Stacey Tookey Contributes to Works A Foot 2017 at Montclair

Emmy-nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey recently spent a week at Montclair State auditioning and setting Gift, an original work for the dance majors.

Gift will feature in the upcoming Works A Foot 2017 concert which runs November 30 – December 3 at the University’s Memorial Auditorium.

Ms. Tookey has worked with legendary musical artists such as Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Christina Perri, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bublé, Ingrid Michealson and Paula Abdul. Her performing highlights include Mia Michaels’ contemporary dance company R.A.W., Parsons Dance Project, Ballet British Columbia, Peter Chu’s ChuThis, Houston Grand Opera and Celine Dion’s record-breaking show A New Day at Caesars Palace.

Her TV and film choreography credits include So You think You Can Dance and So You Think You Can Dance Canada for the past 10 seasons, Dancing with the Stars, The James Cordin Show, Shia LeBeouf Live, Dance-Off and Fair Market Value. She has choreographed full-length ballets for Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet and taught at such prestigious institutions as Loyola Marymount University, University of Jacksonville, Princeton, and The Julliard School.

Stacey’s Dance Company Still Motion celebrated its world premiere of Moments Defined in 2012 and since then have performed for sold out audiences in Los Angeles, New York City, and Long Beach. They have also performed at Perry-Mansfield, Jacob’s Pillow, and recently at DansEncore in Trois- Rivières.

Senior Dance major Rhamzi Burks: “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience working with Stacey Tookey. I loved that she encouraged collaboration and gave us the permission to insert ‘ourselves’ into the process. This helped give the movement a special life of its own that we seek to rediscover every time we do it.”

Sophomore Dance major Kristine Maiella: “The incredible experience of working with Stacey Tookey is one I can barely put into words. Perhaps the most inspiring aspect was the atmosphere that her choreographic process cultivated— encouraging a transformation of our artistry, and allowing us all to bond and connect at the heart as dancers and individuals. I am beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity, and I am looking forward to performing this piece on stage.”

Junior Dance major Khalid Dunton: “Stacey Tookey is a great choreographer full of ideas. Although a lot of her choreography has deep meaning, she brings lightness to her dancers when in rehearsal. Her work is extraordinary and memorable.”

Says Stacey of her interaction with Montclair Dance students: “I was impressed by their work ethic, sweet spirits and beautiful talent. I’m very happy with how the work came out and am excited to see it come to life on stage.” 

Works A Foot 2017 begins November 30: Reserve your tickets now.

Learn more about Montclair State’s Department of Theatre and Dance