7 - Stacey Tookey: "Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: Resilience, Mindset, and the Art of Dance"

Episode Summary: In this episode of the podcast, host Menina Fortunato sits down with Stacey Tookey, an esteemed director, choreographer, and dancer known for her work on stages and screens globally. Stacey delves into her dance-filled upbringing in Edmonton, where her mother's dance studio served as her nursery and first stage. Her story of overcoming severe stress fractures at 17 underscores her resilience, highlighting the importance of a strong mental attitude in recovering from potential career-ending injuries. Stacey reflects on the reality of professional dance, noting that while competition accolades are impressive, they don't fully equip dancers for the industry's demands. Instead, she stresses the significance of the growth and character developed through one's journey. Throughout the conversation, Stacey offers insights into the high-pressure world of celebrity performances, having worked with icons like Celine Dion and Justin Timberlake. Beyond her performance anecdotes, Stacey speaks to the challenges of transitioning between cities and how vital continuous learning and industry connections are to a dancer's success. She discusses her innovative training program, the Protégé Movement, and her pre-professional program, the Bridge Movement, designed to mentor and support upcoming talent. Ending on a reflective note, Stacey emphasizes authenticity, hard work, and dedication as key to longevity and fulfillment in the dance industry. Her experiences and advice provide a roadmap for aspiring dancers navigating their own paths to success. Show Notes: 00:02:35 - Introduction of Stacey Tookey 00:07:01 - The Importance of Mindset and Resilience in Overcoming Challenges 00:13:21 - High-Pressure Situations 00:21:56 - Transition from Dancer to Choreographer 00:39:20 - The Protege Movement and The Bridge Movement 00:42:49 - Balancing Motherhood and Career 00:46:00 - Music as a Catalyst 00:50:47 - Emotional Connection Through Writing 00:56:34 - Setting Goals 01:02:02 - Focus on School 01:17:47 - Importance of Connections for Visa 01:21:51 - Importance of In-Person Relationships Biography: Stacey Tookey was destined for a life in dance. She grew up in a household filled with the sounds and movements of dance, as her mother, Shelley Tookey, ran a dance studio. This early immersion in the art form set the stage for her future career as a renowned choreographer and dancer. Stacey further honed her skills by studying ballet and contemporary dance with the Ballet British Columbia Mentor Program and Fusion Dance Company. Her career has been nothing short of illustrious, featuring collaborations with musical icons like Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, and Justin Timberlake. Beyond performance, Stacey has showcased her choreographic talents across various platforms, earning her three consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on "So You Think You Can Dance." She has also contributed to Broadway productions as an assistant choreographer and was an original cast member in Celine Dion's five-year Las Vegas show, "A New Day..." at Caesars Palace. In addition to her work on stage and screen, Stacey is a dedicated educator, teaching master classes globally. She has been a faculty member at prestigious institutions like the NUVO dance convention and has taught at universities such as Loyola Marymount and The Juilliard School.  Beyond her roles as a performer, choreographer, and educator, Stacey is a board member of Nigel Lithgoe’s Dizzy Feet Foundation and the founder of The Protégé Movement, a mentorship program aimed at fostering holistic development in dancers.  Connect on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.tookey https://www.instagram.com/sjtookey/ Websites: https://staceytookey.com/ https://www.thebridgemovement.com/