Maycee Steele isn’t removed from the for-you web page. From her creation of the mega-popular “Cuff It” dance problem with Kaitlyn Hardy in 2022 to her presence as a backup dancer in Tate McRae’s always-trending tour choreography, she has a knack for shifting in a approach that’s each joyful and power-packed.
A Kansas Metropolis native who has been dancing because the age of three, Steele acquired her begin within the competitive-dance circuit. All through her teen years, she danced ballet throughout the week and competed on weekends, finally aiding at Velocity, Pulse, Radix, and different conventions. At 18, Steele moved to L.A. to start her skilled dance profession, and he or she’s since labored with artists like Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, Dove Cameron, and Jennifer Lopez. She has additionally carried out in award reveals just like the Oscars, the Grammys, the Billboard Music Awards, and the Latin American Music Awards.
Dance Spirit caught up with Steele contemporary off the Assume Later World Tour to speak about all issues dance, from viral tour choreography to performing with Tate McRae.
The Tour Way of life
“One of many hardest components of touring,” says Steele, “is staying wholesome.” In Europe, she did three present days in a row, which meant sleeping on the bus for the nights in between. “It’s actually laborious to sleep on a bus, however restoration time is so essential to your physique.” So is consuming sufficient meals, she says, and balancing the enjoyable nights spent exploring with the restful nights in.
Earlier than a present, Steele values her quiet time above all. Whereas some folks wish to get pumped up pre-performance, she says that strolling onstage along with her nervous system heightened leaves her feeling shaky. “I wish to calm myself earlier than all the craziness begins.” Steele typically makes use of meditation to succeed in this state of calm earlier than a present and even in her day-to-day.
Fan-Favourite Tour Choreography
“That’s the magic of Sean Bankhead,” says Steele of her tour choreography’s on-line reputation. “His choreography simply at all times goes viral.” She additionally credit the optimistic buzz to the chemistry between her group of fellow backup dancers. “I feel we’re a humorous group. Individuals resonate with our personalities, too.”
On Working With McRae
So what’s it like dancing backup for an artist who’s as expert in dance as McRae? Her choreography is catered to dancers, for one factor. And in response to Steele, every little thing strikes far more rapidly due to McRae’s dance coaching. “She picks up issues in like 2.5 seconds…most likely quicker than a whole lot of the dancers,” which suggests fewer rehearsals. “It makes us wish to be higher and quicker too.”
Of her private relationship with McRae, Steele says: “I had at all times identified Tate by the conference circuit…It’s cool watching her develop. It’s a full-circle second dancing for her.” She provides that McRae’s dance background permits her to uniquely perceive what her backup dancers do. “She actually values dance and values our time and our abilities. It’s good to work with somebody who appreciates us a lot. It conjures up us.”
Recommendation for Younger Dancers
To make it within the industrial world, Steele says: “Don’t let folks put you in a field. Be a chameleon and take a look at to have the ability to do all of it.” She stresses the significance of assembly as many individuals as attainable and exhibiting up as your kindest, most hardworking self. “You by no means know who you’ll meet…They might develop into the following Tate McRae!”
Seeking to the Future
What would Steele’s youthful self say if she might see her now? “I feel she’d be blissful that I’m attending to carry out most nights and journey to all of those wonderful locations I’ve at all times wished to go to.” Steele had lengthy dreamt of touring and touring for dance. Having achieved these objectives, she’s excited to discover the manufacturing facet of issues by aiding choreographers.
Quickfire Questions
Dance bag important?
Advil! Steele won’t go to an audition with out Advil in her bag. Honorable mentions: Water, a pair of heels, her cellphone, and lip liner.
Favourite Tate McRae track?
Steele loves the situationship songs. “Keep Executed” is her high decide.
Favourite postshow snack?
Cheez-Its or salami.
Any onstage mishaps?
Falling whereas strolling throughout a tour with Colombian singer Maluma.
