Stacey Tookey, an Emmy-nominated Canadian choreographer, is widely known for her work on the dance series So You Think You Can Dance. Lately she has been critiquing dances on Canada’s favorite dance series, The Next Step, which airs on Family Channel.
The big regional dance competition has arrived and the stakes are high. Dancers Michelle Baldesarra, Eldon Lupien, and Riley Raymond, along with the rest of the A-Troupe, have trained for months and faced numerous hurdles along the way. The regional showdown delivers a four-part finale, with Stacey Tookey serving as one of the competition’s commentators.
The article spoke with Stacey about her role on The Next Step, her dance background, and her Emmy nomination journey.
Can you tell us about your role on The Next Step?
I was invited to appear as myself, acting as a judge and commentator for the final regional competition. It represents the season’s culmination, a big moment. Being myself made the role comfortable because it centers on discussing and critiquing dance. I do that all the time. At the same time, I realized as a dancer I’m quite fidgety and wanted to move with the performers. It was a playful shift from dancer to actor on screen.
Do you think The Next Step accurately portrays the drama that can unfold in dance studios?
Absolutely. I grew up in a dance studio, and my mom still runs one in its forty-fourth year. I know that world—competition, teamwork, rivalries, and the mix of jealousy and sportsmanship that come with it. The Next Step captures that dynamic and offers a glimpse into the competitive realm.
Dance shows have sparked renewed interest in the art form. What else do you think they contribute to dancers and the craft?
These shows cast a bright spotlight on dance, boosting interest and popularity beyond what it used to be. The biggest gift is confidence and a place where young people can express themselves freely. There’s a liberating artistry in dance that goes beyond typical teenage life. It provides positive role models on television, encouraging kids to try dance and feel good about themselves.
You’ve choreographed for many talented artists, including Christina Perri, and you’ve worked with dancers on So You Think You Can Dance. What sparked your love of dancing?
My mom runs a studio, so I started dancing at two and a half. By eight, I told my mom I wanted to be a professional dancer. I don’t know if it was the constant presence of dance around me or a pure passion, but I never wanted to do anything else. I feel incredibly blessed that I get to do it every day.
Choreography often tells a story. What do you think makes a dance unforgettable?
The key is making the audience feel something—joy, sadness, longing, or despair. If a piece doesn’t convey emotion, it misses its mark. Dance is storytelling, and when the message lands, people remember it.
Do you plan ahead or improvise with the dancers? Which comes first, the music or the moves?
Ninety-nine percent of the time the music comes first. I’m driven by sound and mood. I don’t pre-plan everything because the dancers bring so much to the room. There’s a beauty in improvisation, in the happy accidents that reveal themselves. I always start with a concept and a finish in mind, but I prefer beginning in the middle with the dancers to see how the idea evolves.
You’ve collaborated with many So You Think You Can Dance alumni beyond the show. The Canadian version’s season four winner, Jordan Clark, is on The Next Step, and you’ve worked with Kathryn McCormick for a music video. How does watching dancers you’ve trained grow affect you?
It feels like watching a child you’ve nurtured blossom into a mature artist. When dancers from So You Think You Can Dance move on to bigger gigs, it’s proof the show can launch careers. The exposure helps them land TV roles and film work. It makes me proud and keeps me hiring from the show because they’re exceptionally talented.
On the flip side, there are dancers who leave the show with the wrong mindset. Fame can be addictive, and it’s crucial to stay hungry, keep learning, and keep training. That ongoing growth matters more than any early platform.
Why do shows like The Next Step and So You Think You Can Dance remain so popular?
Dance is hot right now. The shows are entertaining and uplifting. The Next Step focuses on teen competitions, while So You Think You Can Dance centers on individual journeys. Both formats showcase dedication and resilience, and viewers appreciate watching people push boundaries and sometimes stumble before rising higher.
Who would you love to work with next in the dance world?
A longtime friend and source of inspiration, Twitch, would be an amazing collaborator.
Do you have any dance idols?
I grew up admiring Karen Kain. Classic dancers from earlier eras, like Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, shaped what I think is possible. I admire performers who can sing, dance, and act with ease.
Besides music, what else fuels your creativity?
Life itself fuels me. A photo, a commercial, a movie, a street moment, or a simple scene can spark a new idea. If you stay open to the world around you, inspiration finds you.
What’s it like to receive Emmy nomination news?
The first call felt unreal, almost like a prank. It’s incredible to be recognized at that level among people I deeply admire. It’s a huge source of pride and joy.
What advice would you give to young dancers chasing a dream?
Be dedicated and prepared for the ups and downs. Rejection is part of the process, so surround yourself with supportive, good people. If dancing is truly in your blood, there is a path for you—keep working, stay curious, and never stop growing.
Thank you for speaking with us. The finale of The Next Step, featuring Stacey Tookey, continues to captivate audiences on Family Channel.