated at a New York club and at Madison Square Garden.
Newsreels of the MSG performance were seen by a talent scout, leading to Dare's film contract.
[5] Also that year, Principal Productions announced plans to make a film of Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates with Bobby Breen in the title role and Dare portraying Greta.
[6] Dare's scenes in the film included dances, somersaults, spins, and whirls on ice in elaborate sequences.